testimonials

I want to send a huge thanks to Carla and Paul for making a fabulous night of music. You set such a wonderful atmosphere with your choice of beautiful laid back jazz which was absolutely perfect for our outdoor summer party – a real delight to listen to and I hope that I will be hearing more of your music in the not too distant future. Thank you so much.

Julie Regan
Petworth Business Association

I hope this works for you

You were brilliant !

Dear Paul and Carla

I just wanted to thank you so much for being part of my birthday celebrations on Saturday. You were both fabulous and your music was appreciated by everyone.

I need to find an excuse for another “do” so that you can come and play for us again!

Many, many thanks and I do hope we meet again in the future.

Very best wishes

Judy Corben

Margaret and myself would just like to say that the band, Carla and of course yourself, Paul, made Barnaby & Kate’s special day absolutely perfect. We know our request for a double venue with 3 sets made it much more difficult for you all, but you executed the operation without anybody even noticing. Thanks again for the great music and songs. We enjoyed the atmosphere that you created and thanks for coping with all the special requests.

Thanks again,

Kind regards,

Margaret & Ian Ingram

Hi Manhattan Groove,

Thank you for a wonderful evening of swing and jazz that you brought to The Epsom Club on Saturday.

Your first-class entertainment was a joy to listen to with such a wide-ranging repertoire.

We certainly look forward to seeing you at our club again.

Kind regards
John Purkiss
The Epsom Club

Do not hesitate to hire this ensemble if you are a devotee of live music and the big band sound. They do all within their power to make your evening completely magical and will cater to your own requests with aplomb. Carla and the band will also be very spontaneous with what ever emerges if timings change. I would without a doubt hire them again given the opportunity.

Sue

Queens Hotel,
Southsea

Our company Christmas dinner & dance, at Chez Vous Warlingham, was all the more enjoyable, and resoundingly successful, thanks to the live music provided by the excellent Paul Stiles quintet fronted by the superb Carla Hendricks. The material utilised ranged from laid back jazz & swing to modern and uptempo, befitting the age range in attendance, and kept many on the dance floor for long periods. It is so much easier for our organiser, if the band & singer assess the mood, and play accordingly, which was certainly the case. The company would have no hesitation in re-engaging Carla & the band.

Peter Mann

Control Energy Costs

You performed brilliantly and went way over your set times – so many thanks. People were very appreciative of your music – some couldn’t believe you were playing live!

Well done to you and Paul and I shall certainly be recommending you to anyone who wants live music at their venue.

Regards,

Sheila

Dear Paul & Carla,

Thank you so very much for a wonderful evening in Midhurst town square.

Your playing and singing was amazing, everyone enjoyed it and had a good time.

With thanks & best wishes,

Dave Willis (parish church of St Mary Magdalene & St Denys)

The Duo of Manhattan Groove played at our Dinner Dance in October and gave us over 2 hours of nonstop high class dance music and singing that kept the dance floor full and the audience happy. Their repertoire, stamina and ability is awesome.

Dr. Gil Collins

Management Committee

Corhampton Golf Club

Dear Paul and Carla

I just wanted to drop you both a note to say thank you for entertaining us on Saturday evening. We really enjoyed your music and it was a perfect accompanient for our very special evening of celebrations.

I thought you might also like some photos and a short video.

Best wishes

Fiona
Chair PCD Family Support Group

Thank you very much for the great entertainment that you and Paul provided for us at our ladies night on 9 February. I have attended ladies nights/weekends for about 40 years, organised them for around 15 years and have been president three times. Without doubt, you and Paul provided some of the best music that we have enjoyed over those years. You have a beautiful, soulful voice and Paul can certainly play the variety of instruments he performed with very well. I could happily sit back and listen to you in concert.
We have attended a number of functions over the years, where the group has left a lot to be desired and this is always a concern when planning a ladies night or other function. I have no hesitation in recommending you both and would be pleased to enjoy your talents again.
Thank you for playing a big part in making our weekend a great success.
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Wileman
Dear Carla,
Wow, thank you for making my birthday dinner amazing in a sleepy village in a lovely tapas on the West Sussex Coast.
Euphoria to my ears, what a wonderful and blissful delight to be mesmerized by such an exchanting, soulful voice who really blew me away. I could not even think about my dinner and did not want to talk to my dinner companion as was in a trance to Carla Hendriks voice and Paul Stiles melodic wonderment. If I had closed my eyes could have been in Lot 606 or Jazz after dark. What a wonderful treat and a real pleasure to my senses.
I just want more, more more
your newest fan.. witteringgirlfriday x
Dear Carla,
I wanted to drop you a quick line to say what a fantastic night you and the band made last night!
This was the fourth Annual Berth Holder Party at the marina – and we have never seen the 400 or so people so happy. In no small part it was credit to your good selves, who judged the mood perfectly. It worked famously for you to start with mellow, well known jazz standards and then ease in the more ‘danceable’ songs as our kegs were gradually running dry. The only problem is that that we had to keep to our rule of a 10.30 finish. By the looks of our customers, they had hours left in them!

Thank you all so much and we hope to get in early to book you again next year.
With kind regards,
Ben Lippiett
Haslar Marina Manager

Dear Sir,
I thought I should take the opportunity to write on behalf of my colleagues in the Southampton Shipowners Association and express our delight with the wonderful Carla Hendriks and her band.

We recently had the good fortune to be recommended Carla to entertain at our annual Summer ball at the prestigious NV Restaurant and Lounge. As you know, this is a five star venue, probably the finest Southampton has to offer, and the Shipowners Ball attracts up to 200 of the leading members of the Southampton business community, with the Mayor of the City as guest of honour. You can understand that a great deal of preparation goes into such an occasion and it’s crucial that the music both for dinner and dancing is of the highest quality. Carla and her boys certainly didn’t disappoint! We have been organising this event for a number of years now and I’m delighted to tell you that we had the best evening yet; with a great many of the guests making specific comment afterwards of how much they enjoyed the music.

Carla pitched the ambience and style perfectly; cool and laid back songs during the dinner and upping the tempo in her later set for dancing. We really were delighted and I’d be happy to recommend Carla & her band to anyone wanting a most professional – and thoroughly enjoyable – evening’s entertainment.

Kind regards,
Ashley Jenkins
Director – John H Whitaker ( Tankers )

Dear Carla,
I would like to thank you and Paul for providing such quality and a wonderful array of music last week at Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club – it certainly was a ‘Dinner with Swing’. Many members of our Probus Club commented how much they enjoyed listening and dancing to your band.
The soulful voice of Carla Hendriks, superb arrangements by Paul Stiles plus the excellent musicianship of the band produced a truly remarkable sound and a great atmosphere. Your versatility and extensive playlist ensured there was something for everyone.
I would not hesitate in recommending Carla Hendriks and the Paul Stiles Band, or should I now say ‘Manhattan Groove’, to anyone wanting to experience a delightful evening of live jazz, swing, latin and contemporary pop classics.
Best wishes for your continued success and looking forward to hearing you again..
Kind regards,
Martin
Dear Carla
I just wanted to write personally and thank you for the way you all played and sung for us at Tango Tea. I have heard so many people saying you and the Band made the afternoon.
For me it was great to have your help and advice during the lead up and I can assure you should we have a do next year, or even in between I will be in touch with you.
The final total was £2,500 and of course The Eve Appeal are delighted.
Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Petty.
Queens Hotel,
Southsea
Dear Carla and Paul
Thank you so much for making my 30th murder mystery birthday celebration such a ‘roaring success’ – the swing was definitely added by you both. I had such a wonderful time and all my guests have said what a great evening it was. All my guests have commented on how wonderful you both were. You made the evening such a special occasion and gave me a real birthday treat.
In 10 years time I’ll need you back for the 40th!!!

I wish you all the very best for the future and will see you both soon.
With very best wishes
Catherine xx

Thank you very much for playing for us at our wedding.
The variety of music was really great and suited all of our guests. Many of our friends and family have asked how we found out about you and I have passed on your details. The professionalism and quality of your music was really fantastic and I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone.
Thanks again for playing for us and hope to see you again.
Geneva & Alex
Good morning Carla
I did not want the occasion to pass without thanking you and the band very much indeed for a super enjoyable evening of entertainment. We all enjoyed the thoughtful mix of music you provided which went a very long way to ensure the complete success of the evening.
I have since received many most favourable and positive comments about your singing and the performance of the band and I would not hesitate in recommending your ensemble for any special event or private party.
Once again Carla, very many thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening – additionally, your patience and myriad courtesies in helping me to plan the music programme is much valued and greatly appreciated.
With every good wish to you and the band for the future.
Warm regards
David
Rowlands Castle Golf Club
Hi Carla
Just to say thank you both so much for yesterday – you were a roaring success and really made for a lovely festival atmosphere. Hopefully there will be something you can do for us again soon. As you could probably see, we are not built for live music inside but it worked so well outside…
Thank you again!
Ali and Charlie
King’s Arms
THE ARUNDEL BY CANDLELIGHT FESTIVAL
Hi Paul & Carla,

Our thanks again for a wonderful jazz evening.
All the people who came loved it and all the people at the pub and the people who lived near the square.

Best wishes,
Betty & Peter

We would like to express our thanks to Manhattan Groove as they played an integral part in the success of our combined 70th birthday and wedding anniversary party.
Their excellent musicianship, sophisticated set and superb vocals were an enhancement and helped create a happy and most enjoyable atmosphere to the occasion, an essential ingredient.
We have received numerous complimentary comments and thank you for your participation.

Best wishes

Sandra and Roger Downton

Hi Carla,
Thank you so much for coming to play at our Wedding you all absolutely made my day.
We had a terrific time and you and the band were fantastic and made it a very special ending. Everyone enjoyed the music, and I was lucky having three first dances. You are all so versatile and Steve was made up when he requested ‘Strangers on the Shore’, which was one of his dads favourite songs. He sadly is no longer with us, but we danced to it in memory to him.
Everyone wished it could have gone on longer and its a shame the Taxi’s came just before the end but they were so busy that night with 3 other weddings going on.
I hope you all had safe journeys back and were not too tired for your gigs the next day.
Once again a massive great thank
you to you all.
Best Wishes and hope to see you again sometime in the future.
Julie & Steve Jones
xxx
Dear Paul and Carla
We so loved having you both at our Ball – you were brilliant and it set the tone perfectly ! You are both so talented and it was an absolutely pleasure to have you. We really appreciate you coming along and making it so special. I hope we can book you again!

Hope you’re both well. I can send a testimonial or can you use the above! We think you’re marvellous!

Kind wishes
Jane McCartney – Princes Mead

‘On one of the wettest evenings this summer, we held a pre-wedding party for my daughter..nigh on 80 odd people were expected to turn up to enjoy fun and revelry in my house in the middle of town..with Manhattan Groove booked as the star attraction..Well, by lunchtime that day if was obvious that it was not going to happen outside….so devastating as the garden was going to be lit up with fairy lights, bar laid out already, and food being prepared for later. It was a major decision to then move the whole party indoors..BUT, it worked!! We turned the house into a New Orleans nightclub with food and Bar downstairs and Carla and Paul and their Band belting out music from a big room upstairs…with all the windows and doors open, we danced the night away, with the whole town enjoying the music as well….and the Band played on….and….on..Brilliant!!!’
Chekkie Lonsdale.
After a very successful party night with Manhattan Groove last year, we booked them again this year. On both occasions they made sure the party went with a swing and we are now looking forward to next year.
Edwin Genet
Manhattan Groove played at our Annual Dinner Dance and they were fabulous! A lovely sound, that when they first started it made me gasp.
A brilliant range of instruments, Paul, you are so talented, I think I counted 3 different instruments you played and Carla, you have an amazing voice.
A really professional band with a lovely feel to them, I will definitely be booking them again and recommending them to others.

Kate Mabbort
Social Secretary
Poole Yacht Club, Dorset

Hi Carla and the Band
Just a note of thanks for the contribution you made to a most enjoyable Captain’s Dinner we had at Meon Valley last Friday, much appreciated. It was an evening enjoyed by so many, many of whom had never been to a Captain’s Dinner before!
You just made everything come alive and we are most grateful to you all – we certainly couldn’t have had such a successful evening without you Carla, Paul and the Band, such quality and such fun!
Please convey my thanks to all.
Best Regards

Bill
Club Captain 2016
Meon Valley Golf Club

……….You must be the best band I’ve seen
at a wedding in a long time. Carla’s got
a great voice and the musicianship of
the band was quite outstanding……….
…….We were all amazed at the variety
of tunes you incorporated into just three
hours. A wonderful evenings entertainment…
……….We really enjoyed the music you
provided for our special 40’s night.
You managed to capture the mood perfectly.
Thanks for a brilliant time……….

Barn Sea Anglers would like to thank you both for providing an excellent musical evening, it made our annual New Year Party go with a swing.
Keith Maxwell.

Just to congratulate you on putting on such a splendid evening. Most
enjoyable! The band were in excellent form despite their long period of
inactivity. Their timings were spot on, especially in some of the
syncopated pieces. Thank you so much.

Andrew and Judy Howard

Just wanted to say thank you for yesterday, Mum and I had a great time and
enjoyed the band who I thought sounded great and liked their swing versions
of Gloria Estefan and Chaka Khan.
Brendan Seymour
Hiring Carla Hendriks and The Paul Stiles band called ‘Manhattan Groove’
was one of the best decisions we have ever made!

Our party for 40 for my son’s graduation was such a huge success and we owe
it entirely to them! They set the mood and got everyone up and dancing all
night long! Young and old! Very professional, polite and absolutely lovely
group, all of them! ! You made the night and everyone is commenting on your
lovely soft relaxing voice, Carla!!!
We love you guys! An absolute First Class act. Thank you so much for
making such a memorable evening!

Leah & Robert Paterson

Carla performed in my garden for a few of my friends. It was a magical evening. She sang  my favourite songs-the jazz standards- beautifully.

 
She and her team handled the set up and take down very professionally.
 
Would I ask her again-you bet!
 
Colin Spence

Jazz and BBQ at the Rectory, Petworth.
What a wonderful evening Carla. Thank you so much to you and Paul.
We have had so many lovely comments about how much everyone enjoyed it, AND it didn’t rain, well not until you finished!!
You were so generous with your time and sang such a wide range of numbers, it was all so friendly and relaxed – perfect!
See you again at next years event.

Judy Howard

May I start by saying a massive thank you, great feedback on the night just a shame it was a tad chilly; however no rain!

I would love to invite you back and will be in touch in the near future.

Thank you,

Cherine Jones
Cowdray Park Golf Club

Manhattan Groove are a delight to host any event.

Our members enjoyed the ambiance of such a lovely relaxed evening.

Thank you Carla and her team, a delight to work with

Cherine Jones  –  Cowdray Park Golf Club

Thank you all for providing us with great music to supplement a wonderful evening at the club recently.
Everyone was very complimentary and I will certainly bear you in mind for future events at the club.
J.Walter
Hindhead Golf Club

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