Dalian opens its doors wider to buskers

Chance to relax

Panshi, a local rock band whose seven members are part-time musicians, has busked in Dalian's squares since last year.

Wang Xianrui, the group's singer, works in the technology department at a molding factory. Two of the band's other members are also factory workers.

"Music offers us a chance to get away from our daily work. We enjoy playing it, especially when we busk on the streets," Wang, 41, said.

The band members practice in the evenings after work. Last year, when Wang saw a busker perform, he thought that Panshi should also play on the streets. The idea received warm support from his band mates.

"Performing in squares is very different from playing at live house venues or music festivals. It may be the first time that passersby have seen us. Attracting them and winning their applause is much more challenging on the street," Wang said.

The band's street performance repertoire is aimed at getting people to relax after a day's work.

Wang said he feels happy when he sees strangers — mostly parents or grandparents who are unfamiliar with rock and roll — enjoying the band's music when they take a walk with their children or grandchildren in Dalian's squares.