Review Centre: Irish Bands

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio / 16/07/2021 / Cecilia and Johny’s Wedding Mike and the Black Velvet Band played at our wedding and put together a fantastic set. They had very thoughtfully come up with some more Covid secure dances to cater for people wishing to stay in their respective bubbles but managed to maintain the energy and enthusiasm throughout. The music was brilliant and the calling was the best that I’ve seen at a ceilidh (a difficult skill to perfect!). We did 6 or 7 dances and the band very considerately asked how we (my wife and I) would like to lead the dances to ensure plenty of people engaged but we had no concerns as everyone joined in. All of our guests were delighted and we can’t thank the band for stepping in at relatively short notice, we had a brilliant time."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Lilac, Remko and the wonderful musicians for putting on such a stand-up show in every respect. We couldn't have asked for better entertainment for our calibre of clientele. I would recommend your services to anyone interested in a quality soul-Motown band."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Never seen punters stay for so long to watch a band! Absolutely brilliant stuff. We can't wait to have them back in our venue. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio – Christian and Fiona’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Party – May 2026 Wonderful, great musicians, great caller, managed to get dancing going for a mixed age group which included from quite senior to a few young children. The band were very helpful and flexible and helped towards a memorable evening for everyone. Great music, plenty of dancing, great party!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band were really great and we are so happy that we found them and they were able to come and play in Normandy."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Totally Blown Away……. We had arranged a small celebration in a local village hall for our friends and family and the venue itself was tiny. We looked around to try and find a band to entertain our guests, the majority of which were at the older end of the spectrum. We spent weeks and weeks searching without success and almost changed our plans but eventually came across Kelly & Graham. Having looked at their videos we were amazed how versatile they were but given the fact they were based over 200 miles away we were resigned to the fact they probably wouldn’t travel so far for a one off event. We needn’t have worried, Kelly put us at ease straight away and accepted the booking. She is a great communicator and kept us totally up to speed throughout the process. We were pretty stressed out with co-ordinating the whole event but she promised that we did not have to worry about the music and she was right. They arrived early and set up their equipment and mingled with our guests. We had selected the music to perform from their vast songbook and also added a couple of songs that meant a lot to us. They were brilliant. The night went with a bang. Everyone who came that evening has spoken to us to say how good they were. Kelly’s voice is amazing and Grahams guitar playing is fantastic. If you need a band to entertain your guests no matter how big or small the party, then you need to book these two, you will not be disappointed "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had a really great evening. The musicians were very friendly and accommodating. When some of our guests were late arriving because of the dreaded road closure and subsequent diversions, they adapted their sets to suit our timings and many non-dancers were encouraged to get up and shake a leg. Everyone said how much they enjoyed themselves and we would certainly recommend and use them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"St Patrick's night at the Old Fire House Exeter was electric last night. The Extonions were well on form and had the place buzzing. Mac on his green electric fiddle raced away with jigs getting faster and faster, I'm surprised his fiddle didn't catch fire. Mike sang in his sexy Hank Marvin deep gravel voice with a lovely Irish twang. That got the ladies swooning. John swapped with ease from 6 to 12 string guitar and kept up a driving beat together with fingers flying over the strings to create a magical sound. James maintained the foundation of the band with solid bass. The place was so packed it was like how many people can you get in a telephone box, they just kept pouring in. There must have been hundreds at the gig. Feedback said it was the best St Patrick's venue in Exeter that night and greatly down to The Extonions. I highly recommend you don't miss their next gig."

Reply by Irish Band: The Extonions
So sorry for this late reply but we have been busy. We loved playing there although mature talented experienced musicians the younger audience went wild and like you said thought it was the best St Patrick's Night Exeter in Exeter. Mac 🙂 🎨 🎻

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really friendly. Engaged with the audience it was a great night and we would definitely book them again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We first saw It Takes Two in September 2023 and were immediately blown away with their act. On a cruise ship, with a long itinerary, you would imagine the same songs would keep reappearing but, no, not a bit of it! We were treated to a huge variety of different genres, from 50s through to current day songs, Irish nights, Abba nights, Rock and Roll and even a set by Graham showing off his immensely impressive guitar skills. I’ve never seen Kelly without a smile on her face, giggling along. She is such an upbeat and brilliant singer! It soon became very hard to get a seat when they were performing every night. They filled the floor! If you are looking for a band to perform at any function, they will never disappoint. Just remember to invite me along too! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to write you a quick note to say thank-you for your amazing performance on Saturday. Everyone danced all night and you hit exactly the right atmosphere the whole way through. A special thank-you for learning our first dance and also for playing ‘Africa’ – we’re guessing you noticed it was a pretty popular one. We can’t put into words how much fun we had but just want to say a big thank-you for your big part in the night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for last night. Everyone really enjoyed it. Is it ok to post a video of you playing on FB? Sandra xx "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Brilliant as always !!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"“…I just wanted to say a massive thankyou for playing at our party the music was fantastic and everyone has been raving about you all!!! Thanks again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"So glad we chose Slider band to play our wedding reception. It was just like having our own little summer festival! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: