Talent In The Tenderloin

As a member of the JEVA (Justice Education, Volunteers, and Advocacy) work unit, I host groups of volunteers on a weekly basis. Yesterday, as I was waiting in our Dining Room for the group to finish its shift, I was treated to an impromptu concert by one of our guests.

This guest, an older gentleman with an easy smile, sat down at the piano in the dining room lobby and started playing one of my favorite songs: Lucille by Little Richard.

I wasn’t the only person enjoying the concert. Another Dining Room guest heard the music and came over, smiling and dancing, and said, “There’s so much talent in the Tenderloin“. Other dining room guests who were still in line for food were smiling, dancing, clapping, and snapping their fingers.

After a few minutes, the piano player’s friend came over and said, “Hey man, I didn’t know you played the piano.” The piano player said, “I just needed something to do while I was waiting for you.”

All we have to do is open our eyes and our minds, and we can find all sorts of talent in the Tenderloin. I’m proud that the St. Anthony Foundation Dining Room is a part of what brings out the best in the Tenderloin: the talent, the generosity, the friendship, the community, and the love.