Jeff Manuel- Pianist
Overview
All occasions. Nearly. Can be informal or as serious as you would like. Photo from festival in Grant Park
"...as familiar with Chopin as he is with Cole Porter, is excellent, and his performance is joyous."
-Chicago Magazine
Also great at FM radio classic rock - laid back, from "the day".
Patrons/clients have included Uber, Paws Chicago “Fur Ball”, Chicago City Council, Taste of Chicago, Oakton University, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, McCormick Place exhibitors...... Drake Hotel, The Ritz Carlton (Chicago), University Club, local clubs, and lots of regular folks, too.
Reviews
3 reviews
Brooke B.
September 25, 2025Highly Recommend!
Jeff was an excellent choice to have at my event! He played wonderful music the entire event and was professional. He also had great communication and was very accommodating. Definitely would recommend him!
Hired as: Pianist
Christina W.
September 27, 2019Perfect for Celebration of Life
Jeff did an amazing job playing for my sister’s celebration of life. This type of event is always difficult as you don’t always know the mood of the room. We wanted to create a a happy/upbeat celebration and focus on that she lived and loved and was well loved by many. Jeff picked the perfect music selections to accomplish the tone we wanted to set. I would recommend Jeff for your next event.
Hired as: Pianist
Jeff Manuel- Pianist
What a pleasure to perform for such a varied crowd in a beautiful cite. I look forward to playing for you again. Nice people, great piano. Thank YOU!
Rey F. W. O. A.
August 26, 2019Great Pianist
I had hired Jeff for a private corporate event and he did not disappoint. My client was extremely happy with the music. Jeff was a professional from the get go. I would highly recommend him.
Hired as: Pianist
Booking information
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Usually up to four hours of solo or small combo music, usually for an "upscale" crowd, music can be tailored to be atmosphere or more of a listening experience. Tuxedos, suits, or more casual.
About
Played piano since childhood, got classical piano performance degree. Played Chicago music locales for forty years. Amazingly. Still doing it. Hotels, conventions, bars, receptions, etc...still doing it.
Additional booking notes
Basically need a power outlet for portable piano or amplification. Otherwise a working piano on site.
Services offered
Past booked events
December 2025
13
Saturday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2025
18
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2025
30
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
October 2022
01
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2021
24
Friday
university cub
5:00pm - 8:00pm
September 2019
24
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:00pm - 8:30pm
•
St Charles, IL
August 2019
05
Monday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
Set list
too many to mention. depends on event.
Influences and inspiration
Bach, classic jazz, Beatles Clapton Grateful Dead...
Setup requirements
piano, or power for mine...