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Vaughn Anthony giving back with free holiday meal

The R&B artist and brother of John Legend is hosting a  pre-Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday

Staff file photo by Barbara J. Perenic Vaughn Anthony is giving thanks early with a free dinner this weekend.

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By Andrew McGinn, Staff Writer Updated 6:51 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Don’t be surprised if you see Vaughn Anthony helping rescue cats from trees, assisting the elderly across the street or filling potholes with his own asphalt.

With the release of his debut album just over the horizon, the homegrown R&B hopeful is looking to build up a little good karma in advance.

He’ll start by hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at El Bethel Temple for the first 50 people who walk in off the street.

“I believe God placed it in my heart to do it,” he explained. “You never know when you’re going to be down and need help.”

The free feast of turkey and all the works will take place at the Clifton Avenue church where it all started musically for the Stephens brothers — Vaughn and his Grammy-winning big brother, John Legend.

Anthony also will be at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, collecting used clothes to be distributed to those in need at the meal.

As tempting as it might be, Anthony won’t be performing.

“I just want to help out,” he said. “Fellowship. That’s it.”

As of now, Anthony still has plenty of time for fellowship.

His album, “The Future,” has been “done for a long time.”

“I’m just waiting for my brother to put it out,” he said.

Anthony, 28, is the second artist on Legend’s own HomeSchool Records roster. The first, Estelle, won a Grammy for the hit “American Boy.”

“With John being an artist,” Anthony said, “it’s hard for him to break off and do certain things. I’m patient. I’m waiting on God.”

As for word that Anthony had teamed with New Jack Swing icon Teddy Riley to produce some tracks? “It just didn’t work,” he said. “We just kept crossing paths and didn’t connect.”

The album does, however, feature appearances by rapper Rick Ross and the unsinkable T-Pain.

“If it never comes out,” Anthony reasoned, “at least I experienced the best of what this world has to offer.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0352 or amcginn@coxohio. com.

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