photo credit: Courtesy of John Maher
Petaluma Pete entertaining.

One of Petaluma’s most recognizable characters is moving on.

For nearly 17 years, Petaluma Pete—real name John Maher—was found playing piano on the streets of Petaluma and adding musical color to downtown festivals.

In July, he’s hanging up his signature bowler hat and moving with his wife to Orange County to live closer to their adult children.

Tina Caputo recorded this audio postcard last spring. 

(Press play on audio clip above)

That was John Maher. Maher hosted a public farewell party on June 2 at The Block in Petaluma, with proceeds benefitting the Petaluma People Services Center Safe Team.