The Tim and Lorie Line Foundation supports fun and meaningful activities and causes that align with our values. Our foundation supports the pursuit of happiness with general education and music opportunities, and job skills and training that promote self-sufficiency. We recently supported a talent show in Big Lake, Minnesota and it was a thrill to be a part of the event.

(Pictured below is a cute picture of Tim judging the Big Lake contest with Lorie.)

Tim and I recently went on a cruise on the new Ritz Carlton Yacht, in and out of Tokyo. It was a huge splurge for us (we had planned it for a few years to celebrate our 40th anniversary). Because it is such a long flight, we decided to go a few days early to (recover from jet lag and) explore Tokyo. We stayed in the Ginza district, overlooking the bay where we would board the yacht, in a beautiful hotel on the 19th floor. The room was sooo tiny. My side of the bed butted up against the window and this was my view. 

We'd never been to Japan before. It was a perfect time to go as the cherry blossom trees and the spring flowers were all in the very early stages of blooming and it was beautiful.

I'm an endorsed Yamaha artist, and before we left Minneapolis, Tim called Yamaha New York and made plans for us to take a day trip out to Kakegawa to visit the Yamaha plant where my piano was made 35 years ago. It would be a sentimental day for me, as my piano is the most special thing I own. It's truly one-of-a-kind.

We felt quite brave as we do not speak Japanese and we had to navigate taking the bullet train out to the country. We began our day bright and early at the central train station where everyone was getting on and off the trains. Let me just say that I've never seen so many people . . . all marching in time to go to work. (It felt like a scary dream, with me standing off to the side.) Literally millions of people were all walking, almost in exact time, rushing to go from one high-rise building . . . to another high-rise building to work all day. Everyone was dressed similarly (and very nice), the men in suits, and the women in modest, simple dresses wearing flats, all carrying a larger handbag (with probably a dressier shoe in them for the day). 

If the crowded space didn't scare me enough, the speed of the bullet train did. 177 miles per hour is "crazy fast", especially when there is another train coming at you in the opposite direction with only about two feet of separation. 

We arrived in Kakegawa before lunch and made our way in an Uber out to the factory. It was a cool, rainy day, but we were prepared as I had packed light rain jackets (from TJ Maxx, of course). Unlike Tokyo, we were in a very small country-side town, where there was very little to do. It was obvious that the main attraction in the town was Yamaha. It seemed to employ everyone.

We walked into the lobby and our private tour guide was waiting for us. At the time, we were the only ones there and she was excited to greet us. There were pianos everywhere, all in different rooms. It was like candy in a candy shop.

Pianists (from around the world) come here every day to select a brand new piano. Our tour guide informed us that shoppers typically select from three pianos. They set them aside, and have their tuners and technicians work on them just before the buyer comes to the plant. I wasn't shopping, but she allowed me to play any and all of the pianos on the showroom floor. There was one that was really unique and special, so different than any piano I'd ever played or seen, so that one I tried.

Eventually, I ended up in the back room that was reserved with limited access. It was there that I played two world-class CFX concert grand pianos (like mine), both special and very different from each other . . . one older, one fairly new. Although they were the same piano in size, they sounded completely different.

Every piano is unique. They have their own personality because they are made from a one-of-a-kind, God-created individual spruce tree. The tree is cut down and preserved outside for a year, then brought inside and cut again and created by craftsmen who bend together multiple layers of veneer, compressing them under high pressure, gluing together curved pieces. There are over 20 steps to the making of a piano, and Tim and I walked the factory to see the process of putting a piano all together. Cameras were not allowed as they value all their secrets to manufacturing such a fine instrument.

Only one person worked in each station, and they had a specific job, performing the task sometimes on a timer. Once their job was completed, the piano was released and went down the assembly line to the next station, technician or engineer, until in the end, the dampers were attached, and a machine would strike every key to break in the action and allow the strings to vibrate. The piano is then seasoned in a controlled enviroment and once it is ready for the next stage, the top board, legs and pedals are attached. A final regulation is done to hone in the pitch and season the sound, the dampers are adjusted, and a very talented artisan voices each hammer (pierces the felt to adjust the tone of the piano) to give it a rich tone. 

One thing I learned, or maybe I just never thought about it, is that the hammers are made from sheep's wool. I always saw them as "felt" (and I've spent thousands of hours looking at them) but never put that all together . . .  that even a single (again, God-created) sheep has something to do with each and every piano. Personally, I voice my piano once or twice a year, as it definitely changes the sound. (I'm always hesitant to do that when I'm out on a tour because I'm so used to the sound and it definitely changes it.) But when you pierce and pluck the hammer, or the wool of the sheep, it gives it more elasticity. The overall goal is to create a rich and clear sound that is pleasing to the ear.

It takes one whole year to make a piano, and this factory puts out 25 pianos a day. We couldn't believe it! However, a concert grand piano like mine . . . it is completely hand-made with no robots or machines. It takes three years to make my piano. I inquired about the pricing. Brand new concert grand pianos now cost $180,000.00! I'm so grateful that Yamaha endorsed me and provided me with a very affordable purchase price 35 years ago. 

Of all the pianos I played that day, I came away loving one, by far, the most. The clarity, the richness, the sweet tone, the balanced sound, the perfect blend of bright versus warmth, the excellent reverberation from pianissimo to fortissimo, the color and finish, and its history . . .  I've never played another piano like it in all my years. 

The piano?

Mine.

* * * THE BACK STORY * * * 

When I first started touring (37 years ago now), we'd book a concert where we knew the venue had a piano available for me to play. After a couple of years, we decided we had to do something because, well . . . the stories are unbelievable. The person in charge would excitedly meet us and take us to the piano and tell us how beautiful it was . . .  and that "all the keys work, but there are a couple of broken strings." We would book a show at a high school, or a community theatre, and there the piano would sit on the stage with all the coke cans on top of it from the play the night before. Ugh!!! Most venue pianos are tuned once a year, if you're lucky. They're old and "tubby." Now, let me say that some venues do take very good care of their pianos (and thank you to all the theatres who lovingly care for their pianos), but in most cases, a backstage piano is basically just a big piece of furniture that gets in the way. 

Since I was touring so much, we started inquiring about endorsements. Yamaha was interested, so we asked if we could borrow a piano for a tour. They just so happened to have a new concert grand CFIIIX over at the Orpheum in St. Paul. It was one of three very fine pianos sitting back stage (and very well cared for), waiting to be played by world-renowned artists. This piano sat (covered in a special temperature-controlled room) next to a Baldwin and a Steinway.

So . . .  they allowed me to "borrow" it and take it out on a tour.

I never gave it back.

After that tour, the piano went home to live with me forever.

I "adopted" him and gave him a name.

So . . . here I am 35 years later . . . and I just traveled half-way around the world . . .  and, you know what? There wasn't one piano that even came close to the one that I love the most.

Black Beauty. 

It sits in my own living room.

The finest in all the world.

Below is a picture of my "office" where I work every day. 

Black Beauty sits comfortably at 65-68 degrees in our home with two of the finest microphones placed perfectly to capture his sound, He still loves touring and will load out and onto the truck again this winter, visiting over 30 cities.

He likes the view.

https://www.facebook.com/Lorielinemusic/

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ANNUAL MUSIC LICENSE FOR YOUR CHURCH

Dear Fans,

We now have over 100 official Lorie Line YouTube videos on my own channel! It's been so exciting to personally share my music with you. It's an exciting new project and venture for Lorie Line Music.

On this site we try to post interesting events, interviews and virtual concerts. If you want to go back in time, some things you might watch are the 1994 Noah Adams interview from All Things Considered and the 1996 Lorie Line Live! PBS Special. We also had fun celebrating The 30th Year Anniversary of Threads of Love so check out the video and the story behind this favorite composition. And the 30th Year Anniversary Slide Show is super fun . . . be sure to check it out as you might be in this if you are a super fan!

Visit the Lorie Line YouTube Channel often as we plan to have new postings regularly.

And don't forget . . . please LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!

CLICK HERE FOR LORIE LINE OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Lorie Line

CLICK HERE TO SHOP LORIE'S MUSIC

Over 750 Lorie Line copyrighted songs now available on SHEET MUSIC PLUS!

Dear Fans,

For the first time ever, many of my copyrighted titles are now available for purchase on Sheet Music Plus. If you have been waiting for me to obtain a license for a specific song, please check this site for any and all Lorie Line arrangements that you'd love to have! I'm so excited to share some of the most popular requests including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hymne (Vangelis), Unchained Melody, Blowin' In The Wind, The King's Speech, Clocks, The Feather Theme, You Raise Me Up AND MANY MORE! The Lorie Line library of music now contains over 750 titles so be sure to take a look at all of the newly published copyrighted music now available on Sheet Music Plus.

Thank you for playing my music!

P.S. Be sure to check out my FREE MONTHLY DOWNLOADS at lorieline.com. 

Dear Fans,

I am in the process of uploading much of my music for instrumental piano duets. Check out all the new arrangements you can now play with flute(s), violin, cello, trumpet, and more! We are uploading new songs weekly, so be sure to check back often!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP ON SHEET MUSIC PLUS

CLICK HERE TO SHOP SHEET MUSIC DIRECT

Dear Fans,

Recently I have been playing for some wonderful parties and it has been so enjoyable! I'm loving it! There was a time in my life when I quit playing for special events because I was constantly on the road touring and/or raising children. But, as many of you know, the kids are well gone and my schedule is such these days that I'm only hosting The Living Room Series and touring at Christmastime . . . which allows me the opportunity to slip in and play for unique and fabulous occasions.

I'm finding that my fans who have followed me for years are having milestone events, once-in-a-lifetime parties, memorable family reunions, and even very precious funerals. My music has had a special place in their lives. If that's the case and you'd like to have me show up, I'd love to be a part of the celebration.

Email us your request and tell us about your event. I'll be there!

Click here to email your request

I love to entertain. It’s in my blood. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of hearing laughter in the living room combined with the smells and aroma in the kitchen.

 

I remember my parents inviting total strangers into our home. At first, when people would come through the door it was a little awkward. But handing them a homemade meal on a real plate with real silverware opened up the opportunity for a meaningful conversation and stories that could make you friends for a lifetime. To this very day, people will tell me that my parents invited them over for a meal, and they never forgot it. 

 

As a child, to me this was a true act of love. We learned it in church. Philia love. An affectionate bond in friendships, characterized by mutual respect, trust and a deep emotional connection. We called it "fellowship."

 

We need more of this today.

 

We never had a big budget. It was simple and we didn’t overthink the menu. We’d roast a few chickens and cut them up and put them on a platter, making you feel like you were at a five-star San Francisco restaurant (although I’d never been to one). We’d shuck corn in the garage, bring it in and cut it off the cob and sauté it in butter, then decorate the huge pile of golden kernels with fresh herbs. My aunt would pick huge, ripe red tomatoes from her garden and with a simple toss of salt and pepper, they were the most beautiful and colorful side dish on the plate. And while we were cooking, the men would sit and laugh at the kitchen table (I’d eavesdrop) and crack walnuts so we’d have a big pile in a bowl to share.

 

My brother would make a cake. And my mom would pull out the punch bowl.

 

We were ready for a party.

 

Fresh, real and clean food. Delicious.

 

So, when the Wayzata Garden Club asked Tim and me to host the main event this year (dinner and a tour of our gardens), after many requests I took a breath and said “yes.” I committed to feeding 130 guests. And show our gardens to passionate gardeners. Was I nuts? I’d have a few months to think about how I'd do it.

 

As many of you know, Tim and I do all the gardening. And that's when I decided to do all of the cooking.

 

Of course the club offered to have it catered. It’s always catered. And I really do think they were nervous that I was going to attempt to make all the food. If I got too nervous, a catering company would be my fall-back, but I hoped I could do it myself. So I asked for the budget. Here we go.

 

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t lose sleep over this. I did. The most I’ve ever cooked for (at one time) is 50 people, and I know what it entails. So, I started visualizing everything . . . from the moment the guests would arrive, to the moment they would walk back down the street to their car at the end of the evening. 

 

I made lists, and lists, and lists. I had to decide what to serve, how much to purchase, when to make it, and how to move 130 people efficiently through a line. Not to mention . . . how to create a party atmosphere and HAVE FUN.

 

 

Speaking of which . . . I decided to have a theme for my party. Kentucky Derby. Wear hats! There is just something about theme parties that unites people, makes people laugh, and ignites a good conversation. People that never speak to each other find something to talk about when there is a theme. "I like your hat!"

 

A month before the party, I put the menu in a gold frame and looked at it every day in my office.

 

 

My goal was to serve pretty food at room temperature. Something light, but plentiful. So I decided on a decadent Romaine wedge salad with Balsamic roasted filet (or chicken), accompanied by tossed cherry tomatoes with basil from my garden and Maldon salt, corn-off-the-cob, fresh figs with Minnesota honey . . . and pistachios, dates, dried apricots and blue cheese to top it off. And, of course, a big bowl of walnuts.

 

 

I made place cards for all the platters and visualized how it would look on my table. For three weeks I thought about how I would physically make all the food, what day, and quantities. I made two trips to my all-time favorite place, Costco. . . once for the non-perishable items, and then two days before the party I picked up all the fresh items. 

 

I bought an entire wheel of delicious Iowa Maytag blue cheese from our local grocery store and solicited Tim to help in the kitchen. The "star of the show" would be the buttermilk Maytag dressing, adapted from Kincaid's Restaurant (which I have worked on and edited for over 20 years). We took my typical recipe for 50 people and tripled it, which meant ten quart jars of dressing. (In the end, I had three jars leftover, which made beautiful gifts for my helpers.)

 

 

 

The night before the party my committee members delivered all the tables, glasses, and plates. Real plates. Real silverware (except dessert). They set up a cute mint julep stand to compliment my derby theme. 

 

 

That day I cut corn off the cob . . . all day . . . 130 ears of corn (one for each person), and sauteed it in butter with a few sweet peppers.

 

Just like old times.

 

 

The day of the party, I roasted 10 filet tenderloins and de-boned six chickens. I picked up three sheet cakes frosted with orange, purple and pink beautiful flowers (the same colors in my gardens). And prepared a huge pot of decaf coffee to brew at the end of the evening.

 

 

My dear friends Jeanie Hrbek Burns and Dave Hermann, and my sister-in-law Kim Line showed up right on time at 3:00 PM to beautifully platter everything for the table. To top it off, my favorite musicians (Carolyn Boulay and Merilee Klemp) hit the downbeat of orchestral music for the evening.

 

Champagne was iced.

 

We were ready for a party. 

 

 

Tim met all the guests on the street and helped park cars. I greeted and welcomed everyone in the driveway. Before I knew it, all the guests were going through my buffet line commenting on and complimenting the food, and most importantly, having fun.

 

That night, as people exited the party, they were able to take home a wonderful newly released coffee table book on the largest and most exquisite private gardens in the country, from my dear friend Wally Marx (who was a surprise honorary guest that evening). It was a bonus and everyone stood in line to get his autograph. 

 

 

The food was a hit, the hats were a hit. Our gardens were best ever. 

 

It was quite the party. 

 

Fellowship.

 

New friends . . .  and new memories . . .  for a lifetime.

 

The hostess with the mostest. 

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phillippians 4:13)

 

Photo of Lorie above was taken by Tim as he was running out to help park the guests.

Lorie's hat was made by London designer Peter Bettley and she purchased it 30 years ago at SAKS Fifth Avenue in San Francisco. It was this trip where she first learned about five-star restaurants.

The party came in $1000 below budget (the caterer was very affordable!).

Thanks to Anne Johnson and Kelly Harrington for working with me (my WGC committee members).

Party photos were taken by Jeanie Hrbek Burns.

 

 

The Dessert Room (which is actually Tim's office during the day). Chocolate or white cake frosted with flowers to match the gardens.