James Freeman Bagpiper from Williston, FL

Videos, not just reviews, are what you'll want to examine when choosing a piper, when high quality musicianship really counts toward making your event memorable and special. I would love to be your piper, and I offer concert quality professional piping that will add a captivating musical touch to your occasion. There is quite a range of ability available when choosing a bagpiper, so a piper should be much more than an inadequately skilled, drones-out-of-tune bargain party vendor wearing kilt attire to look the part, especially if it is a once-in-a-lifetime event – someone who actually practices regularly, has clean fingerwork (clear doublings, crisp taorluaths and throws on D and B, and no messy crossing noises or frequently fumbled notes), drones in tune, blowing steady tone and keeping a steady beat. You'll want a real performer who provides a long list and wide variety of traditional and popular tunes, and not just a handful of familiar marches. I consistently deliver a stirring performance to my clients, so whether you prefer just one poignant tune or 60, my growing list of 150 tunes are sure to last more than the hour I'm yours. Serving Gainesville, Ocala and all of North Central Florida, I offer Irish & Scottish, patriotic, movie theme and popular music for every event, and I am available to perform 24-7 for your special event - weddings, Funerals, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Memorials, Anniversaries, Concerts, Educational Lectures, etc. My Scottish smallpipes are also available for indoor events where you may want a quieter instrument. Also, being of both Irish and Scottish heritage, I have kilt outfits in each for your selection if desired. Additionally, I offer combination lecture/performances for educational institutions and community organizations, speaking on the history and technical aspects of the Great Highland bagpipes and smaller parlor bagpipes, as well as the traditions of kilt attire. I have performed for hundreds of private and public clients, given public stage concerts and marched many miles of parades as a soloist and with two pipe bands. Fire Companies and other public service organizations often hire me to solo pipe for their parade marching units. I have performed at the U.S. Open, Germain Arena and other sports stadiums, on television and out at sea on charters and private boats. For your tailgate party I can pipe the University of Florida Gators Fight Song. Most performances I do will cost $225 for an hour of reserved time, and within a travel radius of one hour. Distances greater than that typically run $250 - $300. Half or full day event performance at festivals or parties can be arranged. I have a great working relationship with event planners and service/funeral directors for my customer service, musical skill, flexibility and reliability, plus many families have me back for future events. Several times recently I've had a short notice request from clients needing a particular tune that I didn't know. I was able to learn the music quickly and deliver a fine performance the next day.