Jonny has played at our pub many times, he always knows how to work a crowd to get them in the palm of his hand, singing along and feeling his happy vibe. He can also deliver extremely beautiful laid back songs and he has a lot of soul. He is an amazing guitarist and a beautiful singer.
-The Old White Swan
Jonny played at our wedding and he really made the night a cracker! We were singing and dancing to a great selection of tunes that were delivered with great energy and a lot of soul. Fantastic!
-Katie Edland
We had Jonny come down to play at a charity event and he was a real crowd pleaser! He had all the old folks in the crowd singing along to songs from the 60s and 70s and he had such a good choice of songs that got people in the mood.
-Bar 166
Dear Ivan,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other users.
Ed.
Details of the Recommendation: "Ivan has a great stage presence when performing with The Runaways, not only does he provide great entertainment with his music but also adds humour to his performance. Ivan is a great hit with the audience and can comfortably perform in front of large crowds. I highly recommend booking Ivan and seeing The Runaways!"
Service Category: Entertainment
Year first hired: 2014
Top Quality Great Results, Expert, Creative.
Osjed Talent Agency Romford Essex.
-Osjed Talent Agency Romford Essex.
Ivan is a really Nice Guy and a great drummer . I have known Ivan since he was a young boy and know his skills well and would recommend him and his band The Runaways in a heartbeat, they are reliable friendly and get the crowd going a must for your party or venue. Andy Kier Pro DJ
-Andy Kier
I have known Ivan as the Runaways Drummer for a long time. Dedicated to a point. Harry Brookes Entertainment Agency
-Harry Brookes Entertainment Agency
'Thank you all so much, it was the most amazing day. Everyone loved the band, you had the dance floor full all night! Your version of 'Candy Shop' was the best ever and the other songs you learnt for us were just as epic. Thanks again.'
-Kat & Wayne McCouid Wedding at a private marquee, Reading
"Thank you for making our wedding reception so special. You were extremely professional and it was greatly appreciated that you managed to create a unique version of our song for the first dance. We has so many guests saying how much they enjoyed the band and we'd have no hesitation recommending you to anyone"
-Andy & Trisha Hugman. Wedding Reception, Hampshire Court, Basingstoke.
--Andy & Trisha Hugman. Wedding Reception, Hampshire Court, B
"All my friends are looking for an excuse to have a party so they can book the band! Thanks again guys"
-Tina Davidson
"Absolutely amazing, they were recommended to us and I now know why....thanks to them, we had a brilliant night. If you're thinking about booking them, do it!!! They're fantastic. Thank you so much to all of the band."
-Bryony Eaves, 40th Birthday Party, Manor House Hotel, Moreto
"This band are amazing!!! Had the pleasure of hearing them play twice now at a wedding and my sister's 40th. Would recommend them to anyone for any occasion!!! Brilliant!!!"
-Alison McColloch
It stopped raining, the stars came out. Then there was Martin Farbrother and the Railway Swing Band, who could have asked for anything more, certainly not the audience at the bandstand last Wednesday in Festival Week.
What a cracking good band this is, fronted by David White?. The singer and the band when performing the songs was much appreciated by a mix of ages in the audience, especially the more elderly who's twinkle toes had long gone but with the music in their memories
Congratulations to Dave for shoehorning the band on the stage so anyone playing in the front row of the saxophones did not get poked in the ear by a trombone!
This was entertainment at its best and so the time of the performance went to soon. We had never seen or heard this band before and myself, Jean and our daughter enjoyed every minute. Well done to all concerned and especially Martin
Alan Major. Heaton Road Canterbury
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April 2015
Dear Martin
Thank you so much for agreeing to do my birthday party. I am really looking forward to it and I'm sure all my guests will enjoy your entertainment as my husband and I have done all the times we have seen you
Best regards
Debbie Good
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December 2014
Private birthday party at the Hempstead House Hotel
Hi Martin
We had a wonderful evening and your presence was the icing on the cake - my guests loved you
Thank you for my cuddles - you are so kind
I wish you a happy Christmas and New Year.
Lots of love Maureen xxx
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November 2014
Dear Martin
Thank you for making our Christmas Lunch so very enjoyable
Members must have been impressed as I have had several phone calls saying how great the day was and especially you
I hope your evening at Faversham went well
Have a very happy and hopefully relaxing Christmas and a Healthy New Year
Thank you once again you were great
Kind regards
Sittingbourne Retirement Club
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August 2014
Las Vegas Variety Show
Produced and directed by Martin
Alan Major from Heaton Road Canterbury
I have to write in connection with the recent Las Vegas show at Herne Bay Bandstand which my wife and I both enjoyed seeing and hearing and thought it was very good. The dancers and Marilyn Monroe lookalike, considering the limitations of the stage were very professional in both their routines and deserved the applause they got from the audience . A certain Martin Farbrother and his colleague Ray Martin did not seem inhibited either by the stage area that was available and tripped here and there with a rather good light fandango, rendering the songs whilst doing so, again appreciated by the audience. Congratulations to all concerned
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August 2014
Two of a Kind Dinner Cabaret
Whitstable Castle
(Two comments)
It was an excellent evening, it felt very personal, as if we were part of the event and not just listening, we would definitely go again
Graham Jenks
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We were lucky enough to come to your Cabaret at Whitstable castle last Saturday, you and Ray were simply excellent. Put you and Ray in the Whitstable Castle with the service and food to match and the evening was a complete success. (We have emailed the Castle asking when are you going to be on again.)
We mustn`t forget the magician Amazing Grace and we hope to see him again soon
Please pass on our appreciation to Ray
Paddie and Graham
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July 2014
Re Herne Bay charity concerts
(Abridged)
Hello Martin
Congratulations on another excellent singing & entertainment afternoon which we all enjoyed as usual and we are so pleased you are able to continue to hold them at the Bandstand
When I said "what next a pantomime" I said this as a serious venture as many top stars go on tour for a month or so in such a show and means they reach a wider audience with the right people in the business
In the mean time congartulations again, the faces of the handicapped people and their taking part said it all, you are on the right wavelength as an entertainer
John - Canterbury
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June 2014
Re entertaining 100 guests at a strawberry tea
Dear Martin
I felt I had to write and thank you for a wonderful afternoon. Each and every one of our members left with a big smile on their faces and all said how brilliant it was.
Thank you so much and we will contact you again when we put next years programme in place. Very many thanks
Anne Radlett Sittingbourne 55+ Fellowship
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April 2014
From Liz Hare Managing Director of
The Dover Cruise Terminal Holiday & Leisure Show
Thank you so much for your hard work over the show- I am eternally grateful- it is so nice to work with such nice people! We had 2,761 visitors through the doors throughout the day which was fantastic and made everything worthwhile! I can never thank you enough for all you do and look forward to doing it all again next year!!!
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March 2014
Kathleen Gawler Reference Mum & Dad's 60th Wedding Anniversary
Wow what can I say but a very BIG thank you from Mum & Dad , myself and all the family for all that you did on Saturday - I think it all went brilliantly and I hope that I was not too domineering !! But I think between us the tweaks here and there worked well. The response we have had from party guests have been full of praise - so well done and thanks. I hope Colleen also enjoyed the evening and it was a pleasure to have you both there as guests - as part of our friends and family and not just as an entertainer
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Laura Carpenter
Booked for her Mum's special birthday
I would recommend Martin to entertain at any occasion , he is a truly lovely gentleman who makes everyone feel very special and of course his singing voice is amazing. He completely made my mums birthday party and everyone is still talking about him
Many thanks Martin
..................................
Leon Carl Green
I just looked you up on You Tube, and listened to I left my heart in San Francisco, I used to live there so I was wondering if you would give me that longing feeling I get when someone sings it a certain way. You hit it just right and you sounded wonderful. In other words tonight you have made a new fan
.
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Stephen - The Flower of Kent Odd Fellows Club
31 August 2013
You know I really enjoyed this evening with Martin Croones playing exactly what his audience wanted. If the floor filled with dancers he kept the tempo the same and all could continue to dance. During the evening he did three spots starting with songs of Frank Sinatra, later he sang songs of Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, the Carpenters, the Beatles and so many others. The first part of the show was an hour long, during the break he played background music softly in the background whilst we had our main course
When Martin started his second hour he said we should all get up and work off all the food we had had. Martin really knows how to play his audience by walking to each of the tables and singing directly to ladies sat at their tables. The lucky ones of Molly Clarke, Christine Howden, Pamela Magee, Doreen Lindsey, Miriam Walters, Mavis Gargaro and Hilda actually danced with him as he sang which was very unusual but very nice. For most of the evening someone was on the dance floor. At the end there was a round of applause for Martin and shouts for an encore, which he gladly did. The last thing Martin did was to wish all a safe journey home and to thank all of the good sports who he sang to or danced with.
Such a good night I am confident we will have him back again next year
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3 August 2013
Dear Martin
Words cannot describe our thanks and appreciation for your efforts on Saturday. Absolutely everyone including the grand kids said how good you were and they were all impressed with how well you held the whole evening together. I know you did more for us than you would normally do and I cannot thank you enough. You are magic and a star
Regards Mike Tomassi
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The Abbey Hotel Minster Isle of Sheppey
6 April 2013
Hi Martin.
Thanks for another night of brilliant entertainment, can't wait till you are here again
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Martin
Just a quick line to say thank you for performing for Derek’s 70th birthday on Saturday at Lordswood Social Club. Many people commented on what a great choice of songs you sung – there was something for everyone. We would not hesitate in booking you again and will recommend you to anyone else who is looking for a professional performer with a great voice and extensive set. Thanks again for a great night
Kind regards Colin & Sandra Germany
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Patrice Gardner Private Party
12 February 2012
Just wanted to say a very big thank you for Tuesday. Von had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed it and you made it all the more special for her. Everyone really enjoyed themselves
Our celebrations continued throughout the afternoon and all day yesterday (her actual birthday) finally finishing up at The Artichoke in Chartham for dinner last night.
Thank you again for starting us off with your most enjoyable vocal entertainment
...............................................
Surprise birthday party at
The Hilton Hotel Maidstone
2 February 2013
Thank you so much Martin you were brilliant and EVERYONE has commented on you and how
brilliant you are! Hopefully this isn't the last time we see you - we do love a
party!!!
Rebecca Hopper
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Private Birthday Party 8 December 2012
Hi Martin
Thank you so much for making our evening so special - you were wonderful.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and it was a perfect evening
Best wishes
Maureen Edwards
Amanda Holdstock - Owner of The Hempstead House Hotel Bapchild
Just wanted to say what a fantastic evening it was on Saturday. We all thought you were excellent and the music was absolutely perfect for the evening. It was a very emotional evening for all of us and I have to admit to bursting into tears as soon as I left the room. Maureen is such an inspiration to us all and a truly amazing lady.
Well done for providing her with the perfect birthday.You dererve all the praise Martin - you pitched it just right and everyone could see how much you wanted it to be perfect for her.
..............................................................................
Mick Tomassi - Private party organiser
What a professional. You have answered so many of our questions and worries in a few short paragraphs.
Brilliant.Firstly, and MOST importantly, could we please make a confirmed booking with you for that evening of
Saturday 3rd August 2013. Secondly, what you suggest sounds perfect for our needs, and we certainly take on board your thoughts.
The wedding of Jayne & Carl August 2012
Jayne and I would like to thank you for the fantastic contribution you made to our wedding day at Hempstead House on 26th August 2012. It was very hard to keep it a surprise from Jayne and our guests for so long but the whole experience was worth it. Jayne still talks excitedly about having her favourite song being sung live as she entered the room and you performing during the wedding breakfast. Many of the guests were surprised how virtually invisible you were and how you blended in throughout the wedding breakfast, you added such a lovely and comforting atmosphere to the proceedings.
Jayne and I would like to purchase a CD of yours as we didn’t get a chance on the day, with your permission we would like to use the music as the background music on our Wedding Photo DVD, which is being produced by our photographer Trevor Vingoe
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Wedding Cabaret
We had the pleasure of booking you for our wedding reception at Hempstead House Hotel, on the 21st July 2012. We first met when you performed at Paddies daughters wedding in 2011 and we deliberately chose our wedding day to ensure that you were available. We can only say that we and all our guests were not disapointed. Your performance was professional and polished. We have only had positive comments from all our families and friends of all ages. We have no hesitation in recommending you and are racking our brains to come up with another reason for having another party to book you!!!
Regards and best wishes, Paddie and Graham.
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Ada Williams 90th birthday party 5 May 2012
Hi Martin,
Everybody had a wonderful evening on Saturday, and Ada has not stopped talking about her party.
All friends and relations had the best time, and what we organised seemed to be just right for Ada.
Ada loved your entertainment and her dance with you, and you made her feel special, and that what it was all about.
Our many thanks for providing us with such wonderful entertainment, for such a special occassion.
Kind regards, and hope to see you in the future.
Lesley & Mike
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Hempstead House Hotel Bapchild
Dinner Cabaret 11 November 2011
Thank you so much Martin for making this evening such a success because I have had such great feedback. You are such a professional and the main reason for asking you to become part of what we do here has been your amazing enthusiasm and commitment for what you do. We have a very hard-working team at the hotel and I like to work with people who have the same ethos as it comes across very clearly to the guests. I hope we can work together for many years to come. It was because the evening sold out so quickly I was unable to attend. I did however come down a few times during the evening but you were busy singing. The atmosphere you created was wonderful and your interaction with the guests made it very special
Mandy Holdstock - Owner and Managing Director of the hotel
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What a night to remember Martin, you nailed it regardless of your sore throat. Who needed food when you have a person with fab-u-lous music, vocals and personality. Hempstead House won't forget your sell-out performance.
Well done, a true pro
Jack & Dot Scarfe
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Private birthday party
We have seen Martin perform at several different venues and always enjoyed it so when I was planning my 7oth birthday celebrations I naturally thought of him. He was willing to fit in with my arrangements and visited the venue before hand to check its suitability.
The party was a great success and everyone said how much they enjoyed it and the entertainment. Martin's warm personality brought the party alive and he encouraged everyone to join in. He sang to several of the older ladies personally and they thought it was wonderful. It was such a pleasure to have music to dance to but also be able to talk to old friends without being deafened by loud music.
I am sure he will get many more bookings as a result of my party
Mel Pentecost - 29 October 2011
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Ann Davis - Regarding my cabaret for a charity fund raising variety show
28 October 2011
Dear Martin. Thank you for making tonight so special you went down great with everyone. My husband and son would have been so proud if they could have been there. I'm so pleased you did it 'My Way'
Thank you again
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Margaret Week's 80th birthday September 10th 2011
‘We booked Martin for our mum Margaret’s 80th birthday party at the Dover Marina hotel, which was a great success. Martin is truly unique. He put a lot of effort into organising a mix of songs that we preferred with others that he knew would mix well for the event. At the party he instantly creates a warmth to the room with his friendly manner, interacting with guests and singing songs that come from the heart. We would have no hesitation in giving Martin the highest commendation.
Bernie Boyce
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Wedding Cabaret
Just wanted to say once again a huge THANKYOU for entertaining us and our guests on our Wedding Day at Hempstead House. We had an absolutely fantastic time. We'd kept you a surprise for the guests, and we've received nothing but praise for you. We will certainly be recommending you in the future to anyone looking for a singer
We are trying to think of any parties we could have, just so we could book you again.
It was great to see everyone up on their feet the moment you started to sing, I think we can put that down to you being a great, professional entertainer. Mum and I made a brilliant choice after seeing you at the Wedding Fayre at Hempstead House, so glad that you'd decided to go there that day to promote yourself.
Once again a huge THANKYOU, from me, Daryl and all of our guests
Charlotte & Daryl Moorcraft
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Richard, myself, Katie & Alex would like to thank you most sincerely for you're wonderful entertainment that you provided at their wedding on Saturday. Every guest commented on what a lovely man you are and of course thoroughly enjoyed you’re singing. Your easy style and rapport with the guests relaxed everyone. Thus making a great family occasion go with a swing. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Once again with many thanks
Anita Righton – Bride’s Mum
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The London Beach Hotel Re: Valentines 2011
Quoted in an article in What's On in The Weald of Kent
'Entertainment is provided by Martin Croones, one of the South East's most popular Crooners, who gained rave reviews after his performance at our New Year's Eve celebrations'
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Medway Rotary Club
It was a great evening, and exactly what we wanted.
We have this morning received some e-mails from Rotary members saying how much they enjoyed last night.
Our many thanks to you for making the evening such a success.
Once we have sorted out Lesley's birthday celebrations for Sept 2011, we will be in touch.
Kind regards
Lesley & Mike Williams
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Zan Clifford - July 2010
I hired Martin for a 70th Birthday party attended by 85 guests and he was a great success. He was very helpful in the planning of the event and had a good rapport with my guests, who thought he was great, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself as well.
I would thoroughly recommend him and would book him again
...................................................................
The London Beach Hotel, Golf Club & Spa Tenterden
I would strongly recommend Martin (Croones) Farbrother for any events that you may decide to book him for. I have found Martin to be very accommodating and he has a great voice to go with it. We booked Martin for New Years Eve 2009 and re-booked for
New Years Eve 2010 plus events throughout this year leading into next. We have also had positive feedback from people who have attended both the New Years Eve function and our Summer Ball.
If you would like to ask me any questions I will be only too happy to answer them for you.
Kind Regards
Rebecca Smith Function & Wedding Coordinator
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THE GAVEL & STAFF LODGE October 2009
Dear Martin.
I am writing to say thank you for your contribution to the success of our Ladies Festival on 11th October 2009 at the Hythe Imperial Hotel
Your easy style set the tone for the whole evening. All our guests commented how much they enjoyed your performance.
I requested a particular song for my wife Marion. This was not in your repertoire, but you ensured that you included it during the evening, and you sang it as I knew you would, with feeling. Also when you did the cabaret during the interval, you had the assembled guests on their feet dancing.
I would not have any hesitation in recommending you to others, as your presence would guarantee the success of any event you attended.
Once again, thank you so much, you were the cherry on top of the cake.
I look forward to meeting and working with you in the not too distant future.
W.Bro. Gordon Haining. Worshipful Master
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Canterbury Golf Club
Aaron Harlow, Bar Manager
Scotland Hills, Littlebourne Road,
Canterbury, Kent CT1 1TW
14th July 2009
To whom it may concern
I have engaged Martin Croones several times so far this year to entertain at the Golf Club. Martin has proved to be very popular because of the professional manner in which he performs.
His dress code, fine voice, easy listening style and wide repertoire of songs from many popular vocalists enable his audience to listen, dance or sing a long with him. It is also nice that the volume is at a level where people can still enjoy a conversation with their friends. Martin’s ‘patter’ and ability to judge the mood of the music required always seems right for the occasion.
I am happy to recommend Martin for these reasons and also for the fact that he is always ready to listen and offer advice, thus enabling us to plan functions successfully.
Many thanks Martin for your help & support now and the future,
Bar Manager Aaron Harlow
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DYMCHURCH ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2009
"Martin is an excellent entertainer. His mellow voice and charming personality had the men singing along and even wooed the ladies into dancing all afternoon. The selection and range of music had everyone reminiscing and suited all tastes. Martin's super rendition of 'New York' that rounded off the afternoon had everyone on their feet dancing, swaying and singing along. Excellent value - could have listened all evening - Thanks Martin - see you again next year"!
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Herne Bay Bowls Club
"Martin performed at our Christmas Luncheon and we found him an excellent choice as his repertoire was extensive and he suited all our tastes. Members would be delighted if he attended further social functions"
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Mr & Mrs Walker - Private Birthday Party Canterbury
"Thanks for a great evening, everyone had a great time and lots have people have asked for your details"
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Tracy, The Westbrook Integrated Care Centre
" Thank you very much for your excellent entertainment. It was nice to see you interacting with our clients and singing to them, it made their day"
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Dear Martin
Please find enclosed deposit for my mum's party in Caterham Surrey in June 2016
Mum is very excited now you are booked. My dad died 5 years ago and its been a long slow recovery for her, so its lovely to see her all excited. She has shed many tears at Herne Bay Bandstand over the years when you have to sung to her. Don't worry she is all full of fun & smiles now you are doing her party!
Best wishes
Dawn Fisher
-Dawn Fisher
“Rory Duffy Trio put on after show performances for Manchester Camerata at the Bridgewater Hall and at the Royal Northern College of Music respectively. I am pleased to say that both performances went successfully; Rory Duffy brought a tasteful cosmopolitan selection of Brazilian tunes and acoustic Latin, blending well-known arrangements with original compositions, which created a buzzing vibe and went down very well with our audiences, keeping them at the bar all evening! Great fun and would definitely book them for future events.” - Manchester Camarata, November 2010
-Manchester Camarata, November 2010
"Please can you thank Rory and the band for me as I didn't have chance to thank them personally yesterday... They were tremendous, and several people commented on how it just added the perfect finishing touch to the day. Hindley Hall have also asked for your details and I will pass them on. They were also very impressed with the musicians." - Ruth, Christening, Manchester, May 2011
-Ruth, Christening, Manchester, May 2011
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