The Lone Piper
- Northbrook, IL
- Bagpiper
- 33 Verified Bookings
Valerie F. said “Excellent job! Made the birthday celebration amazing!”
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Providing Professional, Quality, & Memorable, bagpipe music for your special event. solo piper as well as mini band groups available. Serving Naperville, Fox Valley, and surrounding Chicago area. I Have been playing competitively for 15 years in the midwest pipeband assosciation, am currently Pipe Major Associated Firefighters of Illinois Pipes and Drums, Current member of the MidlothianScottish Pipe Band,Retired firefighter specializing in Fire/Police department ceremonies. Both traditional highland attire as well as Full military dress available. willing to travel,
All went perfectly
Chris was very professional and kind. His music was amazing and he even played some competition tunes which was amazing to hear. Top notch player. Will be booking him again next year!
Made our wedding day more special. Great communication, setup and execution. A true professional. Christopher was accommodating to our requests and knocked the event out of the park. Thank you
If you need a bagpiper, I highly recommend Christopher. At my Dad's funeral Mass, Chris was the lone bagpiper, escorting my Dad's casket up the aisle and out of the church to the narthex. Played Dad's two favorite songs: "Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra" and "Danny Boy." He wore an Irish green kilt and conducted himself with the utmost respect for the event. Thank you!
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you so much for your kind review Mary. It truly was my honor to play for your dad’s service and for your friends and family members. I take great pride in providing a respectful and memorable service for all of my clients. Thank you again for your kind of you and have a wonderful day.
I hired Christopher for my brother's memorial service and he was fantastic! Great job!!
Christopher did a perfect performance! His appearance is perfect, he is very nice, right on time and most importantly and excellent piper. His performance was for my daughters 40th birthday party. She has always wanted to have a piper at a function and never has. I surprised her and everyone else which made it even more magical. I will hire Christopher again and recommend him to everyone!!!!! Thank you Christopher!!
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It truly was a pleasure working with you and the surprise was perfect. I enjoyed the look of surprise on your daughter and all in attendance. Have a great day !!!!
Chris was early, dressed in Celtic, and ready to play! Perfect Bagpiper for the Retirement party!
Great performance and it made for a Special night for our friend. Thanks Chris
The unexpected death of a loved one is harrowing. Arranging the funeral service and other events is a family's final act of love and respect. Trying to arrange a bagpiper for my father in law's burial was my last opportunity to express my sentiment in a tangible expression. It was my misfortune to use GigSalad to find the most arrogant, conceited, condescending musician I've ever encountered. After showing up 45 minutes late and missing the entire affair this pathetic wretch of a human being tried to argue with me in front of the church that it was my fault he was late. The gall. He could not follow simple instructions. He had to interpret them and twist them into a convoluted knot. I don't know if this man is even able to play the bagpipes. He may just be a clever masochist who enjoys donning a snappy costume and ruining people's lives by inflicting pain. Find someone else. If you can't find someone else, connect a Bluetooth speaker to your phone and find some bagpipe music on the Internet. If you can't afford a Bluetooth speaker ask a ten year old to play Amazing Grace on a kazoo. Do anything rather than hire and be abused by this despicable, reprehensible puke.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
As I stated in my communication, I apologized for this terrible miscommunication regarding service time and performance time. I expressed That I am aware of the importance of these occasions and the deep feeling and anguish that this must have caused. In over 22 years of performance , I have never had anything like this ever happen. I have always strived for promptness, professionalism, and courtesy. Funerals, Weddings and the like are one of life's most intimate moments and I am hyper aware of the importance of all aspects going well as you only get one chance to get it right. I was heartsick to see the service was concluding as I arrived and my attempt to explain what may have caused the miscommunication unfortunately ,was seen as argumentative. I can only hope that future clients will consider that out of dozens of 5 star reviews, this truly is not my standard, and I hope to grow through this occurrence, Make sure both parties are crystal clear as to the difference that may exist between service start times , and anticipated performance times. My reviews speak for themselves, this was a very unfortunate occurrence, one which I pray will never happen again. Christopher
Chris was a wonderful addition to a beautiful service for my husbands funeral. He was there ahead of time, started at the perfect time and gave everyone a chance to listen. So many people commented on how nice it was that he was there. Thank you Chris!!
This was Chris’ 3rd time at our party. Awesome every time. He does an excellent job and comes dressed for the occasion. Thank you Chris for putting a bright spot on a rainy day! Yep
Chris was fabulous to work with! He is so talented and braved some cold temps to truly make our event special. Don’t hesitate to book him for your next gathering!
Christopher was prompt in returning our inquiry, professional, and very accommodating to our request. He played "Amazing Grace" as my mother in-law's casket was escorted out of the church and it was a very powerful, moving moment that shared her love of her Irish heritage. We are so grateful for the talent he shared at her funeral.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Amanda, thank you so very much for the nice review. It was my honor to play for your family. I really got a feel for what a special lady she was after listening to all the grandkids speak. It was a very nice service and I was happy to be there thanks again, Christopher
Chris did a wonderful job. I would hire him again and give enthusiastic recommendations.
Christopher received rave reviews from my family and friends. Christopher played 3 songs for my late husband's Celebration of Life. His piping was flawless. I would highly recommend him for any event.
Chris was very accommodating with the music. He helped make our event great
Was very happy that our clients got to experience something different. Thanks again!
Christopher was a pleasure to work with. He is professional, easy to communicate with, and a highly skilled musician. Thank you, Christopher, for bringing such beauty and soul to our father’s celebration of life.
Christopher played for my father’s burial. Dad died from COVID-19 and with all the (necessary) restrictions, we had to limit the number of people who could be there. We were worried that it would not be the send off he deserved. Well, it was perfect. Christopher and I worked out what songs would be playing and he was amazing. He was there before we were there, played while we were getting out of our cars, and in other arranged times . Finished with Amazing Grace and slipped out after dad was buried without a word, as planned.
We plan to have Christopher play at Dad’s one year memorial when we can have a full crowd, hopefully!
Christopher was extremely professional and his playing was excellent. He did a perfect job supporting our funeral service. Highly recommend.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your nice review. I enjoyed working for you and it was my honor to pay for your mother thank you again for using my service
I Hired Christopher for my Dads funeral. He really helped me out, with his excellent communication, and he was very helpful with coordinating things with the church. His playing was excellent and very moving. I would definitely recommend Christopher for any event you may have.
Was very impressed with and his music and his outfit. My husband friends at the party also impressed. He was on time and play what I asked for. Great bagpiper. I would use him again. Thank again Chris will done!!!!!
Christopher was easy to communicate with and I appreciated him accepting my last minute booking to play my dad's funeral. He showed up on time and took charge in speaking with the Air Force Honor Guard to coordinate his playing with their duties. I was disappointed Chris played only 3 songs during the hour I hired him for, which I discussed with him privately after the service. Overall, Chris was professional and played beautifully.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Dear Michelle thank you for your overall nice review. I was honored to play for your father and to also honor his service to our country. I’m glad you enjoyed the playing of amazing grace, the mist covered mountains, taps, and the Air Force hymn . I was quite happy to work with the Air Force Army guard detail, and to coordinate with them to provide a professional service again thank you.
Very professional and on time
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you for your nice review. I am glad you enjoyed my performance . It was my honor to play for him
We booked Chris for my father-in-law's funeral. He was very helpful and professional in making a plan and set list. He was on time and his perfomance-wear was impressive. He played songs that brought a tear to everyone's eye and it was a lovely way to say goodbye to a wonderful man. Thank you, Chris.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you, sir, for your kind review. It truly was my honor to play for your family and your father-in-law on this special day for your family. Again, thank you for using Celtic Piping Service.
Chris did an amazing job and adjusted to our changing circumstances. We had to move from outdoor to indoor and Chris was prepared without us even giving him a heads-up. He had both a traditional full set of bagpipes and a parlor set. He intermixed both to provide the best experience. Highly recommend Chris for any event and will be using him in the future.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I’d really enjoyed meeting your family and playing for them. It was a special day for all of you and I was pleased to be part of it I’m glad that we were able to overcome the poor weather conditions outside thanks again have a great day
Chris was timely, communicative and flexible for my grandpa’s memorial. He did everything he could to make sure the surprise was everything it could be and man were people surprised! I was so impressed with his skills but also the kindness he showed during our mourning. I would highly recommend Chris. He answered my calls no matter the time and I knew that he would do anything to make sure his part was done successfully.
Thank you Chris for giving my family an opportunity to celebrate my grandpas heritage and to allow us to celebrate his amazing life.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your kind review. I really enjoyed meeting you and playing for your family and friends! It was an Honor to honor your Grandfathers memory and Irish heritage.
Chris was awesome. His bagpipes added a great touch to our event.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your Kind review!! truly enjoyed performing at your golf outing . I I am glad your guests enjoyed my service !
Christopher did an awesome job. Extremely talented, professional, well-prepared! I would definately recommend Christopher to anyone looking to make their event special.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your kind review. It truly was my pleasure serving your family at this special event.
Chris did an awesome job, again! This is our 2nd time having him over for our St Pat’s party. He’s great and has a variety of songs. We will be asking him back next year.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you for your kind review, It was a pleasure meeting and playing for your friends and family once again!!
Chris was able to move some things around for me and play at my father’s celebration of life. It was on St. Patrick’s Day and he was already booked. Thank you Chris for playing beautifully and for honoring my dad.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your kind review Melissa. I enjoyed playing for your family and friends but especially for your father‘s celebration of life and his service in law-enforcement. as a fellow member of the public safety team I am always honored to play for our brothers and sisters.
Christopher Coomes was great for my mother's funeral Mass and burial. Amazing Grace was a terrific farewell. I think the music touched everyone at the funeral Mass. Christopher was very dignified in his demeanor. He was also great while we approached the cemetery. I could hear the bagpipes about a mile down the road. Thank you Chris for adding such a majestic farewell to my mother.
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for the kind review. It was an honor to play for your Mothers service. God Bless.
We had the pleasure of working with Chris to play at a casual outdoor wedding reception in July. From the time we connected last February until the event, he stayed in touch, wanted to know exactly what we were looking for and shared his suggestions. He was on time, his playing was wonderful and his presence and talent added an important element to our party!
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you very much for your kind review it was a pleasure meeting you and your family and guests I'm glad you were pleased with my service and please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any piping needs in the future again thank you so much and have a great day
Chris was so easy to work with and extremely professional. He made sure that our daughter's wedding was everything she wanted it to be - even when we had to change the venue! He sent us music samples to review and choose from, he kept in contact with us, offered helpful suggestions, and was very personable.
Was a wonderful time had by all! My husband was so happy and even had a tear in his eyes! Christopher was excellent very accomdating, everyone enjoyed his playing, he did a nice variety of tunes, was very nice man, i would recommend him to anyone looking for this type of entertainment. Thanks again Christopher, take care
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
thank you very much Sherry. I very much enjoyed playing for your husband and your guests, what a nice suprise party! Best regards, Christopher Coomes
We hired Christopher Coomes to play the bagpipes for our Burn's Night Supper and he really made the evening memorable. Before the event he asked what music we would like him to play and he customized the songs for our event. He arrived well in time to warm up and piped in the Haggis magnificently and played some other Scottish tunes after supper as well. He was gracious and added a warmth to the evening that each one of our guests appreciated. We look forward to having him play the bagpipes at future events. We truly give him 5 out of five stars.
Melissa MacTaggart
Response from Celtic Piping By Christopher Coomes:
Thank you Melissa, I truly enjoyed performing in your wonderful home with such warm and welcoming guests.I am pleased that you enjoyed my music, and it was great fun seeing the enjoyment of your freinds as well. Have a great 2016!! Cheers, Christopher
Just a note to tell you how much we all enjoyed Christopher Coomes... Had him come in and surprise my dad at a restaurant ... and everyone in the restaurant gladly joined in the fun.
Looking forward to another event with Christopher... thanks so much - you are a very talented gentlemen. We appreciate your patience also since we were late in having you perform.
Thanks again
Sherry Lyden
Christopher Coomes was great from the get-go: he responded quickly, arranged and followed thru on details and logistics without any fuss, was professional yet warm in person. I recommend him highly for any and all occasions.
Christopher is an outstanding piper. Everyone truly enjoyed the evening. Would strongly recommend!
Great personality, took his time was not rushing to finish at all. Took request and talked for a bit. Very happy with how the day went! Thanks again
Price Range: $ 175.00 and up
the sound of the Great Highland bagpipe will be a memorable addition and memory for any occasion. Whether calling guests to begin the event, a ceremonial procession ,or a suprise for that special some one, a piper attired in traditional highland attire, with a well tuned instrument playing somber or spirited music will add a regal touch to any event. I am punctual and always communicate with client and planners to provide the most professional and memorable service. I usually will try to arrive anywhere from 1/2 to 1 hour prior, to work out final details as well as tuning and warm up. I look forward to working with you for your special event.!
I Have been Playing now for 16 years , 15 of which have been competitive. I currently play with the Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band, and have won the midwest championship for the last three years consecutively. Also competed in Glasgow at the world Pipe band championships in grade 3A, finished 9th overall. I am a retired fire/medic and offer insruction as well as musical performance. The sound of the Great Highland bagpipes lend an air of royalty and dignity to any special event! We are Happy to meeet your every need.
there are no special technical needs.
September 09, 2024 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 06, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 16, 2024 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | House Party |
March 14, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Dinner Party |
March 09, 2024 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Personal Occasion |
December 30, 2023 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 05, 2023 • 10:30am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 14, 2023 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 29, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 24, 2022 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Birthday Party |
August 06, 2022 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Retirement Party |
July 15, 2022 • 11:30am - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 23, 2022 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 19, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | House Party |
March 19, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Holiday Party |
March 12, 2022 • 11:30am - 1:30pm | House Party |
September 01, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Corporate Event |
August 09, 2021 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 24, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 08, 2021 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 27, 2021 • 1:30pm - 2:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 19, 2021 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 16, 2021 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 11, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
March 17, 2021 • 10:00am - 11:30am | Nonprofit Event |
March 13, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Product Promotion |
September 26, 2020 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 05, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 31, 2020 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 20, 2020 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 28, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Birthday Party |
January 03, 2020 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 08, 2019 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
November 20, 2019 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 06, 2019 • 10:00am - 10:15am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 01, 2019 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 11, 2019 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Reception |
December 28, 2018 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 02, 2018 • 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 09, 2018 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Sporting Event |
August 04, 2018 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Personal Occasion |
July 14, 2018 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
April 01, 2018 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Easter Party |
March 24, 2018 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | House Party |
March 17, 2018 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 20, 2017 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Birthday (Adult) |
September 10, 2017 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Sporting Event |
September 09, 2017 • 9:00am - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 17, 2017 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Campus Event |
March 11, 2017 • 8:00pm - 8:15pm | Fundraiser |
July 16, 2016 • 4:00pm - 9:30pm | Wedding Reception |
July 09, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 25, 2016 • 3:00pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Reception |
June 05, 2016 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
March 27, 2016 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Religious Celebration |
March 19, 2016–March 20, 2016 • 6:00pm - 12:00am | Birthday (Adult) |
March 19, 2016 • 3:30pm - 11:00pm | House Party |
March 14, 2016 • 12:00pm - 2:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
January 23, 2016 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | House Party |
December 02, 2015 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
November 28, 2015 • 6:30pm - 10:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
November 21, 2015 • 11:30pm - 11:45pm | Birthday (Adult) |
October 17, 2015 • 2:30pm - 2:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 07, 2015 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
June 04, 2015 • 1:00pm - 1:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 28, 2015 • 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
Valerie F. said “Excellent job! Made the birthday celebration amazing!”
David M. S. said “Nice job!”
Scott I. said “Wow! Piper Johnny kicked off our block party and was fantastic!!! He was great to work with and an incredible performer. I am very happy we were able…”
Ellen M. said “I hired Loon Bagpiping for a short 30 minute performance at my home. We had a day of inclement weather and Meredith was so accommodating to how the music…”