Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country turned up the holiday cheer on December 16, delivering an unforgettable Christmas celebration at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Following a night dedicated to Bob Dylan tributes, Donato’s second night brought its own magic, featuring an all-star ensemble that took the festive spirit to new heights.
While the night lacked a central theme, the musical energy remained electric. Donato, joined by his talented band—Will “Mustang” McGee (bass, vocals), Nathan “Sugar Legg” Aronowitz (keyboards, vocals), and Will “Bronco” Clark (drums)—set the stage ablaze with their dynamic performances. But the real show-stealers were the slew of surprise guests who turned up to join the fun.
Among the stellar guests were Widespread Panic’s Duane Trucks, Ronnie McCoury of the Travelin’ McCourys, country harmonica legend Mickey Raphael, and Jesse Lee Jones of Brazilbilly. Nashville’s Maggie Rose and Tim McDonald added to the excitement, while up-and-coming stars Willow Osbourne and Quinn Sullivan showcased their skills on banjo and guitar. Rounding out the all-star crew were five-time Grammy-winning keyboardist Peter Levin and seasoned percussionist Jon Radford.
Donato and his musical cohort delivered a thrilling mix of original tracks like “Half Moon Night” and “Gotta Get Southbound,” alongside covers of iconic songs from Elvis Presley, The Allman Brothers Band, Merle Haggard, and even the Grateful Dead. Traditional tunes like “Reuben’s Train” and “Hangman’s Reel” were also given fresh life. With each song, the crowd was treated to a unique, high-energy ride fueled by the incredible talent on stage.
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