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Entertainment
AGENTS
Absolute Entertainment
3000 Carlisle, Suite 113, Dallas, TX 75204214/871-9900, www.absolutedfw.com
A trio of North Texas alums with degrees in music performance founded Absolute Entertainment in the early 90's. Since then, the agency has established itself as one of the top agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, booking talent for social and corporate events. Their services take them to the best venues, such as the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Crescent Hotel.
Ashley Taylor Agency
P.O. Box 93447, Southlake, TX 76092817/424-8455, www.ashleytayloragency.com
Ashley Taylor is popular with weddings, private parties and charity galas. She books for a full range of local talent as well as celebrity artists, such as Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks and Asleep at the Wheel, for higher profile events.
Carol Marks Music
7522 Campbell Road, #113-204, Dallas, TX 75248972/231-4091, www.carolmarksmusic.com
Carol Marks has been a pro in booking the best talent for your events for many years. Carol Marks has a variety of pianists, small combos and brass groups to recommend for events of all sizes.
Ed Bernet Entertainment
7967 Caruth Court, Dallas, TX 75225214/691-0001, www.edbernet.com
Ed Bernet is a Dallas celebrity, not only for his days of playing football at SMU and as a pro, but for his music as a member of SMU's legendary Cell Block Seven and later as the founder of The Levee, Dallas' popular nightclub venue. Backed with all his experience, Ed will find the best match of entertainment and event.
Gary Osier Entertainment
PO Box 211026, Bedford, TX 76095817/358-3999, www.garyosier.com
Known for engaging major acts for charity and corporate events and for large weddings, Gary Osier is a master at handling all the arrangements of an event's entertainment, including the lighting, sound and travel arrangements. If you want to impress your audience, he can help.

Tapley Entertainment
P.O. Box 2170, Coppell, TX 75019972/255-3967, www.talentbookingusa.com
Dave Tapley, in business for 15 years, provides national acts, entertainers, and musical attractions for corporate and charity events. Comedy and novelty events are also a specialty.

BIG BANDS
Bill Tillman Band
P.O. Box 836099, Richardson, TX 75083982/675-0176, www.tillman.pharescorder.com
Bill Tillman has been in demand with everyone from Michael Dell for his wedding to the Crystal Charity Ball, Nashville's legendary Swan Ball and the Dallas Opera Ball. The band is flexible with different numbers to fit the occasion.
Brent Van Sickel Orchestra
361/935-1319, www.brentvansickle.comThe "Party Orchestra" plays a varierty of musical styles and is one of the most energetic and dynamic Texas bands.
The Dave Tanner Band
972/281-5969, www.davetannermusic.comDave Tanner has been one of Dallas' most sought after entertainers. We can believe that he is the "busiest band in Dallas." We have enjoyed his high-energy group on many occasions. Members of his group have credentials that range from backup to LeAnn Rimes, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles to being members of the famed North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band.

Left Bank Society Orchestra
Larry T Byrd Gordon
972/286-6832, www.leftbanksociety.comGrammy nominée and holder of a doctorate degree in music education, Dr. Gordon and his show band have a fabulous repertoire of big band, country, jazz, gospel and more. He has played before royalty and celebrities and was an annual highlight of the Monaco summer season for many years. His group adds pizzazz to any party.
Left Bank Society Orchestra
P.O. Box 779, Cedar Hill, TX 75106214/826-7092, www.leftbankorchestra.com
"From Miller to Motown" Founded in 1982 by Royce Nowell, the 20 piece Left Bank Society Orchestra is backed by solid experience and impressive credentials, including performances at the Dallas Museum's Beaux Arts Ball, the Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet Ball, the Idlewild Debutante Ball season and many private events, including Dallas area weddings.
Los Reyes de Dallas
214/309-0451Mariachi is an important contribution of colonial Mexico and has become emblematic of Mexican music. Mariachis dress in typical charro outfits and traditionally play at weddings and other formal occasions. Los Reyes played with the Anita Martinez dance group for one of the Winspear Opera House opening events. The group adds a great deal of theme and merriment to a party event.
Phares Corder Orchestra
P.O. Box 836099, Richardson, TX 75083972/675-0176, www.pharescorder.com
The Phares Corder Orchestra performs in the traditional Big Band and Swing Band styles from Glenn Miller to Harry Connick, Jr., with the addition of contemporary music as well. Included is a vocal group that sings in the traditions of Frank Sinatra, the Modernaires and the Manhattan Transfer, as well as the Motown Sound. The orchestra can be tailored to the venue and the needs of the event.
Rodney Booth Band
4525 Reunion Drive, Plano, TX 75024972/618-6017, www.boothmusic.com
This is a unique group headed by UNT jazz professor Rodney Booth. He also has a variety of music groups to size to your needs and tempo. His credentials are impressive, having been a member of Woody Herman's Thundering Herd Big Band and performed with many major recording artists, such as Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, Michael Feinstein, Dionne Warwick, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Hamlisch, Ray Charles and Natalie Cole to name a few.
Vicho Vicencio & the Moonlight Orchestra
214/350-3633, www.incredibleproductions.comBandleader Vicho Vicencio adds elegance to any event with sounds of the Big Band era and can offer different versions of his big band to accommodate smaller venues.

OUT OF TOWN BANDS
Jim Johnson Orchestra
P.O. Box 770336, Memphis, TN 38177901/680-9748, www.jimjohnsonorchestra.com
Memphis-based, the Jim Johnson Orchestra is the South's most popular orchestra and "takes its audience on a musical journey from society and Latin beats to big band swing, from the best of rhythm and blues to good ol' rock and roll." They entertain at the most impressive society events nation-wide, including Dallas' own Crystal Charity Ball.

Peter Duchin
Peter Duchin Orchestras
244 Madison Avenue, Suite 333, New York, NY 10016212/972-2260, www.duchinentertainment.com
For more than three decades, Peter Duchin and his orchestras have been one of the most versatile, prestigious, and sought after bands of the modern era. Clients the world over have delighted to Duchin Entertainment's orchestra music. Fortunately, Peter Duchin and his orchestra have performed at some of Dallas' most exciting private parties and charity events, most recently a party for the Dallas Junior League.
Starlight Orchestras and Productions
55 Gansevoort Street, 4th floor, New York, N,Y. 10014212/595-0999, www.starlightorchestras.com
A New York-based band co-founded in 1990 by Valerie Romanoff, Starlight is one of the most sought-after music groups. Music, fashion, lighting and set design are part of their success. Together with her bevy of glamorous bandleaders, Valerie Romanoff plays at all the most exciting events from the Hamptons to the weddings of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones and of Gweneth Platrow and Chris North. High-profile Dallas events are among their appearances. "A Starlight performance never disappoints."
ENSEMBLES AND SOLO ACTS
Dallas String Quartet
P.O. Box 600377, Dallas, TX 75360214/288-2440, www.dallasstringquartet.com
Founded in 2007 by distinguished violinist Ion Zanca , the Dallas String Orchestra has rapidly become a favorite for many reasons, not least of which is the talent of the members, all superbly trained members of local orchestras. The group also has a unigue, alternate and modern style created by using electric instuments. When the occasion demands, the group incorporates additional instruments for still greater variety.
Gabriel DeHoyos
www.gabrieldehoyos.comClassical guitar makes wonderful music for a small event, either solo or with a second guitarist. Professionally trained and a graduate student in guitar at SMU, Gabriel DeHoyos is an accomplished artist as his credentials demonstrate. We are sure that he can also play a cool jazz guitar when the occasion demands. Fellow graduate student Leonardo Garcia frequently works with Gabriel for a pleasant duo presentation.

Dallas String Quartet
Gyros String Quartet
6348 Lano Avenue, Dallas, TX 75214214/373-9498, www.gyrosquartet.com
The Gyros String Quartet is known to many Dallasites after the quartet's years of playing at the Dream Café and the now -defunct Pantelli's. The group, led by violinist Norbert Gerl and featuring some of Dallas's best string players, is a staple at many weddings and events. The group has been nominated for several years by the "Dallas Observer" as "Best Classical Act."
James Gabriano Music
972/768-0146, www.jamesgabriano.comA UNT grad in classical and jazz guitar, James Gabriano is popular in the Dallas area for his "Latin and smooth jazz style." He plays solo and with his combo for private parties.

Nick DiGennaro Music
972/392-8692, www.nickdmusic.comNick DiGennaro has performed as a jazz and classical guitarist professionally for over thirty years. Though specializing in solo guitar and small ensembles, his performing experience includes playing with the Dallas Opera and the Dallas Wind Symphony, as well as other symphony groups. He has backed such noted artists as Roger Williams, Vic Damone, David Brenner, Diahann Carroll and Bo Didley.
Stradivarius String Quartet
P.O. Box 12602, Dallas, TX 75225972/949-4111, www.strativariusmusic.com
Established in 1990 by Victor Koszman and Sondra Jones, the Stadivarius String Quartet has impressive credentials and a commonality as members of the Dallas Opera Orchestra. As Dallas Symphony Concertmaster Emanuel Borok said: "Lucky is the couple who gets married to the sounds of the Stadavarius String Quartet." They are a top-notch ensemble to add beautiful music to any event.
Mark Toussaint
www.mtcombo.comMark Toussaint performs all over the Southwest and plays the piano regularly at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Ritz Carlton Hotel, the "W" Hotel, the Hotel Adolphus, the Anatole Hotel, and many others. Most recently, he and his combo opened for Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. His combo has equally impressive credentials.
DJ'S
Guillaume Coutheillas
214/528-1330, www.lifestyledesignservices.comPopular with the design-crowd and a fomer model, French-born Guillaume Coutheillas adds French Euro-chic to his mix. If you want to energize your crowd at runway shows, gallery openings and charity events, Guillaume may be your man. Catch him at the Hotel ZaZa when he is town.
Lucy Wrubel
www.lucywrubel.comThe fashion-crowd favorite, who can add spin and add panache to any event, Dallas-born and raised, Lucy can credit stints in L.A. and Milan for her unique touches. Check out her web site for her style and playlist. She is sure to have your party-goers on their feet. Lucy has tailored tunes to rent for your dinner party and music compilations for gifts.

Lucy Wrubel
OTHER ACTS
Grady Smart Tarot Intuitive
214/680-2938A lawyer by day and a card reader by evening, Grady Smart adds intrique to any party as the guests have their cards "read." Tarot cards were created several centuries ago and continue to be popular. A real pro, Gray Smart has mastered the art of fortune telling though the meaning of the 78 cards.
Yvette Psychic Medium
972/352-7059, www.yvettechilders.comYvette is a Psychic Medium who can add excitement to your party. Her hand reading analysis will have your guests awed with her uncanny accuracy. Great for conversation!
DFW Casino Parties
972/527-5507, www.dfwcasinoparties.comFun for all and a real ice-breaker for the graduation, birthday or non-profit party. The dealers will teach the guests and all will be winners by evening's end. DFW casino parties can augment the evening with an entire Las Vegas show when the occasion warrants.