Totnes musicians unite for Rowcroft fundraiser in memory of local singer

A group of South Devon musicians are set to perform at a special charity concert in Totnes in memory of a much-loved local singer.

The event, titled “Friends in Harmony”, will take place on 25 March at the Barrel House Ballroom and aims to raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice.

The evening has been organised in tribute to Sue Bradshaw, a familiar face on the Totnes music scene who regularly performed at open mic nights and appeared alongside accordionist Martyn Warren. Sue, known for her distinctive voice and warm personality, died from pancreatic cancer in 2023 after receiving care from Rowcroft Hospice in her final months.

Musician Martyn Warren said the concert was intended to celebrate Sue’s love of music while supporting a charity close to her heart.

“Sue was such a wonderful personality: kind, funny and full of life. She had nothing but praise for the care she received from the NHS and from Rowcroft during her final months. We wanted to create an evening of music that Sue would have loved while raising money for such a vital local service,” he said.

The concert will feature three well-known South Devon acts.

‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ will bring swing music from the 1930s and 1940s, alongside ‘Parting Gesture’, a seven-piece a cappella group known for its rich vocal harmonies and inventive arrangements. The line-up also includes ‘Rhythm & Shoes’, whose blend of vocal harmonies and rhythm guitar has earned the group a strong following across the region.

Special guest Mae Karthauser, a singer-songwriter from Totnes, will also perform. She has released several albums and launched her 2023 album August with a sold-out concert at Great Hall at Dartington – a performance Sue attended shortly before her death.

Also appearing will be Tracie Gillies, Events and Programming Director at the Barrel House Ballroom, who will make her public singing debut as part of the tribute.

Organisers have thanked Tracie and the venue for their support in helping stage the event, including assistance with ticketing, promotion and event management.

All proceeds from the concert will go to Rowcroft Hospice, which provides specialist care and support for adults across South Devon living with life-limiting illnesses.

The organisers say the evening will celebrate Sue’s memory while raising funds for a service that supports many families in the community.

Tickets are available from:

https://www.universe.com/events/friends-in-harmony-fundraiser-for-rowcroft-in-memory-of-sue-bradshaw-tickets-5W1NTV