Whether it’s a wedding, memorial, festival, or cultural celebration, the unforgettable sound of bagpipes adds a distinctive and emotional touch. Portland is home to an eclectic mix of pipers and pipe bands who bring Scottish tradition, energy, and even a little whimsy to every event. Here are eight of the top bagpipers and pipe bands in Portland you should know about in 2025.
🪗 Mark Mullaney – Oregon Piper
The start of Mark Mullaney’s bagpiping journey may have been random, but it led to a lifelong passion rooted in heritage. Raised near Gresham, Oregon, Mark was drawn in by the annual Highland Games and began lessons that sparked his musical path. Today, he’s a dedicated performer sharing the beauty of Scottish and Irish music across Portland.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🪗 John Goff – Cascadia Bagpiper
With four decades of experience, John Goff focuses on the traditional and historical aspects of bagpiping. From Piobaireachd (ancient Scottish piping) to pub-style tunes, his performances reflect deep cultural appreciation and musical mastery.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🪗 The Unipiper (Brian Kidd)
One of Portland’s most iconic characters, The Unipiper is more than a bagpiper—he’s a living legend. Known for riding a unicycle while playing fire-spewing bagpipes in costume, Brian Kidd has represented Portland’s signature weirdness everywhere from Japan to Scotland.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🪗 Portland Metro Pipe Band
As Oregon’s premier Grade 2 competition pipe band, the Portland Metro Pipe Band has represented the region on global stages—including Scotland and Canada. In addition to competitive success, they focus on tradition and education through their youth pipe band program.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🪗 Bagpiper for Hire (Michael Cameron)
Michael Cameron has been playing the bagpipes for over 37 years and has performed with esteemed groups like the Clan Macleay and Portland Police Highland Guard Pipe Bands. Currently with the Montana Highland Guard, he brings years of experience to every performance.
🔗 Website
🪗 Sir James McDonald Pipe Band
This nonprofit pipe band has long been a staple in Portland’s cultural scene. For over six years, members have dedicated themselves to mastering the art of Scottish military-based piping, rehearsing intensively and performing at events to preserve this historic tradition.
🔗 Website
🪗 Stumptown Piper – Micah Babinski
Micah Babinski began piping at just nine years old under the guidance of Highland piper Liza MacAdam. With over 15 years of dedication, Micah blends technical mastery with the heart of Scottish expression in each performance.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🪗 Fort Vancouver Pipe Band (Vancouver, WA)
Located just across the river in Vancouver, WA, this pipe band promotes Scottish pipe music and Celtic culture throughout the Portland metro area. Their mission includes education, outreach, and keeping Highland traditions alive.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, a lively parade, or a heartfelt memorial, Portland’s bagpipers and pipe bands bring authenticity and emotion to every occasion. Their dedication to craft and culture ensures an unforgettable experience.
📩 Need help booking the perfect bagpiper? Reach out at dreamteam@booklive.com and let’s bring a touch of tradition to your event.