Seen & Heard: On the sidewalk leading from the parking garage to BayWalk, St. Pete.
Soosha wins the cuteness contest hands down. The 10-year-old charmed folks heading to BayWalk with her violin-playing, not to mention her pigtails, denim dress and cowboy boots. Her mother, Catherine Meaders, sat watchfully on a bench nearby.
Soosha, who is home-schooled, got the idea of playing at BayWalk after her violin-playing friend started doing it. She began with holiday music late last year, and now does mostly classical pieces. Catherine brings her out a couple of times a month for 30 to 40 minutes, and Soosha usually makes 20-some dollars. She gives a portion of her money to charity, either the SPCA or a group of orphans in Ukraine.
When we asked her how much money she had in her violin case, Soosha shook her head and quietly said, "I don't know."
Eric: What can I say, Soosha? You're adorable. You're very serious when you play, and you've got a nice rich tone for someone so young.
Leilani: I like the fact that you're so unconcerned about the amount of money you're making. Don't know how long that'll last, but …
Wade: A pint-sized fiddler in cowboy boots! Florida Orchestra — keep your eyes on this one.
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This article appears in May 9-15, 2007.