Weddings Summer 2013 > Planner

Andy Anderson/Gotham D.J.

917-593-9823; gothamdj.com

After making a name for himself on the club circuit, Anderson started spinning weddings in 2004, insisting that wedding tunes need not be corny. Evidently, he’s keeping his word—rocker Andrew W.K. hired him for his nuptials. Anderson added two more D.J.’s to his team in 2007. Prices upon request.

Antique Phonograph D.J. Mac

646-228-5780; michaelcumella.com

You won’t find another D.J. like Michael Cumella—he’s just about the only one around who plays early 78s on century-old crank-up horned phonographs, though he’s also happy to play contemporary hits too. From $500 (cocktail hour). (good value)

Aria Melody D.J.

717-495-5638; ariamelody.com

“No lights, no fog, no gimmicks” is the motto of this cheese-free D.J. crew, who formed after members Paul and Nicole Sinclair couldn’t find an inconspicuous D.J. for their own wedding. They take a backseat approach while ensuring the music is perfect and the mic isn’t overused. From $1,475. (good value)

Beat Train Productions NYC

347-568-8987; beattrainnyc.com

Past clients rave about this boutique company, which sends out a small but experienced team of D.J.’s who spin everything from big-band jazz to modern Top 40. Prices range from $1,250 to $2,000 for five hours. Video projection and lighting services also available. (good value)

BOK-Music

914-723-0739; bok-music.com

Brendan O’Keefe is the man behind this small entertainment agency, which is comprised of a range of D.J.’s, pianists, guitarists, and jazz and chamber ensembles. Most BOK-Music musicians are graduates of Juilliard or other fine conservatories and have performed professionally on Broadway. Live ensembles start at $300 per musician, soloists at $575, and D.J.’s at $999. (good value)

The Compact Disc Jockeys

800-235-0404; cdjmusic.com

With glowing references from wedding-planning heavyweights like Claudia Hanlin and Stephen Kennard (of Canard Inc.), owner John Hubela, a veteran D.J., has the talent to provide music for any kind of affair. His collection contains Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Gaga, and everyone in between. The average price is about $1,250. (good value)

D.J. Cassidy

212-337-2034, ext. 12; djcassidy.com

A favorite of President Obama, Cassidy spun at the 2009 Inaugural Ball and has worked gigs for Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Diddy. He also played the infamous Kim Kardashian wedding. While his first love is hip-hop, seventies and eighties soul, funk, and R&B factor into the mix, too. Prices upon request.

D.J. David Chang

212-501-8919; djdavidchang.com

Chang makes it a priority to get to know his clients before the big day so he can put together the ideal playlist. He spun for Robert Downey Jr.’s wedding, where he shared the stage with Billy Joel and Sting; he’s also the D.J. on call for Tiffany & Co. events. Prices upon request.

D.J. Dina Regine

djdinaregine.com

One of Manhattan’s first female club D.J.’s, Regine has kicked off First Fridays at the Guggenheim, spun a benefit for the Dalai Lama at Lincoln Center, and played at parties for celebrities like Keith Richards, Cher, and Bruce Willis. She’ll create a personalized soundtrack for each phase of the ceremony and reception. Prices upon request.

D.J. Foosh

646-327-0202; foosh.com

D.J. Foosh got his start at house parties and has moved up to fashion shows in New York, London, and Milan. His eclectic taste leans toward world music, as well as funk and soul classics from the likes of James Brown and Prince. Actress Gina Torres hired him for her wedding to Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne. From $2,000.

D.J. Johnny Stuart

646-554-5148; johnnystuart.com

Johnny “Danger” Stuart has been a sought after D.J. for decades and is a regular D.J. at InStyle cover shoots. Destination weddings are no problem—he’s played nuptials as far away as Jamaica, Hawaii, and Greece. From $2,800.

D.J. Shakey

201-679-9736; campjulie.com

A serious vinyl collector, D.J. Shakey (a.k.a. Julie Covello) happily entertains diverse requests and plays all styles, from pop hits to underground-club dance music. Not into the whole emceeing thing? Covello will happily stay silent while she spins her unique variety of crowd-pleasing tunes. From $1,500. (good value)

D.J. $mall ¢hange

917-412-1862; djsmallchange.com

James Dier (a.k.a. $mall ¢hange) has played many of the city’s top clubs, but he also caters to betrothed “music-heads” who will appreciate his eclectic collection, which includes rare records like Gloria Jones’s 1964 version of “Tainted Love.” From $1,500. (good value)

D.J. Spline

917-715-8024; www.djspline.com

From the underground electronic scene in Caracas to New York nightclubs like Pacha (which he designed during his day job as an architect), D.J. Spline plays anything from classic James Brown and old-school Michael Jackson to indie rock and a carefully screened selection of Top 40 hits. His music often comes with a techno-infused Latin beat. Prices upon request.

Expressway Music

212-953-9367; www.expresswaymusic.com

Launched in 1992 and led by David Swirsky, this team of eight D.J.’s is expert at reading the crowd and knowledgable about how to make the most of numerous New York venues. These D.J.’s spin everything from world music to pop to swing. Prices upon request.

Gary Hoffman/D.J. Gaza

917-604-3970; 74events.com

This Brooklyn-based D.J. spins every genre under the sun and aims to keep the stress low and the dance floor packed. From $1,500. (good value)

Generation Events

212-505-7593; generationevents.com

With clients like Kelsey Grammer, David Yurman, and Louis Vuitton, Jason Fioto, a regular at Manhattan clubs Marquee and 1Oak, heads this entertainment company, which provides tunes for about 50 nuptials a year. From $3,000.

Jarrell Entertainment

917-449-3435; jarrellentertainment.com

This collective of D.J’s led by D.J. Ray Jarrell spins for A-list celebrities at some of the most exclusive locations in the world. Prices start at $2,000.

Jimmy Dee Music Productions

914-428-9231; jimmydee.com

This production company has performed at more than 10,000 affairs and can assist with D.J.’s, emcees, live music, lighting, video, and photography. If you want a live simulcast of the party, ask about the plasma video screen. A traditional D.J. with photo and video package starts at $5,400.

Love Junkies

646-504-9640; lovejunkiesnyc.com

Global soul-music connoisseurs Jon Oliver and D.J. Eko have fifteen years of radio experience between them (both currently program at East Village Radio), and they’ve played alongside Beyoncé and Norah Jones. From $1,500 to $3,000. (good value)

Mister Saturday Sound

347-799-2203; mistersaturdaysound.com

D.J. Justin Carter’s roving dance party, Mister Saturday Night, is well known among those who like to bust a move, and he has spun for such clients as MoMA, Mulberry, and Travel + Leisure. For your wedding, he’ll play everything from reggae and rare soul to Motown and grand­mother-pleasing big-band hits. From $2,000, plus sound system.

Play Something Good

646-580-0261; playsomethinggood.com

Local husband-and-wife D.J.’s Abby and Tom have spun at some of the city’s coolest venues (like Santos Party House, Gramercy Park Hotel, the Tribeca Rooftop, and the Ace Hotel) and for the likes of the Beastie Boys and Bloomingdale’s. From $1,600. (good value)

Scratch Weddings

866-955-8580; scratchweddings.com

For a stress-free experience, book this no-risk wedding D.J. service, which comes with insurance, a back-up D.J., and a dedicated music manager for your event. In 2012 they were selected for The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” and WeddingWire’s “Bride’s Choice” Awards. The full package includes setup and equipment. Prices upon request.

Touch of Class

201-997-0077; tocdjs.com

This husband-and-wife team can emcee in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Their four teams of D.J.’s cart MP3-filled laptops to the nearly 250 weddings they do a year. Additional services include plasma screens, photo booths, and videography. From $1,250. (good value)

Twerking Hard

917-575-5484; twerkinghard.com

A regular at Mayor Bloomberg’s Gracie Mansion, Josh Sparber has also played to Stockholm crowds and for the BBC in London. His upbeat and wide-ranging tastes embrace everything from funk, doo-wop, and northern soul to electro and hip-hop. Rates start at $1,500. (good value)

Ultimate Sound D.J.'s

718-204-1938; ultimatesoundDJs.com

These D.J.’s hand over complete control of music selection and timing, so they’re a favorite among couples with strong opinions about their wedding soundtracks. Event prices start at $1,100 and include lighting, smoke, and five hours of music. (good value)

From the Summer 2013 New York Wedding Guide