A cure for loneliness in the age of the coronavirus: A parade of one

Across the country, around the world, it’s happening. People are doing anything and everything they can to bring a little joy to this pandemic-stricken world.

But for anyone who thinks, What I can, one person, do to make a difference?, we submit Zachariah Hickman, a professional musician with a Snidely Whiplash mustache and sousaphone decorated like the Loch Ness Monster.

“Okay folks - now that I’m doing the Instagram thing, I wanna talk about my daily contribution,” he posted. “I call it #paradeofone - Parade of One. Everybody is stuck in their homes... so every day, for about 45 minutes or so, I take myself on a parade around the neighborhood.”

Hickman reports “people leaning out their windows, clapping along, dancing with their kids... it’s pretty moving. AND it’s fun. No contact, nothing within 6 feet - just sharing mischief and music.”

Inspired to perform your own merry prank? Hickman, best known for playing bass with singer-songwriter Josh Ritter, hopes so.

“Who else,” he asks, “can put on a #paradeofone?”

If you don’t have a “Nessie Sousaphone,” we feel sure any old instrument will do.