The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa is having an Open “House Party,” on Saturday.

Would-be patrons can observe classes in dance, music and theatre studies. They can even hear a little Opera — and then — head outside to create a performance of their own.

Just in time for the Straz party, the company Urban Conga is completing the installation of a new interactive musical bench.

It will directly behind the Straz Center on the Riverwalk.

Anyone can sit on it.

Anyone can play it.

“We like to think about taking traditional elements that are in the public setting and transforming them to get people to play and interact with one another," said Ryan Swanson, Founder and Executive Director.

The bench will be made of metal slats with a double wooden keyboard.

"Each note has its own color,” explained Swanson, “and the way you play it --there are mallets attached to the bench and you can walk up and begin to play the different colors."

Swanson is a USF graduate and says the company Urban Conga is a group of creators “promoting community activity and social interaction through play.”

They presently have ping pong tables installed in Lykes Gaslight Park in downtown Tampa.

And Swanson thinks the Riverwalk placement fits right in with the Straz crowd.

“It becomes this kind of destination point rather than let's just pass by — let's meet at the bench — let's hang out. Let's go see a play at the Straz.”

The party takes place from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.