Chris Heroldt
2026-02-10 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-13 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
Chris Heroldt is a Chicago-area pianist and singer with over 20 years of experience performing rock, jazz, and blues as a soloist and with bands at major venues and festivals. He’s known for his engaging performances and inclusive style that gets every crowd singing and dancing together. In addition to performing, Chris has also shared his passion for music through teaching, while bringing joy and connection to every event he plays.

Peter Miletic
2026-02-07 20:00 - 2026-02-08 01:00, 2026-01-17 20:00 - 2026-01-18 01:00
When Peter Miletic is at Shirley’s Piano Bar you are sure to expect an engaging evening of melodic piano and rich vocals from a seasoned Chicago-area pianist, whose versatile repertoire spans sing-alongs, classic standards, pop favorites, and upbeat swing that gets the crowd involved. Peter has been a cherished part of the Shirley’s music scene for over 8 years and was one of the first performers to help establish its vibrant live entertainment tradition. With his warm stage presence and audience-friendly style, Peter’s performances are a perfect blend of familiarity and flair that keep guests coming back for more.

Emily Popli
2026-02-06 20:00 - 2026-02-07 01:00, 2026-01-24 20:00 - 2026-01-25 01:00
Emily Popli offers is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt blend of soul, pop, and country shines through her original music and all-request sets. Emily has been a huge part of Shirley’s music scene for over 7 years, regularly delighting crowds and helping define its lively live entertainment tradition. Off the piano bar stage, she’s also released her debut album Lilith Fair Kid—a deeply personal collection crafted with Grammy-nominated producer Brandon Williams that showcases her rich vocals and compelling storytelling.

Adam Nelson
2026-02-05 20:00 - 23:00
Adam A. Nelson brings an interactive, all-request piano performance, as well as original music, delivered with energy and audience engagement. Adam has been a big part of Shirley’s live music lineup for over 7 years and was among the first performers to help shape its vibrant entertainment tradition. With his blend of familiar favorites, creative flair, and easy rapport with the crowd, Adam’s nights at Shirley’s are a memorable mix of music and fun.

Songwriter Showcase Night
2026-02-03 19:00 - 23:00
We celebrate one year of the Songwriter Showcase Nights at Shirley’s Piano Bar on Tuesday, February 3rd!
Thanks to everyone who has performed, and to those that come to support your local musicians, for making the Songwriter Nights such a special part of Shirley’s culture. Let’s keep the music playing!
We have an amazing lineup of artists starting at 7pm! That you sure won’t want to miss!

John Tashjian
2026-01-31 20:00 - 2026-02-01 01:00

Kaleen Dolan
2026-01-30 20:00 - 2026-01-31 01:00

Adam Nelson
2026-01-29 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-22 20:00 - 23:00

Chris Heroldt
2026-01-27 20:00 - 23:00
Chris Heroldt is a seasoned Chicago-area pianist and vocalist with over 20 years of experience performing rock, jazz, and blues as a solo artist and with bands at major venues and festivals. A longtime member of the Felix and Fingers family, he’s known for his high-energy dueling piano performances and his ability to engage every crowd in the room . Chris has also been a staple at Shirley’s Piano Bar for over seven years, where his talent, versatility, and crowd-pleasing style have made him a favorite with regulars and first-time guests alike.

Stan Karcz
2026-01-23 20:00 - 2026-01-24 01:00

Kaleen Dolan
2026-01-16 20:00 - 2026-01-17 01:00
Every night at Shirley’s Piano Bar featuring Kaleen Dolan brings a high-energy, all-request piano experience from a talented multi-instrumentalist and Chicago native trained in voice, piano, drums, bass, and theatre who has toured and played dueling piano shows around the world. Kaleen has been a beloved part of the Shirley’s lineup for over 8 years and was one of the very first performers to grace the Shirley’s stage, helping shape its live music tradition. With a wide repertoire and engaging style, her sets keep crowds singing along and asking for more.

Johnny Burnett
2026-01-15 20:00 - 2026-01-16 00:00
Every 3rd Thursday of the month at Shirley’s Piano Bar, join us for a lively night of music featuring Johnny Burnett, a versatile Chicago-area pianist, vocalist, and bandleader known for his dynamic solo sets and performances with The Johnny Burnett Band and The Pepperland Rockestra, drawing on classic rock, pop, and more from legends like Billy Joel, Elton John, and The Beatles. Over the last three years, Johnny has been a fan favorite at Shirley’s, bringing his energetic keyboard-driven show to the stage again and again. Whether you’re singing along or just enjoying the vibes with a cocktail, it’s the perfect mid-week music tradition.

Kaleen Dolan
2026-01-09 20:00 - 2026-01-10 01:00
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago-area dueling piano performer and multi-instrumentalist known for her high-energy, all-request shows and wide repertoire of songs that entertain audiences at piano bars, private events, and concerts worldwide. She has spent over a decade performing professionally, is music director at The Redhead Piano Bar in downtown Chicago, and is recognized in the local music scene for her dynamic piano playing and engaging vocal performances.

Adam Nelson
2026-01-08 20:00 - 23:00
Adam A. Nelson is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and pianist who performs interactive shows at piano bars and private events, records original music, and streams as “rockthepiano.” He also teaches piano and music theory with over a decade of experience helping students learn by ear and expand their musical skills.

Songwriter Showcase Night
2026-01-06 19:00 - 23:30
Experience an intimate evening of storytelling and music as local artists take the stage at Shirley’s Piano Bar to debut their latest original compositions. Along with sets of fresh, soulful music, enjoy a drink from our signature cocktails menu designed to compliment the bar’s cozy atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for music lovers seeking an authentic connection with the creators behind the melodies while relaxing with a delicious beverage!

New Year's Eve!
2025-12-31 20:00 - 2026-01-01 02:00
Ring in the New Year at Shirley’s Piano Bar with a night of live music and celebration. Enjoy the sounds of the talented pianist and saxophonist Stan Karcz, bringing classic favorites and your personal recommendations to life. Complementary Champagne Toast at Midnight with great music, great vibes, and an unforgettable atmosphere. 🎶🥂

Johnny Burnett
2025-12-19 20:00 - 2025-12-20 01:00
Johnny Burnett is a Chicago based pianist, vocalist, and bandleader who performs live solo and with The Johnny Burnett Band, blending pop, fusion, blues, and original music with skilled keyboard-driven entertainment

Bill Larkin
2025-12-18 20:00 - 23:00
Bill Larkin is a comedic pianist and singer-songwriter whose original comedy songs and interactive performances—featured on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and in his live shows like The Agony and the Ivories—blend sharp humor with musical wit!

Chris Heroldt
2025-12-09 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-11 20:00 - 23:00
Chris Heroldt is a seasoned pianist and singer with over 20 years of experience in Chicago’s Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene. He has performed solo and with bands at major events and venues, including the Taste of Chicago, House of Blues, MilwaukeeFest, and numerous clubs, festivals, and private events.

Peter Miletic
2025-12-06 20:00 - 2025-12-07 01:00, 2025-11-15 20:00 - 2025-11-16 01:00
Peter is a Chicago‑area pianist and singer known for his rich voice, melodic piano playing, and engaging performance style. He performs across weddings, corporate events, dinner clubs, hotels, and fundraisers, delighting audiences with sing‑alongs, classic standards, pop hits, and swing from the 30s‑40s era. His shows strike a balance of entertainment and atmosphere, whether for listening or lively audience interaction

Stan Karcz
2025-11-29 20:00 - 2025-11-30 01:00
The one & only Stan Karcz performs live at Shirley’s Piano Bar! Come experience the best live entertainment Chicagoland has to offer. We can’t wait to see you! #ComeSing #ShirleysPianoBar

Kaleen Dolan
2025-11-21 20:00 - 2025-11-22 01:00
Kaleen is a Chicago native trained in piano, drums, bass, and theatre. She studied Music Therapy at the University of Kansas and spent some time residing in Kansas City before returning home to the Windy City.
Kaleen enjoys performing a wide range of music including pop, rock, hip hop, rap, jazz, blues and soul. She has worked for many dueling piano establishments nationally and internationally with events spanning between weddings, corporate and private events, piano bars and national/international tours!

Beatles Night featuring Michael Lescher
2025-11-13 20:00 - 23:00
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless music of The Beatles! Acclaimed pianist Michael Lescher will bring the legendary band’s greatest hits to life with his captivating arrangements and dynamic performance style. From “Hey Jude” to “Let It Be,” you’ll experience the magic of these classic songs in a whole new way.
Whether you’re a lifelong Beatles fan or simply love great live music, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends, sing along, and enjoy a nostalgic journey through one of the most iconic songbooks in music history.

Songwriter Showcase Night
2025-11-04 18:00 - 23:00
Shirley’s Songwriter Showcase is a monthly event that brings together a full lineup of artists to perform their original songs!
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6:30 – Joe Dilillo
For 25 years Joe owned Solid Sound Recording Studio in Hoffman Estates. We recorded records for Smashing Pumpkins, Smoking Popes, Plain White T’s, Material Issue and many more. Prior to that in the early 90’s, as a songwriter, I had a publishing deal with Worlds End/Warner Chappell in Los Angeles. After shuttering the studio in 2019, I got back into songwriting and started releasing my songs as a solo artist in 2021. I have been working with Cactus Moser/Wynonna Judd, A Girl Called Eddy, Tamar Berk, former members of Jellyfish and others.
7:15 – Heather Dudely
Heather has always loved music, performing in San Diego during her early twenties—including singing the National Anthem at a Padres game—before taking a break to raise her daughter. Now that she’s in college, Heather has returned to performing at venues like 120 Live in Bartlett and The Bunker in West Chicago, as well as writing more songs. She leads worship at her church and performs covers across genres plus a few original songs. Heather is excited to focus on original music and connect with other songwriters.
8:00 – Josiah Esquivel
Josiah Esquivel, a guitarist and songwriter from South Texas now based in Des Plaines, holds a Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar performance. His music blends classical technique with contemporary songwriting. He co-wrote an original musical and is working on his debut EP, We Started A Fire.
8:45 – Emily Popli
Emily Popli, a singer-songwriter from Chicago, has released two albums and an EP under her maiden name Emily Henderson: The Hope, Unwholly, and Growing Up. She also released an EP with the folk trio The Quiet Revelry. She started working with Grammy nominated producer Brandon Williams in 2024. Their collaboration will result in the album “Lilith Fair Kid,” scheduled for release in summer 2025.
9:30 – Greg Woods
Greg Woods is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends pop, rock, soul, blues, folk, and indie pop. Known for his soulful vocals and rootsy, melodic songwriting, he’s been an active force in the Chicago music scene for over a decade. His debut album, Hello, Goodbye, & Later On, showcases his heartfelt storytelling and genre-spanning sound
10:15 – Stan Karcz
Stan Karcz is a Chicago-based songwriter and musician who hosts and helps organize the monthly Songwriter Night at Shirley’s, held on the first Tuesday of every month. In 2019, he released his debut EP Good Night Chicago, showcasing his heartfelt, storytelling-driven songwriting. His work also extends to Nashville, with recent cuts including “Lose to Win,” co-written with Adam Shoenfeld and Marc Martin for Shoenfeld’s 2022 album All the Birds Sing.
