Thomas ‘Spats’ Langham was born in 1971 and spent his childhood in Buxton. Inspired by his Grandfather, he started Ukulele as soon as his fingers were big enough, turning to the Banjo at the age of ten. At 14 he was appearing with the Hot Spa Stompers, and soon after with Ged Hones Dixie Boys,who encouraged him to start guitar. With the loss of the outstanding pianist,Keith Nichols, in January 2021, remembered for his peerless interpretation of Ragtime as well as being a master of Fats Waller style stride piano, these ‘Five Nickels’ musicians have come together to keep his memory and music alive with jazz from the 20s and 30s played with the utmost authenticity and virtuosity. The band features: ‘SPATS’ LANGHAM and MARTIN WHEATLEY, guitars/banjos; MICHAEL MCQUAID and TREVOR WHITING, reeds; RICHARD PITE, tuba, bass and drums.