Cosmic Country Bliss: Daniel Donato's Stellar Journey at Pearl Street Warehouse

By Gary Jared / October 20, 2023

Daniel Donato Cosmic Country Music performs at Pearl Street Warehouse

Friday the 13th might be considered an unlucky day for some. Still, for those fortunate enough to be at Pearl Street Warehouse last Friday, it was a night filled with cosmic country magic courtesy of Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country. The sold-out venue was alive with energy as concertgoers eagerly anticipated a night of stellar music under a massive American flag hanging from the ceiling—coated in the neon lights emanating from the stage—foretelling the psychedelic Americana that was about to occur.

As the evening began, the atmosphere inside Pearl Street Warehouse was already buzzing with excitement. The cozy, intimate setting was the perfect backdrop for a night of cosmic country, a genre that blends traditional country twang with psychedelic and spacey improvisational elements. The venue's garage door walls were rolled up, letting in the cool autumn air and releasing cosmic music into the alley at Pearl Street. Daniel Donato, a young guitar virtuoso and rising star in the jam band scene, was the perfect maestro to take us on this musical journey with his Cosmic Country band, consisting of Will McGee (bass), Nathan "Sugar Leg" Aronowitz (keys and guitar), and Jon Radford (drums).

The show started with a sense of mystique, as the stage was bathed in moody neon lighting from the Pearl Street Warehouse sign, setting the scene for what was to come. Donato emerged with his signature long hair and a new custom Fender Telecaster, ready to transport the audience into the realms of cosmic country.

The first set was a cosmic journey, starting with "Why You Been Gone So Long?" and moving into the mesmerizing "Forgotten Days." "Valhalla" transported us to a mythical realm, and the powerful "Locomotive No. 9" flowed seamlessly into the ethereal "Rose in a Garden." "Broadside Ballad" captivated the audience, and "Hangman's Reel" had everyone dancing delightedly. "Doggone Cowboy" and "GRITS" brought the first set to a close with a cosmic, foot-stomping flourish led by Will McGee's thundering bass lines and Jon Radford's shuffling backbeats.

The second set was equally enchanting, starting with Sugar Leg leading "Luck of the Draw" and "Sugar Leg Rag." "Sugar Shack," another Sugar Leg-led tune, sweetened the atmosphere as Donato and his band showcased their funk chops with Aronowitz joining him on guitar. The haunting "Faded Lovin'" cast a spell on the audience, and they were further entranced by "Hard to Sell." "Weathervane" led into the dreamy "Blue Skies" and returned to "Weathervane," creating a mesmerizing musical loop. "Devil in a Sleeping Bag" and "Ten Feet of Rope" rounded out the set, leaving the crowd in awe of the band's cosmic country prowess.

Daniel Donato and his band returned to the stage for the encore, and the crowd erupted with excitement. They launched into an electrifying "Big River," and the venue came alive with the spirit of the music. "Orange Blossom Special" followed, bringing the evening to a spectacular, foot-stomping close. The show ended with a stunning encore, leaving the audience yearning for more cosmic country magic. As the final notes of the night resonated through the venue, it was evident that Daniel Donato and his band had transcended the boundaries of traditional country music and delivered a truly cosmic experience.

Friday the 13th was an auspicious day for those attending Pearl Street Warehouse. Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country delivered a mesmerizing, unforgettable performance that left every audience member feeling like they'd embarked on a musical journey through the cosmos. As they stepped out into the night, they carried the warmth of this cosmic country experience, awaiting a second sold-out night at Pearl Street Warehouse on Saturday.