136 Reviews for Stephen Wilkinson Genuine Bagpiper
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Review by Patty A.
Funeral•Reviewed on January 7, 2017•From Huntington Beach, CA
Stephen was everything we hoped for and more,
My father who was a fire chief, deserved a good sendoff, Mission accomplished. Thank you Stephen for your artistry . Thank you so much Patty
Review by Bruce W.
Private Party•Reviewed on November 27, 2016•From Anaheim, CA
Stephen was outstanding. He was professional and everyone was.mesmerized by his playing. One guest stated" That was the most outstanding thing I've ever seen at an inside party, he was the best!". I would definitely recommend Stephen. Thanks for the connection.
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Susan and Bruce were such gracious hosts. The weather was not cooperating- rain outside, so they moved me inside to a great location where I could play to all the guests from an upper landing. The pipes were singing and I ran through a number of favorites and a couple of requested tunes from Susan. It was a super party- I was glad to be a small part of it. Thanks Bruce and Susan. :)
Review by Lois H.
Funeral•Reviewed on December 29, 2016•From Whittier, CA
Stephen did a great job at my mom's funeral. He responded quickly to my emails and was always courteous. He arrived early and even stayed late until the whole process was done. Stephen made a hard time for the family a pleasant experience. Many songs were played throughout the ceremony. He even learned to play O'Canada for her (after all, she was a Canuck, eh). When I think of that day, I will remember the beautiful music he played for her. Thank you so much Stephen!
Review by George S.
Wedding•Reviewed on July 10, 2016•From Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Review by Michael K.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on November 1, 2016•From Mission Viejo, CA
We are most pleased with our decision to hire Stephen. He was nothing short of a hit to start the reception part of our wedding when we were announced as husband and wife. We received numerous compliments from guests, who were also impressed with him and thought it was great addition to a wedding. We definitely recommend Stephen if you are considering a bagpiper.
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This wedding was a gorgeous affair and the wedded couple and their guests were so welcoming. We got some photos afterward and I was able to play just before the reception got underway. It is always a pleasure to play for people who really appreciate good bagpiping and I was very happy that they enjoyed it. Thanks Michael and Jacquie and congratulations again!
Review by Phil M.
Wedding Ceremony•Reviewed on October 31, 2016•From Newport Beach, CA
Steve was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. He was very accommodating with music suggestions for all facets of my wedding, showed up early, and played a fantastic show. Several people in my neighborhood ended up getting his business card. I would HIGHLY recommend Steve for any event.
Phil McCormac
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This was a super wedding. Intimate and right on the waterfront- how romantic. Phil was great to work with and it truly was my pleasure to play for him, his beautiful bride and all the guests. Congratulations Phil.
Review by Margaret B.
Funeral•Reviewed on October 31, 2016•From Long Beach, CA
Stephen was admirably flexible in meeting our needs during a time of sorrow when nothing seemed to go right. He set the tone in bidding my husband farewell and I was grateful to have chosen the best.
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Margaret organized a very honoring tribute to her husband. It was my great pleasure to play for her and her guests. Thank you Margaret, again, for choosing me to play for you and your family and guests.
Review by Kevin R.
Wedding•Reviewed on October 9, 2016•From Vista, CA
Stephen was awesome! Very professional and courteous. Would hire again in a second
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This was a wonderful SURPRISE wedding for the groom's dad. I remained hidden at the home until the great reveal. Everything went very smoothly. It was a gorgeous day with a great couple and family. Thanks for making me so welcome. Look forward to receiving the photos!! :)
Review by Alisa B.
Celebration•Reviewed on September 29, 2016•From Newport Beach, CA
Stephen was amazing. He contacted me within 5 min of my request. He was on time, professional and nice. We booked him for Crystal Cove to play for my moms 60th anniversary of coming to the US from Scotland. The entire restaurant loved him. Highly recommend him for your event!!
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What a wonderful event this was and it was so nice to play for Alisa and her Mom. Her Mom dearly loved "The Flower of Scotland" and was able to play it twice for her- once at the start and once as a fond farewell. The location was perfect and the sun was just setting- a magical evening at Crystal Cove Beach. Thanks Alisa.
Review by Liz O.
Memorial Service•Reviewed on September 29, 2016•From San Clemente, CA
Outstanding very professional
Review by Michael G.
Wedding•Reviewed on July 17, 2016•From Oceanside, CA
After struggling to find a professional piper to perform at our wedding, I came across Stephen on Gigmasters. I engaged Stephen primarily on the previous reviews, which were spot on! Stephen is the consummate professional, not only as a musician, but as an businessman. He communicated with us promptly and regularly leading up to our event. He met with us to go over the play list and play samples of music for us to select. He arrived on-time, with a positive attitude and professional appearance. My bride hales from Glasgow, and she loves the pipes. Stephen made our wedding very special, not just for us, but our guests as well. They all complimented how great he was!
Review by suzie d.
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.
