And ethnically flavored live music—whether it’s a two-piece combo or a ten-person orchestra—offers a fun, fresh take on the music scene. Whether it’s a band that will celebrate your family’s heritage or simply music you’ve always loved, ethnic bands will provide that little bit of spice and sizzle to keep your guests dancing all night long.

For music that incorporates a cool fusion of Cajun (French Canadian), Creole, and rock and roll flavors, think Zydeco. This high-energy pick blends the sounds of a washboard along with a fiddle, accordion, drums, bass, harmonica, and guitar, to produce foot stompin’ music that’s a real crowd pleaser.

“It’s all about the culture of New Orleans. We play, throw beads, and give away masks,” says Roxanne Klett, a.k.a. “Rubboard Roxie,” of Snapperhead, a thirteen-year-old Zydeco band based out of Rock Hill. According to Klett, who believes Zydeco music helps to create a very special wedding day, popular song picks include “Jambalaya,” “Iko Iko,” and “Jolie Blonde.”

If you’ve got Celtic yearnings, consider adding a dash of bagpipes or some hearty and soulful Irish tunes. Ian Gallagher, whose band of the same name has been playing Irish music for the past 40 years, has a repertoire that includes old standards, like “Danny Boy,” “My Son,” and “The Fields of Athenrye,” along with Forties swing through disco. Gallagher’s group, which ranges from two to seven players, delivers the Irish touch, including jig tunes to entice some serious Irish dancing, Irish Country Jive, and old-time waltzes.

For something more in tune with Doctor Zhivago or James Bond (a la To Russia with Love), think Russian music. According to Mikhail Smirnov of Barynya, a group named after the famous “seated” dance of the same name, this spirited music encourages audience participation. The blend of slow and fast songs, using traditional Russian instruments like the garmoshka (a Russian button accordion) and the balalaika (special Russian guitar featured in Dr. Zhivago) includes old favorites like “Kalinka,” “Katyusha,” and “Moscow Nights.”

And don’t forget the ethnic richness of a Mexican mariachi or Bollywood band, Dean Martin’s versions of your Italian favorites, a rousing polka, or some sizzling salsa. There’s a band out there for any of your ethnic desires that will keep everyone on their feet and bring a smile to your grandparents’ faces.