With the holiday season in full swing, a local auto shop is planning to offer just a little bit of extra cheer in the days leading up to Christmas.
Panda Tire & Auto plans to welcome Moose Jaw cello player Duncan Blackman for an hour-long performance on Wednesday, Dec. 22 beginning at 1:00 p.m. The event will take place in their lobby at 888 Main Street and is open to anyone who just wants to stop by.
“He’s just been a good customer of ours for many years and this is a passion of his, so we’re happy to have him here in our waiting room for a little bit and maybe give everyone something to smile about at Christmastime,” said Rosemarie Moggey with Panda Tire. “It’s a chance for our customers and clients to have a bit of enjoyment while they wait for their vehicles and if anyone else wants to stop in and have a listen, they’re welcome… it’s just something new and different you don’t expect at your local auto repair shop.”
Blackman is well known for his musical efforts in the community, especially for his numerous concerts at seniors’ homes and care facilities over the years. Prior to the pandemic, he made as many as 10 stops a month at facilities all over Moose Jaw, and when that was hampered by restrictions, made regular recordings of his music on his YouTube page for others to enjoy.
And if you had good timing this past summer, you might have caught Blackman playing his instrument for patrons in McDonalds, performances that are also up on YouTube.
Blackman’s appearance at Panda Tire carries an extra touch in these difficult times -- a moment for folks to simply relax and enjoy the Christmas spirit, even for just a short time, when there are so many question marks surrounding the 2021 holidays.
“I think it’s even more up in the air than last year because we knew nothing was going to happen and we kind of adjusted to that,” Moggey said. “This year, it’s ‘I don’t know? Are things going to happen? Are families going to get together or not and what will the end result be?’ So this will take COVID out of the equation for a little bit and give a chance to enjoy something Christmassy.”
Music fans can get a preview of Blackman’s performance by visiting his YouTube page at www.youtube.com/user/DHBlackman.
