Today I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Steve Lopez at Vromans Bookstore in Pasadena. Those who were in attendance got the opportunity to also meet Nathaniel Ayers. If you don't know who Mr. Ayers is then you have not read The Soloist.
The Soloist is one of my favorite books of all time and is the perfect inspirational book for any artist or person. Every time I recommend this book to anyone I get goosebumps. It is amazing to read about a man who lives on the streets of Los Angeles and is driven by his passion for music.
Steve Lopez, writer for the LA Times, met Mr. Ayers one day as he was walking into work. What caught the eye of Mr. Lopez was the vision of Mr. Ayers playing a two string violin. Over a period of time, Mr. Lopez found out that Mr. Ayers had attended Julliard at the same time that Yo-Yo Ma was a student there. Lopez recounts the story of their relationship that he had begun in his column. After 6 years, Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ayers remain friends.
It goes to show the power that music and the arts has over someone. This is why it is so important that we continue to fund the arts and help those who suffer with mental health. Mr Ayers has started a foundation Naayers that is dedicated to "serve arts programs at mental health and arts organizations that serve the mentally ill."
Tonight we had an impromptu performance by Mr. Ayers and was accompanied on piano by a student (name escapes me) from Cal State Northridge. Everything was a last minute addition and Mr. Ayers never met or performed with the young lady from Northridge. There was a bit of improvisation and very touching. Mr. Ayers also happened to be celebrating his birthday today and had come straight from a party.
Happy Birthday Nathaniel.
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