Introduction to an Unlikely Friendship

The year was 2005, and it was a drizzly, late-winter day when I first met Nathaniel Anthony Ayers in Pershing Square. I heard music and followed the sound, finding him next to a shopping cart heaped over with his belongings. He was playing a violin with two strings, and a sign on his cart read, "Little Walt Disney Concert Hall." This chance encounter led to a lasting bond between us, one that has endured for 20 years.

The Early Days

I was a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and my first column about Mr. Ayers, "Violinist has the world on 2 strings," drew a significant response. Six readers sent him violins, two others gave him cellos, and one donated a piano, which we hauled into a Skid Row music room with his name on the door at the homeless services agency now known as The People Concern. It took a year to convince him to move indoors, during which time he taught me about the unique set of needs and fears of individuals in his situation, as well as the complicated history of trauma and stigmatization they often face.

A Glimpse into the Mental Health System

Through Mr. Ayers, I met many dedicated public servants in the mental health field who are doing difficult, noble work, offering comfort and changing lives. However, the need is great, and progress is often stymied by multiple forces despite significant investments in solutions. Jon Sherin, former chief of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, noted that bureaucracy can sabotage innovation and erode the morale of front-line workers. The goal, Sherin said, must be adequate resources for housing and help, along with creating safe living environments that offer what he calls the three Ps — people, place, and purpose.

The Power of Music and Friendship

Many have stepped up to provide these things for Mr. Ayers over the years, with varying degrees of success and no shortage of either heartbreak or hope. His sister Jennifer is his conservator, and longtime family friend Bobby Witbeck checks in on him regularly. Gary Foster, who produced the movie "The Soloist" based on my book by the same name, has served Mr. Ayers and many others for years as a board member at The People Concern. Peter Snyder, then an L.A. Philharmonic cellist, offered to give lessons to Mr. Ayers, which took place in an apartment where he would eventually live. Adam Crane, who was then working in communications at the L.A. Phil, opened the doors of Disney Hall to Mr. Ayers and reintroduced him to a community of musicians.

Reflections on 20 Years

When I visited Mr. Ayers a few weeks ago, I asked him how he would describe the last 20 years. Despite the toll that being homeless for many years has taken on his body, and despite hip and hand injuries that have kept him from playing his instruments, he replied cheerily, "Good." We talked about our visit to the White House, where he performed at the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and met then-President Obama. We talked about his reunion with Yo-Yo Ma, when the cellist hugged him and said they were brothers in music.

Lessons Learned

Since our chance encounter 20 years ago, Mr. Ayers has given me a greater understanding of patience, perseverance, humility, loyalty, and love. He is a reminder that beyond first impressions, stereotypes, and the borders we construct, there is shared humanity and grace in opening yourself to the richness of life. When I asked Mr. Ayers his advice on getting by, even through all the hardships and disappointments he has faced, he pointed to the radio next to his bed, which is always tuned to classical KUSC, 91.5 on the FM dial — home to the music of the gods. "Listen to the music," he said.

Conclusion

The story of Nathaniel Ayers and our 20-year friendship is a testament to the power of human connection and the impact one person can have on another’s life. Through his love of music and his resilience in the face of adversity, Mr. Ayers has taught me valuable lessons about the importance of patience, perseverance, and humility. His story serves as a reminder of the need for adequate resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and homelessness, and the difference that can be made when people come together to provide help and understanding.

FAQs

• Q: How did you first meet Nathaniel Ayers?
  A: I met Nathaniel Ayers in Pershing Square in 2005, where he was playing a violin with two strings next to a shopping cart with his belongings.
• Q: What was the response to the first column about Mr. Ayers?
  A: The response was significant, with six readers sending him violins, two others giving him cellos, and one donating a piano.
• Q: What has been the most challenging part of Mr. Ayers’ journey?
  A: Mr. Ayers has faced numerous challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, and physical injuries that have prevented him from playing his instruments.
• Q: What lesson has Mr. Ayers taught you through your friendship?
  A: Mr. Ayers has taught me about the importance of patience, perseverance, humility, loyalty, and love, and the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
• Q: What advice does Mr. Ayers give for getting by through hardships?
  A: Mr. Ayers advises to "listen to the music," pointing to the radio always tuned to classical music as a source of comfort and inspiration.