Review Centre: Barn Dance Bands

"Dear Charlotte, Thank you so much for Saturday night. We had a fantastic evening - I’ve had so many texts and emails over the lats 2 days telling me how much people enjoyed it and how good the instruction from you and music was - we had so many musicians in the small hall, of a very high standard. Excellent. So, thank you so much for helping to make the evening fun, friendly, unique and memorable - and the fabulous musicianship, please pass this on to the band. Warm wishes, Anna"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Widely regarded as one of Wales’ foremost traditional bands, since their formation in 1996, Allan Yn Y Fan have taken Welsh traditional music all over the world. Wednesday 28th March, however, saw the band performing closer to home with a gig at one of their favourite venues, Blackwood Miner’s Institute. The evening took the format of two halves with an interval and this six piece band entertained us with a selection of traditional Welsh songs and tunes interspersed with original compositions, mainly from the pen of founder member Kate Strudwick but also with contributions from Chris Jones and Alan Cooper. All the music was taken from across the band’s 22 year career and took us on a journey from the Festival Interceltique at L’Orient to sparsely attended performances in Ireland before returning to Wales across a stormy Irish Sea, stopping to remember Kate’s former landlady and her cat along, the way. The songs were mainly entrusted to Catrin O’Neill who, since joining the band in 2015, has taken on the role of lead vocalist and her vocal style adds a haunting quality to such songs as Dafydd Y Garreg Wen and Lisa Lân, both of which take the passing of a loved one as their subject matter, Catrin’s versatility means she is equally at home singing about hopeful love, as in Ym Mhontypridd Mae’n Nghariad, or the celebratory staples of the Mari Lwyd in Pwnco and Canu Cwnsela or rousing songs of workers' rights, as in Gorthrwm Y Gweithiwr with its dire warning to the Victorian Ironmasters of Beaufort. This evening had all the ingredients needed to make a memorable performance, six talented performers who obviously enjoy performing together and transmitted that joy through their music to an appreciative audience, a quality venue with friendly staff and a crystal clear sound system ensuring that none of the music’s nuances were lost. It was a pleasure to attend this concert and I look forward to seeing Allan Yn Y Fan perform again in the not too distant future. "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Mike and his band played for Martin’s 60th birthday barn dance. They made it a very special night full of lovely memories. Alan was a fab caller. Navigated us through the dances with humour and laughter. Alan was extremely helpful and empathetic towards one of our guests who is blind and called dances that she could join in without making it obvious to lots of guests. Many didn’t even realise she was not sighted. We had many comments from our guests who complimented the band on the accordion player (sorry I forgot your name) Mike the fiddle player and Alan our caller. A great trio and we really recommend them! Thank you guys! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saw you at my friend Clare's birthday party last month and will be booking ourselves for our upcoming anniversary party. So blooming great. Loved it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Another musician recommended Rachel, and I'm so pleased that he did! Rachel was joined by Matt Coyte (percussion), and their duo was perfect for our mini festival. The music was mainly fairly recent covers, 90's/00's, from Pink to Katy Perry to Snow Patrol. They turned up on time, very friendly and professional. They were very accommodating to our guests - from kids having a sing along on their mic, to well oiled grown ups joining them too! The booking process and communications before hand were easy - all over email, and very efficient. Absolutely 10/10 - we will book for next year if we can! Thanks Rachel!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would give 6/5 if Google allowed! Everything was top-notch: communication and co-ordination in the run-up to the wedding, the music, the caller's instructions to the guests during the dance. The barn dancing went down a treat with the guests and was the highlight of the night! Big thanks to Murphy's Lore!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Murphy's Lore. We just wanted to say many thanks to you for providing the music and dance at our 40th wedding anniversary barn dance last Saturday, 19th July. The whole evening was excellent and we keep having friends say how they enjoyed the music and dancing "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Black Velvet Band, Your Ceilidh band played at a Burns Night I attended last night at MOD Corsham. They were great and got everyone up and involved. Everyone really enjoyed it. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They're really Good. REALLY good. They get everyone up and dancing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a treat it was last night to have you playing for us. Your choice of music was delightful and, of course, so beautifully played. I hope you could feel the appreciation from our guests. The dancing went very well considering the large numbers of non-members attending; what they lacked in expertise, they more than made up for in enthusiasm. We hope that you too enjoyed your evening; we certainly did. Thank you so much for your considerable contribution to the success of our evening (and the piper said you were great company!)."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Had Lucy & Jack for our wedding band and they took care of music for the whole day, from ceremony right up to the end of the night and it was perfect. Such great song choices from beginning to end, and they pitched the mood exactly how I dreamed it. Thank you so much and hope to see you live again soon!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very professional act and great singers. Everyone had a great time at their show at our club. A really enjoyable day, thank you. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They played at the company Christmas party. Very professional. The music was fantastic, they got the room involved and so many people up dancing. We have had a lot of really positive feedback from our guests, and will definitely look into having the Shamrock Experience back in the future. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for the fabulous ceilidh on Saturday night, we had a truly memorable celebration. All our guests commented on what a fun night it was with everyone up dancing by the end! Barry was brilliant and pitched his instructions at the right level for us amateurs - the perfect mix of assertive and entertaining! ? The music provided by The Ceilihouse was superb - you are a very talented bunch and I won’t hesitate to recommend your services. It should also be noted that Chris was excellent from our first contact. He alleviated my worries, tried hard to accommodate my late requests and quickly replied to all my messages! If you want a ceilidh band, look no further! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were very happy with you and your band, you guys are real pros! Thank you again for a great party! All the best, Rob. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: