Sapphire

Penny and Mike have been playing together since 1995 and now have a reputation as a reliable, versatile keyboard/vocal duo of quality.

Starting off as semi-professionals playing the clubs and hotels along the South Coast of England Penny and Mike quickly developed into a much sought after act.

After four successful years they decided to turn professional in 1999 when they accepted the offer of a years contract from LSA Ltd. (Leisure Services Agency) to entertain holidaymakers in a top Shearings Hotel in Weymouth.

Penny began singing in the early 90’s with a group from Dorset called “Easy Riders” playing venues such as “The Showbar” on Bournemouth Pier. She left to concentrate on the hotel and club scene and became lead singer with a 4-picce band called “Misty”, which featured Mike playing keyboards.

In 1997 Penny teamed up with Mike to form the very successful duo “Sapphire”. Since turning professional Penny has developed into a very competent stand in host who can call bingo, host quizzes and give line-dancing instruction.

Mike has been playing in bands since the late 60’s and was a part of the northern club circuit scene in the early 70’s. Starting as a bass guitarist/singer, Mike developed into a keyboard player during the 80’s and played in a variety of bands in both the Cambridge area and, later on, in the Southampton/Bournemouth area.

He appeared as a singer on the television programme “Open Door” on BBC2 in 1979 During the late 80’s and early 90’s Mike began to develop as a solo performer playing in not just clubs and hotels but also for functions such as dinner dances, weddings etc.  He also continued to play keyboards in several bands, eventually becoming the keyboard player in “Misty”. In 1997 Mike joined Penny to create “Sapphire”. He turned fully professional in 1999

A selection of venues that “Sapphire” have played at:

• Derwent Hotel – Torquay
• Ullswater Hotel – Bournemouth
• Sandy Balls – Holiday Park
• Oakdene Holiday Park,
• Lord Bute Restaurant – Highciffe.
• Tralee Hotel – Bournemouth
• Bashley Park Holiday Park
• Jump in the Sax Restaurant – Bournemouth
• Taurus Park Hotel – Bournemouth
• Collingwood Hotel – Bournemouth
• Cadogan Hotel – Bournemouth
• Devon Towers Hotel – Bournemouth
• Pavilion Hotel – Bournemouth
• Trouville Hotel – Bournemouth
• Grosvenor Hotel – Bournemouth
• Glen Eagles Hotel – Torquay