If One Direction played instruments, they might look a little something like these guys. The all-male quartet Well-Strung features classical musicians who put their own spin on Mozart, Beethoven, Lorde, Madonna, Gotye, U2, and more. The group, which is composed of first violinist Edmund Bagnell, second violinist Christopher Marchant, cellist Daniel Shevlin, and violist Trevor Wadleigh, has gained national and international attention for its unique blend of string-quartet-meets-boy-band. The foursome has played venues around the world, including the Leicester Square Theatre in London, the House of Blues in New Orleans, and Feinstein's in San Francisco. Available globally for corporate events, the group's fee starts at $7,500.
The professional touring and recording session musicians are die-hard Beatles fans and cover more than 80 of the iconic group's songs. (The act's name is an homage to John Lennon's band, the Quarrymen, which eventually evolved into the beloved Beatles.) During the Four Quarrymen's performances, guests are encouraged to join the band to sing along karaoke style. Available on the East and West Coasts, the Los Angeles-based band charges $10,000 per event; fee is negotiable.
The 160-member rock choir, which has performed sold-out shows at Koerner Hall in Toronto and Carnegie Hall in New York, can customize its playlist based on the event, singing everything from Lady Gaga to Stevie Wonder. Plus, Newchoir offers teambuilding workshops, teaching groups of as many as 65 how to perform a song. Fees range from $2,500 to $7,500 for events in Toronto and southern Ontario.
Lavender Steel from New York-based entertainment company On the Move performs '90s hits as well as original tunes. The band's sing-along show includes two 40-minute sets, plus over-the-top '80s- and '90s-inpsired costumes, choreographed dancers, a Hula-Hoop act, and two stilt walkers who interact with the audience during the performance. The group performs domestically and internationally; pricing is available upon request.
As entertainment during cocktail hour or dinner, M'Michèle improvises lounge music with an electric harp, and can adapt her playlist with her DJ to set the mood. She has performed at events for brands like Cadillac, Delta, and Acura, as well as at the Much Music Awards, North by Northeast Festival, and royal receptions. Montreal-based M'Michèle is available for international performances; pricing is available upon request. Booking inquiries can be made through the Idea Hunter.
The quirky musical act will definitely make waves at any outdoor event. The Latino band from France can entertain guests, all while floating on rafts in swimming pools, rivers, or any body of water. Available for performances in the United States, the group charges approximately $3,300 and is booked through Talents & Productions, an international corporate entertainment agency based in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The eclectic ensemble from On the Move fuses soprano opera vocals with classical strings, while a DJ spins custom backing tracks. Each artist has electroluminescent and ultraviolet lighting woven into their costumes for a special glow. The group performs domestically and internationally; pricing is available upon request.
New York Virtuosi's electric string quartet covers pop tunes, such as "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus and "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. The ensemble recently performed at a Ted Baker launch event for the designer's spring/summer collection. New York Virtuosi is available globally, with fees starting at $2,000.
Like a harp on steroids, the strings of the oversize musical instrument are suspended across several feet and are illuminated to grab the audience's attention. Booked through Talents & Productions, the United States-based act charges approximately $9,800 per event.
Taking inspiration from their high school days, the Chicago cover band members present playful takes on classic teenage roles, such as the prom king, Catholic schoolgirl, nerd, hippie, and jock. The Student Body performs favorite rock, pop, and alternative hits, and encourages attendees to dress in their favorite cheerleader outfits or school spirit gear. The group is available for weddings, corporate events, and private parties as a full band or acoustic, and currently plays around the Midwest but is available to travel nationwide. Pricing ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.
![“We have used linens by Party Tables in three recent events, including a party in Chattanooga [Tennessee], where I used a custom-made black-and-white pattern to fit the estate tables ranging in length from 16 to 60 feet. For a destination on Amelia Island [in Florida], Party Tables made custom jackets to fit over the venue’s existing wood barstools along with cloths for the highboys and pillows to accent the soft seating areas. It was one linen, three ways!” —Steve Bales of Bold American Events in Atlanta Linens, price upon request, available nationwide from Party Tables](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2015/01/chattanooga_blackandwhitelinens.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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The 2012 Pencer Brain Trust Gala in Toronto used flamboyant orange hues to support its edgy, rock theme.
Billy Butchkavitz’s design inspiration at HBO’s 2009 Golden Globes party in Los Angeles came from the colorful “emotional architecture” style of Luis Barragán and vintage ’60s textiles. Butchkavitz washed restaurant Circa 55 and the adjoining pool area at the Beverly Hilton in a banana yellow animal print.
