Whether you’re honouring 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 Minneapolis, finding a talented piper is easier than ever—if you know where to look.
Here are five of the most talented bagpipers and pipe bands in the Minneapolis area for private events in 2025.
Mike Breidenbach
Mike Breidenbach is the Director of Piping at Macalester College and is the Pipe Major of their Grade 3 and grade 5 competition bands. He has been a full time bagpipe teacher and performer since 1999. He began learning at Macalester College in 1992 under the tuition of Andrew Hoag. Later he studied with Donald Lindsay, Jim MacGillivray, and the late Lindsay Kirkwood. In 1997 and 1998 he was awarded Champion Supreme by the Midwest Pipe Band Association in Grade II as a soloist. He is now recognized as an accomplished Grade I piper. Mike has also played with the City of Chicago Pipe Band which competed in Grade 1 and the Kansas City St Andrews Pipe Band in grade 2. He was the piper for the world premiere of the opera “Silent Night.” Mike has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, and performed on stage with The Minnesota Orchestra, The Cheiftans, Blink-182, Brian Adams, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Rochester Symphony, the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Hass, and the Saint Paul Civic Symphony. He has been the opening act for The Black Watch and Rod Stewart among others.🔗 Website
Meridith Richmond
Based in St. Paul, MN, I play the bagpipes for weddings, funerals, and all other occasions across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. I’ve been performing since 2010, and as of this writing have played for over 300 events, playing a wide range of Irish and Scottish music, from somber and reflective to celebratory and joyous.
I aim to work with my clients to make sure all your needs are met. From responding quickly to your calls and emails, to looking and sounding great on the day, I’m here to add the perfect note to your event and provide the highest quality professional bagpiping performance.
🔗 Website
Andrew Lewis
Andrew starting learning the bagpipes at 12 from his parents, both pipers themselves, and got his first set of bagpipes when he was 13. Andrew has won numerous solo awards, including 2nd place at the United States Silver Medal Piobaireachd Competition in 2013, and was the Overall winner of the prestigious Nicol-Brown Amateur Invitational Piping Competition in 2004. He is currently the Pipe Sergeant for the Grade 3 Macalester College Pipe Band and an accredited full piping adjudicator.
🔗 Website
Ian MacDonald
I am a experienced and competitive bagpipe player located in the Burlington, VT. I care deeply about the sound and performance of my instrument and have years of tuning experience. I play for weddings, funerals, celebrations of life, birthdays, and more.
📱Facebook
David McCullough
Meridith has been playing her bagpipes for folks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Whether you are looking to set that celebratory, uptempo mood, or for something more meditative, my large repertoire has something for your event. (And yes, I do play in the cold, with advance notice.).
🔗 Website
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, a heritage festival, or a meaningful memorial, these Minneapolis-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.