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Log InPiano in all Styles for All Settings
- San Diego, CA
- Pianist
- Travels nationwide
- Contact for rates
Overview
With 27 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.
15 Reviews
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!
Pianist
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!
Pianist, Jazz Band
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.
Pianist
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!
Bossa Nova Band
Photos from this event
James recently performed for my 60th birthday party at my home. I was impressed with James from our very first conversation regarding the job. He is very good at communicating and I knew very quickly that he is trustworthy and would show up for the job even though I booked him a few months in advance. He touched base with me as the date approached and on the day of the party he kept me informed regarding his arrival time since he was travelling quite a distance to play for my party. He is an EXTREMELY talented pianist and I received a LOT of comments during the party from guests who were really enjoying having a live pianist at the party. He really added just the right classy ambiance to the party which is what I was looking for. I would not hesitate to hire James again in the future. Besides being a great pianist, he is a lovely human being.
Jazz Pianist, Pianist
James was courteous , punctual and played beautifully. A great addition to our event… would book him again in a heartbeat !
Jazz Pianist
We hired James to play background music for our house Holiday party. James was professional and played his keyboards to the correct volume with great selection of songs. At no point in the evening that my husband and I had to ask him to change anything. James was on time and ready to play right on the clock. We will definitely hire him again.
Pianist
Wonderful performer, professional and courteous.
Pianist
I didn’t get to meet him because of the busy day of my wedding, but I did hear the music he played the whole time. He did a wonderful job, I got many compliments. He was understanding when there was a delay and accommodating. He was one aspect of the event I didn’t have to worry about.
Keyboard Player
Response from Piano in all Styles for All Settings:
Thank you, Veronica. You two had a wonderful, meaningful ceremony and wish you many years of happiness! All the best.
James played during the cocktail hour at our 350-person fundraising event, held inside at Broadway Pier. I can imagine the acoustics of the space were different than a usual gig, but he knew exactly how to fill the room with beautiful jazz and create just the right mood for our guests, who gave him a rousing round of applause as he finished! Thanks, James!
Pianist
Photos from this event
I contacted James about 10 days before my wedding. We had a last minute change of plans and needed a pianist for our ceremony. James exceeded expectations. He was extremely professional. We got so many compliments about his work. He played all the songs I requested. I highly recommend James!
Pianist
James was great! On time, played very well, just what we all wanted!
Keyboard Player
James was an absolute pro. From first communication to the last handshake he was easy to work with and reliable. Best of all, he is a true talent! Matched the vibe of our party perfectly and I’m so impressed with his playing.
Pianist
James played at our restaurant and did a really nice job keeping things mellow but interesting. Multiple diners commented how nice his playing was, and we are glad we chose him, as it is always hard to know how good someone is until they show up! James knows his stuff and has played a very long time, and it shows
Keyboard Player, Jazz Pianist
James played cocktail piano/dinner service in my restaurant Napa Valley for over 3 years twice per week. He added the perfect ambiance to our establishment and read the room very well to always amplify our guests' experiences. I have hired a lot of musicians in my day and this is hard to do. He is a tremendous player, friendly and outgoing, and highly professional. I recommend him for any event or venue for which you seek a piano player - James WILL deliver!
Jazz Pianist
Booking Info
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.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| November 08, 2024 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Anniversary Party |
| August 24, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 29, 2024 • 10:30am - 12:30pm | Birthday Party |
| June 07, 2024 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Retirement Community Event |
| May 18, 2024 • 6:30pm - 10:30pm | Birthday Party |
| March 01, 2024 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
| January 06, 2024 • 1:30pm - 4:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| December 16, 2023 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| December 09, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Christmas Party |
| December 08, 2023 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Christmas Party |
| December 02, 2023 • 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| November 11, 2023 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| October 20, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Fundraiser |
| September 30, 2023 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| June 11, 2023 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 09, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| December 18, 2022 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
Setup Requirements
Power