If Jewish music had a youth movement, BaRock Orchestra would be leading the rhythm—complete with a tuba, banjo, jazz saxophone and a dance floor that never stops moving.
As BaRock Orchestra prepares for what promises to be its busiest wedding season yet, the secret of its success is no mystery: Say yes to the simcha, stay true to the music, and never stop having fun. That philosophy has propelled BaRock from a local favorite to a national sensation, with performances everywhere from New Jersey and New York to California, Las Vegas, Houston and Italy—almost entirely through word of mouth.
“We’re a band built on energy and joy,” said Ari Greene, BaRock’s founder and bandleader. “We started this to enjoy the music, and that joy is what our guests feel every time we play.”
Greene added that he feels privileged to be m’samayach (to bring joy to) chattan and kallah, and for that reason has never declined a job due to price. “We are very happy to work within your budget to make the best experience possible. Flowers and liquor are great, but what people really remember is the music and the experience, and that’s what we deliver.”
“How do you adequately thank someone who turns your simcha into hours of magical joy?” wrote clients Meyer and Ellen after their child’s wedding. “Everyone has asked us how we found you. Your music selection, the virtuosity with which it was performed, the enormous range of BaRock’s repertoire, and the intangible extra that you brought to the music is something I cannot adequately capture by descriptive words or even by listening to a recording,” they wrote.
Sounds of Celebration
BaRock’s sound isn’t just different—it’s alive and dynamic. Known for working with many kinds of Jewish clients—from yeshivish to modern to traditional—and with the ability to create any mix of Jewish music along with jazz, Dixieland, klezmer, Chasidic, Israeli, swing, Latin, rock and roll, jazz, contemporary, Top 40, classical, Motown and American standards, the band brings a flair that resonates with every conceivable crowd. Instead of choosing between a Jewish band and a pop cover band, BaRock clients get the best of both options—and more.
“It’s wild that people used to need two bands, one for the chuppah and one for the reception,” said Greene. “We can do a yeshivish wedding, a country set in Houston, or a flute-and-French-horn dinner set or a string quartet or quintet. We bring that edge to every moment.”
The core band includes seven musicians—keyboard, guitar, drums, trumpet, sax, violin and bass—but can flex up or down based on the size of the event or the style of music requested. BaRock musicians are multi-instrumentalists and many are singers too, which means a five- or seven-piece setup can sound like a full symphony. For a bedeken? They assemble a full marching band to elevate the moment, New Orleans-style. For the tisch? A few guitars or a keyboardist can either lead the ruach or increase the simcha, depending on the needs of the group, while a string quartet plays for the kallah. Every detail is tailored to the event, to make every wedding as unique and unforgettable as each couple.
Starting With the Love of Music
BaRock Orchestra’s origin story reflects its youthful, ambitious vibe. Greene, who grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey going to NCSY, was inspired by the band there. “I looked at them and thought, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ I picked up the sax, my friends played drums—we just loved it.” After performing during college at NCSY shabbatons and YU engagement parties, eventually launched BaRock as bandleader after college.
His mentor, Jordan Hirsch, taught him not just how to play—but how to lead. Greene now passes that same energy to his bandmates, who bring an unfiltered enthusiasm to every event. “When the band’s having a good time, the guests are having a better time.”
No Headaches Allowed
Something that sets BaRock aside is their sound—not just musically, but technically. Every wedding setup includes a professional sound engineer who ensures the music energizes in each room without overpowering. “My mom made me promise not to be too loud,” Greene joked. “We take that seriously. You should feel the music—not leave with a headache.”
That commitment means using the right number of musicians for the room and carefully managing and balancing volume to make sure that no speaker is too concentrated. The result? Guests can dance all night and still hear each other talk.
As one guest at a recent wedding said, “It was the first time I’ve ever had a conversation on the dance floor. The band was so lively, but I could still hear myself think.”
Music for the Moment
BaRock doesn’t just play songs—they build and simchas individually. Every wedding is the beginning of a new family story, and the band adapts accordingly. First dances can stretch into hour-long sets, there can be unexpected encores during a second Jewish dance set, or can help create a spontaneous Klezmer session in the middle of the floor—it’s all part of what makes BaRock so memorable. A video featured on the band’s Instagram shows a chassan and kallah pair who are both part of a cappella groups, and the band was able to support a spontaneous group performance. Luckily, one of the band members had the presence of mind to pick up his phone and start recording, thus resulting in a great memory for the couple.
The band also tailors its vocalist options. Clients can choose from a roster of featured singers—ranging from rising stars to internationally recognized performers—or book the band alone and let the multi-talented musicians carry the night.
And through it all, BaRock remains accessible. “We’ve never lost a wedding over price,” said Greene. “This is six hours of your life. It shouldn’t come between families. We’ll always find a way.”
If this is the future of Jewish music, it’s bright, bold, and full of brass, winds and strings. As BaRock heads into another whirlwind summer, one thing’s for sure: This band may never get old—but they’ll always keep it young.
Learn more or book your date at https://barockorchestra.com/.
