Editor's Note: Last April Alex Gardner wrote an article about the Midnight Mission in Downtown Los Angeles. The story is about a twice a year charity event that helps homeless people on Easter and Thanksgiving. I thought with Thanksgiving coming up this month it would be timely to for us to re-visit this worthwhile event. 

Q: What do Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaregosa, Anthony Hopkins, Dick Van Dyke, Jeremy Piven, local blues musicians, and the Easter Bunny all have in common?

A: They all have been at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles on Easter Sunday and on Thanksgiving in recent years to help others. These folks, along with other community volunteers, have all come together to help feed and entertain the homeless from the streets of Los Angeles' skid row.

Georgia Berkovich, the Public Affairs Coordinator at the Mission, said, “We are family to those in our community whom often feel lost and forgotten. We spend our holidays with our Skid Row family.”

For the last 14 years, Los Angeles based harmonica player Barry Liss aka Little Barry G has put on a show for those who have a deep understanding of the blues. He recruits local blues artists to play for a crowd who needs entertainment more than most people. Along with good food, various clothing and supply packages, the local residents get a healthy helping of blues music.

Barry credits the Mission with helping him when he needed it most and takes the time to try and help the needy in return. Almost 2000 people were served this Easter. Donated food, drink, and personal items are given to all who show up with no strings attached. Major contributors include Farmer John, Aramark Distribution Services and Ogden Entertainment Services. People who have little reason to dance are given a reason to shake a leg.

Barry told me, “The Midnight Mission saved my life and I'll always be indebted to them for that. I will continue to bring the music until I can't do it anymore. I take solace in the fact that the event is bigger than one person and will continue when I'm gone.”

The following is a list of musicians who gave of their time and talent this past Easter Sunday.

The Midnight Mission All-Volunteer Blues Band:
Mario Cruz
Mitch Dow
Curtis "Boom Boom" Gannon
Gary Swan
Mississippi Mike Hightower
Barry G

Along with Special Guests:

Dennis Herrera

Eric Davis

Richard Wade

Rick Elliot

“My Man Rocky”

Ken Frizzelle

Charlie Chan

Chef Denis DePoitre



To volunteer or donate to the Midnight Mission, see their link on our links page.