Weddings Winter 2010 > Planner

The "A" Band

Songs from Rihanna and Justin Timberlake to Frank Sinatra and Etta James are a just a tiny fraction of the music this veteran band—which can feature anywhere from five to eight members—can cover. They’re known for their eclectic style and dance-inspiring rhythms. From $3,000.

Alex Donner Entertainment

What began as the Alex Donner Orchestra has grown into a one-stop shop for everything from classical music to mariachi bands and soul. The list of notable clients spans the spectrum from Jimmy Buffet to George Soros. From $4,000.

Al Scatt's Stolen Moments Entertainment

This company is composed of ten acts—from D.J.’s to steel-drum trios to jazz and classical orchestras to a cover band as versed in 50 Cent as in Louis Armstrong. Prices upon request.

Anteros Quartet

This versatile quartet can tailor its song list to suit any couple’s tastes: from the classical canon to tangos to ragtime. Couples on a budget can opt for the simpler trio, and those who want to add a little kick to the classic quartet can request a trumpet, harp, or vocalist. The quartet charges $1,200 for the first hour and $300 for each additional hour.

Around Town Entertainment

Proficient in everything from the classics to contemporary Top 40 dance music, Around Town gives clients a well-rehearsed group of energetic musicians. With Adam Michaels at the helm, this is not your typical wedding band, but rather an eclectic, sophisticated take on high-energy dance music. Prices upon request.

Associated Musicians of Greater New York

The New York Musicians Union (Local 802) represents more than 8,000 professional musicians in New York City. Whether couples are looking to hire a band or an orchestra, the union will refer them to the appropriate group or contractor. Prices are negotiable depending on group size and time.

A. Stan Wiest Music

This agency provides a diverse array of bands and D.J.’s—think mariachis, steel-drum bands, strolling violinists, or musicians well-versed in Persian music and salsa. With such manifold talents, they are a favorite among Dixieland fans, flamenco lovers, sitar aficionados, and people who love bagpipes. Prices upon request.

Bianchi Musica

Award-winning pianist-composer Pilley Bianchi produces and styles chamber ensembles with fresh talent and customized string arrangements, ranging from Phish to Symphonie Fantastique. Ceremonies are personalized to be sweet and whimsical or elegantly dramatic. Prices upon request.

Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music

This orchestra’s members—some of who have been playing together since 1989—perform rock, disco, and R&B;, as well as specialty sounds like reggae, Latin, and klezmer. They can also supply jazz duos as well as trios and quartets for ceremony and cocktail music ($2,500 to $10,000). Upon request, they will coordinate live sound with their own D.J. at no additional cost.

Cal James Entertainment

Musical director, film scorer, and session saxophonist James has gathered a select group of dependable studio musicians and vocalists who have worked with Sting, Eric Clapton, and Ray Charles. They’ll hook you up with a string quartet, a jazz combo, a harp ensemble, a flute trio, or their fun-loving, highly sought-after dance band, the Cal James Orchestra. Prices run from $3,000.

Campanella Ensemble

This group can deliver a cocktail pianist, a roving guitar player, or practically any other ensemble type. Their talented group of musicians includes singers, harpists, and all the standard string and brass performers. Prices vary widely depending on the number of musicians hired, the location, and the duration of the reception.

Charlotte Russe Music

This team breaks out the horns for Duke Ellington classics, plays classical music, and hams it up on “Time of My Life,” but what sets it apart is its huge repertoire of klezmer and Asian music. Owner Charlotte Sanders sings in seven languages (English, French, Spanish, Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, and Polish). Prices upon request.

Chuck Braman Jazz Groups

The Chuck Braman groups include a piano trio, a vibraphone quartet, and an innovative quintet complete with a jazz vocalist, among others. They’ve been performing mellow, classy jazz for the past two decades at New York City weddings, restaurants, and high-end events such as MoMA gallery openings. Prices upon request.

From the Winter 2010 New York Wedding Guide