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Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper

Top Performer

Palm Springs, CA

$275+

Bagpiper

Travels nationwide

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Flowers of the Forest

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I Love Rock & Roll - Joan Jett

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Green Hills in Toscana

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Flower of Scotland on Small Pipes in Iceland

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#1A Dress used for weddings and formal evening events.

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My #1B Dress used for Miitary Honors and other appropriate occasions.

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Taps being performed on a real bugle for Military Honors

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#2 Dress

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#3 Dress. My most informal for Traditional Bagpipe events.

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Rock Show attire.

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Singing during one of my Bagpipe Rock Shows.

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Bagpipe Warrior, Kulusuk, Greenland 2017

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Herald Trumpet 1

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Herald Trumpet 2

4 Videos 5 Audio 10 Photos

Overview

As a retired Marine Corps Musician clad in the Leatherneck tartan, Joel is a solo bagpiper with over 26 years of experience who performs for weddings, funerals, corporate and social events, or whatever your occasion may call for. For military funerals, he ensures to play the appropriate service song and is fully prepared to play Taps on a real bugle.

He has also successfully incorporated the bagpipes into a Rock & Roll Bagpipe show where he covers classic rock tunes, pop, and even jazz. This is a perfect scenario for when you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary and upbeat.

Cheers and Semper Fi,

Joel M. Daniel
GySgt, USMC (ret.)
MarineSandpiper

Reviews

74 reviews

Sasha J.

March 23, 2026

Verified review

Unforgettable Rock N Roll Bagpipes – Joel Was Amazing!

We had the absolute pleasure of booking Joel the Bagpiper for the Navy's Spring Fling, and he completely blew us away! Joel delivered an unforgettable one-man Rock N Roll Bagpipe performance that had everyone on their feet, dancing, and cheering. His energy, talent, and stage presence were beyond incredible—he brought a level of excitement to the event that we didn’t even know was possible.

From start to finish, Joel was a joy to work with. His communication was seamless, prompt, and professional, making the entire booking process effortless. On the day of the event, he arrived ready to perform with an amazing attitude and instantly connected with the crowd. Guests were raving about him all night—so many people were asking for his contact info to book him for their own events.

Joel isn’t just an extraordinary performer—he’s a fantastic human being. His charisma, positivity, and professionalism shine just as much as his musical talent. He genuinely elevated our event and left everyone talking about him long after the music stopped.

We cannot recommend Joel enough. If you’re looking for someone who brings energy, skill, and pure joy to your event, Joel is your guy. We would absolutely, without hesitation, book him again for future events!

Hired as: Bagpiper

Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper

Wow, Sasha! Thank you for such a glowing review! I had such a great time performing for you and your guests! You threw one heck of a party, and I would be honored to perform for you again in the future!!!

I'm so pleased that you and your guests enjoyed my show!!!

Staci F.

March 15, 2026

Verified review

Saint Patrick’s Day will never be the same!

We hired Joel for our Saint Patrick Day Party at our house. We hosted about 125 people. Joel walked up playing which surprised all of our guests! His “rock” portion of his show is amazing! My guests were dancing and singing along. He is VERY entertaining! I’ve hired bagpipers for our party in the past but I’m only hiring him from now on! Thank you for the amazing performance!

Hired as: Bagpiper, Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment

Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper

☘️💚☘️
🔥🤘🔥

Tinia H.

March 19, 2026

Navy Ball Bagpiper

Joel was such a cool guy! His bagpiping skills were extremely impressive. He is very talented. He was easy/flexible to work with, and his music kept us feeling energized! Thank you!!

Hired as: Bagpiper

Rachel

February 2, 2026

More Than Music—Healing and Unforgettable Presence

I competed in a pipe and drum band and have played for many law-enforcement ceremonies, so I hold very high standards. I have never seen the level of professionalism, care, and attentiveness that Joel brings to a funeral service.

He has a rare gift of making everyone feel connected to the music and the loved one being honored. It feels deeply personal, respectful, and comforting. I would highly recommend Joel for any event, especially during life’s most meaningful moments.

Hired as: Bagpiper

Patrice W.

January 31, 2026

Verified review

Extraordinary performance and professionalism

From the first moment I spoke to Joel, he proved to be more than just a bagpiper. He offered insight and advice regarding the options for the funeral music and explained the military honors that we could coordinate as well. At a time when I was overwhelmed with all the details of planning the service, Joel was able to provide support with his calm reassurance that he would be able to make it all work. He arrived an hour early and connected with the church representative and Honor Guard to work out all the details. I never had to worry about a thing. He played the pipes and also played Taps during the service. So many guests were moved to tell me how much they appreciated and enjoyed having him there to honor our loved one with his music. We are so grateful for Joel and recommend him to anyone seeking a talented and professional musician.

Hired as: Bagpiper, Funeral Music

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Booking information

Price range: $275+

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes

Insurance: $1,000,000 - Performing Artist Insurance

What to expect

Either for a traditional bagpiping event, or for my rock show, you should expect nothing short of complete professionalism and courtesy. I pride myself on being prompt by arriving to each event I do at least an hour early just to ensure that all of the last-minute logistical concerns are covered. I also take pride in my appearance knowing that the visual element (especially for traditional events) is just as important as the musical quality.

Funerals: I consider this to be one of the highest honors granted - to be there for the family during their time of grief - lending the honor, dignity, and respect that their loved one deserves. As a retired Marine Corps Musician, I take Memorial Services extremely seriously and personally.

Weddings: It is a time of joy and celebration! For the wedding ceremony, I provide the utmost in pomp and dignity ensuring that my appearance and tuning are impeccable. Afterwards at the reception, I am also fully prepared to let my hair down and play a rock set to kick off the party!

I have years of experience in doing both military and civilian ceremonies. I find that a lot of families are a bit unsure of how to incorporate a bagpiper into their event. In such cases, I would like to give you peace of mind by offering my assistance with arranging your event - specifically on how to appropriately incorporate a bagpiper.

About

Started piping over 20 years ago after witnessing my first Highland Games in Pleasanton, CA. I was a tuba instrumentalist with Marine Band San Diego and after that initial exposure to the pipes, it took several weeks for the drones to get out of my head! That's when I knew I had to learn how to play them! What started as an interest, grew to be a hobby, then a side business, and now is my full-time job.

I started incorporating the pipes into rock music while stationed at the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, CA. Getting a bit bored with only playing traditional bagpipe tunes, I got on YouTube and saw AC/DC's Long Way to the Top. We immediately formed a Rock Band and I fronted it on vocals and pipes. San Clemente's Street Festival of 2010 will live in my memory forever - total Rock Star experience!!!

Since 2015, I have been a regular performer at the Costa Mesa Scottish Festival at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Additional booking notes

For traditional bagpiping events:

All I really need to know is type of event, location, time/date and if there are any special musical requests.

For Rock Show events:

- I will need a performance area no smaller than 10'X10'. Keep in mind that the bagpipes are pretty loud on their own and the venue should be large enough such that they don't overpower it. For smaller venues of a more intimate setting, I would recommend using my Small Pipes.
- Power source - standard 110v electrical outlet located within 100' of performance area.
- I can provide my own sound reinforcement equipment.
- If using the "House System", I will require three channels on the sound board - (1) Bluetooth Receiver for MP3 playback, (2) Vocal Mic, (3) Bagpipe Mic (wireless receiver).

Services offered

Bagpiper One Man Band Singing Telegram Trumpet Player Brass Musician Celtic Music Irish / Scottish Entertainment Trombone Player Didgeridoo Player Funeral Music

Upcoming booked events

June 2026

18

Thursday

Funeral/Memorial Service

9:00am - 10:00am

•

Poway, CA

September 2026

19

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

San Juan Capistrano, CA

October 2026

04

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 4:30pm

•

Murrieta, CA

November 2026

02

Monday

Corporate Event

4:00pm - 5:30pm

•

Las Vegas, NV

Past booked events

Los Angeles, CA

January 2026

17

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 3:00pm

•

Palm Desert, CA

17

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

11:00am - 11:15am

•

Woodland Hills, CA

September 2025

13

Saturday

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 5:00pm

•

San Diego, CA

14

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 4:00pm

•

Temecula, CA

September 2023

16

Saturday

29

Monday

Funeral/Memorial Service

6:00pm - 6:45pm

•

Fontana, CA

25

Thursday

Graduation

8:00am - 10:30am

•

Fullerton, CA

14

Sunday

Wedding Reception

6:30pm - 7:00pm

•

Fullerton, CA

06

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 3:15pm

•

La Jolla, CA

April 2023

15

Saturday

28

Tuesday

Birthday Party

8:30am - 8:45am

•

Vista, CA

12

Sunday

Birthday Party

3:00pm - 3:15pm

•

Carlsbad, CA

11

Saturday

26

Monday

Birthday Party

1:00pm - 1:15pm

•

Hemet, CA

09

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:30pm - 2:45pm

•

Oceanside, CA

November 2022

05

Saturday

30

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 3:00pm

•

Apple Valley, CA

22

Tuesday

Birthday Party

6:00pm - 6:45pm

•

Palm Springs, CA

14

Monday

26

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 2:15pm

•

San Diego, CA

26

Wednesday

13

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

6:00pm - 6:30pm

•

El Centro, CA

06

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Banning, CA

14

Friday

17

Wednesday

Festival

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Pahrump, NV

16

Tuesday

Surprise

11:00am - 1:30pm

•

San Diego, CA

February 2021

04

Thursday

14

Saturday

Personal Occasion

3:30pm - 6:00pm

•

Las Vegas, NV

07

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

12:00pm - 2:00pm

•

Colton, CA

05

Thursday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 4:00pm

•

Temecula, CA

04

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

2:00pm - 3:00pm

•

Riverside, CA

October 2020

25

Sunday

11

Saturday

24

Sunday

28

Tuesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 12:00pm

•

Reno, NV

July 2019

26

Friday

Funeral/Memorial Service

9:00am - 9:45am

•

Riverside, CA

Influences and inspiration

- Victoria Police Pipe Band
- The Badpiper
- Classic Rock of the late 70's, 80's and early 90's

Setup requirements

See comment under "For Rock Show" on "Notes/Technical Info" tab.

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