Moving to a new city comes with its surprises, but Lydia and Andy Pender never expected their Honolulu apartment to bring them a friendship that harmonized music, laughter, and pizza nights. It all started with a curious knock on their neighbor’s door, driven by the enchanting piano music that floated through their walls.
“I would hear constant music coming through the walls … and we just wanted to know who the neighbor was on that side,” Lydia said. On the other side of that knock was Derek Peart, a 98-year-old former British Navy pilot with a passion for music. “He said he would play for us sometime, and that’s where the friendship started,” Lydia said. Little did the couple know, their chance meeting would grow into a heartwarming tradition of monthly gatherings.
The Penders quickly grew fond of Peart’s vibrant personality and love for life. Their early visits began with tea but evolved into festive dinners featuring pizza —Peart’s favorite — paired with beer or wine. After dinner, the real magic would unfold as Peart, seated at his beloved Yamaha piano, treated the couple to mini-concerts.
From left, Derek Peart, Andy Pender and Lydia Pender. Photo courtesy of the Penders
These performances, often themed for the season, became the highlight of their month. Lydia even joined in, singing along to classics like “Secret Love” by Doris Day while her husband Andy danced. “He loves music from old movies,” Lydia said. “The musical Cats is one of his favorites.”
Peart’s relationship with music is as remarkable as the man himself. Though he initially learned piano as a child, he later discovered his talent for playing by ear, relying on memory and intuition. It was his late wife, Mickey, who encouraged him to embrace his gift, gifting him the piano he still treasures today. “When they sit down, and when I see them appreciate what I’m playing, I feel good,” Peart said. “It makes me feel good about myself.”
As the months went by, Lydia began sharing videos of Peart’s performances on TikTok, hoping to spread the joy he brought into their lives. To her surprise, one video went viral, getting millions of views and a flood of heartwarming comments. “I often ask if he’d like me to keep posting, and he says, ‘Post it all!’ ” Lydia said.
Peart shows off his musical set list before dinner and music with his new friends. Photo courtesy of the Penders
He loves it and can’t believe the reach it has. He can’t believe I basically have ‘a little TV’ in my hands. He says he can’t believe he’s famous at this age.”
Lydia eagerly shared the feedback with Peart, who was thrilled by the global appreciation. “It’s hard to comprehend — just imagine you were playing to people all over the world,” Peart said. For Lydia, the viral moment reinforced the importance of intergenerational friendships. “It was the nicest corner of the internet ever,” she said. The comments were filled with stories of viewers’ own grandparents and praise for Peart’s talent, creating a sense of community. “The cutest thing he said was, ‘I needed this. I need this for my spirit. I need this to keep going.’”
The couple plans to keep their monthly “dinner and a show” tradition going into the new year. “He’s just the greatest person, and it’s been such a joy getting close with him and getting to know him, and also getting to know him through music,” Pender said. “He has so much to share with the world.”
