Rob Robinson

Rob is a musician and teacher based in Andover, Hampshire. In his 25 year career Rob has played many hundreds of gigs and concerts with pop, rock, blues and jazz bands, he has travelled the country with national tours of musicals, worked for the BBC and played on many sessions including recording at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios.

For many years Rob has taught both the Guitar and Bass Guitar and is in high demand both privately and at the schools he visits in Hampshire. Rob is a founder member of the Test Valley Rock School and Guitar Clubs UK which both offer help and tuition to aspiring musicians both young and not so young. Rob himself is a graduate of the Academy of Contemporary Music and has a first class honors degree.

Dave Allon

Dave is a local Musician and Teacher and has been playing drums for over twenty years. In that time he has played a variety of styles from Metal to Latin, through Funk and Blues. Dave is also a long serving member of the Test Valley Rock School and has links with Music projects in schools through his teaching work.

Dave also likes to give his vocal chords an airing from time to time and has enjoyed singing Rhythm and Blues when ever possible.

Band History

The essence of NOKANDO came together in the mid nineties as two old friends, Kev Rees and Gary Lewis, decided to form a new band aimed at working in the pubs, clubs and army messes in the Tidworth area. After some changes in personnel Kev and Gary were joined by Bassist Rob Robinson in 1998 and finally Drummer Dave Allon completed the present lineup in 2004.

Throughout the development of NOKANDO many songs have been tried and tested with valuable lessons being learnt about the audience response and reaction. As the band has progressed they have moved away from the pub and club circuits of North Hampshire and now play almost exclusively Weddings, Parties and Functions.

Sting Finally Gets To Meet Nokando!

Local covers band Nokando had a pleasant surprise recently while playing at a birthday party at Rollerstone Manor in Shrewton as one of the guests turned out to be none other than rock superstar Sting. Kev Rees, the vocalist of the group, said, “We were amazed when Sting walked in and picked up one of our CDs, it seemed only natural then to approach him and start chatting.” Dave Allon, drummer and lifelong Police fan was impressed with Sting’s genuine interest and openness, “ We talked about the band, the recent Police reunion concerts and the fact that we were music teachers which was something we all had in common.” Gary Lewis, guitarist and vocalist, said “Sting looked extremely fit and healthy and was only to pleased to have some pictures taken with the band.”

About Nokando!

NOKANDO are a very capable and versatile 4 piece covers band who play a vast range of music drawn from both the hits of today and yesterday. Whether you need a Wedding Band, Party Band or Function Band NOKANDO feel they have, “All Points Covered”.

The bands confident approach comes from years of experience in many different situations, they know that they can trust not only each others musical skill and enthusiasm but also on the vast repertoire of songs that they have compiled over the last ten years.

Weddings, Parties, Functions and Corporate Events need entertainers with a truly professional outlook that aims to keep the audience involved regardless of age or taste and can cater not only for all night energetic dancing but also for the slower, quieter parts of an evening or event.

Most of the members of NOKANDO have had their wild self indulgent freeform 10 minute guitar solo musical youth and are now much more concerned with pleasing the audience rather than just themselves.

Kev Rees

Kev is a musician and teacher based in the town of Tidworth Wiltshire, currently teaching guitar at the Farleigh Prep, Wellington Academy and Clarendon junior schools.

Kevins music career started at the age of six strumming an old six string and singing along to his parents Elvis and Buddy Holly records.

He is well known for his dedication to aspiring musicians both young and old. A performer songwriter and tutor Kevin is a long serving guitar instructor with guitar clubs UK and the Test Vally rock school.

Gary Lewis

Gary has played for many local bands based in Southern England including Sparten and Decoy Ducks were he first teamed up with Kev Rees. Gary’s versatile style has been crafted over many years diligent practice and his keen ear for detail adds a great depth to Nokando’s sound. In recent years Gary has helped many guitar students of the Test Valley Rock School and Guitar Clubs UK with his skilful and patient approach.