- Chicago, IL
- Pianist
- Contact for rates
Melissa C. said
“Boris was a wonderful pianist and added a perfect element to our holiday event. Super elegant and professional. ”
Chris Martin pianist
Overview
Chris Martin has been a house pianist at the Ritz Carlton and Four Season hotels in Chicago since 1989. In this capacity he has played piano for President George H. W. Bush, Chinese President Jiang Jemin, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, and Cardinal George. The list is as wide and varied as are the distinguished guests who stay at these establishments. In addition to his work as a hotel pianist, he has played piano at corporate functions in every major venue in the city. In 2002 he was voted best ambient music in Chicago Magazine's Best of Chicago issue.
Reviews
18 reviews
Daniel B.
July 16, 2025Excellent, Classy Pianist
We were so happy with Chris, who played for our wedding in July 2025. His repertoire is extensive, and his skill level is unmatched. You can tell he is someone who has a lot of experience playing in several types of venues and settings. A lot of heart was put into the music, which is exactly what we needed for our guests as they arrived for cocktail hour.
Hired as: Pianist
Bill K.
June 29, 2025Great artist
Wonderful in everything that asked him to play.
Hired as: Pianist
Nicolet S.
December 7, 2024Enjoyable
Played well, polite and supports Toys for Tots!
Hired as: Pianist
Martin A.
December 14, 2022Unbelievable Experience
Chris blew away our expectations. He played great holiday songs at our party & everyone enjoyed his company. We will definitely use him again!
Hired as: Pianist
Booking information
Price range: $200-500
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 300 minutes
What to expect
Chris is available as a solo pianist, vocalist for private, company and corporate parties. His repertoire is vast, and his playing styles range from Bach to Blues with a consumate knowledge of the American Songbook. Whether you are hosting a formal, semi-formal or casual celebration, you can add a touch of elegance to your event at a reasonable rate.
About
Chris is available for your wedding reception and ceremony, corporate function, party or any other event where high quality, professional and artistic music is desired. His repertoire is vast, and his playing styles range from Bach to Blues with a consumate knowledge of the American Songbook.
Additional booking notes
Keyboard and public address system can be furnished for an additional cartage fee of $50 per event.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
July 2026
25
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Past booked events
July 2025
12
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
June 2025
28
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Lake Forest, IL
April 2025
26
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
December 2024
06
Friday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
October 2024
19
Saturday
Festival
11:00am - 2:30pm
•
Niles, IL
December 2022
10
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
La Grange, IL
October 2022
09
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2022
04
Sunday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Park Ridge, IL
May 2022
07
Saturday
Cocktail Party
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Riverside, IL
December 2021
19
Sunday
Personal Occasion
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Glen Ellyn, IL
November 2021
27
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Warrenville, IL
August 2021
27
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
April 2019
21
Sunday
Easter Party
9:30am - 4:00pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
December 2018
07
Friday
Christmas Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
November 2017
18
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
January 2017
28
Saturday
Cocktail Party
8:00pm - 11:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
December 2016
28
Wednesday
Dinner Party
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
18
Sunday
Holiday Party (Other)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
17
Saturday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
16
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
09
Friday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Munster, IN
July 2016
30
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Chicago, IL
December 2015
19
Saturday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Northfield, IL
15
Tuesday
Holiday Party (Other)
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
November 2015
07
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Evanston, IL
December 2014
20
Saturday
Christmas Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wheaton, IL
06
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
02
Tuesday
Holiday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
April 2014
06
Sunday
Wedding Reception
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
February 2014
16
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Wilmette, IL
December 2013
28
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
14
Saturday
Christmas Party
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
Set list
Christ Martin has over 600 songs in his repertoire, and this is just an overview of the types of music he can perform for you. If you have a favorite piece and you don't see it here, please just ask. He can learn a new song given advanced notice and the sheet music.
• Wedding Ceremony Classics
• Show Tunes & Light Classical
• Beatles
• Jazz & Blues Tunes
• Sinatra
• Fifties
• Pop
• Bacharach
• Motown
• Billy Joel
• Elton John
• James Taylor
• Neil Diamond
• Paul Simon
• Country & Western
• TV & Movie Themes
• Carlos Jobim (Bossa Novas)
• American Standards
Influences and inspiration
Jazz, rock n' roll, George Shearing, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke.
Setup requirements
Piano
microphone (opt)
amplifier (opt)
speakers (opt)
Report Chris Martin pianist
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