- Milwaukee, WI
- Pianist
- $200-$1500
Cocktail Piano
Overview
Mark Wilhelms, a highly accomplished pianist and singer from Chicago, is celebrated for his performances at high-end restaurants, corporate events, hotel piano lounges, wedding cocktail hours, and private parties. A favorite among event planners, he frequently travels to perform classy cocktail hours at conferences and corporate meetings. Known for his professionalism, warmth, and reliability, Mark is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences—whether evoking smiles, laughter, nostalgia, or lively sing-alongs. He can set a sophisticated mood with soft, beautiful ballads, broadway hits or ignite the room with Sinatra, Chicago blues and classic rock anthems.
Reviews
4 reviews
Josh B.
April 15, 2025Snowed-in In Savannah and Mark played 4 times!
"Mark was terrific and he played several times for our recent large convention group at JW Marriott in Savannah. Mark was only supposed to play twice, but due to the weather circumstances he played three cocktail receptions and in our hotel bar takeover as well. Our attendees were absolutely delighted with his playing and singing and Mark's innate ability to engage his audiences and his enthusiasm and talents." -Josh Brown | President | JBC Global Events & Incentives | joshbrowncompany.com
Hired as: Singing Pianist
Melissa W.
November 4, 2024A Musical Talent to Delight Your Clients
We contacted Mark just two weeks before our event & he replied immediately. His videos showed his talent & we hired him. He played every genre with ease. Our clients raved during the event & the compliments keep coming in. He is a gem! Please do NOT hesitate to hire him. You will not regret it. We were so pleased with his talent & amiable personality that we will definitely be hiring him again for a future event.
Hired as: Pianist
Cocktail Piano
Thank you Melissa for the kind review. I had a ball. Nice crowd. Very appreciative. The head of your company, Tom, was a total pro and a real gentleman. He could not have been more accommodating and gracious. It couldn’t have gone any better. Will play for you two again anytime!
Thank you,
Mark
Heidi C.
August 21, 2023Mark was phenomenal!
We loved Mark’s enthusiasm for our Mad Men party and he played beautifully for our guests. We will absolutely hire Mark again for our next private party in our home.
Hired as: Pianist
Cocktail Piano
Thank you! This house party was a dream gig. Fantastic hosts. Didn’t miss a trick. Got to dress in a vintage Mad Men suit, sample amazing food from that era and play all the great songs strictly from the early 60’s: from Sinatra to Bennet to Bossa Novas and all the others in between. Especially loved playing the romantic pop tunes from that time; Moon River, Theme from the Summer Place and Bacharach’s Alfie, Walk on By and Wives and Lovers… what a treat! 🎶🍸😎
Patricia G.
May 11, 2023Great pianist, very professional and friendly
I hired Mark for a sophisticated party at the Madison Club and he met all my expectations. He played during cocktail hour and he did a great job with very little guidance on my end. I highly recommend him.
Hired as: Pianist
Cocktail Piano
Thank you Patty and Jenn, What a lively group! It was my pleasure to play. Thank you for organizing such well run event. Love the venue. All the best and thank you for having me! 🎶🎹😎
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Gig length: 120 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Auto Owners
What to expect
Whatever you want! Light background of Love Songs to Classic Rock to Sinatra to Sing Along Chicago Blues or a swinging piano for loud and happy people - I play em all.
About
Pianst, Producer, Composer, and Arranger, Mark Wilhelms is a highly accomplished pianist and singer from Chicago, who is celebrated for his performances at corporate events, high-end restaurants, hotel piano lounges, wedding cocktail hours, and private parties. A favorite among event planners, he frequently travels to perform at conferences and corporate meetings all over the country. Known for his professionalism, warmth, and reliability, Mark is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences—whether evoking smiles, laughter, nostalgia, or lively sing-alongs. His signature Chicago-style sound reflects the rich musical tradition of downtown steakhouses, showcasing the best of American music.
REVIEWS:
- "Mark was terrific and he played several times for our recent large snowed-in convention group at JW Marriott in Savannah. Mark was only supposed to play twice, but due to the weather circumstances he played three cocktail receptions and in our hotel bar takeover as well. Our attendees were absolutely delighted with his playing and singing and Mark's innate ability to engage his audiences and his enthusiasm and talents."
-Josh Brown | President | (link hidden)
- “We were so pleased with his talent & amiable personality that we will definitely be hiring him again for a future event.” - Event Planner
- ”Our clients raved during the event & the compliments keep coming in. He is a gem! Please do not hesitate to hire him. You will not regret it.” - Event Planner
- “Mark is VERY talented and was more than capable to play ANY song from any genre that was asked of him. We were MORE than pleased with his personality, his interaction with our clients and his musical abilities! He is a great guy and a 5 star hire!! We WILL be hiring him in the future for sure."
- I hired Mark for a sophisticated party at the Madison Club and he met all my expectations. He played during cocktail hour and he did a great job with very little guidance on my end. I highly recommend him. Great pianist, very professional and friendly.
- "Mark played an extrodinary 2 hour cocktail hour for our daughters wedding He was beyond my wildest dreams. He put everyone at ease after a long ceremony and was the perfect precurser to the dinner reception. He even had my Uncle singing New York,New York which everyone loved. He played songs for the younger generation as well as sang some old songs for my great gradmother. She was thrilled." Mary K.
- “His piano playing is unbelievably great, as well as his "presence" in the room. He played a full three hours with no breaks, singing to the audience within a variety of musical genres from Sinatra/Martin to Billy Joel to Elton John and including the Beatles and Steely Dan.
The man can play to any room”
- Jon W. Rogers, Nightlife Chicago
Additional booking notes
I prefer a tuned grand piano but I will bring a Piano and a sound system if required. This will cost extra.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
July 2026
04
Saturday
House Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Barrington, IL
Past booked events
November 2024
07
Thursday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
De Pere, WI
02
Saturday
Christmas Party
9:00am - 2:00pm
•
Menomonee Falls, WI
August 2024
13
Tuesday
Corporate Event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
August 2023
18
Friday
House Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Lake Forest, IL
July 2023
07
Friday
Booked
6:00pm - 9:00pm (Sat)
June 2023
23
Friday
Booked
6:30pm - 9:30pm (Sat)
09
Friday
Booked
6:30pm - 9:30pm (Sat)
May 2023
26
Friday
Booked
6:00pm - 9:00pm (Sat)
12
Friday
Booked
6:00pm - 9:00pm (Sat)
11
Thursday
Booked
6:00pm - 8:30pm
10
Wednesday
Retirement Party
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Madison, WI
10
Wednesday
Quote out
5:30pm - 7:00pm
05
Friday
Booked
6:00pm - 9:00pm (Sat)
April 2023
28
Friday
Booked
6:30pm - 9:30pm (Sat)
21
Friday
Booked
6:30pm - 8:30pm (Sat)
Set list
I know 1000’s of songs and can play all styles. - You name it. I will play it.
Setup requirements
A Tuned Piano prior to performing. An additional charge for bringing my own Piano. Will supply all audio gear and PA system.
Report Cocktail Piano
Pianist
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