Viral Video: First Nations Piano Man Delights Internet

Viral Video: First Nations Piano Man Delights Internet

A YouTube video of a man playing the piano has recently racked up close to 4 million views. His name is Ryan Arcand and he has unfortunately been living on the street for 30 years. In this video you see him playing the piano in Churchill Square, located in downtown Edmonton (Canada).

Man on the street plays beautifully

 

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network was able to track him down and let him tell a little bit more about his story.

He is a member of the Alexander First Nation but was raised off reserve in foster care with his younger brother, Blake.

It was in one of those foster homes where the boys eventually found solace through their mutual love of music.

Arcand first fell in love with the piano around age 8. He taught himself to play and wrote his first song, the one from the online video, when he was just 13.

His Aunt, Ruth Arcand, said she always knew the two brothers were talented and she’s happy that her nephew is finally being noticed.

“I want to tell him, ‘Come on, and wake up! This is your chance to get out of this,’” said Ruth. “He doesn’t have to live his life in the dark.”

Hopefully Arcand realizes that he has already touched many people with his music. He mentioned to APTN that he would like to record an album of his music. Maybe finding his brother Blake so the two of them can make music again. Hopefully this new found fame will be just the encouragement he needs to pursue that dream!

Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Paul G

About Toyacoyah Brown

Toyacoyah Brown is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation, currently living in Chicago. She received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. When she's not scouring the Internet for fun things to share with PowWows.com readers you can find her digging for vinyl in her local record store or curling up with a good book.


11 Comments on “Viral Video: First Nations Piano Man Delights Internet”

  • Avatar for Gail Love-Taylor

    Gail Love-Taylor

    says:

    Many blessings to Ryan and may God bring the 2 brothers back together.
    I hope he is happy and knows that he’s is a blessing to all of us…
    AHO

    • Avatar for Carol Friday

      Carol Friday

      says:

      God bless you Ryan, I was raised playing the piano but probably didn’t appreciate it as much as you, glad to know there’s a native, other than me who grew up with it.

  • Avatar for Running Doe

    this is so touching, for people that are homeless blessings

  • Avatar for Bruce

    Bruce

    says:

    I believe Ryan is now in a shelter and has access to care and support. Apparently there is a piano in the lobby which he plays now and then. Perhaps some more posts of his work may help find his lost brother. A symbiosis of service, between music and shelter in the spirit of love, makes healing possible. Many people are saying prayers for Ryan and wishing him well.

  • Avatar for julie hodges

    julie hodges

    says:

    Is there any way that this talented man can get a good gig somewhere beside the street? Edmonton is to be congratulated for having these pianos available!

  • Avatar for Maria

    Maria

    says:

    Such a blessing good music from such a talented man. AHO!

  • Avatar for PAMELA SIRVENT

    PAMELA SIRVENT

    says:

    YOU ARE A VERY BRAVE AND TALENTED PERSON. THHHIS IS A HARD WORLD. IT IS A SHAME IT HAS COME TO THIS. MY THE GREAT SPRIT BLESS YOU. AHO

  • Avatar for birgit

    birgit

    says:

    Where did he get the piano from? He must have some connection because pianos are not easy to drag around the streets of Edmonton.Fame is not everything. Many talented and famous people have ended their lives being on drugs. Life is not an easy road and getting off the streets is tough.

    • Avatar for Bill Jackson

      Bill Jackson

      says:

      They have pianos sitting on the streets at different locations in Edmonton!… A lot of other big cities are doing this as well… some of the people that sit down to play are totally amazing!! 🙂

    • Avatar for Mercy

      Mercy

      says:

      Wow, racism at it’s finest. Can’t believe a native on the streets might have more talent than you. (Where did he get the piano, over)

  • Avatar for Marshall Kenote

    Marshall Kenote

    says:

    This is what I have always said about my people , I to was on the streets in L.A. and found many people like this of all colors , talented in many ways , But never had a chance to show what they could , We from the streets ,mostly wanted jobs , But could never find a shower and place to call home , other then JAIL . That never helped us , it only made us fear walking the streets during the day knowing that some cop would slap you down and take what you had . Sorry , but this is true , I was there many years ago . TIK-KO .

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