Weddings Winter 2011 > Planner

John Ragusa Music

A professional flutist and multi-instrumentalist, Ragusa has a roster of more than 150 ensembles catering to both mainstream and esoteric tastes. He also reps award-winning artists and bands not normally available for private events, as well as lounge singers and D.J.’s. From $2,000. (good value)

Juliana Riccardi Music Group

Led by the eponymous recording artist, this group of New York–based musicians values originality. Their ensembles (duo, trio, quartet, or full band) can comprise acoustic guitar, contemporary cello, percussion, keys, bass, and drums, and deliver an eclectic set list of timeless classic and contemporary songs by the likes of Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, and Prince. From $500 to $5,000. (good value)

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.

Kit McClure Band

Fronted by a saxophonist who trained at Yale and the Manhattan School of Music, this all-female, jazz-swing-rock band has toured with Cab Calloway and played sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall, as well as President Clinton’s inaugural ball. Prices upon request.

The Klezical Tradition

This klezmer band is traditional enough for Bubbie and Zadie but lively enough to keep younger guests in high spirits. Choose a few strolling musicians or a full seven-piece ensemble. From $1,200. (good value)

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, trumpet, and flute ensembles enjoy performing at classic venues like the Met and the Waldorf-Astoria. Prices start at $250 for one performer and go up to $10,000.

Lapis Luna

Lead by vocalist Shawn Aileen Clark, Lapis Luna plays jazz; swing; tunes from the thirties, forties, and fifties; and retro Latin. Their repertoire includes Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, and Perez Prado, and they recently performed at the nuptials of Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks. Prices upon request.

Los Acustilocos

This Latin-leaning group—which has headlined at Merkin Hall and played Carnegie—can start off an evening with classical flute and acoustic guitar, move to jazz, then build to a six-piece rhythm ensemble. Their multilingual numbers include salsa and bossa nova. From $2,500. (good value)

Lou Davis Music and Entertainment

This company includes seven in-house orchestras along with specialty ensembles, emcees, and D.J.’s of every genre. Prices upon request.

Manhattan Swing Orchestras

Manhattan Swing specializes in energetic swing, funk, disco, and R&B acts. Among its members is guitarist Joe Bonacci, who once backed Tito Puente. For a more contemporary sound, their newest band, Center Stage, offers an eclectic mix of hip-hop, dance, and Rat Pack hits. From $500 to $10,000.

New York City Swing

Couples get 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. From $8,000 to $20,000.

From the Winter 2011 New York Wedding Guide