Whether you’re honoring tradition at a wedding, marking a solemn moment at a memorial, or just want to turn heads at your next celebration, the bagpipe adds a rich, unforgettable presence to any event. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Philadelphia, finding a talented piper is easier than ever—if you know where to look.
Here are seven of the most talented bagpipers and pipe bands in the Philadelphia area for private events in 2025.
Thom Moore
The Happy Bagpiper: Bagpipe Performance, Instruction, Retail, and Celtic Culture (LLC) is a company devoted to teaching and performance on the Great Highland Bagpipe and the quieter but equally impressive Smallpipe. Headquartered in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, The Happy Bagpiper LLC offers
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Philly Piper
Philly Piper” is the business name of a bagpiper based in the Philadelphia, PA, area with over 25 years of experience, specializing in weddings and solemn occasions, and also offers performances at funerals, graduations
🔗 Website
Gary Guth
Gary Guth is an accomplished musician. He started his musical career playing the piano at age 11 and began his bagpipe career in the Helix High School Pipe Band in La Mesa, California more 50 years ago. He became a choral singer and majored in piano and voice in college. During high school and college he competed in bagpipe competitions sponsored by The Pacific Coast Pipe Band Association, now known as the Western United States Pipe Band Association. He played his way up to the Grade 2 level before he retired from competing to marry and raise a family. Today, Gary is an accomplished full time bagpiper, pianist, and singer.
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram
Brian Widelitz
Brian has taught lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipe for well over thirty-five years. He views the instrument as a classical instrument for which the correct rudiments and fundamentals are key to successful playing. As such he is an excellent teacher for anyone who wants to begin playing the bagpipe.
In addition, because of his experience, Brian is able to set up the instrument to fit any size and shape piper so that they are able to play with comfort and ease, the key to good playing.
And Brian is able to address any maintenance issues you may have with your instrument.
🔗 Website
📱 Instagram | Facebook
Valley Forge Highland Band
The Valley Forge Highland Band is steeped in tradition and culture, representing the rich history of bagpipe music. Our talented musicians bring the spirit of Scotland to life in the Philadelphia area through captivating performances.
🔗 Website
Jim McGilvery
Serving the Philadelphia, PA, NJ, DE & MD areas, with other areas on a case by case basis. Playing for beginnings, ends and life’s every day celebrations in between. Jim has played weddings, funerals, birthday parties, golf outings, conventions, private & public St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, participated in countless parades and pipe band competitions with the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band, busked from Bourbon Street to South Street and has been booked by a couple of pubs here and there. Additional testimonials, photos and videos are available on my Facebook page in my contact info. Thank you for considering me for your event.
📱 Instagram | Facebook
Bill McEvoy
Bill McEvoy has been playing the Great Highland Bagpipe since 1986, when he began taking lessons with the Essex Shillelagh Pipes & Drums in West Orange, NJ. By 1992, he was Pipe Major of the band.
🔗 Website
📱 Facebook | YouTube
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, a heritage festival, or a meaningful memorial, these Philadelphia-based bagpipers offer rich musical experiences that elevate every occasion. Their pipes don’t just play notes—they create memories.
📩 Need help choosing the right bagpiper for your special event? Reach out to us anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com or visit www.booklive.com — we’re here to help you plan something truly unforgettable.