Testimonials

Dear Fellow Event Organizers And Promoters.

My name is Denis Burns and I'm treasurer and vice-chairman of the Great Lakes Blues Society in London, Ontario ( formerly the Canada South Blues Society-London Chapter ). Our blues society has produced a number of very successful events at the Music Hall, Rum Runners and the Lounge over the past 2 years.I don't know what we would have done, or would do, without those excellent venues.

It all starts with the owners, Mike & Vicki Manuel. I first met Mike in the early fall of 2005. We needed to find a new venue for our larger shows and at that time Mike had Rum Runners. He showed us around the room and we discussed possible arrangements which would be mutually beneficial. We were up front with each other and I was impressed with Mike's honesty. Mike and Vicki are hands-on owners. They each work there and work very hard at all aspects of the business. They own the building where the ( now ) three venues are located. They started with Rum Runners and added two more, the Music Hall ( the best room of it's size - 300 to 600 capacity depending on how you want to configure it - anywhere in southwestern Ontario in my opinion ) and the Lounge, which is fast becoming a favourite room for our blues society.

Rum Runners is a unique and very hip venue.By virtue of its set-up, on two levels, it offers a great deal of flexibility in seating, anything from 125 or so, using the lowewr level only and spacing tables out, to 700 or more.It is where we first produced shows with Mike and all ( including my wife's 50th birthday blues bash in June 2006 ) were very successful.

The Lounge is the newest addition and seats 150 or so very comfortably. It has a good-sized ( and very deep ) stage and offers excellent sound and atmosphere.

The Music Hall is a large room with a fetival-sized stage and a world class sound system from Soundbridge out of Texas, complete with a digital sound board. It is, I believe, the only one of its kind in an indoor venue in Canada. It is excellent.

This complex of venues is the best in London and we're proud to be able to stage our events there. We like it so much in fact that we changed the location of one of our annual shows ( and our largest ) from a 1,000 seat venue where it has been held for ten years running ( even before the blues society began putting it on ) to the Music Hall / Rum Runners / Lounge. These rooms, and Mike & Vicki, have too much to offer for us to do anything else.

The staff there are all very efficient and friendly. I have never heard a complaint from anyone about the service provided and have heard many, many compliments.

It all, in my opinion, comes back to the owners because they create the atmosphere and working environment that makes it all possible. Mike & Vicki are themselves very friendly ( and busness-like ). They are fair in all their dealings, whether it be with staff or patrons or event promoters. There are no broken promises or under-delivery. If anything the opposite is the case.I'm very happy that they and their venues are here and available to us.

Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Yours very truly.

Denis Burns
Great Lakes Blues Society
London, ON.

I highly recommend holding events at The London Music Hall complex. As a professional event person you will identify with wanting assurance that things will go right. Dealing with Mike Manuel and his staff gives you peace of mind. It starts with your agreement with the venue- Mike really listens to what you want and what atmosphere you want to create. He has the imagination, inventory, equipment and vision to turn his venues into customized rooms which work to your best benefit. After you agree and sign the contract Mike goes to work with his team to set the room for seating, décor, lighting and music. The complex comes complete with a skilled and adaptable sound and lights team. They have great equipment to work with includes a digital board and Sound Bridge speakers and power. This world famous Texas based company has selected the Music Hall to showcase their wares to Canada- this is their first Canadian installation. The sound is stunningly good! The staff work very well together and they reflect the personal and service values of owner Mike and Vickie Manuel. This is very much a family business and also a very professionally managed business- a winning combination.

Mike understands all sides of the hospitality business and is a fair man to deal with. He does not forget and rewards loyal business. You really get an expert partner when you rent Mike’s venue(s). I find that because Mike owns the building, does most of the work himself and is incredibly inventive that he can give more for less money from my pocket. This is a very good thing. Mike really believes in win-win. I have used all 3 venue rooms and they all have their unique features- I can’t pick which one I love best? They share convenient parking, great central location and a safe and reliable place to enjoy music and events. The food is outstanding and a great value. If you are looking for a more detailed reference please contact me directly.

Yours in hospitality

Dear Mike,

I wanted to take a minute to express my sincere thanks for making our corporate event on September 18th, 2007 such a huge success.

As a person with decades of hospitality industry/event planning experience, I consider myself a great judge of good customer service. I was proud to be associated with your staff and venue for my event. Your support staff did a spectacular job on the room decoration and floor plan prior to the event, the serving staff is cordial, polite and diligent in their tasks and your kitchen crew put on a splendid banquet indeed.

Your facility is absolutely complete – numerous-sized rooms that are fully licensed with great catering capabilities, ample stages sporting world-class sound systems, a central location with parking…and a caring staff and management – an event planners dream!

I cannot thank you and your team enough for a job well done. I am pleased to be a professional reference for any potential patrons seeking such testimonials. I will be recommending your facility and staff to any person who inquires about host venues in London.

I look forward to working with The London Music Hall staff and management again in the future.

Best regards,

Brad Harwwod

Manager Events and Promotions
GoodLife Fitness
Corporate Home Office
201 King Street
London, ON N6A 1C9

John and Angela Buchko