Performing at the White Hart Hotel in Andover for the MUSIC at HeART concert on Thursday 20 November will be MARK SPEIGHT from Blackpool.
Mark’s early interest in performing included listening to the Wurlitzer in the Tower Ballroom, and after years of practice, he was able to pursue his dream of becoming a professional player. At the age of 16 he played his first sessions for dancing on the famous Wurlitzer and was fortunate in being able to continue doing so for some time afterwards. Thus began his working life, comprising of electronic keyboard concerts during the winter months and various summer season organ engagements in the summer.
By the turn of the century the Blackpool summer season work looked uncertain as cabaret venues were introducing digitally recorded backing music, at which point Mark decided to discontinue his chosen career and instead trained to be an accountant, although he still played occasionally in the local area as and when required.
He gained employment in a Blackpool accountancy practice, eventually qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant, and was considering setting up his own home-based practice until fate intervened – when he was invited to re-join the team of organists at the Tower Ballroom.
He is still engaged at that prestigious venue and is also playing at a local cabaret venue once a week. He returned to the electronic keyboard circuit in late 2024 and has been kept busy with regular concert bookings. Mark is grateful for the support and guidance of his father Kevin, who had also been a member of the Tower Ballroom organist team and, for many years, musical director for the late Ken Dodd.
More information can be found at
www.organfax.co.uk/players/speight whilst Club details can be obtained by phoning (01264) 323213 or by visiting
The concert commences at 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 7.00 p.m.) and tickets priced at £10 (including interval refreshments) are available at the door.
