Customer Comments and Reviews on their
"O' Be JoyFull" experiences!!!...

Scroll down on this page to see what people are saying about Rick Garland's  "O' Be JoyFull" Historical Tours and his Songs & Stories Concert Shows!..

If you would like to have a comment or review of your own posted below, you can email me at RickGMail@comcast.net!

If you would like to post a review on TripAdvisor.com, please click on the TripAdvisor link below...

You can also click on the "TripAdvisor.com" link below to check out reviews posted by lots of "O' Be JoyFull" customers! 

***There are now 68 posted TripAdvisor reviews!!!***

(NOTE: Some reviews are for the Historical Tours, some are for the Songs & Stories Shows, and some are for the Ghost Tours.) 

Check out the reviews, just click on this link to TripAdvisor...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60722-d1205616-Reviews-O_Be_Joyfull_Historical_Tours_Entertainment-Harpers_Ferry_West_Virginia.html#helpful100885191

But wait, there's more...

Wow!!!  We just discovered a wonderful "O' Be JoyFull" review at Away.com, written by a professional travel writer!  Check it out by clicking on this link...

http://vacation.away.com/attractions/travel-ad-cid325368-harpers-ferry-attid293688-o--be-joyfull-historical-tours-attraction.html

Plus, check out this blog review for Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Show...

"I was in Gettysburg, PA, as part of a volunteer program...we were treated to a concert by Rick Garland and his lovely musical presentation, "O' Be JoyFull"...a sampler of Civil War music as well as stories...dressed in an authentic officer's uniform...the performance had many medlies...a tastelful combination of the actual song, its origin, and the occasional parody...an in-depth look...I enjoyed this concert very much...I would recommend that anyone with even the sightest interst in (American) Civil War tunes make arrangements to see an upcoming performance!"...Exceprts from Melissa's review for the Princeton Record Exchange, see the entire review at...http://www.prex.com/blog/joyfull-preservation-tunes/

E-mailed Reviews of "O" Be JoyFull"...

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)...
"Hi Rick, Just wanted to thank you for the tour on Saturday....every minute was totally worth it.  Harpers Ferry is just a remarkable site.  Stay well."  Charlie, PA, October 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)...
"Thank you so much for the great tour this morning.  I've never had a formal tour of Harpers Ferry, and I especially appreciated all the little side bits your were able to give us.  Most of us know the big events, but it's the interesting little details that you gave us that really brings it alive.  And I also appreciated how you tailored the speed of the tour to our group so that Hane and Ed could do the whole tour with us.  Thanks again, and I hope tod o another tour with you some day.  I've saved your brochure with my Harpers Ferry information so I know right where to find it!"...Mary, Charles Town, WV., April 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Show and his Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)..."Rick, I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our concert and tour of Harpers Ferry with you...I personally have been on a number of guided tours in the U.S., but I can say without a doubt, this was the best!  Your knowledge of civil war history and Harpers Ferry is phenomenal.  I will tell anyone who is considering visiting Harpers Ferry, 'Don't miss Rick Garland's "O' Be JoyFull" tour!  Again, the members of our group want to thank youf ro such an enjoyable day...Dan Johnson, Hopeful Baptist Church Golden Circle Group, Richmond, VA., April 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour and his Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)..."Thanks for making our trip to Harpers Ferry memorable.  We had an amazing time and really want to thank you for sharing your passion for history with us.  My brother looked for you on Monday before we left hoping to get you to sign a book he had purchased.  I'm glad he didn't find you, now we have to come back!...Jenn Matthews, Cape May, NJ, April 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)...
"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the tour last Sunday - in spite of the weather!  While I knew about the raid and Harpers Ferry's role in the Civil War, I particularly liked hearing about the early history and how and why commerce began there.  I always thought it was an unlikely place for a settlement!  Thanks again!"...Nancy Ressler, Danbury, CT., January 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)...
"Your tour was 'Excellent, Dude!...I think it says something that you can keep the rapt attention of 5 year olds on a miserable drizzly day...I'll get you some photos...one of my favorite is of a group standing near the rock (Jefferson Rock, as in Thomas Jefferson), complete with umbrellas, and a slack-jawed 5 year old displaying his undivided attention!  You are very good at what you do, a "National Resource."  OK, that may be a bit exaggerated - how about just a Harpers Ferry National Historical Park resource!  Thanks again!"...Don Burgess, Boliver, WV., January 2010.

(A review for Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour)...
"I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you the tour was GREAT!  My 15 year old son said he was glad that he came, so that's probably like a 5 star rating from one of the toughest critics!"...Bob Elam, New Market, MD., January 2010.


(A review for both Rick's Historical Gettysburg, PA Town Walking Tour and his Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."Recently, my son and I had the pleasure of a tour of downtown Gettysburg, another part of the Gettysburg Battlefield.  On a score of 1 to 10, we both give Rick a 'Plus 10!'  This guy knows his history and is a real gentleman (even though he grew up in New Jersey).  He answers all your questions and gives a very good description of what the local townfolks went throught after the armies moved on.  Did I mention what a wonderful musician he is?  His show is not to be missed!  He is an excellent singer and knows the history behind the songs of the era.  Request two of his originals, "On The Cover Of The Civil War News," and "Wasted Away In Old Gettyburg!"  Both are sure to bring a smile to your face.  Did I mention he can sing?  My son and I will never forget his incredible tour, the music and the good company.  Every tourist, Civil War Buff, and anyone in the area needs to check out Rick!"...Susan and Russell, Tennessee and Colorado, January 2010.

(A review for both Rick's Historical Harpers Ferry Walking Tour and his Christmas Customs & Traditions Songs & Stories Show)..."I help plan trips for the History Association of the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria campus and when I was researching things to do on our Christmas trip to Harpers Ferry I came across Rick's website. I called him and by the time we finished our conversation, Rick and I had set-up a historical walking tour for 31 people and a musical program on the origins of Christmas Carols. We had about 4 inches of snow the day of our trip and Rick worked with us to make the most of the weather. His talk on the history of Harpers Ferry, done in period clothing, was outstanding as was his singing and piano playing during our dinner at The Secret Six Tavern. I plan to return to Harpers Ferry and Rick will be the first person I look up. I hope anyone reading this review will do the same.. they will not be disappointed. He is the best"....Eileen K., History Association of the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA, December 2009.

(A review for Rick's Christmas Customs & Traditions Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."We thoroughly enjoyed your presentation on Saturday night ...thanks again for one of the most entertaining and educational presentations I've attended.  Your performace was one of the highlights of our trip!"...J.S., Manassas, VA., Dember 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"Thanks so much for the great tour you did for my group!  Despite the rain and chill, they were fascinated and many people commented on it later.  I wrote a review on TripAdvisor.com to accompany the many other glowing reviews.  I'm so glad we found you!"...Marion, www.AdventuresInGoodCompany.com., October 2009. 

(A review for Rick's Irish & Scottish Pub, Love & Rebel Songs
 Concert Show)..."A wonderful addition to our visit here at Harpers Ferry.  We enjoyed spending our evening with you!...Kelly Coladarci, Deland, Florida, September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Irish & Scottish Pub, Love & Rebel Songs
 Concert Show)..."I've been a regular visitor to Harpers Ferry for years.  This was my first time attending the Pub Songs performance.  It will most assuredly be an event I'll return for!...Chirs Broughton, Washington, DC., September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Irish & Scottish Pub, Love & Rebel Songs
 Concert Show)..."We had a grand time!...we really like that Rick had lyric books and encouraged audience participation...very rousing, foot stomping music...made me want to clank my beer mug and wipe my mouth on my sleeve!...I likened it to a 19th Century Billy Joel concert!!...Had a great time!"...Kelly & Christina, Capon Bridge, WV, September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"This tour was the highlight of our trip and gave us a nice context for everything else we saw and did in Harpers Ferry!  I'm glad we did this first.  Thanks!!"...A.L., Lexington, VA, September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Ghost Tour of Harpers Ferry)..."Very entertaining!  Rick is a great story teller and better tour guide!!  We experienced a great walking tour with fantastic ghost stories, lore, etc., at every stop.  We had a wonderful time, even though it rained for most of the tour.  It gave us the insight and initiative to go back to all the stops in the day and night to take pictures, explore, etc.  Keep the good work!"...Kelly & Christina, Capon Bridge, WV, September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"We had a grand time...the tour was very thorough...Rick answered all of our questions and allowed us time to take pictures...he is a great historian, storyteller and a touch of a comedian...no trip to Harpers Ferry is complete without an "O' Be JoyFull" tour.  I am a lifelong history buff and I learned a great deal...O' Be keeping up the great work!...I would recommend this tour and also will take it again!...PS-You look "Hot" in that outfit!"...Kelly & Christina, Capon Bridge, WV...September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"I would recommend that everyone coming to Harpers Ferry should look up 'Rick Garland!'"...Al Custtronda, Fredericksburg, VA, September 2009.

(A review for Rick's Irish & Scottish Pub, Love & Rebel Songs
 Concert Show)..."Coming to Harpers Ferry was a great weekend trip...and the experience was topped off by the Irish and Scottish Sing-A-Long on our last night.  Don't miss the opportunity after a long day to drink 'a pint' and have some fun!"...Keri Richards, Annapolis, MD, August 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry and his Ghost Tour)..."Rick is the best tour guide we have had.  We have done several (tours) throughout Virginia, none done as well as Rick's.  We learned more about Harpers Ferry than we ever knew existed!!  (We) highly recommend taking both the Ghost, as well as the Historical Tour!!"...The Wilkins, Colonial Beach, VA, August 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of both Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg, plus the Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour)..."Our whole family had fun while being educated, a very rare treat indeed!  Families should go on these tours, especially if you have teenagers!"...Cherrilyn J. Gaerlan, Irvine, CA, August 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"Our crowd loved your performance!  You always do a terrific job of engaging your audience and we are very thankful to have had you again as a very important part of our (graduation) ceremony!  I am so glad you added 'O' Susanna!'"...Wendy Bush, The Excelsior Academy, Owing Mills, MD....June 2009.
www.theexcelsioracademy.com.

(A review for Rick's Irish & Scottish Pub, Love & Rebel Songs
 Concert Show)..."Thanks so much for the nice time singing Irish songs in the Secret Six Tavern, walking around town on the ghost tour, and chatting with you about (American) Civil War history.  I would recommend your singing and tours to everybody!  You are not to be missed when visiting Harpers Ferry.  I especially enjoyed our brief discussion on John Brown"...Sincerely, Bret Wirta...June 2009.
 www.wirtahospitalityworldwide.com.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"We had no idea how much history there is in Harpers Ferry...I prefer taking tours to reading books and your tour is really great...you really make the history of Harpers Ferry come alive!"...Courtney & Chris, Syracuse, NY...May 2009.

(A review for Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"We loved the tour and thank you again so much...we are recommending the tour to anyone and everyone we can think of who might go to Harpers Ferry...I am going to email my "Mom's Group," to let fellow parents know about it!"...Theresa, Fairfax, VA...April 2009.

(A review of Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry)...
"This was an outstanding tour and one that I would recommend to anyone and everyone thinking of going to Harpers Ferry...Harpers Ferry without Rick Garland is like traveling overseas without a passport!...the cavernous beauty of Harpers Ferry will suddenly be understandable and profound!...you will be welcomed into Rick's cozy warm office and offered a cup of chickory coffee before your tour and treated to history!...DO NOT MISS Rick's tour in Harpers Ferry--he is a national treasure!"...A TripAdvisor.com review from WaterUnderBridge.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"The way this gent plays and sings brings one to 'feel the spirit!'"...Annette, Gettysburg PA Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

(A review of Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Harpers Ferry and his Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."Thank you so much for the wonderful tour and entertainment you provided us...Your vast knowledge, presented through your talents, style and spirit, helped make our weekend in Harpers Ferry memorable and 'oh-so-enjoyable'...Cheers!"...Ann and Ami, Gaithersburg, MD.

(A review of Rick's Historical Walking Tours of both Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg, and his Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."I just want to personally thank you...I've traveled extensively during my life and have taken countless tours and attended countless historical musical presentations and I have to say that you are by far the most magnificent interpretive artist that I have ever encountered!"...Joe, National Forest Service, Alaska.

(A review of Rick's Historical Walking Tour of Gettysburg, PA)...
"Thank you, Rick for a great afternoon walking through Gettysburg and learning about the citizens during "The Late Unpleasantness"... your keen eye and vast knowledge gave us an insight into the lives of the everyday people...we'll never (again) think of the Battle of Gettysburg as being only out there in the fields...it will be a pleasure to recommend your tour... thanks again"...Bonnie & Herb Abenshon, Rick & Karen Doyle.

(A review of Rick's Christmas Customs & Traditions Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."After all these years of collecting antique Santa's I feel guilty that I never knew all the incredible Santa Claus history that you just told me about today!...Along with your story and performance of Oh Holy Night, your Christmas show was very inspiring!"...Debbie, Carlisle, PA, Member of The Golden Glow Club.

(A review of Rick's Historical Tours and his Songs & Stories Shows)..."Rick is renown as a historical vocalist and storyteller as well as a pianist...the tours and shows have been attended by listeners from as far away as Alaska...Whether you are a resident of Harpers Ferry or a visitor out of the area, The "O' Be JoyFull" Center and its various shows and tours should be on your calender of 'must-dos' for 2009!"...Tommy Underwood, Harpers Ferry, WV.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."Thank you...the residents were raving about you for days!"...Lindsay Vaughan, Memory Care Program Coordinator, Greenfield Senior Living.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."Dear Rick, Thank you for sharing your talent and passion with us...it was wonderful to have you!"...Angie Brown, Activity Director, Hillitop House Assisted Living.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"I just got buck home to Long Island from "The Battlefield Bed and Breakfast (Gettysburg, PA)...I wanted to tell you I thought you were great and I truly enjoyed your performance...I loved your piano playing and singing so much I wished you could have played more...you really know your stuff and I could listen to you all day talking about the war...thank you again!"...Diane, Long Island, NY.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your performance and information.  My friend from Minnesota said that you made the day!"...Sarah & Joe.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"I heard your program one morning at the "Battlefield Bed and Breakfast" (Gettysburg, PA)...and thoroughly enjoyed it!...I wish I lived closer because I would certainly attend many more (I live near Chicago)...I did buy a CD from you...I parked near Devil's Den one day and listened to it (it just seemed like the appropriate thing to do)...it made me feel even more 'connected' than I already feel with the brave men that fought there...keep singing!!!"...Carol.

(A comment about Rick's "O' Be JoyFull" CD)..."My Grandson and I love to listen to your CD!"...Gloria, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"Thanks again for entertaining the Round Table...I especially liked your rendition of "Jine The Cavalry," which has been going through my head most of today!"...Mike Musick, Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"The experience was wonderful...one of the best shows...and everyone was happy...it could not have been better...your talent was appreciated and the faces showed that...there was nothing but happiness there...I enjoyed the whole thing...you give the experience of what the people of 100 years ago would be doing!"...Carol, New Oxford, PA.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"I happened to see your (JEB) Stuart show in Gettysburg...and thought you were terrific..I loved your rendition of "Jine The Cavalry"... whenever the words "Stuart" and "music" come up, you are usually brought up in the conversation!"...Susan P. Rosenvold, Education Coordinator, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"We thoroughly enjoyed your performance at our event...and would like you to return next year!"...Wendy Bush, Excelsior Academy.
www.theexcelsioracademy.com.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"It is my pleasure to invite you back to our Corbit's Charge Event...We had a lot of good comments about your performance!"...Ron Kuehne, Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Christmas Customs & Traditions Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."Thank you so much for the superb historical holiday music program...There really aren't enough adjectives to express my appreciation for the role you played in making our event such a success...Your energetic musical skills - both on the piano and vocally - combined with your wealth of historical knowledge - produce a program of quality and worth, at twice the price.  Any group, organization or venue would be fortunate to have you perform!"...Paulette Lee, Passages Inn, Gettysburg, PA

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"Your talent and professionalism provided the park with the tradition and standards set by Supervisory Park Ranger, John Andrews in 1995!"...Evangelina Rubalcava-Joyce, Park Ranger, Gettysburg National Military Park.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your presentation!"...Rhonda, New Jersey.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"Thank you for being with us for our employee appreciation breakfast...I thoroughly enjoyed your music and presentation...
I learned many interesting things and appreciated your skillful performance and energy as well as the content of songs and stories...I have heard many positive comments from those who attended...Your presentation was just what we were hoping for - something light and fun and celebratory, and also informative and thought-provoking...with much appreciation and affirmation for your work!"...Roger Steffy, Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"We really enjoyed your performance in Harpers Ferry...your historical background for the different songs was truly interesting and added to the overall experience in a positive way...We always make it a point to catch your performance in either Gettysburg or Harpers Ferry when we are out that way...thanks for keeping the spirit of the Civil War and the Irish Brigade alive through your music...thanks again for honoring those who fought and sacrificed during the Civil War through your music/teaching!"...Laura, Utah.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Christmas Customs & Traditions Songs & Stories Concert Show)..."I want to say THANK YOU again for performing for us...obviously, you were a big hit with our group...I heard many positive comments...So thank you for helping to make our weekend a success!"...John Hykes, The Santa Claus Club.

(A review of Rick's Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show)...
"Rick's Live Show is a real crowd-pleaser.  It melts away any formal atmosphere and turns the room into a fun, feel-good experience.  Rick has done his research and has come up with a great, fun filled collection of wonderful American Civil War songs, Irish songs along with great historical stories.  Plus, that boy can sing!"...Philip M. Cole...Author of "Civil War Artillery At Gettysburg," Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg, PA.