Weddings Summer 2013 > Planner

45 Riots

45 Riots hand-selects musicians to fit the taste and budget of each couple. With a mix of high-energy music from hip-hop to house and Top 40 to rock, you’re sure to find a diverse sound for your wedding. Four-hour receptions starting at $6,300.

747 Orchestra

This orchestra has more than 30 years’ experience in the wedding business and is known for its soulful sounds of R&B, Motown, funk, soul, pop, and jazz. The group boasts a sizzling horn section, and vocals and instrumentation that make for a bumping dance floor. Prices upon request.

A-1 Music and Ken Gross Orchestras

Praised by Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones, trumpeter and Juilliard grad 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.

The "A" Band of New York

Songs from Rihanna, Usher, and Frank Sinatra are just a fraction of the music this veteran band—which features anywhere from five to eight members as well as a D.J.—covers. The group is known for its eclectic style and dance-inspiring rhythms. From $3,000. (good value)

Alex Donner Entertainment

Donner does everything from classical and rock to cabaret and soul. His client list includes Jimmy Buffet and corporate heavyweights like Cartier and Saks Fifth Avenue. From $4,000.

Al Scatt's Stolen Moments Entertainment

This company is composed of ten acts—including D.J.’s, steel-drum trios, jazz, and classical orchestras, and a cover band—as well versed in the songs of Jay-Z as they are in Louis Armstrong’s. Prices upon request.

Around Town Entertainment

Helmed by Adam Michaels, this outfit offers groups of energetic musicians who play a mix of Motown, rock, jazz, big-band classics, and Top 40 dance. They’ve performed for celebs like Martin Scorsese and Jennifer Garner. Prices upon request.

A. Stan Wiest Music

This agency provides an array of bands and D.J.’s—think mariachis, steel-drum bands, strolling violinists, and musicians well-versed in Persian and Greek music. It’s a favorite among Dixieland fans, sitar aficionados, and bagpipe enthusiasts. The band-and-D.J. combo packages are especially popular for weddings. Prices upon request.

Bianchi Musica

Award-winning pianist-composer Pilley Bianchi produces romantic chamber ensembles with fresh talent and custom string arrangements, covering everything from Phish to Pachelbel’s Canon. Prices upon request.

Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music

This band’s members perform rock, swing, and R&B, as well as specialty sounds like reggae, Latin, and klezmer. They can also supply jazz and classical duos, trios, and quartets for ceremony and cocktail music, and they don’t take breaks. They will even coordinate live sound with their own D.J. at no additional cost. From $2,500 to $10,000. (good value)

Cal James Entertainment

Musical director, film scorer, and saxophonist James has gathered a select group of dependable studio musicians and vocalists who have worked with Alicia Keys and Eric Clapton. They’ll hook you up with various classical ensembles, a jazz combo, Latin ensemble, flute trio, or their fun-loving dance band, the Cal James Orchestra. From $4,000. (good value)

Campanella Ensemble

This group can deliver a string ensemble, cocktail pianist, a roving guitarist, or practically any ensemble type imaginable. Among its talented musicians are singers, harpists, and all the standard string and brass performers. Prices upon request.

Carelli Collective

Under the direction of Gerard Carelli—a former Rainbow Room bandleader who’s played with heavy-hitters like Ray Charles and Rosemary Clooney—the orchestra known as the GCO specializes in Rat Pack jazz but is also proficient in styles ranging “from Bach to Beyoncé.” Prices upon request.

Center Stage Orchestras

Formerly Manhattan Swing Orchestras, this four-band company specializes in Top 40 dance hits, funk, disco, and R&B acts. Among its members is guitarist Joe Bonacci, who once backed Tito Puente. The Celebration Strings group offers a mix that includes pop and rock as well as classical pieces—all played on string instruments. From $500 to $25,000.

Creations Music

Bandleader Kim Sozzi draws on her experience as a recording artist in order to re-create songs exactly the way they sound on the radio. Some members of her seven- to twelve-piece band (originally founded by Sozzi’s father) have been performing together for more than 25 years, hence their diverse repertoire of songs, which includes of-the-moment hits. Prices upon request.

Cubanoson

This traditional Cuban dance orchestra, led by pianist and composer Leonel “Papo” Ortega, provides high-energy and original instrumentation with a vast repertoire of music in English, Spanish, and French. From $3,000. (good value)

From the Summer 2013 New York Wedding Guide