Landmark Music Recommendations

• Published Winter 2006

THE STINGERS

Motown
The Stingers are ensuring that Motown lives fabulously on. Their elegant footwork and dapper style have impressed A-listers such as Denzel Washington and Martha Stewart, as they croon through classics like "I Feel Good," and "Moonlight Serenade" (from $8,000; 212-242-8780).—Emma Pearce

JAMBALAYA BRASS BAND

Brass and Percussion
This is a New Orleans party band in the grandest sense. Their tools for rhythm and sound run the gamut-zydeco tie, tambourines, go-go bells, cabasa, and the Cajun triangle- as do their influences: R&B, funk, and gospel. (from $3,000; 212-242-8780).—E.P.

DOC SCANTLIN AND HIS IMPERIAL PALMS ORCHESTRA

Big Band Orchestra
Doc Scantlin wears vintage suits and sports a pencil moustache. His show is flavored with theatrical elements like Carmen Miranda-style fruit baskets-cum-headdresses and cigarette girls. He's played everything from Aerin Lauder's wedding to the Met's Costume Institute Ball. (from $10,000; 301-855-9102).—E.P.

ROMANCE LATINO

Bossa Nova
Singer Cecilia Tenconi leads this South American outfit, matching their deep percussive rhythms with her lush vocals. The music is as danceable and sophisticated as a little black dress in summer. Tenconi moves between vocals and flutes; to join her, she'll call on Latin and jazz masters like the Chico O'Farrill Big Band (from $1,800; 718-833-6766).—E.P.

GOLEM

Alterna-Klezmer
This alterna-klezmer plays both downtown rock clubs and simchas, juicing "Havah Nagilah" with punk-rock energy and tweaking rock and roll standards with trombone wailing. "We make everyone feel Jewish," says singer/accordionist Annette Ezekiel (from $6,000; golemrocks.com).—Michael Endelman