Review Centre: Folk Singers

"Harmonica Lewinsky, half musician, half comedian, can't be filed easily under any one genre. There are no "rawk" anthems or jangly pop toons to guide you to a familiar sense of comfy numbness you may well be used to in your local music venue. Instead, you get a proper show. Someone - that's Phil Leiwy, crazy alchemist of alter-ego Lewinsky - has taken it upon himself to create a crisp set of upbeat, rhythmic gems played on guitar (choppy, jazzy, mellow), vocals (smooth, welcoming) and of course, a boxload of harmonicas (swanky, tuneful, engaging). But words alone seem unable to explain why, after a HL gig, you go home feeling as if you have been crane-lifted out of a ditch... If you haven't seen HL play, go and see for yourself, and let the performance into your life. Careful listening really helps: the lyrics to many of Phil's songs - including Gordon Brown (to the tune of the Stranglers' "Golden Brown") - are wry, clever and occasionally rude. Lovers of X-Factor stability or other social brainwashing techniques may leave feeling confused."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had the absolute pleasure of having The Beer Mats play for my brothers wedding in Tipperary! We did a flyby trip to see them perform in Howth (from the UK) beforehand and knew they would be spot on for the wedding. We couldn't have asked for a better performance on the big day, from the moment they starting playing, they had everyone up on their feet - young, old, Irish and not so Irish! They played traditional and classic sing/dance along songs and even covered a few country songs as requested for the first dance and more! All the guys are down to earth and easy to work with, they kept the craic going all night and I'm not sure the guests feet will ever recover! If your looking to hire an Irish band, I cannot recommend these guys enough! Thank s so much guys, The Rawlings family"

Reply by The BeerMats Irish Folk & Ballads
Thanks to the Rawlings family we had a great night with you all.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Andrew sang for us at a small, private birthday party. He was simply brilliant, everyone was absolutely blown away by his voice and his guitar accompaniment. Everything was just perfect, such a lovely atmosphere!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The guys were excellent! We had organised for them to play for pre-meal entertainment at our wedding and the room they were set up in was packed for the full 2 hours. We had such good feedback from all our guests! Couldn’t recommend them more. Get these boys booked!! BallyMaGarvey Village Navan, Co Meath, Wedding (October 2025)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Recently played our wedding at the Tradewinds. Amazing performance of 3 songs we asked her to learn at short notice. Incredibly friendly and professional, with a beautiful voice. Thanks!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired Jack for a couple of hours at my local Rugby Club for a do, safe to say it was a fantastic night, he knew every request, we all sang along to him, and it was just a really fun night"

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:

"Joe is consistent success at our events. I regularly book him in for a Friday night slot to entertain the guests in the bar area. All feedback I have received regarding Joe has been highly positive and guests always enjoy his nights at the microphone, and feel included in the fun. Joe is a highly skilled singer/guitar player and I would always recommend him to anyone looking for a musician for and event or otherwise. As well as being an all round genuine and nice guy."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"What a wonderfully energetic band! Thank you so much for making Positive Help's birthday party a roaring success. Even those sitting down were dancing! You were all great! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We saw KT at the Hopkins Winery today for a solo outdoor concert. A wide range of music was presented and we thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Requests were taken and everyone in the audience seemed to enjoy the music!"

Reply by Kt Lay
Thank you so much for the review, I remember that day-it was so much fun! I hope to see you there again :)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bill created a positive Hawaiian vibe with his singing and guitar, harmonica, and ukulele."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow, honestly Matt made our wedding. Do not hesitate to use this service! I’m so glad we did to get Matt for our big day! Everyone has commented on how brilliant Matt was! I would highly recommend him for any event his voice and song list has everything to offer. What an amazing voice Thank you sooo much for singing me up the aisle on Sunday as a surprise to my now husband Thank you for learning our favourite song it made the ceremony that extra bit special xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Easy listening – which the young love ironically and the old love wholeheartedly – is on an upward curve and ‘Velvet’ which reached No. 2 in the albums charts, may just have been the making of Byrom – this show case performance, featuring a 26 piece orchestra has long been a sell-out."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rich helped us out at the last minute (we booked him a week before the event.) He was very professional and responsive. Our guests loved him!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I recently booked Owen at very short notice to play at our home for my Husbands 50th Birthday. We arranged it all by email as it was a surprise for my Husband, Owen was very obliging, on time and professional, he was the 'icing on the cake' and all our guests commented on his performance. Thank you Owen! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: