In the downstairs gym of Aspire of WNY’s Church Street Day Hab Program, the sound of music fills the air every Tuesday, bringing smiles to faces and tapping of feet from the individuals supported by the program.
The man behind the piano, Dan Young, affectionately known as “Dan the Piano Man” —is no ordinary musician. Western New York born and raised, he carries the small-town spirit while pursuing big dreams.
Right out of high school, Dan packed up and left for Alaska, where he took a job working on an oil rig. Dealing with cold days and long nights, the nature of the work was strenuous, but he was not deterred. He saved every penny with one goal in mind: to attend law school and become a lawyer.
Dan achieved his goal, eventually stepping into the courtroom and building a successful legal career. By the time he had turned 29, he had saved up enough money to retire but continued his law practice working pro bono, serving those who couldn’t afford representation.
At 33, he became the Mayor of Perrysburg, where neighborhood children called him “Young Mayor Young.” Fluent in multiple languages and a heart for serving others, Dan has volunteered his time and skills around the globe. His dedication to serving others extends into the Church St. Day Hab Program, where he brings joy to everyone involved.
Rain or shine, Dan is seen biking through town every Tuesday to brighten the days of the individuals supported by the program with his piano compositions. Dan lives with Hydrocephalus, a sometimes agonizing condition characterized by a build-up of fluid in the brain. Despite this, he shows up resiliently, every week, to grace his audience with beautiful music.
Dan’s weekly visits have become a highly anticipated part of the Day Hab schedule. Trisha, a young woman supported by the program with a huge passion for music, and one of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s most devoted fans, loves to sing along when Dan plays “Amazing Grace” and “You Are my Sunshine.”
Steven, who sings in his church’s choir and loves the Backstreet Boys, keeps time by tapping his fingers and feet to the beat. Derek, a Creedence Clearwater Revival aficionado, sits back and soaks in the music with a peaceful expression on his face. JB and Kaylee find calm in the music as well, with Kaylee even expressing her own desire to learn the piano after seeing Dan play.
Heather, another individual supported by the program, has even ventured up to the stage to sing “Tearin’ Up My Heart” by NSYNC alongside Dan as he plays, while Amy, a fellow pianist with a visual impairment, shares her own special connection to Dan’s music. Amy loves the sounds of the 1960s, and takes inspiration from Fanny Crosby, a famous blind composer.
Music is just one of the many ways that individuals choose to participate in Aspire of WNY’s iXpress program. They draw, paint, sculpt, write poetry, and now thanks to Dan, have a shared experience with live music and a voice that brightens their day each week.
For Dan, this is what life is all about. Despite his own challenges, he continues to give back to his community, one note at a time. From all of us at Aspire of WNY, thank you to Dan the Piano Man! Your kindness, empathy, and resilience inspires us all!