By day, Elijah Edwards is a friendly face serving meals in The Hub dining venue at Friends Homes, the continuing care retirement – or “life plan” – community in Greensboro. By night, he steps into the spotlight as the lead singer and guitarist for Fifth Floor, a pop-rock band performing at venues across the Triad and beyond.
Elijah has been part of the Friends Homes team for a year, where residents know him best for his warm smile and knack for remembering their favorite orders. But outside of work, he’s been writing, recording and producing music since 2020 – and singing for as long as he can remember. His four-member band, made up of school friends who share a love for performing live music, has taken the stage at venues like Flat Iron in Greensboro and Hoots Beer Co. in Winston-Salem. Together, they bring to life songs Elijah has written himself.
Recently, Elijah’s two worlds came together.
At the request of residents who were delighted to learn their server was also a rock star, Fifth Floor performed in the Living Room at Friends Homes. “The word spread like wildfire,” Elijah said, with a smile. He admitted the crowd was a little different from his usual audience, but he was thrilled to bring his music to the community.
For Elijah, the best part of working at Friends Homes is the people. “The residents are so kind,” he says. “I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level. It’s nice when you know someone is coming in and you already remember their order.” Those connections make his job feel much more than serving meals; it feels like being part of a community that values him and his passions.
That sense of belonging is also personal. Elijah is a second-generation Friends Homes team member. His father worked in administration for years, and his older brother once served in dining, as well.
The support went both ways. Residents and fellow team members were eager to cheer Elijah on as he shared his music, showing just how much Friends Homes celebrates the unique gifts of those who work here. For Elijah, it was encouragement that fueled his dream of becoming a well-known artist while reminding him that Friends Homes is a place where people want to see one another thrive.
With all the buzz around campus, the concert drew a full house. More than just a performance, it became a celebration of talent, community and the special bond between residents and the people who serve them every day.