J.V. Hudson
- Raleigh, NC
- Bagpiper
- 146 Verified Bookings
Aaron M. said “We enjoyed him coming. Cordial, professional, authentic, and talented!”
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I am a professionally-trained Scots Guards bagpiper who is proficient in all aspects of the Highland bagpipes. I have been performing for special events (weddings, receptions, dinners, funerals, birthday parties, and more) in the Wilmington, NC area for the past 25 years. I am a professional open piper who is also the Pipe Major to Wilmington's Port City Pipes and Drums.
We had 35 guests for the bagpipe performance with dinner following. Our guests were blown away and it made for an incredibly special evening.
Very professional and did an amazing job!
Arrived on time. Beautifully played.
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Thank you Joyce . Your husband was a remarkable man ! Great memorial service.
The Simpsons performed for us during a beachfront memorial dinner and it was the perfect way to help us pay tribute to our loved one. They were incredibly kind, engaging, and talented. It was a truly amazing experience for our family.
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Thank you for the kind words. Meeting you and your family was truly a gift. We could feel your mom's presence through all the smiling faces looking at us as we played. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful life and family of your mom.
They are a very talented and outgoing couple. Their piping was the highlight of our event.
Well done!
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Hi Mike and Susan, we immensely enjoyed playing for you two and your very receptive guests. Your generosity and kindness to us will long be remembered. Thank you for the kind remarks, and may our paths cross again.
Pipe Major Andy Simpson was a perfect choice for our son’s graveside service. In addition to his exceptional talent, Andy had presence, style and great kindness. Our thanks to Andy for making our son’s sending so special!
Andy and Anne helped create a fitting send-off to my Dad at his funeral. My Dad was Scottish born and emigrated to the sates in his late 20's. He always instilled in us a love of Scottish culture from songs, to foods, to colloquialisms and traditions. He played the songs we requested and had great suggestions that were beautiful additions.
Andy and his wife provided the perfect regal music for our wedding. They were responsive, professional, and the music was gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Andy was absolutely amazing. From initial contact, responsiveness, to flexibility. My mom passed away unexpectedly and we had so many unknowns. Ended up having to change our ceremony start times 3 times (very sorry about that)! But it absolutely the most beautiful experience of my life (although incredibly sad at the same time). The range of emotion that came from having Andy there was beyond beautiful. And a very nice surprise for my dad. My mom gave us the world and she certainly deserved the absolute best in return. And that was Andy. Many thanks for sharing this beautiful day with us.
Andy was at the funeral home early so he could check out the acoustics. He tuned his pipes in a side room and then played the prelude and postlude for the service. He also played Amazing Grace during the service, which was outstanding. We thank him for being there and making my Mother's service uplifting and memorable!
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Thank you so much for the kind words. I was honored to play for your mom and family. She was a powerful woman - a one in a million. I feel like I knew her and am privileged to be included in the celebration of her life. I look forward to our paths crossing again.
Andy and his wife played the bagpipes at a family wedding reception in Wilmington , NC. Andy was always so prompt and helpful in answering all my questions ! Words can't describe how beautiful the music was. It was a surprise for the bride and the music brought tears to her eyes as she arrived at her reception. It was truly magical. I would recommend Andy and his wife without hesitation. They were professional and talented and really put a special touch on our event. THANK YOU !!
Andy and Ann brought an exciting atmosphere into our Pentecost Sunday worship which lasted all morning. Friendly and a true pleasure to work with from initial scheduling.
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Hi John,
Thank you for the kind words and opportunity to play for your congregation. We felt the energy in the air, also. Your church is truly amazing with the exceptional hospitality and warmth. We've already started spreading the word!
When everyone heard the pipers they all turned and smiled. They just made Sean and Emilee's Wedding that much more special for them and all of their guest. And to hear the bagpipes playing as my son walked down the aisle in his kilt waiting for his bride brought a tear to many of our eyes. They were a wonderful addition to their ceremony. They exceeded my son's expectations and would recommend them to everyone.
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for the kind words. The bride and groom were a beautiful couple, along with the setting and weather. I'm delighted that we could bring such happiness to all, and again, thank you for the opportunity to play for you! Best regards, Andy
Pipe major Andy Simpson is an outstanding bag piper as well as a gentleman. As he states it "you don't always get to meet people under the best circumstances" and in our case a funeral. Mr. Simpson was very sensitive to the situation, and knew exactly what to do and was in touch with the activities at hand. If you are considering having a bagpiper at an event, Pipe Major Andy Simpson is your man.
Response from Pipe Major Andy Simpson:
Tim, thank you for your kind words. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve and meet the family. Best regards, Andy
Major Simpson added that special touch to our memorial service. He was on site early, very well prepared, and his musical selections were perfect for our event. Very professional and very talented. Would recommend for any event where bagpipes are needed to make your next event special
We were blessed to have these amazing papers at my daughter's wedding. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! It was a pleasure to hear them play and made the wedding a truly unique experience for all the guests. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing music!
Major Andy Simpson is the tops! He helped me through a very difficult time, with great compassion. I've never heard a better Piper, Major Andy Simpson is a very gifted musician. God Bless
Price Range: $200 and up
I play a variety of reels, jigs, strathspeys, marches, slow airs, and more. The event I'm hired for dictates the music I play.
At funerals, the music is appropriate and usually, the tunes are suggested by the family.
At weddings, I work with the bride (or wedding coordinator) to determine the tunes for arriving guests, the seating of the Grandmothers and Mothers, the bridesmaids, and the arrival of the bride. Joyful, happy tunes are played upon the pronouncement of the couple, and continue while the guests are leaving for the reception. I have, at times, led the bride and groom into the reception area with a resounding tune. Only a set of bagpipes can present such an enchanting grand entrance!
At birthday parties, I have surprised many, many people on their special day. The looks on their faces are priceless! I am mostly requested because the guest of honor loves the pipes and my presence adds to the magic of the day. They also love my Scottish accent.
I have also played for events where a "shock factor" is desired. Bagpiping is different and loud - it fits the bill.
I was born in Scotland and served in the Queen's Regiment of the Scots Guards where I learned to play the bagpipes in the authentic tradition of the Guards - to become a ceremonial piper. Every year I return to my native homeland to re-experience the Scottish piping scene and to link up with bagpipe professionals for the latest information and tunes. I have been playing in Southeastern North Carolina for 25 years, celebrating hundreds of birthdays, celebrations of life, parties, and more. I also teach the bagpipes at a very reasonable price, students starting as young as ten. Experience has given me a huge repertoire of tunes for all occasions. Bagpipes played at their best to make your special event the happiest day of your life.
I don't need any sort of stage, electricity, sound system, etc. My pipes and I are a complete unit and are free to roam throughout any event.
January 11, 2025 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 12, 2024 • 7:30am - 9:00am | Sporting Event |
July 27, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 27, 2024 • 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Personal Occasion |
October 15, 2023 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 09, 2023 • 8:00am - 9:00am | Sporting Event |
October 01, 2022 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 17, 2022 • 9:00am - 9:30am | Corporate Event |
September 03, 2022 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 23, 2022 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Personal Occasion |
April 23, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 19, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
January 19, 2022 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 21, 2021–August 22, 2021 • 11:30pm - 12:15am | Wedding Ceremony |
April 27, 2021 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 16, 2021 • 11:00am - 11:15am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 29, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
October 12, 2019 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 05, 2019 • 1:00pm - 1:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 01, 2019 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 12, 2018 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 09, 2018 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 20, 2018 • 8:30am - 11:00am | Worship Service |
April 07, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
March 17, 2018 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Holiday Party |
August 19, 2017 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 05, 2017 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 29, 2017 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Holiday Party (Other) |
April 16, 2017 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Religious Celebration |
April 08, 2017 • 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 25, 2017 • 2:30pm - 3:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
January 07, 2017 • 2:30am - 2:45am | Wedding Ceremony |
November 19, 2016 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Personal Occasion |
November 18, 2016 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 14, 2016 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
January 31, 2016 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Religious Celebration |
December 22, 2015 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
November 23, 2015 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
November 07, 2015 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 26, 2015 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 19, 2015 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 11, 2015 • 8:30am - 9:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
June 06, 2015 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 11, 2015 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 09, 2015 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
April 21, 2015 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 28, 2015 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 06, 2014 • 11:00am - 3:00pm | Fundraiser |
October 25, 2014 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Restaurant |
February 27, 2014 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Other |
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Aaron M. said “We enjoyed him coming. Cordial, professional, authentic, and talented!”
Laura T. said “Mr. White did a superb job piping for our event! He was extremely understanding and flexible with our schedule that suddenly ran behind. He did a great,…”
Trish A. said “We hired Wayne for community party- he was sweet, professional and talented. It was such a pleasure to work and chat with Wayne! 5 ⭐️‘ s for sure!”
Justin G. said “Due to the previous weekend’s freezing weather, my family was not able to have the ceremony for my father-in-law and thus could not enjoy Mr. Akins’ playing…”