Music Directory
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BANDS (cont'd)
John Ragusa Music
212-706-7227; johnragusamusic.comA 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
212-726-1552; julianariccardi.comJuliana 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
343 E. Main St. Centerport, N.Y.; 631-269-4742; kameleonorchestras.comThis 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
800-688-4480; kengrossorchestras.comPraised 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
212-864-6759; redhotrecords.comFronted 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
58 Ridgeview Ave., Fairfield, C.T.; 203-374-0607; klezband.comThis 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.
917-362-1080; la-belle-musique.comLa 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
718-812-6248; lapisluna.comLapis 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
917-254-6818; losacustilocos.comThis 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
381 Park Ave. S., nr. 27th St., Ste. 1216; 212-684-5200; loudavismusic.comLou 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
212-769-3600; manhattanswing.comManhattan 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
38–08 221st St., Bayside; 718-279-8038; nycswing.comNew 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.
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PrintFrom the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide
747 Orchestra
New York NY ; 516-365-5664 ;
New York’s original R&B, Motown, Soul and Funk band for 29 years providing outstanding vocals, instrumentation, “killer” horn section and interaction. The energy, excitement and professionalism of 747 Orchestra is superb.
- Alex Donner Productions
429 East 52nd Street, Suite 12-D New York NY 10022 ; 212-752-2920 ; www.alexdooner.com
A one-stop for the best musical & dance entertaining for your reception from Classical to Sinatra to Soul to Today! Includes the much sought after Alex Donner Orchestra, the more contemporary Donner Party Band and the popular Donner Strings. From four to twenty members. Prices from $4,000. Book early.
- Bud Maltin Metropolitan Misc and DJ’s
New York NY ; 212-447-6543 ; www.budmaltin.com
Disco, Rock, Sinatra, Swing, R&B, Klezmer, and Latin. Non-stop continuous music for ceremony and cocktail hour. Contact us to receive a free CD.
- Creations Music
212-579-0096 ; www.creationsmusic.com
Kim Sozzi’s career spans from a single on Dawson’s Creek, and sharing the stage with Nelly Furtado. Watching Kim’s team of exquisite musicians assures clients of an affair worth remembering
- Elan Artists
1-888-800-3526 ; www.elanartists.com
Elan Artists represents non clichéd musicians, bands, and DJ’s including Grammy Award winning performers. They do classical and electric strings, international and jazz combos, and hip dance.
- Generation Events
New York NY ; 212-505-7593 ; www.generationevents.com
Generation Events is a full service music entertainment company providing the highest quality of DJ’s and live entertainment in NYC.
Hal Prince Music & Entertainment
146 East 37th Street New York NY 10016 ; 212-354-4100 ;
Hal Prince provides Bands, Orchestras, DJ’s/MCs for special occasions. From Swing to R&B to the current hits of today, Hal Prince provides that special sound for your special events.
- lliquid, the band
423 East 12th Street, Ste. 3W New York NY 10009 ; 212-533-2256 ; www.lliquid.com
Simply put, we are absolutely passionate about what we do, and confidant no other band can surpass us in sincerity, energy, and enthusiasm.
- Orchestrations
392 Central Park West, Suite 10D New York NY 10025 ; 212-678-2386 ; www.orchestrationsinc.com
Known for orchestrating popular music in a classical way – think Coldplay on string quartet – this boutique music and entertainment company offers inspired music for ceremony and cocktails.
- Scratch Events
434 Sixth Avenue, 2nd Fl New York NY 10011 ; 1-866-955-8580 ; www.scratch-events.com
Scratch Events is the perfect choice for the stylish bride-to-be. Scratch provides affordable access to over 600 first-rate DJ’s, plus an event manager to ensure your wedding’s success.
- SoulSystem Orchestras
Tel: 1-800-466-7685 ; ; www.soulsystemorchestras.com
A full service Entertainment Company providing ANY possible style, genre or form of entertainment you can possibly imagine for your event! Of course! Featuring Skid Row’s, Rob Affusos’-SOULSYSTEM!
- Venus Ensembles
1-877-888-3687 ; www.venusensembles.com
Top-rated by New York Magazine and Modern Bride, we provide only the finest classical and jazz musicians paired with the expert guidance of a Julliard graduate and wedding music specialist.
