Local musician and performer Syd Stickley has been keeping Central Queensland dancefloors pumping for six decades and has no plans of stopping.
Armed with his well loved Yamaha keyboard and impressive PA system, Syd has provided the soundtrack for old time dancers to kick up their heels at heritage halls in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Alton Downs, Ridgelands and surrounding areas for many years.
Syd has music in his blood - he grew up watching his dad Kelvin drum with talented pianist Lydia Lavelle - he started taking piano lessons with Lydia at just six years of age.
"I was immersed in music all the time. A few years later, still in primary school, I started playing for weddings... Since then, I haven't stopped," he said.
The talented musician plays a wide repertoire of music, including jazz and popular music from the 1950s-70s.
He has played with various dance bands including Solid Gold, The Hot 6, Phil Wright, The Hot 3 and Dance Time Trio.
More recently, he partnered with saxophonist Ronnie Harry at the Alton Downs Hall Old Time Dance.
Syd said dances at the hall attract both young and old dancers from the Sunshine Coast and often further afield.
He said the hall is a great venue with a well sprung dance floor that is great to dance on. Supper is also included.
The next Old Time Dance will take place at the Alton Downs Hall, just west of Rockhampton on November 25. Doors open at 6.30pm, with dancing from 7- 11pm. The cost $12 per person.
The dance is presented by the Alton Downs Hall Association. For more information, call Peter Craig on 0427-341-166.
