Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathie Nicolet.
Kathie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A fourth generation Park Ridgian – I started playing piano at 4 yrs. old. My Dad debuted at the Chicago Civic Opera House with the Lyric Opera in 1947 in Don Giovanni – My musical roots were strong. I studied classical piano for 12 years giving me a tremendous foundation for the career I would enjoy several years later. After school, I chose to marry and raise a family so did not enter into “professional piano” for several years.
Returning to the “musical stage”, I began performing at Drury Lane Oak Brook in the Courtyard Dining Room. My first love was always Broadway Musical Theater – so being so close to the greats of Broadway was a thrill. Performed for 3 yrs. – entertaining Tony Bennett, Mickey Rooney, Robert Goulet, Bob Fosse.. Not long after – I began playing at the Knickerbocker Hotel, Fairmont Hotel, Oak Brook Hills, Marriott Schaumburg, etc in their beautiful lobbies.
In the 1990’s, my focus switched to corporate special events. I freelanced with Chicagoland hotels, banquet facilities, private clubs, catering companies, recommended by some of the finest venues in the area.
Two favorite contracts come to mind… For the wonderful Wendy Pashman (The Entertaining Co) who hired me to perform for a fundraiser in downtown Chicago benefiting “The Sundance Film Festival”. Robert Redford and Sally Field were in attendance as was former Mayor Daley – Mrs. Daley and respected political dignitaries. Robert Redford was as charming and handsome as he’d always appeared in films.
My other favorite – contracted thru Santa Fe Railway’s Marketing Department. The “Rose Bowl Special” – I performed on a freight train with a fleet of business cars on the back. We left the South Side to pick up Key Accounts along the way – The Brew Master from Anheuser Busch – and others as we enjoyed a leisurely train ride to Pasadena, California. Guests were entertained in the evenings with festive piano stylings!
In 1991, I was selected as a pianist for Nordstrom / Oak Brook – later becoming Lead Pianist and then transferring to the Woodfield location. After 6 yrs. – I went onto Von Maur in Lombard Then transferred to St Charles where I became Lead Pianist, retiring in June 2017.
Currently – I am the “Exclusive” Cocktail Wedding Pianist for the Park Hyatt Hotel Chicago. Recommended by the following venues: Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, Abbington Banquets Glen Ellyn, Makray Golf Club, Barrington JW Marriott Chicago, Marquis Marriott Chicago, Oak Brook Hills (Special Events).
Hyatt McDonald Lodge Hotel Oak Brook, Schram Chapel/Glenview, Michigan Shores Club Wilmette, Barrington White House Barrington, Ruth Lake CC Hinsdale.
It has been a great career ~ met some fabulous people and experienced the most incredible events! Thanks to my Dad for all those piano lessons.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I view every day as a new challenge to become better at what I do – I strive to be the best that I can be and promote “live music” as the classic, elegant, addition it is to any beautiful celebration.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chicago Pianist Kathie Nicolet – what should we know?
I specialize in Corporate/Social Events – My business has been built on a foundation of integrity which is reflected in all phases of my operation. From that first phone call – my clients experience spectacular customer service, attention to detail, prompt execution of contracts, total focus on the customers’ needs, and all of this executed with a smile. I offer a great value for my services and give l00% to ensure a successful event. I offer a huge thanks to all those amazing people who recommend my services — their gracious referrals are responsible for 95% of my success. Music is beautiful – professional – and highly recommended.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are SO many people responsible for my success. Relationship Marketing has played a huge part in my business. Without these amazing people who generously network with me – my success would have been almost impossible. My Father got me started with piano – instilled a love of music – and was hugely responsible for me being where I am today.
Some of my loyal supporters have been with me a very long time — and I give huge thanks to:
Mike Fabbri – GM – Abbington Banquets Glen Ellyn
Frank Andonoplas – Frank Event Design – Chicago
Hyatt McDonald Lodge Hotel Oak Brook Catering Staff – Leslie Landenberger – SIgita J
Michigan Shores Club – Wilmette – Catering
Villa Olivia Country Club Bartlett (Former Owners Corrado Family) who gave me my very first performing job.
The Amazing And Beloved Tony DeSantis – Owner Of Drury Lane Oak Brook — Who Gave Me The Most Incredible Memories In Broadway Theater I Ever Had — Gone But Never Forgotten, Tony. God Bless.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.knicoletpiano.com
- Phone: 630 830 2345
- Email: klnpiano@aol.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
