A Grateful Dead Tribute serving MD, DC, VA, WV and Furthur since 2002... Come join the party
Tony Donnelly Guitar and vocals
Tony’s first album was Green Onions by Booker T and the MG's, and his first rock concert was Chubby Checker in 1962. Tony’s influences are all over the musical map and include, The Dead, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Ramsey Lewis, Art Blakey, Vivaldi, Telemann, Haydn, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Frank Zappa, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Merle Haggard, Joanie Mitchell, Marvin Gaye and all of 60's Motown… Tony studied jazz guitar for nine years with Dan Leonard. In 1973 and 1974, he studied jazz guitar with Nathan Page and in 1977 and 1978 with Dennis Coleman at Charlie Byrd's Byrd House in Bethesda MD. He studied classical piano for five years (three of which were under opera soprano, Delores Ferrar). Tony sang the tenor part in two classical choirs (Vivaldi and Barber performances). He played bass with bluegrass band Sunrise Valley Boys, and with Chantilly Baptist Church Voices of Faith and Mass Choir, and sang background and played guitar in family gospel group, The Gospel Truth. He played proms and frat parties galore in many rock and r&b bands throughout high school and college and recently with great friends in Second Expedition and Ironic Forgery. He later played guitar and bass in jazz group Take That with guitarist Garland Marshall, pianist David Newman, drummer Russ Dahl, and bassist Glen Hirabiashi. Tony sat in with Hawiian band Aloha Boys and played guitar behind jazz singer Karen Francis and Nicky Gonzales. Whatever all those cross-currents of musical interests and experience have produced, it all comes together magically in On the Bus. Tony is a founding member of the band, and rejoined On the Bus after a few years devoted to his jazz band and other musical pursuits. Tony plays a Fender Stratocaster through a Mesa Boogie amp.
Just as symphony orchestras pay tribute to classical composers, Grateful Dead tribute bands around the globe help keep the spirit, vibe and community of the Dead alive and thriving... On the Bus has been paying tribute to the Dead since 2002 playing festivals, clubs, parties, benefits and weddings in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Furthur! ~ On the Bus ~ Grateful Dead done right! All Rights Reserved ~ Copyright 2011 (~);}
