To be fair, they were hired by others who the performers didn’t know had those links to the dictator (I’d rather assume they were just stupid vs willingly doing so, which isn’t exactly a stretch). Hardly the same as “hired by Qaddafi.” Not that they’re worth listening to anyway, but…
Since it was mentioned in the OP, I’d go with Tom Petty. I’ve seen him something like 9 or 10 times and would jump at the chance to seem him again. He just hasn’t been in the area in the last few years.
A FOAF does all the entertainment for one of the big arenas in Milwaukee and commented that a few years back they had REO Speedwagon come and play after a hockey game. He was surprised that they did it for $3000 and tickets to the game (and they only live an 90 minutes away). He said for that price he’d consider booking them for a birthday party.
I’d imagine they’d charge more to play for 50 people in a backyard, but still, it’s not like it was $30,000.
Pink Floyd
Well, once Gay Marriage is legal here, and I had the bucks, I would surprise SO and have Ms. Streisand sing a few songs.
Also mandatory: “I Knew the Bride (When She Used To Rock and Roll)”.
For my birthday The SDMB folks can pitch in and hire Elvis Costello to perform. Seeing him do “What’s So Funny (about Peace, Love & Understanding)” up close and personal would be awesome.
mmm
Tom Waits.
seriously how the hell else are you supposed to see that guy live?
From what I know, they were hired by the family. See here. It’s kind of hard for me to believe they didn’t know they were performing for Qaddafi’s sons.
The remaining members of The Dead? But seriously, any famous band or singer would detract from the party. A good local band or a DJ.
I’ve heard that Bruce is a really nice guy - didn’t he let a kid play on stage with him for Make A Wish?
Is paying a good artist a lot of money really so selfish?
How could I forget? Jimmy Buffett. A smaller venue is THE way to see him IMO, not some blacktopped, steel n concrete amphitheater. Actually I always envisioned seeing him at some beachside tiki bar or some such.
Moot though as he’d be too expensive.
It’s a no-brainer for me and Kelliebeans: Bowling For Soup double-billed with The Dollyrots. That was the last show she and I went to together, and they usually tour on the same bill anyway.
Besides, we backed The Dollyrots’ Kickstarter project. If I don’t get those cookies and a lock of Kelly Ogden’s hair like I was promised, they owe me…
Southern Culture on the Skids
Well my favorite singer is free, but he refused to play for my wedding, something about him being busy being the groom.
For a band people have heard of, I’d probably go with Bare Naked Ladies with the stipulation that my husband gets to play with them for a set. My husband would prefer Styx or Boston, and he would also request that he gets to join them on stage.
Of course, they would be playing ananniversary party because the wedding was over and done with nearly 20 years ago. Anniversary parties are more fun for that sort of thing anyway. The boring wedding business wouldn’t get in the way of the party.
Now there’s an idea!
My neighbor (who made millions doing some revolutionary engineering with microchips or some such; it’s way beyond my understanding), should hire Ted Nugent to come and play before the wedding – then watch for Ted’s expression when fiance’ “Ronnie” turns out to be another man…
—G!!!
'scuse me
While I kiss this guy!
. --Jimmy Hendrix (Live)
. Purple Haze
. [Despite the attribution, Mr. Hendrix is no longer available for bookings.]
Rush.
Divorce to follow.
This. I would love to crawl into the corner of some smokey bar and listen to him yack and sing and play and yack and drink and sing and play, but when the hell is that ever gonna happen?
And of course, I’d ask for “Better Off Without A Wife”. 
I’d say Rush, but then I’d NEVER get rid of MrTao! 
And a girl’s gotta keep her options open.
My girlfriend is going to her first Rush concert with me in October. We’ll see how things work out. I wonder if I should tell her this is a test?
Lol, no no, don’t do that. I finally saw Rush live a couple of months ago with MrTao, and we ended up leaving halfway through. The people around us…and we were in the cheap seats, wayyy up there, pretty steep floor…were standing and dancing, which is great, except MrTao had had foot surgery and could not stand for any length of time. We asked politely, even to just change seats on the aisle so there was a CHANCE of maybe seeing what was going on, and got told to fuck off and stop being old. We’re in our mid-40’s. Not old, but certainly old enough to understand that the FLOOR seats are for dancing, damnit. Which is why we didn’t go there. We just got the DVD on the way out, went home, watched the show that way. 
Anyway, she may or may not end up enjoying the experience itself, <which I did, what we could of it, anyway> but she may really like the band regardless.
Here Come the Mummies…one of the best live bands I’ve seen and their R&B/Funk is very danceable…and I think their price would be quite affordable. Will be seeing them in Vegas on Oct. 6.