D.J.’s
D.J. Gaza
Couples seeking a down-to-earth mix master will dig Gary Hoffman’s no-fuss formula: Oblige your clients’ preferences, deliver a full-on dance riot, and emcee only when necessary. His 100,000-track library covers today’s Top 40 but also includes cuts from De La Soul, Beck, Prince, and the Cure. From $1,500. 917-604-3970; 74events.com.
Mister Saturday Sound
Hip young things already know turntablist Justin Carter from his roving dance party, Mister Saturday Night. This is the commercial arm of that operation, booking A-list events and weddings. Specialties include rare soul, underground jazz, obscure funk, and grandma-pleasing big-band hits. From $2,000. 347-799-2203; mistersaturdaysound.com.
D.J. Cassidy
For Kardashian-esque excess, look no further. The always-stylish Cassidy played Kim’s nuptials, as well as President Obama’s Inaugural Ball and events for Jay-Z, Diddy, and Naomi Campbell. His forte is hip-hop, eighties, and funk. From $30,000. 212-877-0400; djcassidy.com.
Scratch Weddings
This ten-year-old company put its 55 D.J.’s through a rigorous ten-step screening process that includes scratch mixing and mike work. In the fold: D.J. Arisa Sound, who has spun events for Yves Saint Laurent and Mercedes-Benz; D.J. Dan Chaves, a deck-manner for the likes of Talib Kweli and KRS-One; and D.J. Alias (right), a regular at the Thompson Hotel and a go-to guy for Macy’s, H&M, and Bloomingdale’s. From $1,700. 866-955-8580; scratchweddings.com.
Bands
The Dexter Lake Club Band
Knitting Factory regulars should look twice at this all-male sextuplet, whose members have played in or with the Walkmen, the French Kicks, and the Cars, among others. Their repertoire covers all the usual suspects (Bowie, Lennon, Guns n’ Roses), plus eighties favorites, traditional Jewish music, and big-band standards. From $9,000. 917-848-2145; dexterlakeclubband.com.
The Prenups
There’ll be no electric sliding, funky chickening, or Z-100–type playlists when you book this handsome young quintet. Instead, expect a show packed with modern indie music, eighties tunes, and rock and soul hits by Elvis, the Rolling Stones, and Ray Charles. From $5,000. 914-953-5707; theprenupsmusic.com.
Hank Lane Music and Productions
Ritzy venues like the Plaza, Waldorf-Astoria, Yale Club, and Cipriani 42nd Street hire their bands exclusively through this 34-year-old booker. The company offers acts in any size or genre and adheres to a continuous-music policy. Prices upon request. 212-767-0600; hanklane.com.
Faze 4 Orchestras
This 30-year-old booking agency represents eleven bands, some of which have been playing together since their members were 16 years old, others of which have shared stages with Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez, and Diana Ross. Couples can expect mostly energetic covers of Top 40 hits: the Black-Eyed Peas, Rihanna, even a rollicking (and edited, if you prefer) take on Cee Lo Green. From $8,000.