Weddings Winter 2011 > Planner

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, and jazz. The group boasts a noteworthy horn section, and vocals and instrumentation that make for a bumping dance floor. Prices upon request.

The "A" Band

Songs from Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and Frank Sinatra are a mere fraction of the music this veteran band—which can feature anywhere from five to eight members as well as a D.J.—can cover. They’re known for their eclectic style and dance-inspiring rhythms. From $3,000. (good value)

Alex Donner Entertainment

Alex Donner does everything from classical to cabaret and soul. His client list includes Jimmy Buffett himself, as well as corporate heavyweights like Cartier and Saks Fifth Avenue. From $4,000. (good value)

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 50 Cent as it is in Louis Armstrong. Prices upon request.

Around Town Entertainment

Around Town, helmed by Adam Michaels, offers clients well-rehearsed groups of energetic musicians who can play everything from Motown, rock, disco, jazz, and big-band classics to Top 40 dance. They’ve performed for celebs including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lenny Kravitz, and President Clinton. Prices upon request.

Associated Musicians of Greater New York

The New York Musicians Union (Local 802) represents more than 8,000 professional musicians in New York City. Whether couples are looking to hire a band or an orchestra, the union will refer them to the appropriate group or contractor. Prices vary.

A. Stan Wiest Music

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

Bianchi Musica

Award-winning pianist-composer Pilley Bianchi produces chamber ensembles with fresh talent and custom string arrangements, covering everything from Phish to Symphonie Fantastique. Prices upon request.

Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music

This orchestra’s members—some of whom have been playing together since 1989—perform rock, disco, 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 ($2,500–$10,000). They will even coordinate live sound with their own D.J. at no additional cost.

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, Eric Clapton, and Ray Charles. They’ll hook you up with a string quartet, jazz combo, Latin ensemble, flute trio, or their fun-loving dance band, the Cal James Orchestra. From $3,000.

Campanella Ensemble

This group can deliver a cocktail pianist, a roving guitarist, or practically any ensemble type imaginable. Among their other 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 other styles “from Bach to Beyoncé.” Prices upon request.

Charlotte Russe Music

This team breaks out the horns for Duke Ellington tunes, plays classical music, and hams it up on “Time of My Life,” but what sets it apart is its huge repertoire of klezmer and Asian music. Owner Charlotte Sanders sings in seven languages (English, French, Spanish, Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, and Polish). Prices upon request.

From the Winter 2011 New York Wedding Guide