by Katelyn Sandvik
On Friday, October 18th, the Stone Pony welcomed Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country tour. The night was filled with sweet melodies, guitar riffs, and amazing instrumentals transporting the audience within the music.
The night started out with anticipating fans waiting outside until doors opened at 7:00. Inside, while they waited for the show to start, they could purchase merchandise featuring unique, psychedelic designs. With no opener, fans relied on each other to hype each other up. Some people talked about the set list, while others talked about the number of shows they have attended.
Finally, at 8:00, the moment everyone had been waiting for, Daniel Donato walked alongside his band which featured a variety of instruments. The band included drums, a keyboard, a cello, and a guitar. Together, these instruments produced a unique sound.
Donato played songs off three albums titled, “Reflector,” “Cosmic Country & Western Songs,” and “A Young Man’s Country.” However, much of his setlist features unreleased songs expanded to add instrumentals, part of what makes his shows so unique. He gave fans a memorable show filled with intimacy and memorability, despite having lost his voice prior.
Adding to the memorability of this night was the fact that Donato plays two set lists with a break in between. It’s clear he wants to give fans his all, essentially giving them two concerts. During the show at the Stone Pony, local legend Danny Clinch even came out. Clinch, a famous music photographer, played the harmonica alongside Donato.
This is not the first time the band has graced the stages of Asbury Park. This past summer they played Stone Pony Summer Stage, a bigger stage and larger crowd adjacent to the indoor Stone Pony. Additionally, they played during the Sea Hear Now festival on Asbury beach in 2023.The North American tour will continue throughout 2024, their next stops being New York.
All above photos were taken by Katelyn Sandvik
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