Elevation Swing & Variety Band
952.920.3064 | dianemusic.com/elevation
Diane Martinson is a true impresario, as manager of more than half-a-dozen bands, choirs and duos—most of which she performs in. Chief among them is Elevation Swing & Variety Band, an eight-piece act boasting five strong vocalists who double on instruments for rich vocal harmonies backed by percussion, guitars and horns. Martinson also offers a dinnertime jazz trio or duo, an affordable way to add elegant live music without the cost of the full eight-piece band. All told, her services are more customizable than a tricked-out Honda Accord, serving both your needs and your budget. “One Minneapolis couple has already been at four of our events,” Martinson says. “Only time will tell how many Elevation receptions they will dance at!”
- Style: Swing, Motown, pop, rock and big band music
- Cost: From $595 for an hour of dinnertime jazz to $3,895 for five hours with the full eight-piece band; discounts available
- Setting: Ceremonies and receptions
The Sevilles
651.6 99.7750 | musiciansunlimited.com/the_sevilles.htm
The Sevilles have shared the stage with notables from the music world and beyond, including the Temptations and President Bill Clinton. They’ve played for, among others, the Ambassador of Denmark, Jessica Lange and Mikhail Baryshnikov (“They’re much shorter than you’d think,” says band leader Michael Kearney). But the key to the Sevilles’ success is their humble entertainer’s ethic—their job is to please your guests, period. Whatever your pleasure—Motown, swing or Justin Timberlake—it’s probably in their century-spanning repertoire—and if it isn’t, they ’ll gladly learn a couple new rump-shakers just for you.
- Style: Popular hits from the 1940s through 2008
- Cost: Seven-piece band: $3,900, 10-piece band: $4,900 to $5,400; for four hours of music, with breaks; prices dependent on date
- Setting: Receptions
Bella Nota String Quartet
651.646.0411 | bellanotastringquartet.com
To paraphrase Tenacious D, the Bella Nota String Quartet is classically trained to rock your socks off. “This is more than a job,” says cellist and manager Christine Melchert. “It is truly an honor to share in one the most sacred and significant life events of our clients.” Formed in 1999 and composed of professional musicians and music educators, this traditional string quartet—two violins, a viola and a cello—is equally at home with J.S. Bach or Elton John, and their deep well of experience is evident in their smooth melodies and rich harmonies. “We’ve even performed Coldplay and Norah Jones hits,” says Melchert. Their years in the wedding industry are equally evident. Expert coordinators, they’ll help create a memorable, meaningful, stress-free and beautiful day for the couple.
- Style: Classical, pop, jazz, Broadway hits, tango
- Cost: Starting at $580 for a ceremony
- Setting: Ceremonies and dinner
