Funeral•Reviewed on June 9, 2016•From Monrovia, CA
Stephen is a true professional. I have nothing but praise for him wonderful musician, appearance was outstanding was there before the family ready to go. Very friendly with all the family with dignity and grace at this time. The songs he played were beyond perfect. I can honestly say I have never been so impressed with someone. I would strongly recommend Stephen to anyone. Thank you again side note I have received so many compliments on Stephen's performance
Review by Scott M.
Family Reunion•Reviewed on August 9, 2016•From Del Mar, CA
Stephen was wonderful. He arrived on time despite traffic bottlenecks, was dressed perfectly, played well, and gave a talk about bagpiping to the crowd. Everyone had their picture taken with in. He is a delightful person and very professional. I highly recommend him.
Review by Paihf A.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on June 6, 2016•From Santa Ana, CA
Very friendly and authentic! I suprised my groom at our wedding who is of Scottish descent! His outfit matched my husband's family tartan! You can tell his heart has a real passion for this. He spent time speaking with me regarding my desires in what he played for our wedding and how important the timing and the element of surprise was. I believe everyone was deeply moved by his emotional performance! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house! We took pics with him and he wandered about our venue (Musuem) and played several songs in different locations about the property. I definitely highly recommend Stephen for any special gathering! You won't be disappointed!
Review by Anna D.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on May 3, 2016•From Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Wilkinson was a fantastic performer and wonderful to work with. He is very easy to get a hold of, and is quick to respond to emails, texts and calls. His bagpipe playing is fantastic, and he has the authentic traditional garb. He has a vast knowledge of classic bagpipe tunes, and keeps the party atmosphere lively and fun.
I highly recommend Stephen for any events that require bagpipes.
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This was a great backyard party gig. Fun young crowd and a birthday guy that loved the pipes. I played mostly traditional tunes but included a couple from Last of the Mohicans and Braveheart. Anna was a great hostess and made me feel so welcome. It was a pleasure playing for her and her friends.
Review by Allison H.
Funeral•Reviewed on February 15, 2016•From Corona del Mar, CA
I hired Stephen to play for a reception after a funeral and he was wonderful! I hired him very last minute, since my brother-in-law passed away quite suddenly. He was extremely accommodating and was even willing to learn a new piece of music for this event. He was definitely the most skilled musician on the bagpipes that I had encountered through gig master. Musicianship is very important to me as I am a professional singer and also work for the local symphony. Ho not only played beautifully, he also chatted with our guests and made them feel welcome.
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This was a heartfelt service and many in attendance were still in shock. I was very glad to be of service at that time and Allison and her family made me feel so welcome.
Review by Laura M.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on June 21, 2016•From Burbank, CA
Stephen was very professional and communicated well with me throughout the entire process of booking, planning and having our event. His reliability was a great comfort to me as we were having a memorial for my father. His playing was beautiful and I wish him every success in the future. I can't recommend him enough.
Review by Mary M.
Wedding•Reviewed on October 12, 2014•From Pasadena, CA
Stephen Wilkinson played at my daughter's wedding at the Ambassador Mansion & Gardens in Pasadena on October 4th. He was so awesome! He played beautifully and our guests just loved it! From my first contact with Stephen, he was friendly, professional and accommodating. He arrived just as requested, as this part of the wedding was a surprise for the guests. He even wore a special kilt. We had a very limited assignment for Stephen - he lead our wedding guests in a procession from the ceremony to cocktail hour. My daughter and her fiance had specific songs they wanted Stephen to play which he did happily. I would highly recommend Stephen for your next event.
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This was a gorgeous wedding. Beautiful surroundings and wedding party. Mary made a point of coming over and introducing herself and the bride and groom were nice enough to take a photo with me. For me as a performer it was very nice to meet my clients even if only briefly. I was able to play The Skye Boat Song- one of my favorites. This tune is currently the theme song to Outlander. As I played the bride and groom processed from the ceremony to the mansion on the hill. Wonderful. It was certainly a pleasure for me to play for this gracious family. Thanks again Mary.
Review by George M.
Funeral•Reviewed on November 15, 2015•From Oceanside, CA
Stephen played at the graveside service for my father yesterday. His musicianship and professionalism added immeasurably to the service. He not only played the songs we chose but he played a bit more after the service when folks were departing -- he knows how to "read" the situation and adapt accordingly. This is a rare trait. Numerous guest commented favorably on Stephen's piping, including a relative well-versed in Scottish music and the Highland pipes who said Stephen was an excellent piper. Stephen was also on time, perfectly and appropriately attired, easy to work with and made helpful suggestions. I recommend him without qualification.
Review by Denise O.
Funeral•Reviewed on February 15, 2016•From Whittier, CA
Stephen was amazing. He was very accommodating and very professional. He worked with the honor guard, the mariachis, and the dove release that were also in attendance for my father's funeral. He knew when to lead without us telling him anything! I definitely would recommend Stephen to make your event memorable! Thank you Stephen!
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The funeral was on a bright sunny day at Rose Hills. Denise did everything to honor her Dad and I was glad to help. I had the occasion to play Taps as well rather than a recorded bugle. Denis preferred live music and I was so glad to accommodate her. She was a pleasure to work with under such difficult circumstances.
Review by Cassandra C.
Funeral•Reviewed on September 23, 2015•From Los Angeles, CA
My family and I hired Stephen to give our dear family friend a final goodbye. Stephen's bagpipe playing was amazing! He is extremely friendly, courteous and professional. I would recommend Stephen to anyone who need's to hire a bagpiper, if I ever need a bagpiper again, I will definitely ask him to come back. Thank's so much Stephen!
Review by Whitley S.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on August 26, 2015•From Malibu, CA
Stephen provided a lovely, moving tribute to my wife Anne, who was a Scot of Clan MacLean. His playing was sensitive and glorious at the same time. We are so glad to have found him.
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This was a beautiful backyard service in Malibu. An intimate setting and service and I was very fortunate to be included in it.
Review by Kristoph W.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on July 23, 2014•From Altadena, CA
FABULOUS BAGPIPER!
Stephen played the pipes for my father's 80th birthday party and he was terrific! Most of all, Stephen is very talented bagpiper and I feel fortunate to have been able to book him for our event. Stephen's professionalism, very nice demeanor, timing and sense of humor truly added to what became a very memorable and fun evening for all the guests from ages 8 to 80+...especially the birthday lad! Thank you, Stephen! CHEERS!
Review by mike j.
Community Event•Reviewed on June 29, 2015•From San Juan Capistrano, CA
Steven was able to perform on very short notice, as our previously scheduled piper "bagged out" (pardon the pun). We was professional, very friendly, and did exactly what our event needed done, with a smile on his face. I would recommend him wholeheartedly. (I am a professional musician, too, and have very high expectations of all of my subcontracted musicians, and he was fantastic.) Very trustworthy, very professional, very friendly, and easy to work with.
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Unfortunately not all pipers are reliable as Mike found out. I pride myself on always delivering a great performance, on time and in tune. :)
Thanks again for the great recommendation and review Mike.
Review by Shelly H.
Private Party•Reviewed on April 26, 2016•From Long Beach, CA
My friend's elderly father is ill and I hired Stephen to play for him. Stephen made contact promptly and was available on very short notice. He kept in constant communication and even arrived early. Stephen was extremely professional in his manner, dress, and piping. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the stories he shared about several of the songs as well as his kit. He talked away to the whole party and we all enjoyed the event immensely. He even stayed a bit longer than agreed despite the fact that he was standing in the hot sun. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking for a top notch piper and an all around friendly, fun, and entertaining piper.
Review by Nelda V.
Funeral•Reviewed on March 21, 2015•From Chatsworth, CA
I would highly recommend Mr. Stephen Wilkinson for any event . . . for his overall talent and professionalism. He was very accommodating and his recommendations were so fitting and lovely. I look forward to hearing him play again!
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Thanks so much for your kind review Nelda and I hope to meet you again someday.
Review by Marlene L.
Funeral•Reviewed on November 2, 2015•From Simi Valley, CA
Outstanding, accommodating and excellent!!!
Review by Kale R.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on November 18, 2013•From Beverly Hills, CA
He was amazing! The karaoke bar he surprised my at mom was still talking about him a week later! It was easy to schedule and set up especially considering I'm in Florida and my mom's in California. My mom requested a song from The Scottish Rogues and BAM, delivered flawlessly! He was knowledgeable about the history of bag piping, attire, and contemporary pipers. I would absolutely book again. Thank you so much...
Review by Julie C.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on January 9, 2014•From San Pedro, CA
Stephen played at my father's memorial. It was the perfect ending tribute to my Scotch-Irish dad! Stephen was very accommodating with my multiple questions and changes to the music selections prior to the memorial. He showed up early, looked amazing and his bagpiping very moving.
Review by Lynn K.
Funeral•Reviewed on May 5, 2015•From Avalon, CA
I had a lovely scattering of ashes of of Avalon, CA and hired Stephen. He was extremely kind and very professional. He really fit in well with the guests, I would highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you, Stephen
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I always enjoy being on a boat and this burial at sea was a great affair. Wonderful weather and a warm family. What a great send off. Thanks for hiring me Lynn.
Review by Michael W.
Wedding•Reviewed on November 5, 2013•From Newport Beach, CA
Stephen was extremely professional and easy to work with. I would not hesitate to hire him again.
Mike Whitman
Director of Entertainment
Hornblower Cruises and Events
GLA/OC
Review by Bonnie R.
Birthday Party (Adult)•Reviewed on January 26, 2014•From Montrose, CA
Stephen was great! Pipes were not welcome in the resturant so we gathered outside, he was so good that it didn't take long for a crowd to form. I highly recommend Stephen, besides a great musician, he is also a fun and friendly man. I will call him again.
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This was a great gig I played for a wonderful client and her guests. I arrived a little early and struck up the pipes and played some rousing tunes out on the sidewalk as the restaurant wouldn't lets us play inside. This didn't dampen our spirits one bit though. Everyone was clapping to the beat of the music and we had some participation from passerbys. One elderly lady even got in the middle and started to dance. It was a lot of fun. I got to play some favorites as we had requests from the public and my clients. We of course had to hear Auld Lang Syne in memory of Robbie Burns as well. It was a great time and Bonnie was a dear to work with as well.
Review by Darrell T.
Private Party•Reviewed on September 14, 2014•From Burbank, CA
Everything was great Stephen was very professional and made our every very special.
Review by susan R.
Funeral•Reviewed on December 20, 2014•From Palos Verdes Estates, CA
We enjoyed the pipes he was a great honor to my Mother
Thank you again Stephen
Susan
Review by John C.
Funeral•Reviewed on August 10, 2015•From Covina, CA
We had family members show up late to the funeral service- over 40 minutes late. Stephen patiently waited and was very understanding; despite the fact he had to stay by the gravesite on a hot day. We appreciated his kindness.
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John was very appreciative and I was further able to help him book a mini band back in Pennsylvania for his father's Memorial Service. I was so pleased that things turned out very well and it was great to meet him and his family.
Review by Carollane F.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on October 20, 2015•From Tustin, CA
Stephen was very professional and was a true gentleman! I would highly recommend him and he played the bagpipes excellent! On a scale of one to five I would rate him a five! Overall Stepen Wilkinson rates a five rating! Thank you!
