Weddings Summer 2012 > Planner

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)

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 from one strolling musician up to a seven-piece ensemble. From $600 to $5,000.

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 can play everything from classical to pop, but they specialize in Argentine tango music. 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 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.

Madison 35 Productions

This close-knit nine-member group is a rare hybrid of religious Jewish and secular performers. While they can play every type of Hebrew hora and simha track, they also have a huge repertoire of contemporary American and international favorites, like Katy Perry and Jay-Z. From $650 to $9,500.

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.

New York Edge Music

What began as a single orchestra has grown into a company that includes dance bands, jazz ensembles, and D.J.’s. The original orchestra can be booked in seven- to twelve-piece combos, the most popular of which features a four-piece horn arrangement and four-part vocal harmonies. Prices upon request.

New York Jazz Events

These groups include a piano trio, a vibraphone quartet, and a jazz-vocal quintet. They’ve been performing for the past two decades at weddings, restaurants, and high-end events such as MoMA gallery openings, and can play a variety of genres and styles. Prices upon request.

Nite-Time

The husband-and-wife co-owners of Nite-Time met in 1994 while playing a wedding and now headline a group of musicians who have shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Gavin DeGraw, and Blood, Sweat and Tears. They offer customizable packages to fit various budgets, styles, and musical tastes, including a variety of ensemble options for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Prices upon request.

Norberto Goldberg

This Argentine percussionist, who has performed with Broadway legends like Chita Rivera, Sandy Duncan, and Tommy Tune, specializes in Brazilian jazz and has been known to turn a reception into a hot Latin dance party. He can also be booked through John Ragusa Music. Prices upon request.

On the Move Entertainment

Founded in 1993, On the Move makes choosing between band and D.J. a nonissue. With a unique and customizable stable of D.J.’s and live musicians (including their flagship band, Souled Out), they can help couples create the perfect wedding playlist. They are happy to travel and have done numerous celebrity and royal weddings. From $5,000.

Orchestrations, Inc.

This full-service boutique operation encourages brides and grooms to think outside the string quartet. Founder Julie Feldman, a harpist with a music degree from Columbia, will help you mix and match styles and instruments for unique, genre-defying sets—the Beatles as imagined by a brass quintet or harps accompanying a live D.J. Prices upon request.

Project Orange

Composed of 25 musicians, this live band production company has put on private shows for the likes of Prince and Missy Elliott. Its eight-, ten-, and twelvepiece ensembles can play hits from every genre (including swing, Motown, pop, and rock), taking care to avoid played-to-death songs. Prices start at $10,500 for an eight-piece band.

From the Summer 2012 New York Wedding Guide