Fundraiser in honour of much-missed musician to put town's talent in spotlight

A charitable foundation set up to provide opportunities in music for young people in honour of a “bright and engaging” young performer is hosting its first official fundraiser.

One More Song is a family-run project in memory of the much-loved musician Dan Towriss which aims to raise funds for young people aged 16-24 in Rotherham who may otherwise struggle to access instruments or find pathways into singing or dance lessons.

Dan – described by figureheads from across Rotherham's cultural scene as an “extremely skilled” and “bright and engaging” young musician – passed away at home on July 11 aged just 24, leaving behind his devastated parents Nick and Jennifer and siblings Paul, William and Lily-Rose.

Tributes poured in online for popular guitarist, singer and songwriter, with people describing him as “a great singer, lovely lad,” and “a very special young man.”

A spokesperson for Rotherham Music also paid tribute, saying: “Always a bright and engaging talent, and an extremely skilled performer who brought a great energy and presence to any venue he performed at.

“Dan was truly a great example of a hard working young musician, and he will be sorely missed.”

Devoted dad Nick said: “Dan was such a kind-hearted soul - he touched so many people's lives with his music and just being Dan.

“Music was at the heart of his life and he performed across the pubs and venues of South Yorkshire, bringing people together through his love of live music.

“We wanted to continue that legacy as we know that's exactly what he would have wanted – he always said he hoped to make the world a better place – and we want to do that right here in Rotherham with the One More Song Foundation.

“We want this project to support and inspire young people and adults to pick up an instrument, stand in front of a microphone, start writing their own music or just come together to appreciate the music of others.

“It can be expensive to purchase a musical instrument or pay for singing lessons and we don't want young people who may not have the advantages of others to effectively be 'priced out' of a career in the creative industries because there is such a lot of musical talent in Rotherham.

“Just think – we could find the next global performer like Ed Sheeran in Rotherham if we can provide that support and guidance to nurture them.”

The foundation's first event will be a Live Music Fundraiser at The Cutlers Arms on December 6 with artists including include LPMC - Lee McMahon, former frontman and songwriter of South Yorkshire favourites The Tivoli - Liam Battersby, a solo vocalist from Rotherham performing a mix of feel-good classics and crowd-pleasers, and Ruby Harker singing a selection of musical theatre and pop numbers.

Nick said: “There'll be raffles and auctions with some fantastic prizes and memorabilia to purchase, delicious hot food, bar games and even a local professional tattooist - Fun Lovin' Tattoos from Mexborough - providing exclusive artwork, so it should be a great day of live music and entertainment.

“We are appealing to local businesses to get involved by donating a prize for the raffle, putting something amazing up for auction or supporting the day by advertising your company on the projector screens at the pub.

“All the proceeds will go towards our mission in helping others experience and enjoy music - it's a Rotherham foundation for local kids so please help us to help others.

“Dan would want his legacy to bring music to others, because there's always room for ‘one more song’.”

To find out more and get involved in the fundraiser visit www.linktr.ee/OneMoreSong.Rotherham or contact [email protected].