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Reviews and Acclamations


Click here to read the Washington Post article
Washington Post Review

..."let RKO (Radio King Orchestra) lay claim to being one of the best big bands around."
Eric Brace, Washington Post


Click here to listen to the WTOP interview
WTOP's "Bob Madigan-Man About Town" interview

Click here for Bob Madigan's "Live From Timpano" CD review

Bob Madigan's review of the WW II Merchant Marine salute

Bob Madigan's promo for "Of Thee I Swing"


..."on behalf of our president and entire Kennedy Center staff, thank you for making our New Year's Eve celebration a huge success!"
Tammie Ward, Programming Coordinator, John F. Kennedy Center

"Robin and Rick, What a wonderful night you have provided us. Many, many thanks. The music, the musicians and the program were simply outstanding. The Radio King Orchestra is indeed a consummate group of professionals. Thank you for bringing your great sound to the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe."
Randall Kremer, Director of Public Affairs, National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution

"Thanks for a great show last weekend! Everyone here at The Kennedy Center was very happy about the whole Spring Gala evening. Thank you for being a part of it!"
Amy Swann, Coordinator, John F. Kennedy Center

"Delightful and truly exciting...a first class group of musicians that provide unforgettable sparkle and tremendous energy"
Ann McLean, John Kluge Event Coordinator, Library of Congress

"How great you made our 12 year anniversary event! Your band is wonderful and it was a pleasure working with all of you. We will surely be giving your name and cards out and we look forward to working with you again!"
G.M., The Tower Club
"We could not have been more pleased with the great sounds, wonderful repertoire and personable performance of the Radio King Orchestra. As members of West Point's Long Gray Line in the DC area, we salute you."
T.S., President, WPSDC

"I wish to thank you for making this weekend a truly memorable occasion for the Merchant Marine Veterans, our guests and all of the staff at MITAGS. On behalf of the Merchant Marine Veterans, "THANK YOU"
C.M., Director of Conference Center Operations
"When I think about my wedding reception, as a bride there isn't a thing I would change. A very significant part of that fabulous evening was RKO. The music was spectacular! Thank you for giving us such wonderful memories from an evening I want never to forget. Because of your responsiveness and warmth and professionalism, I can honestly say I felt no doubts about your role in the scheme of my wedding. You gave me that kind of confidence!"
Winnie Walsh Keon (Bride)

"On behalf of our President, Michael Kaiser, and the entire Kennedy Center staff, THANK YOU for participating in our Open House Arts Festival and for helping make it a huge success. Congratulations on a wonderful performance!"
Tammie Ward, Manager, Open House Arts Festival
"Radio King Orchestra helped to make our wedding a fun-filled and festive, yet elegant evening. The dance floor was packed all evening long and guests are still asking about the music! RKO and swing is a wonderful way to unite young and old for a really great party. Thanks so much for helping to make our wedding such a fantastic event! The praise hasn't stopped coming, and the music was certainly a big part of why."
Carrie Shore Perzanowski (Bride)

"On behalf of the entire National Cherry Blossom Festival Committee, this letter is an expression of our appreciation for your participation representing American entertainment at the 2004 National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC. This letter only skims the surface of our depth of gratitude for your help."
D.M, Executive Director, National Cherry Blossom Festival Committee
"Just received your CD's. Both are excellent and will certainly put a smile on all those who hear them. I must say, your band is the best I've heard in a very long time! You certainly have an excellent crew of music makers!"
Jack Lebo, writer for Dancing USA Magazine and The American Rag

"Your support, and the tremendous talents of your musicians, helped to make this inaugural event an exciting enterprise that helped raise awareness of autism and of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). You have elected to be a part of this exciting work through your generosity. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to help."
Ellen Maidman-Tanner, Director OAR

"I am writing to say that compliments about our choice of music are still coming in when we hear from friends and family. We made a hit with Radio King Orchestra, and you really helped set the perfect mood for the evening. We appreciate your professionalism and really classy presentation. You may see us in the audience at Timpano or elsewhere around the metro area, practicing our swing! We had a great time. I wish we could import you to some of the other events we will be attending this summer."
N.S. (Mother of the bride)

"My wedding was the most important day of my life. I could not have asked for a better band! Ever! You performed flawlessly and made the event a fun and memorable event for everyone. Thank you so much!!!"
Andrea L. Barrick (Bride)

"You guys made our wedding something special that we will never forget. To this day, engaged couples we know ask us for the name of the great band that played our wedding. As a matter of fact, RKO was a such a big hit at our wedding that even our preacher has recommended you to other couples he weds. Choosing to have live music was the second best decision we made when planning our wedding, hiring Radio King Orchestra was the best decision."
Mike and Nadine Showalter

..."it was my birthday celebration of choice to dine while listening to the sounds of Radio King Orchestra!"
Mary O'Neill (Fan)

..."my wife and I are enjoying your "swing X-mas" CD. We listen to it every evening at sunset while we have a glass of wine. It is great!"
E.L. (Fan)

"It was a delight working with you. Your orchestra is that rare combination of extraordinary talent, unquestionable professionalism, and full-hearted charisma. Many thanks for adding that extra special touch to our wedding."
L.N. (Bride)

"RKO's music was fresh, upbeat and exciting. A fun and welcome change for my crowd. The 16 year olds were dancing with the 60 year olds!"
E.F. (Bride)

..."just wanted to let you know how much I loved you at our wedding. You guys had great attitude and great sound and I also appreciate your personableness. My dad was especially thrilled with the job you did - you were the reception's highlight for him and so many others."
S.K. (Bride)

"Thanks so much for a beautiful performance at our wedding. You were extraordinary! Many of our guests commented on Radio King Orchestra and how great the music was for dancing. You are a very professional group and we enjoyed working with you!"
B.C. (Mother of the bride)

"RKO - You are the best! You really lived up to your billing. Exactly what we wanted."
M.D. (Bride)

"Thank you so much for all of your patience, advice and talent! Your orchestra truly made our day unforgettable."
M.C. (Bride)

"Just a note to let you know how very much I enjoy listening to your group. What a talented group of musicians and so nice, too!! You all make my month!! This RKO fan will see you on your next gig at Timpano's. Keep up the good work."
J.D. (Fan)

"Saw your show at Timpano's last night, it was fabulous. What a way to spend a belated-Valentine's Day with my boyfriend."
J.M. (Fan)

"I love it! Your holiday CD is great! It swings. It moves. Makes me want to get up and dance. The arrangements are excellent; beautiful, lush voice. The CD added some warmth and light to this cold, dark winter. Doesn't matter that the holidays are past. Your CD transcends the holiday season and is music for any season. Two faves--'Put a Little Boogie...' and 'Swinging Little Drummer Boy.' I wish you continued success."
F.C. (Fan)

"Our wedding was a dream. Everybody loved the music from the very young to the older generations. We received many compliments on our band choice."
Mariel Barnes (Bride)

"A great Christmas program; wonderful music; very good stage presence; and a vocalist with a beautiful voice! An audience of 504 loved every minute."
B.B., Woman's Club of St. Mary's County

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