MOOSE JAW — Music, nostalgia, and community spirit will fill the air at the upcoming Big Shiny Tunez concert, a fundraising event hosted by Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw and sponsored by Casino Moose Jaw to celebrate the planned launch of the new hospice care wing at Pioneer Lodge.
The concert will take place at the Temple Gardens Centre, starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Big Shiny Tunez will feature local band The UnCoolas, fronted by Aaron Ruston. The group is known for playing fan-favourite hits from the ‘60s through the early 2000s, ensuring a packed dance floor from start to finish.
“I’ve been to one of their events before, and I tell you, that dance floor was packed — you couldn’t even get in at times,” said Sara Bryan, chair of Heartland Hospice. “It’s just one of those (events) where you know every song that comes on right away.”
The show also commemorates the official opening of the new wing, scheduled for Friday, April 11. While the main rooms and family areas will be fully operational, some work will still be in progress on the sacred space and outdoor garden — which is what the concert fundraiser will help support.
“We still have lots of fundraising to go for our capital campaign, so the support from the community is always so appreciated,” Bryan said. “Even after we finish all the work on the wing and the sacred space, we’ve got lots… that we offer… to the people in the wing.” This includes cable TV, onsite counselling services, welcome packages, and support for the My Wish campaign.
Beyond the music, guests can look forward to a variety of interactive elements, including a 360 photo booth, donated by Sask Spins + Smiles.
Car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to check out a collection of classic vehicles on display, including a 442 Oldsmobile, a 1970 Mustang Boss 302, and a 1989 Mustang 5L hatchback.
Additionally, a silent auction and 50/50 draw will be accessible online in the weeks leading up to the event, with winners announced during the concert. Auction items have been generously donated by Jillian’s Design Elements, Hillcrest Golf Course, Wrapture Spa and Boutique, and many more.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in styles from their favourite decade from the ‘60s through the early 2000s.
“We have some prizes for the best costumes from each decade,” Bryan said. “So, the best-dressed person from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and so on (will receive recognition and a prize).”
In the weeks leading up to the concert, Heartland Hospice is hosting a Facebook contest with the chance to win two free tickets to the show. The winner will be announced on April 28.
The online contest will ask, “What’s one of your favourite nostalgic toys that you remember from your childhood?” Bryan explained. “Is it a pet rock? Was it a Tamagotchi? You would then post your favourite toy, do the usual like and share, and we’re going to do a draw… for those two tickets.”
With live music, dancing, and a roast beef dinner, Big Shiny Tunez is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in support of a vital cause.
“We’re hoping for a great turnout, because the more the merrier, and we still have lots of fundraising to go for our capital campaign,” Bryan said.
Tickets can be purchased now at the Temple Gardens Centre box office or online at Sasktix.Evenue.net.
For more information, visit HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca, "Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw" on Facebook, or call 306-690-8699.
The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
