A massive shout out to Leicester’s own 5-piece tribute band, The Sounds of Simon, who performed at Sue Townsend Theatre in memory of Dawn Harris.
Adam Ellis, as Art Garfunkel, Ben Bowden, as Paul Simon, and Monica Glover, the organiser and a volunteer at LOROS, arranged the concert to raise vital funds for the Hospice.
Dawn was Monica’s partner and in earlier times, Adam’s and his sister’s second mum after their first mum died. Dawn worked for Leicester College and was instrumental in helping them to acquire what was the Phoenix Arts building, now appropriately renamed Sue Townsend Theatre.
Paul and Art are played to perfection, bringing in elements of their famously fractious relationship, as well as replicating the beautiful harmonies flawlessly. In this great show filled with excellent music, the audience enjoyed such classics as ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’, ‘The Sounds of Silence’ and ‘You Can Call Me Al’, as well as many more that have established Paul Simon as one of the most successful songwriters of all time.
Speaking about the event, Monica said: "The concert raised an amazing £2,162.48p and could not have been possible without our wonderful sponsors.
"The Sounds of Simon band members know what it is to lose a loved one and very kindly donated their services entirely free. In tribute to Dawn’s work for them over nearly ten years, Leicester College sponsored the event by letting the theatre at a greatly reduced rate. I would also like to thank digital printers John E. Wright who produced our flyers and posters at a good discount as the event was for charity.
"The band put in a fantastic show and judging by the applause, whoops and the long standing ovation at the end of the show, it was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience who came along to support us.
“Best of all, all proceeds will go to the LOROS Hospice to help them continue their amazing and much-needed work with people who are terminally ill or have life-limiting illness.”
"Because of all the wonderful services Dawn received at LOROS and in particular, the Tuesday Drop-In Therapy Group, we would like the money to be donated to this group for the direct benefit of patients who attend it."
LOROS Community and Charity Events Lead Adrian Walker added: “We are so grateful to Adam, Ben, Monica and The Sounds of Simon for choosing to raise money for LOROS.
“Without people like them, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing the care and support we do to thousands of people every single year.
“The funds raised from this event will make such a difference to so many lives - thank you all for your generous support.”
