I'm a banjo player and singer in Portland, OR specializing in "banjofied blues-grass". I stretch the banjo over as many musical genres as I can & try to make something new. I have a wealth of experience with just about every type of performance, including my regular shows at bars & restaurants, wedding ceremonies/receptions, house shows, business events, graduation parties, & fundraisers. I'm also a multi-instrumentalist: fiddle, mandolin, & ukulele.
Jeff was amazing! He turned a celebration of life into a joyful experience. Thank you so much!
Jeff is a talented musician and was the perfect addition to the harvest celebration at our winery.
Jeff was a delight to have perform at our birthday celebration. His musical talents are wonderful and he even had the group singing along at one point. He was also very professional and yet easy going so was open to any requests. I would definitely hire him again.
Jeff was on time, super easy to work with and provided just the atmosphere we wanted for our event.
Couldn't ask for a better banjo player and singer and all round nice guy to have at our event.
Response from Jeff Donovan:
Thanks so much for having me!
Price Range: $125-300; but please contact for rates.
Gig Length: 45 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
I would describe my shows as a fusion between old-fashioned banjo technique and vocal-centric musical genres which are not typically performed with banjo. I tailor my shows to match the environment of the event, and can either play energetic bluegrass/traditional tunes, uplifting soul/gospel songs, and/or intricate instrumentals. The banjo has been unfairly stereotyped as a loud, obnoxious, "harsh" instrument, and I try my best to show that this isn't true.
"Let's be honest. Banjo music is not on my Top 10 list and there are all sorts of jokes thanks to an old movie named Deliverance. But when Jeff picks up a banjo, something magical happens. Music! Seriously talented and very easy on the ears. He played at the Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam event and I can't tell you how beautiful it was to hear his music echoing off the forest trees. If you have a chance to hear him play live, do yourself a favor and make the time. Tell him Randy sent you!" - Randy Kepple of Randy Kepple Photography
I can provide my own amplification, including mics and stands. I can also use a house PA if it is available. For a typical show, using my standard amplification, I need only a single electrical outlet.
| February 24, 2024 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
| November 19, 2023 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| August 13, 2022 • 12:30pm - 4:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| May 16, 2021 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
| September 04, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| March 09, 2018 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| November 07, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| April 17, 2015 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Other |
| November 21, 2014 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Private Party |
In addition to original compositions, american traditional music (old time, fiddle tunes, bluegrass), blues (Robert Johnson, John Hurt, Mississippi Fred McDowell etc.), contemporary folk (Gillian Welch, Tom Waits etc.), soul/funk (Sam Cooke, Bill Withers), & even some jazz. The list goes on....
Ray Charles, Staples Singers, Crooked Still
I need only a single electrical outlet to do a show with amplification, but am capable of performing completely acoustic.
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