Michael Benshish

Portsmouth, VA

$200 and up

Keyboard Player

Travels up to 120 miles

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Performing with the Vintage Swing Band in Milwaukee, WI - piano solo at 3:45

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Accompanying the wonderful David Greene during an intimate Christmas salon concert in Chicago, IL

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"Night And Day", solo piano

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"Sweet Georgia Brown"

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Michael Benshish Trio

Snow Globe Piano in Charlotte, NC

Wedding ceremony outdoor keyboard setup at the Chicago History Museum

Piano bike on the Virginia Beach, Virginia Oceanfront

Playing a bit of harmonica as well!

Ready to perform at the baby grand piano!

5 Videos 5 Audio 5 Photos

Overview

I've been working as an pianist, organist, and multi-keyboardist since 1988, and am available for private and public events ranging from wedding ceremonies, cocktail/dinner music, and elegant ambient music to performing as a "Live Karaoke" musician and entertainer (think of karaoke with live music as well as tracks!). I'm available as a soloist or ensemble leader, and work with a phenomenal array of musicians. I look forward to providing music for your event!

Reviews

11 reviews

Jayson G.

April 25, 2026

Verified review

Wife’s birthday

Michael and Suzanne were great! If you’re looking for an amazing partner to make the event you’re hosting a special night. Look no further than these two!!

Hired as: Classical Duo, Pianist

Michael Benshish

Thanks so much Jayson! It was absolutely our pleasure and Suzanne and I had a great time, just as everyone at your party did - thank you so much for the opportunity to add our music to your event!

Lisa E.

December 18, 2025

Verified review

Absolutely Amazing!! Do Not Hesitate To Hire Michael!

This is the second corporate event that we hired Michael for. He is always professional, courteous, and self-managed, but the best part is that he is extraordinarily talented! He played our holiday party of 165 people, and the atmosphere was perfect with his music. He could read the room and truly enhanced the night. A few times, when I had a chance, I glanced over, and it looked like he was having such a great time himself, so you get the whole package. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM! We already booked him for another fundraising event we have coming up next year!

Hired as: Pianist

Michael Benshish

Thank you so much Lisa! As always, it was an absolute joy to perform for you and your party, and I appreciate the opportunity very much - and you're right, I was having a great time along with everyone else!

Rebecca P.

October 11, 2025

Verified review

Professional Wedding Pianist!

I cannot describe how much Michael elevated the music at my daughter's wedding ceremony last weekend! She got married outside in a garden and he provided pre-ceremony, ceremony, and cocktail hour music. Michael met with us prior to learn what we wanted specifically during the ceremony and he then curated music for prior to the ceremony and during the cocktail hour that complimented our taste. His playing was impeccable and music choices were spot on. He came over an hour early to set up, had all of his own equipment, and stayed later than planned to make sure we were covered. He is so friendly and accommodating and just as excited as we were about the music. We loved him and feel like we got so lucky! You won't regret booking Michael for your next special event!

Hired as: Pianist

Lisa E.

September 4, 2025

Verified review

Yes, Yes, Yes!!

Holy Smoke! Michael was amazing! He came out and played for a Cocktail Reception for our Board and he was fantastic. He was able to read the room and elevate the music when necessary. His talent was inspiring. We had nothing but compliments the entire night. He is also incredibly professional. We ended up booking him for more events. Do not hesitate. He is your guy.

Hired as: Jazz Pianist, Pianist

David G.

March 13, 2025

Professional, Talented, and Great to Work With

Michael is one of the best. He’s a true pro, and his talent spans so many different styles. We’ve worked on several projects together, and he’s always a pleasure to collaborate with. As a singer, I really appreciate how he listens and supports in a way that makes even tricky music feel effortless—like having a real conversation. He knows how to keep an audience engaged, and his ability to arrange and improvise is something I really admire. On top of all that, he’s kind, dedicated, and just a great person to work with. Highly recommend!

Hired as: Keyboard Player

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Booking information

Price range: $200 and up

Languages: English

Gig length: 60 - 360 minutes

About

Michael Benshish has been performing on the piano, organ, and synthesizer primarily throughout the Chicago area and Southeast Virginia, as well as throughout the U.S. and internationally, since 1988. After graduating with honors from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, he returned to his roots in the Chicago area, immediately establishing himself as a respected working musician in the clubs and smaller venues of the area. In addition to his accompanying duties at James B . Conant High School and St. Charles District 303 schools, he is active as a professional church music director, freelance collaborative pianist and adjudicator, band member/leader, and recording artist. He is also a published songwriter, a busy arranger, and an enthusiastic devotee of music technology. Michael has performed and conducted concerts in cities around the world including London, Vienna, Oslo, Prague, Budapest, Paris, and Honolulu, not to mention across the continental U.S.A. Outside of the Chicago area, Michael’s current primary home as a performer, he continues to be seen and heard as the "Piano Man" in Virginia Beach, Virginia, part of the "Live! On Atlantic" summer entertainment program. His Virginia-based musical endeavors have expanded to include such varied opportunities as the “piano bike” on the Virginia Beach boardwalk, “Live!” karaoke, worship music at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Portsmouth, VA, and for the Virginia Synod.

Michael has continued to write, produce, and arrange for dozens of projects for the live performance and recorded media markets for the past 30 years. His private studio houses an abundance of musical instruments and recording equipment, enabling a wide variety of successful projects to be completed within the confines of this creative space. Among these recent projects are the recordings of his original "Jazz Mass" and numerous accompaniment and background tracks for a variety of clients.

Whether performing as a collaborative pianist, soloist, ensemble leader, or worship musician, Michael’s artistry is evident in each of his musical endeavors.

Additional booking notes

I provide my own keyboard setup, including a portable power supply when necessary - it's completely self-contained, making it the perfect match for outdoor locations or any place where power outlets are not available. I travel with a Nord Stage 3 keyboard and a pair of Bose L1 compact PA speakers, rendering a beautiful, rich sound that's uncommon in a portable setup. When I work with other musicians in my ensemble, they are similarly self-contained and offer the finest in sound quality.

Services offered

Keyboard Player Jazz Band Wedding Band Jazz Pianist Pianist Organist 1920s Era Entertainment Musical Theatre Classical Duo Karaoke Band Ragtime Band Funeral Music

Past booked events

April 2026

19

Sunday

Cocktail Party

2:00pm - 4:00pm

•

Virginia Beach, VA

January 2026

31

Saturday

Cocktail Party

4:30pm - 6:00pm

•

Virginia Beach, VA

December 2025

19

Friday

David Greene Salon Show

7:00pm - 9:00pm

17

Wednesday

Christmas Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Virginia Beach, VA

14

Sunday

Advent/Christmas Cantata

All-day event

12

Friday

Collaborative Pianist

All-day event

09

Tuesday

Collaborative Pianist

7:00pm - 9:00pm

06

Saturday

Restaurant/Bar Event

9:00pm - 1:00am (Sun)

•

Virginia Beach, VA

06

Saturday

Virginia Beach Holiday Parade

6:00pm - 8:00pm

02

Tuesday

28

Tuesday

Collaborative Pianist

7:00pm - 9:00pm

24

Friday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 8:00pm

11

Saturday

Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles

12:30pm - 2:00pm

10

Friday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 8:00pm

09

Thursday

Solo pianist

4:00pm - 6:00pm

04

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Virginia Beach, VA

02

Thursday

Friday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 8:00pm

03

Wednesday

Cocktail Party

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Friday

Wednesday

Live! On Atlantic musician

7:00pm - 11:00pm

01

Tuesday

28

Wednesday

Live! On Atlantic musician

7:00pm - 11:00pm

27

Tuesday

Live! On Atlantic musician

7:00pm - 11:00pm

25

Sunday

Live! On Atlantic Piano Bike

7:00pm - 9:00pm

24

Saturday

Live! On Atlantic Piano Bike

7:00pm - 9:00pm

23

Friday

Live! On Atlantic Piano Bike

7:00pm - 9:00pm

21

Wednesday

Piano accompanist

4:30pm - 7:00pm

18

Sunday

Nishma Gig

5:00pm - 9:00pm

17

Saturday

Piano accompanist

12:00pm - 2:00pm

15

Thursday

Piano Accompanist

All-day event

14

Wednesday

Piano Accompanist

All-day event

10

Saturday

Piano Accompanist

All-day event

09

Friday

Vocal Jazz Concert

6:00pm - 9:00pm

03

Saturday

Nishma gig

6:00pm - 8:30pm

02

Friday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 8:00pm

01

Thursday

18

Tuesday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 6:00pm

15

Saturday

Piano Accompanist

All-day event

14

Friday

Piano Accompanist

All-day event

13

Thursday

December 2024

30

Monday

Private Party

5:00pm - 10:30pm

27

Friday

Michael Benshish Trio

4:00pm - 8:00pm

Influences and inspiration

The Beatles (group and solo recordings), Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Vince Guaraldi, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, and lots of classic rock and 80's artists.

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