Piano in all Styles for All Settings
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
Calvin M.
December 15, 2025Perfect and Professional
James was great to work with from start to end. James was very professional, super talented, and punctual.
Hired as: Keyboard Player
Jasmin J.
December 29, 2024Incredible
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
Daisy R.
November 14, 2024Exceptional 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
Hoang N.
September 12, 2024Great 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
Arnel N.
July 6, 2024Couldn’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
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