T&A Events
ANDREW NIX & TONY STACE
Tony started playing the Organ in 1982 aged nine in his birthplace of Sussex.
His father owned a Hammond T500 Organ, which he quickly showed a big interest in.
Tony entered numerous competitions, he did very well throughout the competitions he entered but the highlight for him was winning the WERSI competition in 1989, then finding out one week later that him and his father were booked on a plane to Frankfurt for the WERSI European final, Tony won an Organ, which his dad built for him.
In 1991 Tony was looking around for a Yamaha HS8 after hearing the amazing Brian Sharp playing one. He called a shop in Kent, Waveband Organs, asking if they had a HS8 for sale, they didn't have one but they did have a Yamaha HX-1 in a wooden cabinet. After some debate with his dad he purchased it after taking out a substantial bank loan.
For around 2 months, Tony was very unhappy with the Organ, thinking he had made a big mistake, this turned out to be the best deal he could ever have done! Tony is now famous for the way he utilises the features of what is considered to be a very old instrument. The registrations and rhythms he engineers are unique to his style and are very pleasant on the ear.
Tony is now a firm favourite at organ societies and clubs across the country playing a superb blend of music including many popular light classics.
In 1996 Tony arrived to play at a new Festival down on the south coast 'Mill Rythe Holiday Village', Hayling Island, that is where he first met Andrew.
All these years later they recently returned to 'Mill Rythe' for there very own T&A Event which was a massive success. They have already planned future events at this venue for 2008.
Tony now lives in Catterick, North Yorkshire with his lovely wife Louise and three wonderful sons, Charlie, Matthew and William. Recently Tony proudly accepted the British Organ / Keyboard Player award for the second time
Also nominated for the British Organ / Keyboard Player awards was Andrew who started organ lessons at the age of ten playing Christmas carols on his mothers organ at home near Selby, North Yorkshire. Although he was taught by two teachers (one being classical) he soon developed his own style. Shortly after leaving school Andrew was offered three nights a week playing in a local club where he accompanied artistes and played for dancing. This "training" proved priceless as at 17 years old he was appointed Organist and Musical Director for a Theatre Group performing at Butlins, Barry Island. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed this position as he was gaining experience and confidence. After three further seasons with Butlins and one for Haven Holidays Andrew became fully freelance as he was increasingly in demand for concerts and dances nation-wide on both Theatre and Electronic organs. He established himself on the organ circuit not only as a musician but also as an entertainer.
In May 2000 Andrew started performing on a Roland Atelier and now currently tours with the fantastic AT80-SL as one of Roland UK's (Freelance) Artistes. Andrew fell in love with the richness of the Atelier producing crystal clear sounds perfect for his wide range of styles. The audiences are enthralled by the range of sounds and are stunned by the truly authentic Theatre organ sounds which are an asset to Andrew's programme. From Ballads to Latin, Marches to Musicals, Andrew performs music to suit all tastes played in a refreshing style and presented with his own brand of light hearted humour.
Still living in the Selby area Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He and Lisa married in 1993 and they have three lovely daughters, Stacey, Melissa and Ashleigh.