Music to Drink By
Five toast-worthy acts for a mood-setting cocktail hour.
 |
(Photo: Alamy) |
If you’re serving … Sidecars, Clover Clubs, and French 75’s
Then hire: Michael Cumella, a WFMU radio host and self-described “Boardwalk Empire D.J.” who dons a seersucker suit and spins Jazz Age tunes on a duet of hand-cranked phonographs. From $400. michaelcumella.com
If you’re serving … Johnnie Walker
Black Label Blended Scotch Whiskey
Then hire: Jonathan Henken, a pipe major who has blown on the bag for Margaret Thatcher, guest-soloed at Carnegie Hall, and performed at the Met in honor of Alexander McQueen. From $350. 845-278-2788
If you’re serving …
Pineapple-Ring Rum Punch
Then hire: Hawaii-born singer, ukulele player, and lap-steel-guitarist Josh Kekoa Cho, whose tropicalia-conjuring tunes are perfect for luau-themed affairs. From $350. joshchomusic.com
If you’re serving … Pisco Sours
Then hire: Latin guitarists (and married couple) Elysa and Jason Hochman, who serenade guests with acoustic covers of Gipsy Kings, Paco de Lucia, and Ottmar Liebert ballads. From $800. rumbaflamenca.com
If you’re serving … Sazeracs and Absinthe Frappés
Then hire: A swinging Dixieland trio through Craig Scott Entertainment, a company that represents dozens of musicians and can customize a band specifically for a Big Easy–style soirée. From $350 per musician. craigscott.com