An update on an earlier post about that young street musician, playing a violin in front of the Ralph’s market in Studio City-

I went to the market yesterday to find her back at her post near one the doors, again playing classical pieces on her violin.  This time she was still there when I finished shopping.  Her name is Mindy, and she’s younger than I thought, just a teen.   She’s playing in front of the market, she said, to raise money to go to music camp over the summer.

An employee at the market told me she and her brother are both “really good kids” and talented musicians who sometimes play for charitable causes.

Well, so much for my first thought, which was that she was homeless and trying to raise money for food.  It’s the impact of being in journalism for so many years I guess.   You immediately go for the worst-case scenario.  There’s also Steve Lopez and his friend Mr. Ayers of “The Soloist” fame, both of whom were rattling around in the back of my head when I first saw the girl with the violin.

This time, I’m happy to report, that’s not what’s going on.  Just a talented teen, trying to further her education with a little street music.

Good for her.  I hope she gets to music camp.