After getting his start busking as a juvenile on Broadway Street in Nashville, Daniel Donato is gearing up to make his mark on one of the city’s most hallowed institutions with his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
The 29-year-old guitarist and Cosmic Country band leader has come a long way since he started picking down the most famous thoroughfare in country music. In just a few short years, he has done what every artist dreams of doing, carving out his own niche in the vibrant jam band scene with a unique blend of psychedelic rock and Tennessee twang.
Before checking off the latest milestone on his cosmic quest, Donato was feeling understandably reflective and took to social media to share his thoughts with fans.
“Circa Summer 2009, just weeks after I caught the Ramblin’ Fever, determined and inspired to bring into existence the Sounds within my Soul through a Telecaster to anyone who would hear,” Donato wrote, describing a photo of himself taken by his mom. “My Dad and I would head down to Lower Broadway every Saturday and I would busk on this street corner from 10am to 6pm, pickin’ for all of the country music fans, with love in each note.”
He went on to recall how he “invested every dollar I’d make into second-market guitars, battery powered amps, and button-down shirts from Ross,” adding, “Anything I could do to make music, learn music, and bring music into all our lives to share with each other, I faithfully did my best to do, and still do, fifteen years later down this superb and winding Lost Highway.”
Triumphantly, he declared, “Tonight, I have the Supreme privilege to pick and sing in the most Cosmic Circle Country Music has ever known, on the stage of [the Grand Ole Opry],” before signing off, “Let’s get Cosmic.”
Daniel Donato will make his Grand Ole Opry debut at Ryman Auditorium tonight, Sunday, August 24th, with two songs starting at 7:30 CT. The lineup also includes Opry member Bill Anderson and all-female bluegrass quintet Sister Sadie. Tickets are available here.
Donato also has a number of other upcoming tour dates including shows with Kitchen Dwellers and just announced fall tour dates. Find a full list of dates and ticketing details on his website.
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