Wesley Wells, 9, of Mar Vista, does something that not all 9-year-olds do: he plays the violin. Wesley also did something that even fewer 9-year-olds do: he met famous violinist Joshua Bell.

After seeing a YouTube video of Wesley playing violin, he was offered tickets to Bell’s July 8 concert at the Hollywood Bowl and backstage passes to meet the violinist following the show. Bell introduced himself to Wesley, encouraged him to continue practicing, and even signed Wesley’s violin. Wesley also got to meet Glenn Close, who performed with Bell.

Wesley's violin signed by Joshua Bell

At the Hollywood Bowl: Wesley’s half-size violin signed by Joshua Bell