Weddings Summer 2009 > Planner

John Ragusa Music

A professional flutist and multi-instrumentalist, Ragusa has a roster of more than 60 ensembles catering to mainstream and esoteric tastes alike, including blues, jazz, Latin, and Cajun rock. He also reps singer-songwriters like Rachelle Garniez, who is a virtuoso on the accordion, as well as lounge singers and D.J.’s. All potential clients get a free consultation; most bands start at $4,000.

Juliana Riccardi NYC Duo-Trio-Band

Juliana Riccardi and Steve Messina have rocked venues like the Bitter End and Knitting Factory, and they will perform classic rock, pop, and soul favorites with a cello and percussion treatment. From $800.

Kameleon Orchestras

This nine-member band’s repertoire includes crowd-pleasers from artists like Maroon 5, Shakira, and Rihanna. A good choice for Top-40 fans who want a more personal touch. Plus, they mix in Motown and seventies funk and have a D.J. option for booking. From $5,000.

Ken Gross Orchestras

Praised by Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones, among other celebrities, trumpeter Gross offers orchestras that include vocalists and instrumentalists who are also lead singers. The result is a never-boring evening of diverse vocals and rich harmonies, backed by full rhythm and horn sections. Prices upon request.

Kit McClure Band

Fronted by a saxophonist trained at Yale and the Manhattan School of Music, this all-female, jazz-swing-rock band has played sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall and international venues, as well as presidential inaugural balls-luckily they do weddings, too. Prices upon request.

The Klezical Tradition

This klezmer band is traditional enough for Bubbe and Zadie but lively enough to keep younger guests in high spirits. Choose strolling musicians or a full seven-piece ensemble. The band does classical, too. From $1,200.

La Belle Musique, Inc.

La Belle’s Franco-American director, Steven Sinshain, trained as a violinist at Juilliard and the Paris Conservatory. His string, piano, and flute ensembles specialize in performing at old-school venues like the Met and Waldorf Astoria. Prices range from $250 for one performer to $10,000 for a full orchestra.

Lapis Luna

Lapis Luna does "vintage" jazz; swing; tunes from the thirties, forties, and fifties; and "retro" Latin. Their repertoire includes anything from Duke Ellington to Irving Berlin and Perez Prado. The members, who have performed together for almost a decade, can be booked in a jazz trio or a nine-piece "little" big band. Prices start at $125 per musician per hour.

Los Acustilocos

This Latin-leaning group-which has headlined at Merkin Hall and played Carnegie-usually starts off an evening with classical flute and acoustic guitar, moves to jazz, then builds to a six-piece Cuban and Brazilian rhythm ensemble. Their multilingual original numbers include salsa and bossa nova, but they also favor swing and funk. From $3,000.

Lou Davis Music and Entertainment

Lou Davis Music and Entertainment includes seven in-house orchestras along with specialty ensembles, emcees, and D.J.’s to meet its clients’ needs for any genre-from hot dance bands to cool jazz groups, classical to contemporary. Prices upon request.

Manhattan Swing Orchestras

Manhattan Swing specializes in energetic swing, funk, disco, and R&B. Among its members are guitarist Joe Bonacci, who once backed Tito Puente, and saxophonist Danny Wilensky. For a more contemporary sound, Rhythm Sensation is a good option-front woman Primadonna sings disco and R&B with Caribbean flair. Gigs run from $3,200 to $15,000.

New York City Swing

New York City Swing offers a choice of six versatile bands-zoot suits and all. Each has an enormous song list, and their satisfied clients include Sumner Redstone and the cast of The Sopranos. Prices run from $8,000 to $20,000.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide