When Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, saw Nathaniel Ayers playing his heart out on a two-string violin on Los Angeles' skid row, he found it impossible to walk away. More than thirty years earlier, Ayers had been a promising classical bass student at Juilliard-ambitious, charming, and also one of the few African-Americans-until he gradually lost his ability to function, overcome by schizophrenia. When Lopez finds him, Ayers is homeless, paranoid, and deeply troubled, but glimmers of that brilliance are still there.

Over time, Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers form a bond, and Lopez imagines that he might be able to change Ayers's life. Lopez collects donated violins, a cello, even a stand-up bass and a piano; he takes Ayers to Walt Disney Concert Hall and helps him move indoors. For each triumph, there is a crashing disappointment, yet neither man gives up. In the process of trying to save Ayers, Lopez finds that his own life is changing, and his sense of what one man can accomplish in the lives of others begins to expand in new ways.

Poignant and ultimately hopeful, The Soloist is a beautifully told story of friendship and the redeeming power of music.

See more reviews.

Release: April 24, 2009

http://www.soloistmovie.com/

This is beautiful!

The Art of Understanding is a slideshow inspired by The Soloist that debunks some all-too-common myths about homelessness and mental illness. It also features some awesome tunes by Nuttin But Stringz and artwork by current and formerly homeless individuals. (from Change.org and TakePart..com)

Take a minute to look at this - the slide show with music from Nuttin but Stringz is very moving!

Perhaps everyone else on the planet has heard of these guys? I just happened upon them yesterday via Change.org and a piece on homelessness and mental illness. They are amazing! Listening to their music has uplifted my spirit which has been a bit tattered in my work this week with people on the street.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country.

Thousands of women - ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim - came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country's civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about a agreement during the stalled peace talks.

A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honors the strength and perseverence of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.

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I saw this film a few days ago as a benefit for the local International Rescue Committee. In attendance were a man and woman who had been in Liberia during this time and who had resettled in Boise. A very amazing film and story. It was a difficult story to watch and also inspiring to witness the power of a group of women to accomplish what they did. If you have an opportunity, please see the film.