Bootsy Collins, bass player for Parliament Funkadelic and James Brown known for his unique style of dress, was scheduled to serve lunch at Miriam’s Kitchen this afternoon.

As the staff and volunteers busily prepared food – some of it donated from local farmers markets, all of it fresh and delicious-looking – members of Collins’ entourage arrived to say he was enroute. At one p.m., a lunch of tuna salad, fresh vegetables, yogurt parfait and sandwiches was served to dozens of hungry people, who were seated at tables with vases of fresh flowers in the center.

After two hours of waiting, with just 15 minutes left before lunch was over, it was announced that Collins was not going to show. Issues with his gear ahead of his performance at Strathmore tomorrow night kept him from attending. Instead, his wife Patti Collins (decked out in clothing labeled “Bootsy Girl”) helped serve food to those left.

No one really seemed to mind that Collins wasn’t coming, as some people snapped photos with members of his entourage and others simply ate the meals prepared for them. Celebrity or no celebrity, there was still food to be served to people in need. And just a few hours before dinner service would begin.