Piano in all Styles for All Settings

Top Performer

San Diego, CA

Contact for rates

Travels nationwide

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Solo Piano Medley

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Bossa Nova Sample - Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)

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with Jamie Davis and the Night Jazz Band at Yoshi's in Oakland, CA

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The Look of Love - Yoshi's in Oakland, CA

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When I Fall in Love

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Holiday Blues and Jazz

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Dale Head and Rory Snyder's Night Jazz Band Album

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Musichead Gallery in Hollywood, CA

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Jazz Bakery in Culver City, CA

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House of Blues - San Diego

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Private Wedding in Santa Cruz, CA

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Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, CA

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Recording at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA

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With Leslie Drayton (of Earth Wind and Fire) and Fun

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James Wrubel Trio in London, U.K.

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Hopkins Center of Performing Arts in Hanover, NH

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Jazz Si Club in Barcelona, Spain

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at Yoshi's Oakland in Oakland, CA

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Stage Left view with Tom Politzer (of Tower of Power) at Yoshi's Oakland

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Wedding at Squaw Valley Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA

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Wedding at Mission Bay in San Diego, CA

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Solo Entertainment for 250 people at the 2023 Pink Gala in San Diego, CA

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1920s House Party in San Diego, CA

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Hornblower Yacht Private Party in San Diego, CA

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with Marty Conley's Big Band Express at Tio Leo's in San Diego, CA

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Small Wedding Ceremony at The Saint Francis Chapel in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

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250 person wedding at the Hilton Bayfront, San Diego, CA

Overview

With 28 years of professional performance experience playing piano of all styles, I cater to each event's and audience's unique needs, show up on time, professionally dressed, and socially polished. I have played everything from countless weddings to private events for gubernatorial and presidential candidates, celebrities, corporate executives, non-profit fundraisers, on television, at cocktail hours, happy hours, and in many fine restaurants and hotels around the world - you name it! I take requests when able to ensure your attendees have their needs meet and remain flexible to ensure I am always augmenting your event to the best of my ability.


Reviews

16 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Calvin M.

Calvin M.

December 15, 2025
Verified review

Perfect and Professional

James was great to work with from start to end. James was very professional, super talented, and punctual.

Hired as: Keyboard Player


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jasmin J.

Jasmin J.

December 29, 2024

Incredible

I hired James to play piano at my birthday party, and he was absolutely incredible! From the moment he started playing, he set the perfect tone for the evening with his talent and professionalism.

Not only is James an exceptionally skilled pianist, but he also brought great energy and charm to the event. Several of my guests commented on how much his music elevated the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a gifted pianist to make your event unforgettable, I cannot recommend James enough. He truly made my birthday celebration extra special, and I can’t wait to book him again for future events!

Hired as: Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Daisy R.

Daisy R.

November 14, 2024
Verified review

Exceptional Pianist – Professional

I had the absolute pleasure of having James perform at Pretty Mindset’s one-year anniversary event, and I couldn’t be more impressed. From the moment he arrived (on time and perfectly prepared), he radiated professionalism and a calm confidence that made the entire experience seamless. He is not only incredibly talented but also highly experienced, which was evident in every note he played.

His skill is unmatched—he doesn’t just play music; he brings it to life. Whether it’s creating an elegant atmosphere or enhancing the energy of the event, he intuitively knows how to set the perfect tone. I was blown away by his ability to adapt and deliver exactly what was needed. His performance elevated the entire evening and left a lasting impression on all our guests. Everyone was wowed!

Booking him was an absolute breeze, and he made me feel completely at ease throughout the process. He’s the kind of professional who just gets it—reliable, prepared, and so easy to work with. I wholeheartedly recommend James to anyone looking for a truly outstanding musician to enhance their event. I’m already looking forward to having him perform again in the future!

If you’re considering hiring him, do it—you won’t be disappointed. He’s simply perfect!

Hired as: Jazz Band, Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Hoang N.

Hoang N.

September 12, 2024
Verified review

Great night

James was professional and accommodating, playing all the songs requested, a few of which are quite unique. He also arranged for the vocalist, making the night very memorable with a lot of fun and laughter for our friends. If we were to host another dinner with music, we would have him back, of course with another list of requested songs.

Hired as: Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Arnel N.

Arnel N.

July 6, 2024
Verified review

Couldn’t Be Happier!

James and his band mates, Mike and Ben, showed up in plenty of time to set up, and were ready well before their 1030 hrs start time. I could not have been happier with the quality of the music they played, their selection of songs, and with the way their performance added to my event. James was very amenable to all my requests, and all three were very amiable and completely professional. I would hire them again without looking anywhere else. This trio comes highly recommended by me. Please support their work. Their musicicanship and talent deserve it. Thanks, guys!

Hired as: Bossa Nova Band

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English, Spanish

What to expect

I am highly experienced, punctual, professional and polished in appearance and affect. I interface well with people from all walks of life and my aim is to maximally complement each environment in which I play. That sometimes means listening to feedback from event planners, coordinators, attendees, and audience members! After all, I cannot hear myself 200 feet away. My goal and results speak to my ability to bring out the best in each situation.

About

James Wrubel brings an exciting blend of influence to his musical sphere. Having shared the stage with some of the world's finest Jazz, Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, African, avant-garde musicians, and Grammy winning artists, the young pianist emerges on the other side with a mature, focused, and dynamic voice. He can play any style but gigs most frequently as a Jazz Pianist, both solo and with groups up to 20 person Big Bands. He is Classically trained and can also play Classical Piano for those who request it. He has played throughout the United States, in televised appearances, and in the U.K. France, and Spain. He teaches thousands of students online through his lessons as a Hear and Play Music, Inc. recording artist.

Additional booking notes

All I need is a working power outlet. I will bring my own equipment to project high quality sound in your venue.

Past booked events

April 2026

24

Friday

Birthday Party

5:30pm - 7:30pm

La Jolla, CA

04

Saturday

Easter Party

11:30am - 12:30pm

La Mesa, CA

December 2025

11

Thursday

Christmas Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Carlsbad, CA

July 2025

17

Thursday

Retirement Community Event

2:00pm - 4:00pm

San Diego, CA

November 2024

08

Friday

Anniversary Party

8:00pm - 9:00pm

La Mesa, CA

August 2024

24

Saturday

Birthday Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Escondido, CA

June 2024

29

Saturday

Birthday Party

10:30am - 12:30pm

San Diego, CA

07

Friday

Retirement Community Event

2:00pm - 4:00pm

San Diego, CA

May 2024

18

Saturday

Birthday Party

6:30pm - 10:30pm

Rancho Mirage, CA

March 2024

01

Friday

Dinner Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

La Jolla, CA

January 2024

06

Saturday

Children’s Birthday Party

1:30pm - 4:30pm

San Diego, CA

December 2023

16

Saturday

Cocktail Party

5:30pm - 9:30pm

Escondido, CA

09

Saturday

Christmas Party

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Solana Beach, CA

08

Friday

Christmas Party

6:30pm - 8:30pm

San Diego, CA

02

Saturday

Cocktail Party

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Escondido, CA

November 2023

11

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

1:30pm - 3:30pm

San Diego, CA

October 2023

20

Friday

Fundraiser

5:30pm - 7:00pm

San Diego, CA

September 2023

30

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:00pm - 5:45pm

San Diego, CA

June 2023

11

Sunday

Birthday Party

3:00pm - 5:00pm

San Diego, CA

09

Friday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 6:30pm

San Diego, CA

December 2022

18

Sunday

Christmas Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

San Diego, CA

Setup requirements

Power