Weddings Summer 2017 > Planner

Juliana Riccardi Music Group

This group delivers a down-to-earth party with an eclectic set list honoring classic rock, soul, Motown, pop, and folk from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s—so everyone in your family will be happy and on their feet. Expect tunes from Pharrell, Bruno Mars, Al Green, and Aretha Franklin. Prices from $2,200. (good value)

The Klezical Tradition

This klezmer band, led by Adrianne Greenbaum, is traditional enough for Bubbie and Zadie but high-energy enough to keep your younger guests in good spirits. Choose from one strolling musician or keep adding up to a seven-piece ensemble to play a selection of klezmer, classical, and jazz offerings. From $800 to $6,000. (good value)

Lapis Luna

Old souls can set the mood with this urbane band, whose swinging tunes evoke a bygone era in partying. Led by vocalist Shawn Aileen Clark, Lapis Luna plays vintage jazz, swing, bossa nova, and songs from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. Its repertoire includes icons like Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Prices upon request.

Live Music Pros

Best known for the band Atomic Funk Project, this company represents a collective of multiple bands and DJs around New York City. Couples can work with the agency to personalize a music package that suits their needs and budget, with add-ons like a string section or specialty lighting. Even the most basic option offers a prearranged song list and MC. Prices upon request.

Los Acustilocos

This Latin-leaning group—which has headlined at Merkin Concert Hall and played Carnegie Hall—can start off an evening with classical flute and acoustic guitar, move to jazz, then build to a six-piece rhythm ensemble. Its multicultural numbers include samba, salsa, and bossa nova. Prices upon request. (good value)

Lou Davis Music and Entertainment

This company includes seven in-house orchestras in addition to specialty ensembles, emcees, and DJs who are well versed in every genre. The members know how to play for a diverse crowd (yes, grandparents and frat brothers alike), guaranteeing everyone will keep happily dancing till dawn. Prices upon request.

Lucy Music

Lucy Music is a boutique company run by Aaron Thurston, bandleader of alt-hit cover outfit the Engagements. In addition to Thurston’s own band, Lucy Music’s collective of multi-instrumentalists includes the Affections (dance rock), the Loyales (classic soul R&B), Baby Soda (“street jazz”), and several other tribute groups known for getting guests to shake it with abandon at wedding receptions. From $5,900.

Madison35 Productions

This close-knit eight-member group is a rare hybrid of religious and secular performers. While the musicians can play every type of Hebrew hora and simcha track, they also have a huge repertoire of contemporary favorites from Katy Perry to Jay Z. Prices upon request.

Manhattan String Orchestra

This four-band company has played the Super Bowl pregame show and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. The Celebration Strings group offers a mix that includes pop and rock as well as classical pieces—all played on string instruments. Prices upon request. (good deal)

Mixtape: A Cover Band For Hipsters

Even the music snobs on your guest list will happily get down to this band’s covers of Phoenix, Arcade Fire, David Bowie, Queen, Talking Heads, and the Clash. Mixtape offers a six- to ten-piece configuration and can add horns or strings depending on how you would like your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception to sound. From $5,500 for a six-piece band.

New York City Swing

Couples get a choice of four versatile, spirited bands from this outfit. Each has an enormous song list, including swing, Motown, disco, contemporary dance music, and Top 40 hits. Satisfied clients include Sumner Redstone and the cast of The Sopranos. From $8,000 to $20,000.

New York Edge Music

What began as a single orchestra has grown into a company that includes multiple dance bands, jazz ensembles, and DJs. The original orchestra can be booked with 7 to 12 musicians; the most popular configuration features four-piece horn arrangements and four-part vocal harmonies. Prices upon request.

New York Jazz Band

These groups include a piano trio, a vibraphone quartet, and a jazz-vocal quintet. They’ve been keeping things swinging for the past two decades at weddings and high-end events such as MoMA openings, and can play a variety of jazz genres and styles. Prices upon request.

Nite-Time

The husband-and-wife co-owners of Nite-Time met while playing a wedding and now headline a group of musicians who have shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Gavin DeGraw, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Nite-Time offers custom­izable packages to fit various budgets, styles, and musical tastes, including a variety of ensemble options for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Prices upon request.

Norberto Goldberg and Amazonas

This talented Argentine percussionist, who has performed with Broadway legends such as Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune, has been known to turn a reception into a sultry dance party with his Latin jazz, bossa nova, and samba numbers. Prices upon request.

On the Move Entertainment

Founded in 1993, this company makes choosing between a band and a DJ a nonissue. With a customizable stable of DJs and live musicians (including its flagship band, Winston’s Crew), it can help couples create the musical ambience they desire. Its musicians are happy to travel and have done numerous celebrity and royal weddings. From $8,000.

Orchestrations, Inc.

This full-service boutique operation encourages brides and grooms to think outside the string quartet. Founder Julie Feldman, a harpist with a music degree from Columbia University, can mix and match styles and instruments to create one-of-a-kind, genre-defying sets—think the Beatles as imagined by a brass quintet or harpists accompanying a live DJ. Prices upon request.

From the Summer 2017 New York Wedding Guide