Rory Bolton Pianist

Sussex, WI

Contact for rates

Travels up to 120 miles

Get a free quick quote
Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Rory Bolton Pianist

Rory Bolton Pianist | The Tribute Experience

Promotional video thumbnail 2 for Rory Bolton Pianist

Cruise Ship Performance

Gallery photo 1 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 2 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 3 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 4 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 5 of Rory Bolton Pianist

Live Dinner Show Performance

Gallery photo 6 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 7 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 8 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 9 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 10 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 11 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 12 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 13 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 14 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 15 of Rory Bolton Pianist
Gallery photo 16 of Rory Bolton Pianist

Overview

A Wisconsin native, Rory has performed professionally all over the world. With experiences from the circus to cruise ship entertaining, Rory's background of music and styles are both extensive.

Classically trained but encompasses all realms including standards, contemporary, pop/rock, rock 'n roll, and much more! Whether you are looking for a nice, private evening or have a big party to throw, Rory's music is sure to enhance your day-versatile vocals!

Rory is no stranger to the stage: singing, dancing and thrilling audiences on the ivories with some of his wild antics. If your event is looking to hype things up and take it to the next level with hits and sing alongs, look no further!!


Reviews

3 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Scott K.

Scott K.

December 4, 2016
Verified review

Awsome christmas party

Rory arrived on time and was very personable. Upon arriving Rory fit right into the gathering like he already knew everyone. Rory was a great entertainer and reacted to the party guest requests and enthusiasm. We had a great time with Rory and would recommend him for any gathering! His ability to engage the crowd is awesome especially when playing Great Balls of Fire. We would hire him again for our next large gathering.

Hired as: Pianist, Singing Pianist

Small thumbnail image for Rory Bolton Pianist

Rory Bolton Pianist

Thank you, Scott! It was a pleasure to be a part of your holiday evening!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Brandon W.

Brandon W.

November 10, 2014
Verified review

Exactly What We Wanted - Perfectly Executed

Rory was great. His communication prior to our wedding reception was on target, he was on time and ready to go, and his performance set the perfect tone for our evening. Rory played for over an hour during the cocktail hour of our wedding reception and then during dinner. He was able to blend songs we had on our "wish list" with his own selections, and the outcome was on target and exactly what we had envisioned. We can't say "thank you" enough for Rory's work, and would highly recommend him for any event.

Hired as: Singing Pianist

Small thumbnail image for Rory Bolton Pianist

Rory Bolton Pianist

It was a pleasure providing music for Brandon and Corey's reception. I was very happy to hear that everything on their wish list was covered. It was a wonderful venue and they are both great clients. Would love to assist them in the future with any musical endeavors! Congratulations once again!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Brooke F.

Brooke F.

October 13, 2014

AWESOME Pianist!

I just used Rory for my wedding on 10-11-14. Rory was not only extremely professional to work with and promptly returned all my emails in a timely manner, but he also did a great job. Rory played before our wedding as guests were being seated and also played for our cocktail hour after the ceremony. Rory also learned a song I requested to walk down the aisle to and it sounded amazing. I would highly recommend using Rory for any event!

Hired as: Pianist

Write a review

Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 45 - 240 minutes

What to expect

🎤 Rory Bolton | Live Piano Vocalist & Signature Tribute Artist

One Artist. Many Legends.

Rory Bolton is Milwaukee’s premier live piano experience, known for transforming private events, weddings, and milestone celebrations into unforgettable experiences. With powerhouse vocals, elite piano skills, and a dynamic stage presence, Rory brings both elegance and energy to any room he enters.

From elegant ceremonies to high-energy receptions, Rory covers it all—but his signature offering, The Tribute Experience, is unlike anything else. Channeling the charisma of music’s greatest legends—Sinatra, Elton, Elvis, and Billy Joel—Rory delivers a 60 minute solo tribute performance that’s part concert, part time machine, and 100% showstopper.

Whether you’re planning a luxury reception, birthday gala, or private party, Rory Bolton doesn’t just play music—he creates moments you’ll never forget.

🎹 Book a Legendary Experience Today!!! 🌟

About

Rory began performing professionally for the Fab 50's Live Rock 'n Roll Show in Wisconsin Dells, WI at the ripe age of 14 years old. He knew from then on, the true performer lay within him. He has taken his love of music and the piano all over the world performing with some of the most talented musicians and entertainers on the high seas aboard Celebrity and Azamara Club Cruises.

With his roots in classical music, Rory has a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in piano performance and has studied under renowned artists as Michael Keller, Molly Roseman, and Raffi Besalyan. In addition, Rory holds a double masters degree from Illinois State University in both piano performance and music therapy.

Rory's versatility in music is unlike any other as he can switch effortlessly from Franz Liszt to Frank Sinatra in his repertoire. Working with older adults as a hospice music therapist, his repertoire extends from that of Roaring 20's to current pop hits of today. A unique pianist and entertainer with technical virtuosity, Rory utilizes the entire keyboard making the instrument alive with its potential. He is comfortable performing solo or collaborating with other artists. His dramatic and poetic musicality can be perfect for your wedding yet his wild, rambunctious side is sure to be the life of your party!

Booking now for 2025 and beyond!

Additional booking notes

Rory has everything needed to bring your space to life full of his music. His Kurzweil Artis Keyboard samples from some of the most beautiful german concert grand pianos if a working piano is not available on site. Two PA speakers to pump the room with crooning vocals, and all of the mic cables a one man band setup requires.

*Full custom setup using Rory's equipment is an additional up charge.

Past booked events

December 2016

03

Saturday

Holiday Party (Other)

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Cedarburg, WI

November 2014

08

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Champaign, IL

June 2014

28

Saturday

Wedding Reception

5:00pm - 8:00pm

East Peoria, IL

Set list

Music from the 20's, 30's 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, pop/rock, Broadway/showtunes, jazz standards, contemporary, classical, rock n roll, boogie woogie, just about anything you can think of! If its not in his current repertoire, Rory will learn it for your event, requests are welcome and encouraged!

Influences and inspiration

Includes but not limited to Billy Joel, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Herbie Hancock, Fats Domino, and Vince Guaraldi.

Rory's music is an eclectic mix of standards, pop, rock, classical, swing, jazz, and more-requests welcome!

Setup requirements

Piano (preferably acoustic), can provide electric piano and mics/amp if needed for additional charge