Weddings Summer 2012 > 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, 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, among other celebrities, 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

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

Helmed by Adam Michaels, this outfit offers clients well-rehearsed groups of energetic musicians who play a mix of Motown, rock, disco, jazz, and big-band classics to Top 40 dance. They’ve performed for such celebs as Martin Scorsese and Jennifer Garner. 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, 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 urban 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—some of whom have played together since 1989—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 ($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 $4,000.

Campanella Ensemble

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

Center Stage Orchestras

Formerly Manhattan Swing, this four-band company specializes in energetic swing, 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 Bach and Kings of Leon—all played on string instruments. From $500 to $10,000.

Carelli Collective

Under the direction of Gerard Carelli—a former Rainbow Room bandleader who’s played with heavyhitters 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.

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 2012 New York Wedding Guide