Weddings Summer 2013 > Planner

Park Swing Orchestra

This 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.

Performing 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

This 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

This 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

As 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

Drummer 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

This 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

This 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

After 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.

Covering 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

Wexler’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

This 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

This 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

This 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

Not 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

Founder 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

The 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

This 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

These 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