Weddings Winter 2009 > Planner

New York Edge Music

New York Edge began as a single orchestra in 1995 and has since grown into a company with dance bands, jazz ensembles, and D.J.’s. The original orchestra can be booked in eight- to twelve-piece combinations, the largest of which features a four-part horn arrangement and four-part vocal harmonies. The band boasts a massive, continually updated song list. Prices upon request.

Norberto Goldberg

This Argentinian drummer-percussionist, who has performed with Broadway legends 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 be booked through John Ragusa Music (see page 176). Prices upon request.

On the Move Entertainment

On the Move makes choosing between band and D.J. a non-issue. With a unique and customizable stable of D.J.’s and live musicians, they can help couples to create the perfect wedding playlist. They are happy to travel and have done numerous celebrity and royal weddings. From $4,000.

Opus 5 Classical

The talented performers of Opus 5 regularly play with groups like the New York Philharmonic, City Opera, and the New York City Ballet. They will arrange pieces for various chamber combinations. Prices upon request.

Orchestrations, Inc.

This boutique, full-service, budget-friendly 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 genres and instruments for unique, genre-defying sets—the Black Eyed Peas played on classical guitar, the Beatles as imagined by a brass quartet, harps accompanying a live D.J. Prices start at $500.

Park Swing Orchestra

The Park Swing Orchestra can rock the house with its 22-piece ensemble (they’ve been lauded for their big-band skill by the jazz press); for something more modest, a few members will come and play classical, jazz, classic rock, or swing. Accomplished brothers Edward and Bill Kinslow direct the proceedings. From $2,100.

Peter Duchin's Orchestra, Inc.

The Peter Duchin Orchestra has been performing since 1962. Big-band leader Duchin is onstage more than 200 times a year, and his various bands play 400 engagements annually. Whatever the budget, Duchin can provide a Motown D.J., Dixieland band, or classical orchestra. Prices upon request.

The Rhythm Dogs

A dance band specializing in Motown, soul, swing, reggae, and contemporary dance music, this band’s ability to rouse an audience to its feet has made it a top choice for corporate events and weddings. A D.J. is also available. Prices upon request.

Robbie Scott & The New Deal Orchestra

Drummer and vocalist Scott is the backbone of this lauded ensemble, which plays everything from twenties-era big-band swing to Sinatra to seventies disco and rock and roll. The seasoned group of musicians will play traditional ceremonial music or morph into a brass quintet. Prices for a Saturday event start at $500 per musician.

747 Orchestra

747 Orchestra has a 29-year history in the wedding biz and is known for its soulful sounds of R&B, Motown, funk, soul, and jazz. The killer horn section, vocals, and instrumentation makes for a bumping dance floor at any wedding. Prices upon request.

Son Amigos

This Cuban-Latin trio will liven up the party with authentic salsa, cha-cha, bolero, bossa nova, and more. Legendary crooner Jose Luis Martinez, founding member of Cuba’s Los Van Van, and Cuban virtuoso David Oqendo alternate gigs on vocal styling and guitar. A bassist and percussionist round out the trio with dance-inducing rhythms. Prices begin at $1,500.

Soul System Orchestra

This group of seasoned Manhattan studio musicians will play everything from Rat Pack classics and Motown to contemporary radio and rock hits. Soul System boasts a stellar rhythm section, led by drummer Rob Affuso and the band’s ever-popular dancing horns. Prices upon request.

Starlight Orchestras & Productions

Valerie Romanoff heads a group of seven of the city’s top dance bands and specialty acts, most of which are led by female vocalists who specialize in seamlessly weaving together eclectic musical sets. Romanoff and her team of bandleaders played at Catherine Zeta-Jones’s New York wedding as well as at least one presidential inaugural ball. Gigs start at $9,000.

The Stingers Band

This high-energy band specializes in jamming out to Motown and R&B hits. After fifteen years together, the Stingers Band knows how to please a crowd. Their “rock and soul” style has generated a huge fan following, including Denzel Washington and Martha Stewart. From $6,500 to $15,000.

Stuart White Productions

This company has more than 30 ensembles, ranging from solo harpists to Motown to funk bands. But the crown jewel is their twelve-piece orchestra, which has played three presidential inaugurations. Prices range from $600 (for a single violinist) to $20,000 (for the twelve-piece orchestra).

Ten Tumbao

This soulful seven-piece band mixes spicy rhythms with captivating vocal harmonies and hot melodies. From traditional Cuban songs to modern salsa hits, they’ll get a crowd on the dance floor. From $3,500.

Trapp Music

Founder George Trapp, a graduate of Juilliard and the Vienna Conservatory, and a veteran of countless 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. Prices upon request.

Trevor Davison Orchestras and Musical Entertainment

Crowds that prefer the jitterbug to the macarena go for the clean-cut Trevor Davison Orchestra, an ensemble that specializes in Hamptons-style society swing, jazz, and big-band music, with a dash of the contemporary. They offer a D.J./band combination that is particularly popular. Prices upon request.

Vali Music

All three bands within Vali Entertainment are known for their danceable covers of classics and their tireless performances: They’ll play five-hour sets without breaks. Versatile and eclectic, these musicians have played with John Mayer, Kool & the Gang, Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, and Queen Latifah, to name a few. Gigs from $3,000 to $30,000.

Venus Ensembles

These talented concert-quality classical and jazz ensembles will provide elegant or upbeat music for the big day. Jessica Meyer, the Juilliard-trained founder, helps plan the fine details. Prices upon request.

From the Winter 2009 New York Wedding Guide