Shirley B.
My mom, who is from Scotland said you were the best bagpiper she had ever heard!
Stanley S., Arnold, CA
The event was a memorial gathering of family and friends of a late “chief” of the family. Fred Payne, the Champion Piper, was OUTSTANDING in all aspects. His poise, choice of dress and music selection was excellent. He performed for more than two hours. Comments I heard about his performance included “excellent”, “best I’ve heard”, “brought memories”, and “has the children dancing.” He’ll be “my” piper again.
Phyllis D., Folsom, CA
Mr. Payne was prompt, professional and very talented. He was incredibly sensitive and caring to my family, showing deference to and compassion for my mother. My father would have been proud to know him and very happy that Mr. Payne played “Amazing Grace” for him. It didn’t hurt that Fred is quite good looking, too!
Joyce Johnson-Hamilton
Fred Payne provided magnificent bagpiping in the funeral scene of our concert production of “Brigadoon” with the Diablo Light Opera Company.
Victoria Colella, Sausalito, CA
Fred Payne has performed for my clients and guests on several occasions and I always come back for more. A striking presence, the resonance of his pipes bespeaks the champion that he is. Consider yourself fortunate if you are able to book Fred for your event. You are in for a treat.
Alex Hatch, Santa Rosa, CA
Mr Payne was, from the beginning, caring, kind and very accommodating. He arrived on time and when we weren’t sure when he should play he and the minister worked it out together. He was very professional and played two pieces very movingly. I would hire him again.
Doug L. , Saratoga, CA
Fred Payne, Champion Piper for San Francisco Bay was fantastic. Very professional and committed to delivering a satisfying event. Very personable and a pleasure to have in our home for a private event. A true gentleman and great musician. I expect to engage Champion Piper again for other events.
Peter and Christine Larsen, Fresno, CA
Thank you so much for the playing the bagpipes at our wedding- you were truly amazing! We have received so many compliments and you made our day so special. As I was watching my bride walk down the sandy aisle, the bagpipes accurately reflected the feelings of myself and all of the guests. You also had everyone on the beach captivated as they gathered to watch the bridal procession… and it was amazing when the entire beach started applauding when you were finished with the processional! What a great memory of our wedding that we will always cherish.
Gail Manson, Stockton, CA
You were very diligent about every detail and excellent in your communication put me at ease before the event because I had never met you before. Also, I would like to express that you are a true artist and true to the pure art of bagpiping , not just into the business end. For example, when you said that you carry a big and a small bagpipe and feel out the size of the room and decide on which bagpipe to use so as not to drown out conversation that made me feel confident in your sensitivity and more relaxed about the party. Well, I could go on and on; I would tell these things to anyone who asks because I come from a family of artists and when I find a true artist I want to promote them because they are far and few between these days.
Gay Scott, Berkeley, CA
Thank you so very much for ensuring that the little wedding in San Francisco today made every participant happy, not to mention charming bystanders. It was lovely. Your playing and presence lent a perfect shape. And as we left I’d wished we’d heard much more, which is perfect for an occasion that marks just a beginning. In the meantime I wish you all the best. Thank you for making everyone happy and leading us with tact and clarity. The groom, Travis, kept saying, “I knew you’d do it, Gay”, and bagpipes are quite foreign to him, but lovely music is not.
Gary Dunham, Berkeley, CA
Thank you for making my installation extra special with your playing of the bagpipes last Saturday at the Richmond Masonic Hall. I heard nothing but positive responses from the audience. Everyone enjoyed it, even my Granddaughter (she was the 6 month old). Everything turned out perfect. I didn’t even think before hand about having you pipe the installing team in. Thank you for doing that at the last second.
Fred, Thank you SO much,
Fred, Thank you SO much, you really made our family reunion! Everybody was so surprised and appreciative of your performance as our family is Scottish (& Irish) and bagpipes have long been a key element of our gatherings. Thanks again!
Fred was outstanding! A true
Fred was outstanding! A true champion of piping! Accommodated all of our needs for a friend’s birthday.
