Toni Savage BEM QSM

(1920 to 2012)
by Wallace Liggett from the book:
The History of the Accordion in New Zealand

Toni Savage was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1969 and the Queen's Service Medal in 1982 in recognition of her services in entertaining, fundraising and supporting many charitable organisations. She also received the Benny Award in 1985, and has earned many other rewards over the years for entertaining the elderly, those in hospitals and other institutions, as well as playing in concert parties for members of the armed forces. Born in England, Toni took piano lessons for one year before coming to NZ with her parents in 1929. She can recall seeing some accordions in a shop window in Auckland and showing so much interest when she first heard one, that she missed the supper at a party to spend time questioning the accordionist and trying his instrument. Then twelve years old, Toni invited him to her home and secured further use of his accordion. Seeing such interest, her father purchased a 48 bass Alvari which lasted her until some success in a talent quest led to a contract with a touring show, when, she decided a full size accordion was needed. From about 1938 Toni was featured during interval for the Amalgamated Theatre circuit around Auckland. She then toured with the Santos Brothers, she playing accordion and they, banjo and guitar. On completion of this tour she joined the Arcadian Revellers Revue which entertained around Auckland and at military camps during the war. She remembers the mud and tents but also the appreciation for her many patriotic efforts which included fundraising from the deck of a truck. The American Navy presented her with a Certificate of Merit and she is listed on the Scroll of Honour of the NZ Variety Artists Club. She became a regular artist at the Trocadero Cabaret in 1943 remaining until it closed in 1951. Toni married in 1949 and her honeymoon took her to England where eye specialists had to inform her that nothing could be done about her failing eye sight and she faced imminent inevitable blindness. While this did occur within a few years, Toni continued her entertaining including a command performance for Princess Alexandra in 1972. Although now blind she makes costumes for her concert party, even a pearly suit for her husband, and she keeps an orderly home which she shares with her golden labrador guide dog. As well as entertaining on her accordion, Toni is an accomplished ventriloquist. Still performing for hospitals, senior citizens and others, she demonstrates the spirit of artistry with a unique strength of personality.