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.
19 reviews
Cassandra E.
July 31, 2026Chris did a great job playing during our cocktails and dinner. He was punctual and entertaining!
Hired as: Pianist
Daniel B.
July 16, 2025We 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, 2025Wonderful in everything that asked him to play.
Hired as: Pianist
Nicolet S.
December 7, 2024Played well, polite and supports Toys for Tots!
Hired as: Pianist
Martin A.
December 14, 2022Chris 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
Price range: $200 – $500 per event
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 300 minutes
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.
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.
Keyboard and public address system can be furnished for an additional cartage fee of $50 per event.
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Lake Forest, IL
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Friday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
Saturday
Festival
11:00am - 2:30pm
•
Niles, IL
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
La Grange, IL
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Sunday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Park Ridge, IL
Saturday
Cocktail Party
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Riverside, IL
Sunday
Personal Occasion
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Glen Ellyn, IL
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Warrenville, IL
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Sunday
Easter Party
9:30am - 4:00pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
Friday
Christmas Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Cocktail Party
8:00pm - 11:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
Wednesday
Dinner Party
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
Sunday
Holiday Party (Other)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
Saturday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
Friday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Munster, IN
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
4:30pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Holiday Party (Christmas)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Northfield, IL
Tuesday
Holiday Party (Other)
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Evanston, IL
Saturday
Christmas Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wheaton, IL
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
Tuesday
Holiday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Sunday
Wedding Reception
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Wilmette, IL
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
Saturday
Christmas Party
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
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
Jazz, rock n' roll, George Shearing, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke.
Piano
microphone (opt)
amplifier (opt)
speakers (opt)
Pianist
