Review Centre: Wedding Musicians

"IT WAS billed as A Night At The Musicals, and it was certainly a title which attracted a packed house to the Howden Park Centre last Friday evening when Darren Shaw and three dancers took the stage and sang and danced their hearts out. Two for the price of one took on a whole new meaning in this show in which we, the audience, were encouraged to join in with some of the well known songs. If you looked around, all you could see was a sea of smiling faces having a great time reminiscing and sharing some of their favourite moments from the musicals. This was courtesy of one very talented young man sporting a George Clooney haircut and diamond earring, some nifty costume changes, an incredible voice range and an endearing smile. Using a variety of spectacular, if sometimes dazzling lighting effects, and the obligatory dry ice creating an atmosphere that makes the singer appear suspended in clouds, the show began with a spotlight into which sauntered Mr Shaw in top hat and tails singing On The Street Where You Live, from My Fair Lady. Once again the excellent acoustics of the Brian Duguid Theatre played host to emotive, full orchestral music courtesy of impeccably timed tapes. Maybe it was just a shade loud in the first half which saw something very unusual and totally original. Everyone is familiar with The Sound of Music and the recent Connie Fisher version of The Hills are alive. Enter Darren Shaw looking splendid in lederhosen, like a denizen of Austria and straight from the Alps. To everyone's amazement and some barely concealed audience mirth, he became a soprano and made the hills come alive in his own special way. As the show progressed, the format of two songs by Mr Shaw interspersed with dance routines by the hardworking dancers began to win us over. For the first time ever, the famous duet from Grease, You're The One That I Want, was sung by Mr Shaw who performed the male and female parts. Using his falsetto voice – an attribute which was once taught in Italy in the middle ages resulting in the singers being known as castratto (please, don't ask) – Shaw sang the SuBo hit from Les Miserables as he duetted with himself in I Know Him So Well. In The Phantom of the Opera sequence he once again sang the famous duet which takes Christine, the soprano and The Phantom to perform, all by himself. As for the three dancers, two glamorous blondes and a bonny brunette, they proved their versatility by dancing a variety of styles from musical comedy to modern with a brave attempt at Irish River Dancing which drew cheers from the audience. The finale saw Shaw resplendent in a mint green sparkling shirt and matching flares with the dancers in glittering jump suits so there was no doubt that we would hear something from Mamma Mia and we certainly did. This night at the theatre was indeed a feast of tunes from the musicals which at first, thanks to Mr Shaw's dual voice, seemed a little hard to digest but soon became an acquired taste."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What an amazing set! Me and my wife were recommended this band by a friend of ours and we were not disappointed! We're both big fans of the Foo Fighters and did an amazing acoustic version of "My Hero" for our first dance. Would love to see them play again!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Nick Sanquest was an in-house performer for three years at the Farmgate Café, in Cork’s historic English Market. His gentle, lyrical guitar style provided a soothing counterpoint to the bustling marketplace below Farmgate’s mezzanine setting. With his humorous and easy manner, Nick’s musical style is reflected in his engaging personality, and he was always flexible in his availability to add a wonderful atmosphere to our events, and for our daytime trade."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"If music be the food of love, then heritage musician Peter Bull has enough on his menu for a medieval banquet... Peter’s popular recitals and talks really brought the hall to life... visitors were able to enjoy a truly authentic 17th century experience. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Where do we even begin! A million thank you’s is not enough! Thank you to Giuseppe and all the band for providing the soundtrack to memories we will treasure for a lifetime . From the aperitivo to the first dance to the last, you guys were truly fantastic and everyone has been soo impressed! We loved every second of having you guys there and will never forget how amazing you all were. From our little flower girl to our 88 year old grandmother, everyone loved the music and that is something very special! Thank you, thank you, thank you guys! Just fantastic!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the pleasure of Romy entertaining us and our guests at my 60th birthday celebrations late in January (2025). She was and is truly amazing. Such a talented musician and singer who deserves to go far!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Charlene Sax was the highlight of our annual company Gala. With her lounge beats and dinner music, she really made the night."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ray and Kay were great. They arrived early and took the time and care to set up to where they weren't too loud or intrusive. I know it can be a delicate and tricky balance for the musicians to estimate whether or not they're overpowering an audience that wants to socialize yet stay present enough to not fade into the background. They clearly have the experience to understand dynamics and are really good at reading a room. It's nice to be accommodating, but also refreshing to see a musical act sense when a night is wrapping up. We event directors want to go home at some point, too! Ray and Kay were tight, professional and friendly. Worth hiring for any event. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Very professional and truly helpful. We contacted them 20 days before the event and they were able to accommodate all our requests. I highly recommend them."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I The Weddingers sono un mix pazzesco di bravura e talento. Hanno un repertorio incredibile, un sound strepitoso e la capacità di intrattenere da far invidia a chiunque. Sono flessibili, instancabili ed attenti alle esigenze degli sposi! Li adoro anzi li hanno adorati tutti i miei invitati! Li consiglio vivamente se avete voglia di un vero gruppo per il vostro matrimonio, non vi deluderanno! Hanno dei tempi clamorosi, la capacità di mettere la canzone giusta al momento giusto e poi ripeto.. un repertorio favoloso.. dai grandi classici ai Coldplay (Davide poi ha stessa voce di Chris Martin e non esagero), Bruno Mars...stra-stra-stra consigliati!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Patrick's piano performance added a touch of sophistication to our outdoor garden party. His talent and versatility made the event truly special, and our guests couldn't stop raving about it."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An absolutely outstanding Performer! Punctual, polite, and attentive to everyone. He made our party absolutely fantastic. We can’t wait to find an excuse to book him again! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely great! Perfect music, great energy, friendly, accommodating and will definitely hire for another event. Very professional, arrived on time and ready to go! Great playlist and vibes. Thank you so much 💗"

Reply by Kiki Infante
Again, thank you so much for having hired me for your event. I had a blast!! -Kiki

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"With an extensive song list and a natural instinct for reading the room, Ken engages audiences of all ages. A consistently outstanding performer - and one we recommend without hesitation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gabriel brought our luxury brand launch to life with his extraordinary performance. His music filled the space with elegance, passion, and energy, creating exactly the atmosphere we envisioned. A true artist and an absolute joy to collaborate with."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: