Music Directory
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BANDS (cont'd)
Park Swing Orchestra
646-339-0920; parkswingorc.comThis orchestra can rock the house with up to a 22-piece ensemble (the musicians have been lauded for their big-band skills by the jazz press). Those seeking something more modest can hire just a few members to play classical, jazz, classic rock, or swing. Brothers Edward and Bill Kinslow direct the proceedings. Prices upon request.(good value)
Peter Duchin Music, Inc.
212-972-2260; duchinentertainment.comPerforming since 1962, big-band leader Duchin is onstage more than 100 times a year, and his various bands play 200 engagements annually. They will work with any budget to provide great dance bands that can play anything from the Great American Songbook to contemporary hits. Also available are D.J.’s, string ensembles, trios, soloists, and everything from mariachi groups to Dixieland jazz bands to classical orchestras. Prices upon request.
The Prenups
theprenupsmusic.comThis live band production company has put on private shows for the likes of Prince and Missy Elliott. Its eight-, ten-, twelve-, and fourteen-piece 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.
Project Orange
917-423-1466, ext. 4; orchestrationsinc.comThis live band production company has put on private shows for the likes of Prince and Missy Elliott. Its eight-, ten-, twelve-, and fourteen-piece 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.
The Rhythm Dogs
212-206-7924; therhythmdogs.comAs a dance band specializing in Motown, soul, swing, reggae, and contemporary dance music, this band has the ability to get an audience on its feet, making it a top choice for corporate events and weddings. A D.J. is also available. Prices upon request.
Robbie Scott & The New Deal Orchestra
973-691-8500; newdealorchestra.comDrummer and vocalist Scott is the backbone of this lauded ensemble, which plays everything from twenties-era big-band swing to Frank Sinatra to seventies disco and rock and roll. The seasoned group will also play traditional ceremonial music or morph into a brass quintet or string quartet—and add a D.J. if desired. Prices upon request.
Sam Hill Entertainment—New York
212-518-6554; samhillbands.comThis company books more than 1,000 weddings each year in the New York area and works with a long list of bands, including groups that don’t fit the typical reception-party mold. Many play clubs and shows on nights that they’re not doing weddings, and most offer complimentary jazz solos, duos or trios for the cocktail hour. Packages range from $4,000 to $8,500.
SoulSystem Orchestras
800-466-7685; soulsystemorchestras.comThis perpetually hip group of seasoned, internationally touring musicians will play everything from Rat Pack classics and Motown to Top 40 and rock hits. Soulsystem boasts a rhythm section led by Skid Row drummer Rob Affuso and features the popular “dancing horns,” which set the tone for a great event. Prices upon request.
Starlight Orchestras & Productions
212-595-0999; starlightorchestras.comAfter twenty years in the business, Valerie Romanoff and her team of bandleaders can shift easily from classic R&B and jazz to hip-hop, rock and Top 40 hits. Their string ensembles can create a custom sound with a mix of classical and pop music. They played at the wedding of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas and at the 2005 presidential inaugural ball. Prices start at $17,000.
Star Talent, Inc.
212-541-3770; startalentinc.comCovering traditional to contemporary genres, Star Talent, Inc. represents ten bands with diverse specialties and offers D.J.’s and string ensembles as well. Its bands have performed at the weddings of celebrities like Lisa Kudrow and Paula Abdul. Five-piece bands start at $4,500.
Steve Wexler and the Top Shelf
914-945-0567; stevewexlermusic.comWexler’s high-energy band includes professional nightclub, Broadway, and studio musicians. Playing original arrangements and familiar favorites, it can deftly handle a slew of genres: Motown, soul, Latin, rock, and R&B. Ensembles include eight to twelve musicians, and fees range from $5,000 to $15,000.
The Stingers Band
212-337-2123; stingersband.comThis high-energy band loves jamming out to Motown, R&B, and Top 40 hits. Its “rock and soul” style, cultivated over fifteen-plus years, has generated a huge fan following, including Denzel Washington and Martha Stewart. From $6,500 to $13,000.
Stuart White Productions
212-757-3299; stuartwhiteproductions.comThis company has more than ten ensembles, ranging from solo harpists to Motown bands. The crown jewel is its ten-piece orchestra, which has played three presidential inaugurations. Prices upon request.
Ten Tumbao
917-254-6818; tentumbao.comThis top salsa band mixes hot Latin rhythms with passionate vocal harmonies and melodies. It plays a variety of styles, including Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Colombian, and Brazilian, as well as modern salsa hits. Jazz, funk, swing, classical, and other genres also available. From $2,500. (good value)
The Three Waiters
877-827-3261; thethreewaiters.comNot your mother’s wedding singers, the Three Waiters, designed to mimic the Three Tenors, can turn your reception into a full-on performance. The trio poses as waiters, then surprises guests by launching into operatic song. Their act has earned rave reviews from fans as diverse as the late, great Pavarotti and Rudy Giuliani. Prices upon request.
Trapp Music
212-961-7420; trappmusic.comFounder George Trapp, a graduate of Juilliard and the Vienna Conservatory and a veteran of numerous professional groups, oversees a collection of jazz and classical ensembles that will incorporate a variety of instruments, ranging from flute to harp to the upright bass; they are especially popular for ceremonies. From $900 per ensemble. (good value)
Trevor Davison Orchestras and Musical Entertainment
631-722-4824; trevordavison.comThe Long Island–based Trevor Davison Orchestra specializes in Hamptons-style society swing, jazz, and big-band music, with a dash of contemporary thrown in. Its D.J.-and-band combination is particularly popular. Prices upon request.
Vali Entertainment
212-571-6931; valimusic.comThis event-production company’s three bands are known for danceable covers of classics and tireless performances: They’ll play five-hour sets without breaks. Versatile and eclectic, they’ve gigged with such boldface names as Kool & the Gang, Queen Latifah, Tina Turner, and Tony Bennett, and they performed at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. Prices upon request.
Venus Ensembles
877-888-3687; venusensembles.comThese concert-quality classical and jazz ensembles play elegant or upbeat music and have been on Late Night With David Letterman. Jessica Meyer, the Juilliard-trained founder, helps plan the details. From $300 per musician. (good value)
From the Summer 2013 New York Wedding Guide
- 45 Riots
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28-24 Steinway Street #271 Astoria, NY 11103 ; Tel: 917-969-0742 ; www.45riots.com
45 Riots is a modern collective of first-call performing, recording, and touring musicians, operating with resolute focus, attention-to-detail, veteran experience, and artistic verve.
- 747 Orchestra
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New York, NY ; Tel: 516-365-5664 ; 747orchestra.com
747 Orchestra has a 30 year history in the wedding biz and is known for the authentic and soulful sounds of R&B, Motown, Funk, Soul and Jazz. The "killer" horn section, vocals and instrumentation make for a bumping dance floor. Prices upon request.
- 802 Music
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322 West 48th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10036 ; Tel: 212-245-4802 x156 ; www.802music.com
802 Music serves as a premiere booking agency for all types of events. We offer one-of-a-kind access to musicians and ensembles who perform regularly at Lincoln Center, on Broadway and in the City's top clubs.
- Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music and DJ's
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New York, NY ; Tel: 212-477-6543 ; www.budmaltin.com
Contemporary Dance Music, Rock, Sinatra, Swing, R&B, Klezmer, Latin + Ceremony & Cocktail Hr. 100% Continuous Music. Contact us for a free CD. Ask about our BAND | DJ Hybrid.
- Center Stage Orchestras
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P.O. Box 7 New York, NY 10023 ; Tel: 917-838-8383 ; www.CenterStageOrchestras.com
Center Stage Orchestras formerly Manhattan Swing, has new bands and more options than ever before. From Indie/Alternative to Variety bands, we provide finest music for the most interesting events and celebrations, from the Pierre Hotel to the US Open. Give us a call today!
- Creations Music
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Tel: 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.
- Dexter Lake Club Band
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376 President Street #4M Brooklyn, NY 11231 ; Tel: 917-848-2145 ; www.dexterlakeclubband.com
We are the area's top non-traditional wedding and private event band, and we skip the usual cheesy material in favor of great songs that will keep your guests dancing the whole night.
- Elan Artists
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Tel: 888-800-3526 ; www.elanartists.com
Elan Artists is comprised of the highest caliber musicians. Our acts will add a high level of sophistication, artistry, and personal edge to your wedding, avoiding the cliché to fulfill your unique taste and needs.
- Hal Prince Music and Entertainment
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146 East 37th Street New York, NY 10016 ; Tel: 212-354-4100 ; www.halprince.com
Celebrating 50 years in business, Hal Prince Music & Entertainment is the premier family owned full service music and entertainment company. Bands, DJ's, Classical or Jazz Ensemble's we will customize the right music needed to create the perfect Wedding.
- Jarrell Entertainment
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583 11th Street #1 Brooklyn, NY 11215 ; Tel: 917-449-3435 ; jarrellentertainment.com
The preferred vendor for top venues, event planners and celebrity clientele in NY, LA, Hamptons and Miami, Jarrell Entertainment is an innovative global event entertainment company, offering an experienced staff of talented DJs and musicians.
- New York Edge Music
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New York, NY ; Tel: 212-749-2364 ; www.newyorkedge.com
Yes, we wear tuxes. No, we're not typical! Elegant and high energy. Dynamic vocals, smoking horns. Swing, Jazz, R&B, Classic Rock, Motown, Soul & Funk, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's, Hip Hop, Current Top 40.
- Nite-Time
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New York, NY ; Tel: 212-864-6784 ; www.nite-time.com
New York City's Premier Party Band! A dynamic and versatile group of full time professional musicians dedicated to making sure that everyone gets up on the dance floor! Offering custom designed music packages to fit every individual taste, style and budget.
- Speed Demon's Entertainment
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229-19 Merrick Boulevard, Suite 308 Springfield Gardens, New York 11413 ; Tel: 347-724-5163 www.speeddemonsent.com
Speed Demon's Entertainment has mastered "Entertainment at its best!" Providing everything from DJ's & MC's to complete event planning. Demonstrating unprecedented crowd interaction, we guarantee your event will truly be remembered for years to come! Small business delivering big results! Simple pricing. Starting at $1,234.
- Soul System Orchestras
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New York NY 10019 ; Tel: 800-466-7685 ; www.soulsystemorchestras.com
Young, fun, and elegantly hip! Founded by ROB AFFUSO, drummer of Rock's best selling act, SKID ROW! With their youthful enthusiasm, charismatic, high-energy performances, SOULSYSTEM is NY's hippest event group and entertainment agency!
- Star Talent Inc.
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590 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor New York, NY 10022 ; Tel: 212-541-3770 ; www.startalentinc.com
Representing the city's most sought after repertoire authentic dance bands. Music performed in the style of the original artist. Always personalized for each client. Club styled DJs and ceremony ensembles.









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