Fan Gives Nicollet Mall Musician Christmas Trumpet
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We often see people in need and wonder what we can do to help.
A Twin Cities mother found a meaningful way to make a difference for a man known for playing the trumpet along Nicollet Mall.
"He's just a part of downtown Minneapolis. He makes downtown what it is," said Marla Ekman. "Sometimes I think it's the littlest things that could really make someone's day."
Ekman enlisted the help of WCCO to find the trumpet player, Joe Lomax, in hopes she could deliver a special holiday surprise.
We found him and on Christmas Eve, and WCCO was there as Ekman and Lomax met.
He is part of the landscape of downtown Minneapolis.
"My granddad taught me when I was a kid," Lomax said.
He says he communicates through his music.
"When I can't talk, I can talk out of this," Lomax said, as he points to his trumpet.
Arthritis got the best of the cancer survivor about 10 years ago. Lomax was forced to stop working as a carpenter. He found a new purpose playing the trumpet along Nicollet Mall.
"I like to see the people smile, I like to see the people reaction to my music," he said.
Working downtown, Ekman often hears Lomax playing.
"He's one of those people where you can look into his eyes and he just has a kind soul," Ekman said. "Last week when I was walking through the skyway, I noticed he was taping together his trumpet. And it kind of made me sad."
She decided to do something about it. Ekman got Lomax a new trumpet -- now she just had to find him.
"I was thinking, 'How am I going to search downtown Minneapolis all by myself?' There are only so many hours in the day," Ekman said. "That's why I reached out to WCCO because I figured you guys have more manpower to help me out."
We found Lomax, and then the two met.
"My wish came true, I got a new horn," Lomax said.
It's the first brand-new trumpet this 64-year-old has ever played, and now owns. He's grateful Ekman saw him.
"I think of an angel, an angel, that's all I see," Lomax said.
The notes echoing down Nicollet Mall are a little more heartfelt after a gift from a stranger, who is now a friend.
When Ekman contacted Groth Music in Bloomington to buy the trumpet, the manager -- TJ -- knew exactly who she was talking about and wanted to be part of the surprise.
Groth Music donated the trumpet for Lomax.
