A Band for Every Budget
Because a live soundtrack makes the good times even better.
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The Lascivious Biddies
(Photo: Courtesty of the Lascivious Biddies) |
The Klezical Tradition
Cost: From $1,200
They can play traditional bar mitzvahs, a dancing-in-the-aisles concert, or (for your wedding) something joyfully in between. The “core four” includes a vocalist, a violinist, a clarinetist, and flute-playing keyboardist, with other musicians on call to beef up the sound as needed. 203-374-0607; klezband.com
IslandBoys
Cost: From $1,750
Front man and steel drummer Willy Cruz oversees this spirited three-piece reggae/calypso band, which was recently hired to play a benefit for the American Cancer Society at the Metropolitan Pavilion. On drums, keyboard, and guitar, they’ll evoke the calm of the Caribbean with a mix of old favorites, like Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley, and obscure gems like Lord Kitchener. 800-567-5514; islandboysband.com
The Lascivious Biddies
Cost: From $4,000
This all-girl band looks straight out of the indie-singer playbook—right down to the vintage glasses and outfits—but they’re not just a gimmick; they’ve shared the stage with Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry, among others. Expect well-executed, cheeky cocktail pop with songs that draw on country, classical, and beyond. 917-224-6707; biddiesmusic.com
The Hudson Project Cost: From $8,500
This exuberant band includes an accomplished salsa and samba singer from Mexico City, as well as performers who can do everything from re-creating Broadway vignettes to delivering a raucous Stomp-like rhythm performance to get guests onto the dance floor. They’ll regale you with a mix of classics (James Brown, Nina Simone) and current pop hits. You can also customize the chameleonic band (they can perform in a group with as few as six, and as many as fifteen) by adding trumpet, sax, trombone, and electric violins. 888-800-3526; info@elanartists.com
Marianne Bennett Orchestra
Cost: From $25,000
Sleek singer Bennett and her accomplished players are, for a certain tier of wedding, a must-book. With fans ranging from Wicked’s Idina Menzel to Letterman music man Paul Shaffer, and experience providing the glittery entertainment at galas thrown by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the like, there’s few styles they can’t deliver. Expect rich, pitch-perfect renditions of everything from Michael Bublé to Michael Jackson. But don’t delay—they schedule at least nine months in advance. 212-921-1080; mariannebennett.com
From the Summer 2010 New York Wedding Guide
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