Great Highland Bagpipe services for the PA, NJ, DE & MD areas. 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 (and wandered into) a couple of pubs here and there.
Jim was excellent. Provided family and friends with a great variety of tunes.
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you Francis! What a beautiful day!
Jim, was awesome. He played incredibly and very nice/personable guy! We had a small Irish wake for our dog. I know it sounds ridiculous, but Jim brought the perfect mix of professionalism and fun. Will absolutely be using him again in the future!
Photos from this event
Jim was punctual and very professional. Music was excellent. Very moving service!!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much! What a nice community! Happy it worked out! Be well!!
Photos from this event
Hired him for my Fathers funeral ….This is what he would have wanted but I know it exceeded expectations for him as well as mine
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much Ryan! I really appreciate the kind words. I'm sure he was watching and listening and smiling on all of us. God Bless!
We booked Jim last minute as a surprise for my dad's 65th birthday dinner. He was so awesome - my dad absolutely loved his music! Will definitely keep him in mind for any future events and would recommend him to anyone in need of a bagpiper in the area. Slainte!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much for this very kind review! Was a pleasure to play for your family! Thanks for the Guinness! Slainte!
Jim was excellent! Jim’s bagpipe playing was wonderful and he also explained to our guests a little history of the bagpipes and how they work. Jim played the requested songs and fulfilled all we had asked for. My sons 30th birthday was all the more memorable now because of Jim and his beautiful music! Thank you!
Many commented on how Jim did an amazing job at the funeral. Everyone enjoyed his music during the somber event.
Awesome way to celebrate a birthday! Glad Jim was our guy! Loved how he came upstairs at Molly Maguires playing happy birthday. The owner loved him and asked him to come back for St. Patrick’ s day. Great communication leading up to the event.
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much, Kelly! What a look on the Birthday boy’s face! Glad I was able to be there! Keep in touch! God Bless!
Jim
Jim was the perfect choice for me. He was punctual, listened carefully to my wishes, and performed perfectly. I'm grateful to have found him.
Jim was professional and accommodating. A perfect addition to our daughters surprise wedding. Will definitely have him back for a more low keyed events so I can enjoy his talents with less distractions!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much Kathy! What a great event and you have a beautiful home and back yard! Everyone looked so happy! Loved the kilts too! Thank you for having me! All the best and let's keep in touch!
Jim
610.637.4476
As a wedding gift to my husband, I hired Jim to come in ahead of me and play then step aside so that I would walk down the aisle with my daughter. It was incredible experience and very moving. All my guests in attendance were blown away by it. Totally surprised my husband!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much! What a thrill to see the look on his face! You looked great! Thanks for inviting me to come along. All the best! God Bless. Jim
Jim was excellent to work with. He responded quickly, asked clarifying questions and showed up on time as a surprise for a family reunion. As he made his way down the path to the outdoor pavilion, there were goosebumps and lots of tears. But it's more than the music. He liked to talk about his family tartan plaid, posed for many many photos and showed the kids how the bagpipes worked. He was a huge hit!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much Alison! I really appreciate the kind words! It was a fun party. So glad you and your family enjoyed the music! Safe travels!
Jim
What an amazing piper! So grateful to have him play at our home. My family and friends enjoyed his performance and hope to have him play again here.
Thanks again,cheers 🍀💚
Marialice Baran
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much Marialice! Was a pleasure to play for your friends and family! That little Irish dancer stole the show! :) Keep in touch! Sláinte!
Jim
610.637.4476
Jim was so helpful through the process and the performance was even better. Definitely will have him for future events.
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you Liz for the kind words and inviting me to participate! You looked great and what a cool venue! Keep in touch!
Professional, friendly, & played very well!
Response from Jim McGilvery Bagpipes Philadelphia:
Thank you so much for taking the time to give me a 5 star review! It was a pleasure to play for your family! Hope the party was a blast! Keep in touch!
Jim
Go Irish :)
Price Range: $175.00 - $500.00
Gig Length: 10 - 90 minutes
Languages: English
A courteous and caring musician who takes his music very seriously. Somebody who will listen to your needs and will consult on uses of a piper if needed. Somebody who will provide the soundtrack to your most important moments. On time, every time in Scottish or Irish attire.
Jim McGilvery is among the hardest working pipers in the Philadelphia region. Jim has studied under some of the finest pipers around. The highlight of Jim's piping career to date has been performing along side the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band with the legendary Chieftains on stage at the Kimmel Center in downtown Philadelphia, PA. Jim performs for "Beginnings, ends and life's everyday celebrations in between". He is a 5-star reviewed soloist who also performs with multiple pipers/drummers upon request. Specializing in weddings, funerals and bar appearances as well as all kinds of private and corporate events, Jim will bring his fun and entertaining style of piping with traditional Irish or Scottish attire to your event!
No requirements needed on your end unless a venue has rules about pipers on premises, i.e., a church may not allow a piper inside or if they do, you might need to coordinate with the organist prior.
| October 12, 2024 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 05, 2024 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| October 02, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Retirement Party |
| May 06, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | House Party |
| October 30, 2022 • 9:30am - 10:30am | Religious Celebration |
| January 19, 2022 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 20, 2021 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Birthday Party |
| March 13, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Product Promotion |
| August 01, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
| August 01, 2020 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 23, 2020 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Birthday Party |
| May 14, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 27, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Birthday Party |
| November 21, 2018 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 06, 2018 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 02, 2018 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 17, 2018 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| February 28, 2018 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 10, 2018 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 30, 2017 • 10:30am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| June 23, 2017 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| March 18, 2017 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| February 18, 2017 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| December 11, 2016 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| October 22, 2016 • 10:30am - 10:45am | Birthday (Adult) |
| June 18, 2016 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 14, 2016 • 8:00am - 12:00pm | Sporting Event |
| May 26, 2016 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| May 17, 2016 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 02, 2016 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Villanova Chapel |
Set lists are customized but a sampling of some often played tunes include:
Amazing Grace
Happy Birthday
Scotland the Brave
Highland Cathedral
Danny Boy
Nearer My God to Thee
Going Home
My Home
Fields of Athenry
Marie's Wedding
St. Patrick's Day
Gary Owen
Flower of Scotland
Irish Washerwoman
No equipment needed
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