From Chicago, Mark Wilhelms is regarded as a quintessential professional pianist and singer who plays in a lively Chicago Style that still heard in the great downtown steak houses of Chicago. He embraces all the great American music from Sinatra, Bennett, to songs by Billy Joel, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, The Eagles and many others. He can play light dinner music of beautiful Ballads or light the room up with Classic sing-along Rock Hits from Chicago Blues to Van Halen, Journey, Guns&Roses or Taylor Swift. He is requested consistently for Corporate Events, Weddings, Family Celebrations, High-end restaurants, Hotel lounges and Private parties. He is extremely professional, fun and reliable.
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.
Response from 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
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.
Response from 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! 🎶🍸😎
Photos from this event
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.
Response from 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! 🎶🎹😎
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 120 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Auto Owners
Light background of Love Songs and classic for the most intimate night or a swinging piano for loud and happy people. A sing along could ensue. I take requests.
Recently returning to Milwaukee, Chicago Producer, Pianist, Composer and Arranger Mark Wilhelms is regarded as a traditional Jazz musician who embraces all the great American standards from Sinatra, Ella, Tony Bennet along with beautiful jazz reeditions of contemporary songs from each decade. He has played for over 30 years in numerous clubs and venues throughout Chicago while running the digital marketing firm he started in 1995. He currently plays in downtown Milwaukee at Moe’s for Steaks and other high-end restaurants.
“Your piano playing is unbelievably great, as well as your "presence" in the room. You played for a full three hours, 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. Especially enjoyed your Winnie the Pooh song for the multiple children who showed up with their parents in tow.”
- Jon K. Rogers
I prefer a tuned grand piano but I will bring a Piano and a sound system if required. This will cost extra.
| November 07, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| November 02, 2024 • 9:00am - 2:00pm | Christmas Party |
| August 13, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
| August 18, 2023 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
| July 07, 2023–July 08, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Booked |
| June 23, 2023–June 24, 2023 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Booked |
| June 09, 2023–June 10, 2023 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Booked |
| May 26, 2023–May 27, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Booked |
| May 12, 2023–May 13, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Booked |
| May 11, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Booked |
| May 10, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Retirement Party |
| May 10, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Quote out |
| May 05, 2023–May 06, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Booked |
| April 28, 2023–April 29, 2023 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Booked |
| April 21, 2023–April 22, 2023 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Booked |
I know 1000’s of songs and can play all styles. - You name it. I will play it.
A Tuned Piano prior to performing. An additional charge for bringing my own Piano. Will supply all audio gear and PA system.
Waukesha, WI 
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