“The McKenzies’ ability to entertain and involve others was
excellent.… Best evening of the program… Lots of fun… Lots of variety… The
McKenzies really made the program fit this audience…”
--Excerpts from Elderhostel (Road Scholar) program
evaluations, Mountain Lake Hotel, Giles Co., VA
* * * * *
“Woody and Marcia McKenzie, hard working veterans of the local
folk/swing/old-time/dance scene, have marched boldly into a recording endeavor
that would terrify less hardy souls. The
McKenzies’ latest CD, Live From Mountain
Lake, is just that – a digital recording of the live show the duo has been
developing and perfecting for years… And they pull it off beautifully. It’s obvious that they’re comfortable with
the venue, the audience, and each other, and it shows in their confident
performance of this collection of their favorites.”
--Excerpt from review in Expressions
magazine, Blacksburg, VA
* * * * *
“You are such an absolute joy ;
our friends and we will never ever forget your contribution to the wedding. It
was the best party I've ever thrown mostly due to the music/interactive
dancing!”
--Laura from VA
* * * * *
“The feedback from the dance was great!
The music was awesome as usual. We enjoyed learning some new dances and
the variety was fun. Many people
appreciated the way the dances were clearly explained. I think this
was our best dance yet! Thank you so much for your effort in teaching and
leading the dances. We will be in touch for next year!”
--Sue Ann, referring to the
Bedford, VA Homeschoolers’ Vintage Ball
* * * * *
“I wanted you to know what a complete delight
it was to hear you in Floyd last night. Your music making demonstrates a
natural and perspicacious sense of style and communication that is truly
refreshing. Thank you for the integrity and joy that you bring to your
performance. It is clear that you are both musicians of wit, wisdom and
technique! I look forward to hearing you again soon!”
--Steven White, Artistic
Director, Opera Roanoke,VA
* * * * *
“Marcia and Woody McKenzie are a very
talented duo who certainly write some fine songs. I can imagine many of these being very
popular in concert, and the fact that the recordings were simply made is very
appealing. I hope they come to a
coffee-house near me some time. I’d like
to go hear them.”
--Tom Druckenmiller, Sing Out! – Vol. 53 #2, Autumn
‘09/Winter’10, p. 108
* * * * *
“Yesterday was spectacular! Everything came together beautifully, from
the music to the picnic… It could not have happened without you. Your part in providing music during the
picnic made the day truly wonderful. A
million thanks.”
--Frank, St. John’s Church, Lynchburg, VA
* * * * *
“You guys were great! We can tell on the [program review] forms
that the group LOVED the program. And, individually, or in groups of 2-3, I
heard verbally from at least 12 of them all praising your workshop and your performance,
If we received any criticism at all it was that they wanted more lecture &
entertainment time!”
--Jim
Gray, former Natural Bridge (VA) Elderhostel Director of Programming
* * * * *
“The joy that the McKenzies have found in
both performing and writing music is life’s reward for their diligence in
applying the talent that they have. Woody and Marcia are two very
talented people who contribute greatly to the propagation of Appalachian folk
traditions.”
--Graham,
New Brunswick, Canada
* * * * *
“Your musical performance at Natural Bridge
Elderhostel was outstanding! Thank you
so very much for your background and musical knowledge and information. We also enjoyed the afternoon class rich in
culture and history. Our first
Elderhostel proved to be a winner for us.
We’ll be listening with a new appreciation.”
--Joyce, Elderhostel (Road Scholar) participant
* * * * *
“What a terrific experience Bob and I had at
the Elderhostel program two weeks ago! You both are such talented
musicians and engaging performers. One of the things I liked best was
your ability to interact with the participants and make the music of Appalachia
alive, both currently and through the songs I remember my father singing to me
at bedtime (especially Red River Valley and Let Your Ears Hang Low). I've
been playing your CDs just about non-stop since we got home...It was such a
joy to meet you both and learn more about an incredibly beautiful part of our
nation's musical heritage.”
--Diane, Elderhostel (Road Scholar) participant
* * * * *
“I thought you guys did a fantastic job, and you bring so much more to
the [wedding] gig with your singing and couple dance tunes. It went really
well... I'd definitely like to work with you all again!”
--Ben, dance caller
* * * * *
“I had my hands full with the dancers. I was delighted to not have
my hands full with the band. You guys are pros…”
--Will, dance caller
* * * * *
“The Morgans told
me how great you and Woody were with the kids last night--they seemed surprised
at the lack of maturity at times of the kids and how you were able to handle
them so well. Another couple who helped out last night was telling me how great you both were--unflappable and fun. I
knew you'd be great!!”
--Feedback regarding a dance Marcia
called for a large group of international students
* * * * *
“I absolutely loved my lesson with you
yesterday - THANK YOU!!!!!! You are so clear with your explanations and
you get to the heart of the matter to really address the questions... you are a
truly great teacher. You gave me so much good information to work on
which will be fun - and will undoubtedly generate more questions! I
really appreciated the written material you gave me - I've never had a teacher
who did homework!”
--Terry, clawhammer banjo student
* * * * *
“I often pass your names along for that type of
gig [weddings, private parties, etc.]. You guys are ideal because you can offer
so much for a reasonable price. Just two of you - and you can sing, lead
dances, lead sing-alongs, play swing tunes or waltzes, plus you bring, set up,
and run your own sound, and you get in the same car and drive to the gig. The client gets a tremendous value - probably half the price or less
than it would cost to put together band, caller, sound.”
--Shawn, dance caller
