Harry Bagpipes Redondo Beach | Since 1981
Many times. Harry Farrar has been the “Redondo Beach Bagpiper”. And, King’s Harbor is part of the story. Many years ago, Harry performed one of his first gigs at the age 17. And, it was for a famous businessman from Scotland. The event was at the famous King’s Harbor. This Southern California landmark has many famous members.
In 1890, the Hotel Redondo opened. The City was becoming “The Place” for tourists. Railroads and steamships brought people by the thousands, not to mention freight loads of oil and lumber. At this time, The Redondo Beach Bagpiper is not even a thought!
Interestingly, Redondo was the first port of Los Angeles County. Steamers from the Pacific Steamship Company stopped at Redondo four times a week, at one of its three piers, as part of regular runs between San Francisco and San Diego. The Redondo Railway Company and the Santa Fe Railroad left Los Angeles daily for Redondo at regular intervals. Eventually the City was served by Henry Huntington’s Big Red Electric Cars.
St. James Catholic Bagpipe Player | Weddings | Funerals
Since then, there have been countless events in the Redondo Beach area. Recently Harry performed for a funeral service at St. James Catholic Church on Vincent Street. Interestingly, this church is old! And, the original structure is over 125 years old. Also, Harry has bagpiped for several weddings at St. James. And, a Christening too!
St. Lawrence Catholic Church | Redondo Beach Bagpipes
In the same week in 2024, Harry performed at the other large Catholic Church in Redondo Beach. And, this is a place with history. The St. Lawrence Martyrs‘ Kateri Circle is a Native American prayer group that meets monthly to share spirituality, heritage, and participate in liturgies. The group is dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American Saint. Bagpiper Harry was asked to play “How Great Thou Art“. Notably, many denominations use this hymn.
Pacific Crest Cemetery is just two miles away. And, is on 182nd Street. Graveside services with bagpipes is common. Additionally, there are times where the piper plays at services for the vault. Notably, Amazing Grace is requested over 90% of the time. Clearly, Harry Farrar is the Redondo Beach Bagpiper !
Bay Watch TV Bagpiper? Or Just a Watcher.
In fact, Harry Farrar basically is the “Redondo Beach Bagpiper”. This includes, party boats in King’s Harbor. Also, ashes at sea ceremonies. Because of local laws, ashes can be scattered at sea. And, the rule is three miles from the coast. Often, Harry performs these offshore ceremonies with the bagpipe. Including, Ventura Harbor, Marina Del Rey, and Channel Islands.
In one case, Harry bagpiped for a sea service that included 16 large sized boats. And this was off the coast of Anacapa Island. Surprisingly, there were 200 people total. The sea life heard first hand “The Island Bagpiper”.
Southland Locations Harry Bagpipes | Besides Redondo Beach
Popular locations for bagpipe players include Malibu, Bel-Air, Pasadena and Glendale. Additionally, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Camarillo and Santa Clarita are common wedding hubs. And, coastal towns like Venice Santa Monica, and Ventura are cooler for summer events. Additionally, TV and media is located around Studio City and Burbank–Hollywood. Holy Cross is centrally located in Culver City. Glendale is home to Forest Lawn.