Review Centre: Bands & Ensembles

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / Multicultural Ceilidh / May 2025 Many thanks to Black Velvet for the fab barn dance for my husband’s 60th. We set them the challenge of providing all-age, muslim-friendly dances for a multicultural community; Our guests included friends and neighbours from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa and Cameroon. Mike and his band rose to the occasion with single sex sets, non gendered calling, and a clever choice of dances (including one with no physical contact at all!). We were so impressed with the attention to detail that enabled everyone to take part. Here are quotes from two of our younger guests: “That was the best evening of my whole life,” Radman, aged 8 “Please can you invite me to your next birthday party when you are 61,” Rayan, aged 8"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Easy listening, soulful sounds. Happily recommended to all!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We both wanted to extend our thanks for the wonderful music the BVB accordion and fiddle duo performed for us on our wedding day. We both had an amazing time and really felt that Mike and Jase added to the day immeasurably. Stef in particular enjoyed the special attention that was given to her by the duo - the guys played an instrumental version of her favourite song - and we both loved seeing family members singing along to Dutch classics. The interaction with the duo themselves was excellent and certainly helped us feel relaxed in both the run up to and on the day itself."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A wonderful string quartet. Amenable and professional. Willing to go above and beyond to make your event exactly as you envision it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant performance at Halton, thanks very much guys! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were looking for a band with a repertoire of jump jive and swing music for our wedding reception and found One Jump Ahead. The band did such a great job, they had such great energy, and our guests loved dancing to their music. There was good variety of songs so that our non-swing dancing guests could show of their moves too! We loved the first dance and really appreciate the band learning the song for us, we hope they will continue to play it in their future gigs. We had very good communication with Kit in the run up to the wedding and the band were able to set up by themselves which made things run smoothly for us, and were very flexible and relaxed on the night. We'll be recommending you to our family and friends for future events!"

Reply by One Jump Ahead
Thanks Sherri! It was a really great reception, made all the better by the lovely sunny weather we had. It was excellent that many of your guests were swing dancers - we always like to play for them! (It's still a pleasure playing for other dancers, too, of course - or even those who prefer just to listen!) We enjoyed learning your request and will be very likely include it in our sets at future wedding receptions. We're only too happy for you to pass on our details to family and friends for other occasions. We hope that you and Tom have a long and happy life together! - Kit.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The day went very well and we were both delighted with everything, including 21st C. Many of our guests commented how good they were. One couple at our bash had met 47 years ago (on the 19th June) and their first dance had been Walk the Dog by the Stones. The band were asked if they could play it which they could not - at the time they were asked. The band went for their break and, when they came back, they had learnt it. The band played the song and the couple did the very dance that they had 47 years previously - what a fantastic thing for them to have done. It made such an impact and the band have my utmost respect for going out of their way to make it happen. The guys were absolute stars."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to say thank you to the Black Velvet Band for bringing the fun and music to our Staff Christmas party!! Our guests loved how they weaved some Christmas ditties into the tunes and the energy the caller brought to the evening! Thank you again for such a fun evening!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant band and general all-around service - many thanks! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thanks guys fantastic night, you'd made our party a huge success, thank you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Everything was perfect - the band arrived when they said they would, set up and played beautifully for us and then packed up with no fuss. The guests loved them! It really made the atmosphere for us. Thank you to you all."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can't wait to see you guys play again at my friends wedding in August 2017!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant music, it was so nice to see everybody up and dancing. Had so many comments on your singing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If you are ever after a band for a celebration, these are your guys. The versatility of this band is impressive. They can pretty much play anything you request. They each bring their own individual talent across as very professional. I would highly recommend them and know you would not be disappointed. We will definitely be rebooking 5*** all the way"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the best and most exciting bands we’ve ever booked!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: