Fred brought his bagpipes to a celebration of life for our son, in Benicia, CA, Saturday July 15, 2023. It was a ridiculously hot day, so our original thought of having him play outside went out the window. Too hot! He had the most perfect suggestion for playing inside -- several short 2-song sessions inside the Benicia Veteran's Hall with 15 minutes or so between them (pipes are loud so it was a great way to mediate the impact on everyone's eardrums). He is very skilled on his bagpipes and accepted the requests we had quite readily. His presence leant a very cool, very unique tone to our event, so we would recommend him to anyone in an instant. If you need a piper within his range, we highly recommend. read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - Here's Fred marching into our hall! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

Over the years, I've reviewed 1,000+ businesses on Yelp. But I can honestly say I never thought I'd ever post a review of a local bagpiper. But we live in strange times right now, so here it goes... Fred Payne is a 3-time Western US Bagpiper (which apparently is a big deal in the bagpiping world). I really have no other bagpiper to compare Fred to. But what I did hear the other evening, I really liked. For some odd reason, the managers of my apartment complex thought it would be a good idea to hire Fred to stroll through our property and serenade our neighbors every Tuesday evening. Personally, I would much prefer that my landlords fix the plumbing and clean the carpets (but that's another story). That being said, Fred's bagpipe playing has been a welcome distraction during our Shelter-in-Place. So thanks to Fred Payne for easing our shelter-in-place pain. Your regal presence and majestic music really helped make our spirits soar, if only for an hour. I look forward to your next serenade. read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

My brother found Fred online, not sure how he searched. Fred was our bagpiper as 8 of us gathered at the grave of our parents in Golden Gate Cemetery. We did not have a formal program, but he was very respectful of our mood, somewhere between sadness and celebratory. We were remembering our parents, our father died in 1998 and mom this year. She was buried in June. Everything he played was lovely and meaningful. He did not seem phased by the fact that we cheered every time a commercial jet flew overhead. Our parents loved flying out of SF on all their international travels, hence the cheering. Thank you, Fred, for the lovely mix of tunes and taking requests. We shed tears, tapped our feet, held hands, and felt better. read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - Golden Gate Cemetery, Sept 8th 2019 - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

Fred never even asked me to write a review but I've been meaning to because I just want to promote this guy after he did such an incredible job for us. We found Fred online when wondering if it would be plausible to have bagpipes for the processional for our wedding. He exceeded our expectations on quality and performance, reasonableness of pricing, he was incredibly empathetic, helpful, flexible, thoughtful, and professional. He had great ideas as we planned but didn't push them on us at all, was very easy to communicate and work with, was personable, professional, timely, and his playing ended up being one of the best aspects of our wedding. Highly recommend Fred for any occasion. You won't regret it. If you're considering bagpipes and you knew in advance how impactful his playing was and the affordability of it for what you get, you'd regret NOT hiring Fred. read more

We hired Fred for a Scottish themed birthday party and everyone agreed that he absolutely made the experience and pulled the whole thing together. He is incredibly talented and absolutely wonderful to work with. Now I want to have a bagpiper at every event! read more

We needed a bagpiper for my parents' memorial - my father had been a Coast Guard officer and also always been very fond of bagpipes. Fred had come very well recommended, and I can see why. He was professional and compassionate in our communication prior to the memorial. He arrived early, quickly and clearly worked out with the pastor how things would go, dressed in full formal kilt and jacket, and offered a lovely and moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" at the end of the service. I could not have asked for more. Thank you, Fred. read more

Fred is the piper you want at your event! We hired Fred for our October wedding sometime in the spring. We selected two songs for the processional and recessional that we both liked. They weren't in Fred's songbook, but he said no problem, I'll learn them! He also gave us some suggestions to make the bride's entrance more dramatic, which we took him up on. It was beautiful and we got compliments from our guests all night. Fred is a very kind, truly professional gentleman. I highly recommend Fred Payne for all of your bagpiping needs! read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - Fred leading the recessional. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

I contacted Fred only two days before my event ~ he was very professional, accommodating and a real joy to work with. His ability to take requests and pipe them to perfection was noted by the official Scotsman who attended our event. I highly recommend getting him for any event in which bagpipes are needed. read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - piping upon exit from the event in our office - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

Fred was a wonderful way to honor my mother who passed recently. My cousin who has hired Fred on other events actually asked Fred to come and play at her Ceremony Luncheon as a surprise to us all. And what a spectacular day we had! He was professional and sensitive to our requests. And played intermittently throughout the lunch. We were able to honor my mom in the most respectful and Irish traditional way she would have been so touched. We have already recommended him to our friends, and completely agree that he is perfect for any type of occasion. Thank you Fred Payne, Katie read more

Fred is the perfect piper for any occasion! He isn't just friendly, professional and a great musician, but he is very much aware of his client's needs. He has a range of different tartans to fit your event, and handles every situation with the utmost respect and dignity. Will hire again! read more

Fred came to our 60th birthday party. He was prompt, talented, very nice, fully geared up and generally great fun! His appearance was a surprise for my partner - Fred kept the secret well, even tho he had times he needed to contact me. Fred marched into the party playing, and the Scots present teared right up - Perfect! Thank you, Fred! Christie read more

Fred played the pipes at my Deer Park Villa wedding over the weekend, and he couldn't have done a more amazing job! Our guests were talking about him all evening and how he made the ceremony so magical and moving. I highly recommend Fred! Thanks so much. read more

Fred Payne Champion Bagpiper - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

We highly recommend Fred for weddings. He recently played at our wedding in Tahoe. Hearing him play made me so ecstatic that I forgot about the blizzard that just ruined my hair and makeup, and the evil wedding coordinator lurking in the background, and that fact that we forgot the leashes for the dogs and the flowers for the flower girl back in the room, and everything else that was not 'perfect'. The only thing I could think about was that my dream of having bagpipes at our wedding was coming true and it was even more amazing than I had expected! read more

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Fred was tremendously professional and courteous, as well as being an experienced, knowledgeable and talented musician. He played for my birthday and made the occasion incredibly special. He was also a very friendly and interesting guy! Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to make a moment special or brighten someone's day. This guy is the real deal. Thanks Fred! read more

I can't even tell you how great it was to have Fred pipe at our wedding. It may not be a big surprise that getting married can be super stressful. We were lucky to come up with a bunch of vendors that really made it as easy as possible, though. Fred was right there at the top of the list. He was responsive and cheerful, he showed up on time and man, can that guy pipe! (Seriously, he's really good. A bad piper is excruciating to listen to, but a good one is... well, music to my ears.) Here are the things that get him bonus points: A) Sort of last minute, we decided we wanted a drummer, too. No problem, Fred called a guy. B) Apparently he had come from a funeral before the wedding. He brought a more festive kilt to change into! C) This is kind of a big deal: hiring people to work a gay wedding is kind of a pain in the ass. There is always that moment when the person on the other end has the opportunity to say the exact wrong thing. It is an unfortunate truth, but a truth no less. So, when I reached out to Fred and mentioned 'my partner, etc, etc,' I was on edge for a second. His response? 'It would be my honor'. That Fred is a true class act. read more

Fred performed for our Celtic wedding ceremony. It was absolutely stunning. He is great to work with and is very flexible with last minute changes. read more

My first Yelp review ever, but my new Bride and I were so moved by Fred that we were compelled. First, if you don't know who Fred is or his history/influence with Bagpipes, Google him and go to his website. I actually didn't visit it until my less than 2 week cry for help when our previous Bagpiper fell ill last minute. Fred knew the Bagpiper we had originally booked, and cleared his schedule immediately to perform for our wedding. Was fortunate enough to spend some time learning of the history of Bagpipes from Fred, which added such depth and meaning to the day. And suffice to say, after an hour on the phone pre wedding, Fred put together the most moving processional/recessional, which he then executed on our wedding day. If the sound of a Bagpipes moves you as it did us, book this guy, you'll never forget it.. read more

Fred played at our party (my husband is Scottish) - it was such a delight to have a traditional bagpiper play for us! Everyone loved him and he was wonderful to work with. We highly recommend him! read more

Thank you Fred for making my daughters wedding a memorable event for everyone! This was a surprise for all, Fred ushered the married couple into the reception and the music filled the room as well as my heart. All the guest were just awed. My daughter said she felt like a princess, ( what more can a Mother ask for). Even for unforeseen events, Fred came through in a very professional manner. I highly recommend Fred Payne for you event. read more

When our mother passed away on October 26, we wanted to hire a bagpiper for her funeral. We had no idea where to begin looking for one. We came across Fred's information and we are so glad we did. Fred was kind, compassionate, professional and everything we wanted. He even learned a special song for the day. We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Fred and would recommend him without any reservations. read more

I want to personnally thank Fred for his participation at a recent funeral service. He adjusted his schedule on short notice and made the service extraordinarily special for our family. His thoughtful contribution to song selection was extremely helpful and his talent was very apparent. Despite the sadness of the day, Fred's music was certainly a bright spot and we will fondly remember the service because of his participation. read more

Fred was hired to perform at a gathering to honor my father who had recently passed away. He was prompt, courteous, nice and above all, professional. My father was from Scotland and loved bagpipes. Fred did a great job and I know my dad would have been pleased. I will recommend him, without hesitation, if I have the opportunity to do so in the future. read more