Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they’ll appear here.
Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper
- Palm Springs, CA
- Bagpiper
- Travels nationwide
- $275+
Overview
As a retired Marine Corps Musician clad in the Leatherneck tartan, Joel is a solo bagpiper with over 21 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 always 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
61 Reviews
Joel was absolutely fabulous. He showed up on time and delivered exactly as promised. He played beautifully and truly went above and beyond. Not a dry eye in the house. I would not hesitate a moment to recommend or hire him again.
Bagpiper
Joel arrived early. Surveyed the venue and took control of the performance. It was the highlight of the event. I will use him again without hesitation.
Bagpiper
There are almost no words to properly describe how special and wonderful this was to me. I've often told my kids and wife how much I love the bagpipes and that if I do have a funeral that I'd like bagpipes to be played. The problem with that is that I wont get to enjoy them. My wife solved that by finding Joel. When I heard him coming down the street and that beautiful sound he was making I was overwhelmed and humbled. This was by far the best birthday (60th) I've ever had thanks to Joel (and my wife) and I got to experience it with my kids and my grandkids. Joel also took the time to explain his history, his outfit and even took requests for songs. I could have listened to him play all day. Thank you so very much for making my 60th so memorable.
I was lucky enough to find this bagpiper. His performance was impeccable, and he gave his heart in what he does. Thank you!
Bagpiper
Mr Daniel was early and professional. Knew exactly what was needed. Worked out perfectly!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Joel came out to our house and played the bagpipes for us for my wife's birthday. She's Scottish, and had always wanted someone to come and play for her, so Joel and I set this up as a surprise for her. She was definitely surprised & delighted!
Joel is a phenomenal player - it's easy to hear in his playing that he's passionate about the instrument and its heritage. He played a great blend of traditional & upbeat songs and our whole group couldn't help but tap our feet or clap our hands along with the music. He was also great with the kids, taking time to explain all the parts of his regalia, and how the bagpipes work.
I wish I could give Joel more than five stars. From our initial contact all the way through the day of his performance and wrap up, Joel far exceeded all of my expectations. He made everything super easy, was an absolute pleasure to work with, and his playing was superb. If you're reading this and need a bagpiper for your event, stop right now and book with Joel!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Joel was so extremely helpful in letting me know what to expect at my husband’s military service at Riverside National Cemetery! Such a wonderful representation of his military service with the Marines, and his bagpipe playing was hauntingly beautiful! Joe would have loved the respect that was given to him throughout the service! Thank you Joel for making this difficult day for me and my family, very special and memorable! God bless you!
Celtic Music, Funeral Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Joel couldn’t have been more professional in his attire and his warm and friendly manner! He was very well versed and helpful in letting me know what to expect at my husbands memorial service at RNC! It was so comforting to me to know that my husband was given the best send off ever with his hauntingly beautiful bagpipe playing of “Amazing Grace”! I am forever grateful! Thank you!
It was a short notice Marine retirement Gunnery Sergeant Daniel (Ret) made it a memory myself, my family and my Marines will never forget. Perfect.
Daniels performance was the highlight at our Celebration of Life! “ Amazing Grace” at sunset- the best way to say Aloha to a dear friend with Scottish roots!
Funeral Music
Joel was amazing! I would definitely book him again.
Extremely professional punctual and the guests loved him not to mention all the people in surrounding areas.
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Joel Daniel was the hit of the wedding reception! He arrived early, waited patiently in the shadows until he was signaled, then performed a classic bagpipe tune to open the show, and then proceeded to rock the house! If I ever needed a bagpiper for ANY event I would call on Joel Daniel aka Marine SandPiper!!! Awesome experience, great personality, and just a fun person to interact with!!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
We couldn't be more pleased with our decision to book Joel. He was responsive, professional, and performed all that he promised. Im sure mom and dad were smiling down.
Funeral Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
I can't thank him enough. Everyone loved his performance. A huge hit at my wedding.
He was professional and very accommodating. Worth every penny and then some.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Joel was fantastic! We surprised our son and new wife. Joel met them at the end of the aisle after ceremony and then escorted the guest to cocktail location. He continues to impress all. So many videos taken and all appreciated his uniqueness of rock inspired bagpipes.
One Man Band
Joel was amazing! He is very excited about his craft and does it well! He was early to our location and followed our instruction on when to come in playing. This was a surprise for my mom at our wedding. Thank you Joel!!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Thank you for your kind words, Laura! It truly was my honor to be there for you and your family! You picked an absolutely gorgeous location for your wedding and I loved the multi-cultural aspect of your ceremony! Thank you for letting me be a part of your family for the day!
Joel was an amazing performer for our event, the crowd absolutely loved him. Definitely someone I would book with again and absolutely recommend!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment, One Man Band
Irish / Scottish Entertainment, One Man Band
Joel was awesome. He was early so we had time to talk before the family arrived. The song choices were perfect; he looked perfect in his Scottish attire and the playing was perfect! Highly recommend
Funeral Music
Great event, heart warming and special.
One Man Band
Joel absolutely crushed it at our event. Highly recommend 10 out of 10!
Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
I hired Joel to play the bagpipes at my dogs funeral. He was awesome. Was there early. He was attentive and played the songs I requested and even played more songs that was just as good. He made my special puppies service so much better. Thank you so much Joel!
Funeral Music
Had a great experience with Joel! He was professional, organized, and punctual. He helped coordinate with my church coordinator to ensure the music matched with the wedding processional and recessional. It was great and all the guests loved. Seriously made the church ceremony even better! Thank you to Joel for making our day even better!
Joel was absolutely incredible. This was a surprise for my dad at my wedding and Joel was quick to respond and played beautifully! Highly recommend booking him for your events.
Joel was there early. Started right on Q. Was in general a great guy and a joy to be around. Oh yeah and he gave a great performance
We will have him back again. What more needs to be said.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Absolutely amazing, Joel played bagpipes for my husbands retirement party after 25 years from the fire service. Very energetic and funny, he really set the tone. I highly recommend him!
Irish / Scottish Entertainment, One Man Band
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Good morning, Marcia!
It was an honor to be there for your family last night! I'm glad my "iImpromptu Emcee" performance was well received. Congratulations on your husband's retirement! Now he's your problem to deal with! 🤣🤣🤣
Semper Fi!
🦅🌎⚓
Joel was early, ready to perform which which he did an terrific job.
Irish / Scottish Entertainment
I hired Joel to play at my Dad's 90th Birthday Party in Palm Springs, CA.
My Dad was born in Glasgow, Scotland and I needed someone that was professional & totally authentic.
Joel exceeded all of my expectations! HE IS THE REAL DEAL!
My brothers brought other instruments to play some of my Dad's favorite Scottish songs & Joel ended up playing along with them...impromptu! Joel can do anything on his pipes!! From traditional to rock & roll!
What a talent & a gift to have for my Dad's 90th
-teresa
One Man Band
Joel was incredible! He made the event extremely memorable for all. Extremely friendly, accommodating, and personable. Joel showed up early and played with incredible skill. We would hire him again in a heartbeat.
Daniel drove 3+ hrs one way, provided consulting regarding ceremony content /order, and played both bagpipes and bugle. I couldn't have been happier with his services. Thanks Daniel.
Joel was amazing. Very professional and accommodating. Highly recommend
Bagpiper
Thank you Joel, appreciate your service.
Funeral Music
Joel arrived early and provided our our veterans and their fallen brothers with a warm, caring and respectful tribute for their sacrifices. Our community was given a gift in the music provided by Joel. Thank you are not words that say enough.
Bagpiper
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Patricia,
It truly was my honor to be there for both your community as well as the veterans who have given us all so much. I sincerely hope that I can make the trip back south sooner rather than later!
Semper Fi,
Joel M. Daniel
GySgt, USMC (ret.)
MarineSandpiper
Dad was buried with full military honors on October 25th at Riverside National Cemetery. What was a difficult day for family, Joel was on time and was extremely professional, warm and welcoming. His bagpipes were a wonderful addition to the funeral ceremony. Thank you so much Joel!!
Funeral Music
Joel was amazing! He came and fit right in to our celebration. Communication, performance, and entertainment were all top notch. Thanks for everything.
Bagpiper
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Thank you for letting me be a part of your family! It was a good time and wee little Jane was absolutely adorable!
Joel helped with my dad’s funeral at the Miramar National cemetery. We talked about what was needed a bit and he provided a lot of knowledgeable advice and I left the planning for bagpipe music to him. He showed up early and coordinated with the cemetery staff. He understood the order of the events and played taps well and at the right moment. The whole thing went well. The family was extremely pleased and my dad would have been thrilled.
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Normally I don’t like surprises, but after all, this was the surprise of the ages. This was a memory to be cherished for the ages. Thank you so much for your presentation and commentary. I look forward to the next time, circumstances permitting, that you can grace us with your skills and knowledge.
Bagpiper
Joel was incredible and made my dads service so special. He really is special.
Thank you again Joel
Teri
Funeral Music
We hired Joel to play at our brother's memorial service. He was great and a special touch to the service. I know my my brother would have appreciated his presence.
Bagpiper
Joel was hired for a St. Patrick's Day festival at an RV resort. Joel was on time, friendly, and most definitely entertaining! The beautiful sound of bagpipes playing the classics as well as, top 20 hits. We will absolutely book Joel again!!
Bagpiper
Joel's performances added depth to my father's services. Many of our guests commented on his performance and how the music set the mood for this celebration of life... Thank you!
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
We are so happy the we found Joel and that he was able to be a part of our daughters wedding! Joel Is the best!! Very professional, talented and kind!! We are so happy with his performance!! We would highly recommend Joel for your next event!!
Bagpiper
Joel was the very best. Not only did he play with perfection, he is so personable that he fit right in with my guests.
Bagpiper
Joel did an amazing job. He was prompt, professional and made the funeral so graceful.
Thank you Joel!
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Joel did a tremendous job entertaining everyone for a surprise birthday gift. It was so moving that almost everyone got emotional. Definitely a memory that will last a lifetime. I would refer Joel to anyone looking to hire a piper in a heartbeat.
Bagpiper
Loved it! My parents thought Joel was great, but was worried that he would melt from the heat!!!!
Bagpiper
Very professional. Takes pride in his work.
Would highly recommend!
Funeral Music
Very friendly and great. We had a party for my son going into the Marines. 2 hr notice he came and nailed it highlight to the event
He is not all funerals use him he was great
Joel was on time and performed exactly as requested. He’s the real deal. Hire him.
Funeral Music
Joel is a true soldier! He was on time, prepared, and did a great job playing for my Father's Celebration of life at the American Legion yesterday in Newport beach. If I ever need a bagpiper in this part of town I;'d definitely hire him again.
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Joel offers a “diamond” and then delivers a “blue-white diamond” for the cost of a diamond. He was very quick to respond to all of my communication. He learned songs so he could accompany the young Scottish dancer Hired. He showed up early. He worked with the dancer to deliver a great performance. He WOWed my guests. He was professional in every way, yet warm and personable. I can’t say enough about this man. I would hire him again in a second. Thank you Joel for helping to make our event so special for our guests and my family.
Bagpiper
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Thank you, Patti for your kind words! It was such a pleasure being there yesterday and thank you for being such a gracious host! I had a blast - especially working with our dancer! Thank you for hosting such an event that put the "Fun" in Funeral!
I have to say Joel is awesome outstanding person as well as Bag Piper. He came to the event early is to talk to our family and music person at our church. professional. I highly recommend him. He brought our Family to tears. I’m sure my Father was proud!
I hired Joel to play at the cemetery for my mother's funeral. Joel was professional and knowledgeable. He showed up on time and was ready. He was very easy to work with very personable and very respectful. I would definitely hire him again.
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Joel was early, fun and did a perfect job.
Bagpiper
I highly recommend Joel. He was talented, personable, professional, and kind at a time where our family needed kindness. He went above and beyond what one would expect - including offering his experience and guidance while planning my grandfather’s memorial service and stepping in last minute to help on the day of the service. I am very thankful for his service, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Wonderful job.
Funeral Music
Joel was awesome! He arrived early to make sure we had everything we had our song choice set. He brought both the large and small pipes and gave us a choice. AND he played Amazing Grace with the mariachis. It was one of the most unique pieces We have ever seen performed. Joel is very talented, and he is a kind, thoughtful person to boot. We are glad we chose him! Thank you, Joel, for being a part of our Celebration of Life!
Funeral Music, Bagpiper
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Danna,
It was such an honor to be with you and your colleages yesterday! Having the chance to play along with Mariachi Camarillo is an experience I will always remember! Thank you for letting me be a part of your family!
Semper Fidelis,
Joel
Joel recently performed on the bagpipes for my mothers funeral. His skills as a musician are excellent. Joel was very caring and professional in his demeanor. I would highly recommend Joel for any event when in need of a bagpiper.
His sound was good and the songs were perfect.
Funeral Music
Response from Joel M. Daniel MarineSandpiper:
Thank you, Chris! It was truly my honor!
Semper Fidelis.
Joel
Booking Info
Price Range: $275+
Gig Length: 30 - 300 minutes
Languages: English
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).
Influences & 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.