Messina is a West Seattle native who lives in Los Angeles, where he composes music for films and television commercials. He also writes his own symphonies and has put out five CDs. He comes back to Seattle once a month, and can usually be found at Children's. "This is as much a part of coming home," he said, "as seeing my family." It started six years ago, when a friend's 4-year-old daughter was treated here for cancer, and died. ("It was just wrong," Messina said of the girl's death.) Messina started to perform in the playroom, then agreed to write and perform a symphony each year to raise money for the hospital's Uncompensated Care Fund. He's done five so far, each time raising between $4,000 and $5,000.

Last week, Messina's benefit, titled "Ritual," included a string orchestra, flamenco dancers and a local favorite, The Spoonman. There is no fanfare in the playroom when Messina plays. He keeps an eye on the room in the reflection on the face of the piano. "I kind of play and spy one kid out and smile. And if they smile back," he said, "I know we're in."

Messina has held burn victims on his lap with one hand, and accompanied their tinkering with the other. He has composed music on the spot for kids who burst into song or dance.("This is Jor-dan's dan-cing song!") If you listen closely, you will hear a slowed-down version of Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone," or a variation on Blondie's "Heart of Glass." Maybe some Dave Matthews.

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