Cocktail Piano

Top Performer

Chicago, IL

Contact for rates

Travels up to 90 miles

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I you want soft quiet piano in the background. This is for you.

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Cocktail Music for Corporate Events and Private Parties

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Here a Compilation of Pop Tunes

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Somtimes the crowd wants to dance, so I deliver!

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A Time For Love

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Corporate Gig - Savanah GA

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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

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Josh B.

Josh B.

April 15, 2025

Snowed-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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Melissa W.

Melissa W.

November 4, 2024
Verified review

A 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

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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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Heidi C.

Heidi C.

August 21, 2023
Verified review

Mark 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

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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! 🎶🍸😎


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Patricia G.

Patricia G.

May 11, 2023
Verified review

Great 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

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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! 🎶🎹😎

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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.

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.

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