That Time I Played Piano for Vice President Joe Biden
Meeting the Vice President for the very first time. I was in high school, so apologies for my haircut.
This article is part of a new series I’m doing called Piano Confidential: Tales Of a Struggling Concert Pianist. This is my story: a wacky ADHD kid that ended up building and imploding several companies, non-profits, and developed a complicated relationship with music.
With the current political climate and the importance of exercising our right to vote in our country, I thought I’d share my story of when I met Vice President Joe Biden.
When I was in high school, I played a lot of small gigs to earn money. During that period, I started my first business and needed some “start-up” capital to get things going. Ironically, I made more playing piano than from my web company. So, I proactively engaged in the gig circuit, which consisted mostly of hotel lobby music, church services, and weddings.
It was during one of these gigs that I met an active Democratic Party volunteer. He heard me playing Chopin (even though I was supposed to be playing Elton John) and took a little iPhone video. He sent that to a representative at the Democratic Party. Later that week I received a phone call from the Democratic National Committee.
“Is this George? We’re calling from the DNC, how are you today?” said the lady on the phone.
“Yes. Oh, am I in trouble?” I naturally responded as a paranoid high-schooler.
“Oh no, no, we would love for you to play piano for the Vice President and Senator Barbara Boxer during a fundraiser, specifically Chopin. Would you like to do it?”
You can guess what my response was.
Immediately afterward, I got a phone call from the Secret Service. They had to conduct an extensive background check for the Vice President’s safety and to ensure I wasn’t a knucklehead. I passed, but mainly because they overlooked my extensive Pokémon card collection.
On the day of the gig, I drove over to the private residence where the fundraiser was. Black SUV’s lined up the entire block like a LEGO snake. There were dozens of Secret Service agents, and dozens more donors waiting anxiously to get that rare photo op. After I checked in with security, agents directed me to my official post— a black 7-foot Steinway Model B. It was a gorgeous piano. A fellow pianist also performed that evening, and we switched programs halfway through.
When we completed the music portion of the program, staff hurriedly escorted us to the yard, which transformed into a rally stage. Celebrities, billionaires, and long-time public servants corralled the stage in anticipation of the arrival of the Vice President. Kevin Nealon gave a light-hearted and rousing speech to kick off the evening, followed by Senator Boxer highlighting key issues in the California primaries. After going over her campaign platform, Senator Boxer introduced the keynote speaker. There was a sudden hush as if Beyonce had just entered the building. Secret Service agents pushed the crowd and parted the middle like the Red Sea, with Joe Biden walking in strides alone in the center.
Honestly, I don’t remember the speech. I was exhausted from playing the piano. However, what I did remember was how great of a listener Joe Biden was. He actively converted his pulpit into a forum and asked prospective voters to voice their key issues, and he responded thoughtfully and intelligently.
Then it was time for him to go. A representative from the DNC announced that there would be no time for photos as the Vice President had to return to the White House. I remember him scurrying with the men and women in Ray-Bans. However, one of his aides pulled him to the side and pointed directly at me. The Vice President abruptly halted, turned, and leaned over to where I was standing.
“George, before I gave my speech I snuck in and got to hear you play. It was calming, soothing, and just a nice break from it all. Thank you, and thanks for your support in public service. I know we’re not supposed to take photos, but let’s take a quick one,” said the Vice President.
I was overwhelmed with honor and gratitude. To hear the Vice President say those words was truly a compliment, and for my music to bring some calm made the evening the ever more special. However, I was shocked he knew I was in public service! During that time I served on my city council as a Youth Committee member working with the parks department. The fact he took the time to find that out about me and thank me for that work deepened my respect for him. I’m not a super PAC donor. I’m not a celebrity that can help him win votes. I was just a high schooler who played the piano. However, he treated me with the same respect and dignity as an official guest in the Oval.
So, when people say Joe Biden is a decent man, at least from my experience, he is a decent man. More than that, he is a thoughtful and deeply respectful person.
Thank you Mr. Vice President for allowing me to share my music with you, and the very best of luck with this upcoming election.
*Note: All the dialogue in this article were mental approximations as to what happened, so they are definitely not verbatim. Thanks for reading this disclaimer.
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