The special black bamboo for the Angklung is harvested during the two weeks a year when the cicadas sing, and is cut at least three segments above the ground, to ensure the root continues to propagate.

UNESCO: Culture

"Going to Kansas City" isn't something people always sing, especially when the invitation comes from Arrowhead Stadium, the stage last year for a season that was historically ignominious, even for a team whose last playoff win came in 1994.

WSJ: Kansas City: Why Going to KC Is No Curse��Kevin Helliker

"The piano is kind of the hardware for the software of our programming that goes on year round, " said Zamora, who founded Sing for Hope in 2006 with fellow opera singer Monica Yunus, launching the first piano festival in partnership with British artist Luke Jerram in 2010 when 60 pianos were featured.

WSJ: Summertime outdoor pianos returning to NYC