Live Music in Downtown Barrington
Game Night Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, pull up a chair at Shirley's Piano Bar for a laid-back game night featuring a weekly spades tournament with prizes. Bring your own cards or board games and find fellow players looking for a table — Chess, Checkers, Cards Against Humanity, or whatever you're into. All skill levels welcome, just show up and jump in!
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Kaleen Dolan LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, 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.
She 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.
Stan Karcz LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Stan Karcz is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music producer known for blending country, Southern rock, pop, and blues into a heartfelt, roots-driven sound. A first-generation American, he has collaborated with notable artists and Nashville songwriters, with his work recorded by performers and featured on national platforms like The Huckabee Show. Through his company 88 Music Corp, he creates original music and live performances that center on themes of love, hope, and real-life experience.
Stan also hosts Shirley’s Songwriter Showcase Night on the first Thursday of every month! The Songwriter Showcase has grown to become a very fun and unique experience in Barrington, where local artists get the chance to perform their own original works in front of a live audience. The environment is inclusive and supportive, which has allowed many artists expand their repertoire of music and understanding of the industry!
Songwriter Showcase Night
It's a night built for real music lovers: no covers, no filler, just raw, honest performances from artists pouring their hearts into every lyric and melody. Whether you're a longtime fan of live original music or looking to discover your next favorite songwriter, this showcase delivers an evening of authenticity and artistry you won't find anywhere else.
Bill Larkin LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Bill Larkin isn't your average piano bar performer — he's an actor, comedian, songwriter, and pianist who's been holding down the Chicago piano bar circuit for nearly three decades. A Jeff Award winner (Chicago theater's highest honor) for his lead performance in Porchlight Music Theatre's A Class Act, Bill has also brought his musical comedy to Comedy Central's Premium Blend, released two albums of original comedy songs, and built a reputation for his signature parody-song improv — where he'll turn your shout-out suggestions into instant, laugh-out-loud pop song spoofs on the spot. When he's not behind the piano, you can catch him as a regular at Chicago's Green Mill Jazz Club and around the city's storied theater scene.
Kaleen Dolan LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, 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.
She 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.
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Jennifer Lee Knuth LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Jennifer Lee Knuth is a Chicago vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and performer with over a decade of experience lighting up rooms across the Midwest. She's played hundreds of shows spanning festivals, weddings, and high-energy bar performances, and spent years as the lead singer for touring cover bands before making her mark on the dueling piano scene, including a stint as a full-time performer at Howl at the Moon. Known for her electric stage presence and ability to transform a room into an unforgettable, sing-along experience, Jennifer brings serious pedigree and even more personality to every show she plays.
Greg Jacks LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
A fixture of the Chicago jazz and blues scene, Greg has built a reputation for his soulful, improvisational style — blending classic standards with original compositions that showcase his deep command of the keys. Whether he's easing into a slow, smoky ballad or driving the room with an upbeat swing number, Greg brings the kind of energy and warmth that turns a bar into a living room full of friends.
Adam Nelson LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Adam has spent years honing his craft in Chicago's vibrant piano bar and jazz club circuit, earning a reputation for his dynamic range and effortless command of the keyboard. From tender, heartfelt ballads to high-energy crowd-pleasers, Adam knows how to read a room and keep the night moving — pulling from a deep well of jazz standards, pop favorites, and personal originals.
Emily Popli LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Emily Popli is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends soul, pop, and country influences into emotionally rich, deeply personal storytelling. A lifelong writer — she started out as a poet before falling in love with piano and songwriting — Emily has spent over two decades honing her craft. She returned to the original music scene in 2025 with her debut album Lilith Fair Kid, a collection of vulnerable, introspective songs exploring love, resilience, and everyday life. She's also a familiar face on the Chicago piano bar circuit and has performed at Shirley's own Songwriter Showcase Nights, sharing the stage with the city's best original artists.
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Emily Popli LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Emily Popli is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends soul, pop, and country influences into emotionally rich, deeply personal storytelling. A lifelong writer — she started out as a poet before falling in love with piano and songwriting — Emily has spent over two decades honing her craft. She returned to the original music scene in 2025 with her debut album Lilith Fair Kid, a collection of vulnerable, introspective songs exploring love, resilience, and everyday life. She's also a familiar face on the Chicago piano bar circuit and has performed at Shirley's own Songwriter Showcase Nights, sharing the stage with the city's best original artists.
Kelly Lynch LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kelly has become a beloved presence on Chicago's piano bar scene, known for her vibrant energy and an uncanny ability to get a room singing along from the very first song. Her sets blend crowd-favorite sing-alongs with tasteful renditions of classic and contemporary hits, all delivered with the charisma and skill of a true entertainer.
Whether she's tearing through an upbeat singalong anthem or slowing things down for a heartfelt moment at the keys, Kelly brings warmth, humor, and genuine connection to every performance — the kind of night that keeps people coming back.
Brandon Covelli LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Brandon is a classically trained pianist with a professional focus on jazz and contemporary music. He is an experienced sight reader, improviser, and multi-instrumentalist, performing all over the Chicago area including Slugger’s, Higgy’s, Shirley’s, Grapes & Grains, and Howl at the Moon.
Kelly Lynch LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kelly Lynch is an acclaimed vocalist and cabaret performer known for her warm, expressive style and engaging storytelling, bringing fresh interpretations to the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, Broadway favorites, and contemporary classics. A seasoned performer with a gift for connecting with audiences, Kelly's performances blend exceptional musicianship, wit, and heartfelt emotion
Adam Nelson LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Adam A. Nelson is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music educator known for his energetic live performances and audience-driven piano bar shows throughout the Chicago area. In addition to performing at clubs, private events, and dueling piano venues, he writes and records original music that blends thoughtful songwriting with his versatile keyboard and vocal talents.
With more than 15 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Nelson has built a reputation for engaging, interactive shows and a passion for helping students develop their musical skills through piano, ear training, and music theory instruction
Game Night Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, pull up a chair at Shirley's Piano Bar for a laid-back game night featuring a weekly spades tournament with prizes. Bring your own cards or board games and find fellow players looking for a table — Chess, Checkers, Cards Against Humanity, or whatever you're into. All skill levels welcome, just show up and jump in!
Greg Jacks LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Greg Jacks is a Chicago-based singer, pianist, and bandleader known for his work with the New Orleans–inspired group Greg Jacks & Brother Help. Drawing influence from legends like Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, his music blends rhythm & blues, soul, and funk into a high-energy, Mardi Gras–style live experience. He performs regularly across the Chicago area, leading both full-band shows and solo piano sets that showcase his roots-driven sound and improvisational style.
Kaleen Dolan LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, 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.
She 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.
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Game Night Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, pull up a chair at Shirley's Piano Bar for a laid-back game night featuring a weekly spades tournament with prizes. Bring your own cards or board games and find fellow players looking for a table — Chess, Checkers, Cards Against Humanity, or whatever you're into. All skill levels welcome, just show up and jump in!
Adam Nelson LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Adam A. Nelson is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music educator known for his energetic live performances and audience-driven piano bar shows throughout the Chicago area. In addition to performing at clubs, private events, and dueling piano venues, he writes and records original music that blends thoughtful songwriting with his versatile keyboard and vocal talents.
With more than 15 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Nelson has built a reputation for engaging, interactive shows and a passion for helping students develop their musical skills through piano, ear training, and music theory instruction
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Songwriter Showcase Night
Songwriter Showcase Night at Shirley's Piano Bar is an intimate evening dedicated to original music, where local artists take the stage to share their own original songs and stories. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere gives musicians a chance to connect, collaborate, and perform in front of an engaged, supportive audience. It’s a space where songwriters and listeners alike can unwind, share a drink, and discover new voices in the local music scene.
Game Night Tuesdays
Every Tuesday, pull up a chair at Shirley's Piano Bar for a laid-back game night featuring a weekly spades tournament with prizes. Bring your own cards or board games and find fellow players looking for a table — Chess, Checkers, Cards Against Humanity, or whatever you're into. All skill levels welcome, just show up and jump in!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Emily Popli LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Emily Popli is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose music blends soul, pop, and country influences into emotionally driven storytelling. She returned to the original music scene in 2025 after a hiatus, channeling personal experiences with mental health, relationships, and motherhood into her work. Her debut album “Lilith Fair Kid” showcases vulnerable, introspective songwriting that explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience.
Emily also has performed at several of our Songwriter Showcase Events, where local artists have the opportunity to showcase their original works
Adam Nelson LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Adam A. Nelson is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music educator known for his energetic live performances and audience-driven piano bar shows throughout the Chicago area. In addition to performing at clubs, private events, and dueling piano venues, he writes and records original music that blends thoughtful songwriting with his versatile keyboard and vocal talents.
With more than 15 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Nelson has built a reputation for engaging, interactive shows and a passion for helping students develop their musical skills through piano, ear training, and music theory instruction
Stan Karcz LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Stan Karcz is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music producer known for blending country, Southern rock, pop, and blues into a heartfelt, roots-driven sound. A first-generation American, he has collaborated with notable artists and Nashville songwriters, with his work recorded by performers and featured on national platforms like The Huckabee Show. Through his company 88 Music Corp, he creates original music and live performances that center on themes of love, hope, and real-life experience.
Stan also hosts Shirley’s Songwriter Showcase Night on the first Thursday of every month! The Songwriter Showcase has grown to become a very fun and unique experience in Barrington, where local artists get the chance to perform their own original works in front of a live audience. The environment is inclusive and supportive, which has allowed many artists expand their repertoire of music and understanding of the industry!
Kaleen Dolan LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, 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.
She 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.
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Emily Popli LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Emily Popli is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose music blends soul, pop, and country influences into emotionally driven storytelling. She returned to the original music scene in 2025 after a hiatus, channeling personal experiences with mental health, relationships, and motherhood into her work. Her debut album “Lilith Fair Kid” showcases vulnerable, introspective songwriting that explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience.
Emily also has performed at several of our Songwriter Showcase Events, where local artists have the opportunity to showcase their original works
Jennifer Lee Knuth LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Jennifer Lee Knuth is a Chicago-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and performer with over a decade of experience in live music and entertainment. She has performed hundreds of shows across the Midwest, including festivals, weddings, and high-energy bar performances, and previously toured as a lead singer in cover bands. In addition to her work on stage, she shares stories and insights from her career through her writing, reflecting on the humor, challenges, and realities of life in the music industry.
Kaleen Dolan LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, 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.
She 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.
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Chris Heroldt LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Chris Herodlt has been playing piano and singing in Chicago on the Rock, Jazz, and Blues scene for a long time (ever since he had to pretend I was old enough to get in the club!). In those twenty-plus years, he’s performed as a soloist, and in bands, at the Taste of Chicago, the House of Blues, the World’s Largest Office Party, MilwaukeeFest, clubs, festivals, private events, and any other shindig you could imagine!
Peter Miletic LIVE at Shirley's Piano Bar
Peter has performed for many types of audiences including but not limited to weddings, corporate events, hotels, fundraisers, and dinner clubs. Whatever the venue happens to dictate, whether it’s showmanship or listening pleasure, Peter’s piano music will satisfy any client’s need.
Adam Nelson LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Adam A. Nelson is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and music educator known for his energetic live performances and audience-driven piano bar shows throughout the Chicago area. In addition to performing at clubs, private events, and dueling piano venues, he writes and records original music that blends thoughtful songwriting with his versatile keyboard and vocal talents.
With more than 15 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Nelson has built a reputation for engaging, interactive shows and a passion for helping students develop their musical skills through piano, ear training, and music theory instruction
Songwriter Showcase Night
Songwriter Showcase Night at Shirley's Piano Bar is an intimate evening dedicated to original music, where local artists take the stage to share their own original songs and stories. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere gives musicians a chance to connect, collaborate, and perform in front of an engaged, supportive audience. It’s a space where songwriters and listeners alike can unwind, share a drink, and discover new voices in the local music scene.
Greg Jacks LIVE at Shirley’s Piano Bar
Greg Jacks is a Chicago-based singer, pianist, and bandleader known for his work with the New Orleans–inspired group Greg Jacks & Brother Help. Drawing influence from legends like Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, his music blends rhythm & blues, soul, and funk into a high-energy, Mardi Gras–style live experience. He performs regularly across the Chicago area, leading both full-band shows and solo piano sets that showcase his roots-driven sound and improvisational style.
Featured Pianists
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![A woman with long, curly brown hair and blue eyes standing in front of green curtains, wearing a colorful strapless dress and pink earrings.]()
Emily Popli
SINGER, SONGWRITER, & PIANIST
Emily has been writing music for over two decades and has been a featured Shirley’s Piano Bar pianist since the beginning. Her most recent album, “Lilith Fair Kid” dropped August 2025. Learn more about Emily Popli here. -
![A man playing a grand piano and singing into a microphone in a decorated indoor setting with green plants and a stone wall.]()
Peter Miletic
PIANIST
Peter Miletic is a pianist in the Chicagoland area and currently runs Shirley’s Piano Bar Open Mic Night in Downtown Barrington. He plays a variety of genres including pop, jazz, and rock ‘n roll. Learn more about Peter Miletic here. -
![A young man with brown hair and fair skin standing against a beige concrete wall, wearing a light gray short-sleeve button-up shirt with his hands in his pockets.]()
Brandon Covelli
PIANIST
Brandon Covelli is a classically trained pianist with a professional focus on jazz and contemporary music. He’s performed in 27 countries and in such venues as Sydney Opera House and Hollywood Bowl.
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![A woman laughing and pointing at the camera while holding a stick, with neon signs in the background.]()
Kaleen Dolan
PIANIST
Kaleen Dolan is a Chicago native with training in voice, piano, drums, bass, and theatre. She enjoys performing a wide range of music including pop, rock, hip hop, rap, jazz, blues and soul.
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![A man in a dark blazer playing a grand piano at a venue with purple lighting and a white brick wall backdrop.]()
Steve Kostakes
PIANIST
You'll now find Steve any day of the week playing various styles of music, from 60's, classic rock, to blues.
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![A man with a beard and brown hair, wearing a black pinstripe suit and white shirt, is smiling while standing at a microphone, with a reflection of himself in a glass window behind him.]()
Johnny Burnett
PIANIST
Johnny Burnett is plays various genres and styles of music, from Madonna to The Beatles. "Have keyboard, will travel!"
Monthly Special Events
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![Sign advertising karaoke night with illuminated text that says "Come Sing!" and a close-up of a microphone, with blurred colorful lights in the background.]()
Karaoke
2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
All are invited to sing on our monthly karaoke night in Downtown Barrington! -
![Event poster for Songwicher Showcase Nights, hosted by Stan Karcz, happening every first Tuesday of the month. Doors open at 6 PM. Features a graphic of a vintage radio and a piano bar logo.]()
Songwriter Showcase
1ST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
7:00 - 10:30 pmThe Songwriter Showcase Night at Shirley's Piano Bar is an intimate evening dedicated to original music, where local artists take the stage to share their own original songs and stories. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere gives musicians a chance to connect, collaborate, and perform in front of an engaged, supportive audience. It’s a space where songwriters and listeners alike can unwind, share a drink, and discover new voices in the local music scene.
