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Tuesday, February 13, was a sleet-streaked Tuesday, as the Big Apple got its first snowfall in two years, but within a few notes of Daniel Donato’s standout playing, New York City’s iconic Bowery Ballroom melted away into sun-drenched paradise as the sold out crowd packed in.

23 shows deep into his 2024 winter/spring tour, Donato is a regular visitor to New York State recently selling out Brooklyn Bowl just late last year, so it is a treat getting to see him in such an intimate venue. It’s clear Donato and his band are destined for greater things. Whether he’s strumming out phaser-soaked melodies or channeling his southern drawl through machine gun-like rapid-fire guitar riffs, Donato’s virtuosity, honed through hard practice, is simply breathtaking. His guitar becomes an extension of his soul, delivering lyrics like “..the country boy lived within the sky blue telecaster” with a palpable authenticity. 

Donato’s synergy with his road warrior bandmates creates a groove that feels like a well-worn freight train. Will McGee on electric and standup bass, Nathan “Sugar” Aronowitz on keys, organ and guitar, and Will Clark on drums. Donato and his crew exude an aura of rock and roll royalty, with a crew whose uniform of black cowboy hats and boots evokes the “Memphis Mafia.”

From the onset, drummer Will Clark’s metronomic beat set the stage for a musical journey that refused to relent. Clark’s percussive prowess seamlessly navigated through various styles and tempos, providing the perfect foundation for Donato’s cosmic country odyssey. A standout of the night was Aronowitz’s multi-instrumental talents, stepping up from the keys to deliver exceptional guitar work during “Dancin In The Desert” and organ playing that is seemingly otherworldly. 

The crowd’s unofficial uniform of tie dyes, western wear, and psychedelia underscores Donatos ability to tap into a psychedelic Americana renaissance. While his style may draw comparisons to jam aficionados, Donato’s signature sound remains firmly rooted, with an unwavering dedication to his craft shines through. From humble beginnings being introduced to Grateful Dead through a high school history teacher to honing his chops with over 400 sets with Nashville’s famous Don Kelly Band, Donatos’ rise in the music industry has been the product of his own dedication, and the hard work of those around him. 

As Donato and his team bid farewell, the audience barely budged, eagerly anticipating an encore. Returning to the stage, they delivered a jumping cover of the Dead’s “Quinn The Eskimo,” echoing sentiments of endless possibilities and boundless horizons. With his new album, Reflector, now out, Donato has proved himself not just as a musician but as a captivating live performer. Fans can look forward to experiencing Donato in NYC again this summer when he joins moe. to play Pier 17. 

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – February 13, 2024

Set 1: Hi Country, Haldway (In Between), Lose Your Mind> Waymore’s Blues> Mystery Train, Rose in a Garden, Darlin’ Cory [1] , Dance in the Dessert 
Set 2: Fee Wheelin’> Everybody’s Talkin’, Weathervane> Blue Skies> Weathervane, Cosmic Doo Doo, Better Deal Blues, Chore, Sugar Shack [2], Luck of the Draw, Sugar Leg Rag. 
Encore: Quinn the Eskimo [3]
[1] The Weavers cover
[2]  Nathan “Sugar” Aronowitz  on vocal
[3] Grateful Dead Cover