Jon Sterckx (Tabla) & Ricky Romain (Sitar) have been regularly performing Indian music together since 2001 and have developed a strong performance rapport between them. Their shared understanding and appreciation of North Indian music is always apparent within their performances, as is their mutual enjoyment of each others playing, and of the music being created through their combined playing. Through the sound world of North Indian Rag and Taal, Ricky & Jon's highly engaging and dynamic performances range from slow, meditative, melodies through to fast and highly detailed exciting rhythmical interplay.

" . . .The brilliant sitar of Ricky Romain in duet with Jon Sterckx's tabla wizardry was a first class example of musicians "playing off" each other, their evident joy never becoming indulgent, and never compromising the aims of the music. . . ." - Colin Sell.

Recent performances include: Westminster Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Plymouth Mela, Exeter Respect Festival, Plymouth Respect Festival, Plymouth Diwali / Eid Celebration event & Plymouth Rath Yatra. Jon & Ricky were also performers at the National Celebration of British Asian Live Arts in 2008. They have performed in Art centres, Festivals , private events, Weddings and functions across the UK.

They have recorded 2 Indian classical Sitar & Tabla CD's together - Rag Ahir Bhairav & a live recording of Rag Kirvani.

They regularly perform Indian Music together throughout the South West UK - Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset and are available for performances throughout the UK.

Jon & Ricky also work together delivering Indian music workshops to schools, colleges, universities and at festivals and other events.

Reviews and Testimonials:

"It was a treat to listen to Jon Sterckx and Ricky Romain on the tabla and sitar respectively. Jon and Ricky gave a short but superb introduction to Indian music, explained some of the difference between western and Indian styles and captivated the audience later with the rendition of the Bhairavi raga in Vilambit, Madhya and Drut tintaal.
Jon and Ricky engaged very well with the audience providing a thrilling performance and deserving the rapturous applause they received at the end.
I am looking forward to hearing them again soon!" - Mahesh Subramanuim - Hampshire Indo British Society ( Music Mela performance 24/09/2011)

"Talented percussionist Jon Sterckx was outstanding on tabla, and a longer solo from him would have been welcome." - Pippa Howell - Frome Festival Review.

"Your performances were truly mesmerising" - Esther White - University of Exeter, following the Clelebration Of British Asian Live Arts Concert 10.04.08

"... Brilliant music and you are a great duo!!" - June Burrough - Pierian Centre, Bristol.

"Thanks Ricky it was a fantastic event and your sitar playing was amazing". - Sanjay Sharma - Plymouth South Asian Society.

"I was totally bowled over. Paul's family has never heard anything so wonderful and my family had not seen/heard anything so wonderful, let alone live." - comment from Verna Vyas (Bride - full testimonial on website.)

"I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed it and was a refreshing change from the usual jazz trio or string quartet you often get at English weddings." - wedding guest.

"Ricky and Jon played at my marriage to my wife Dilara on a beautiful summer's day in late August 2011 in Bromley, Kent - and I cannot emphasize quite enough how wonderful it was to have them honour our special day with their performance.
From start to finish they have both been absolute gentlemen to deal with; precise through the booking process and extremely reliable on the day - they were kind enough to arrive at the venue a good couple of hours early to set up the equipment on an outdoor stage, and went on to perform superbly for hours.
Ricky and Jon created an ambience where the elegance of their music melted into the warm sunshine and the celebratory mood; our guests were mesmerized, and I myself have never heard classical Indian music played to such a high standard anywhere. My deeply traditional parents, who pride themselves on their knowledge of Indian culture and music, were equally impressed.
Throughout the day they were a joy to have present - gracious, polite and charismatic - and we were all sorry to see them leave as evening drew near.
I would recommend Ricky and Jon without a moment's hesitation for an event of any kind, given that they enhanced ours beyond measure." - Dr. Sumit Dutta - Wedding at Bickley Manor Hotel, Bromley, Kent.

"...a mesmerizing Sitar and Tabla Performance by Ricky Romain and Jon Sterckx." - Plymouth South Asian Society AGM performance 2007.

For more information, audio & video, please visit http://www.jonsterckx.co.uk