Joe Donnell Music

I am retired so I typically show up at least an hour prior to the start time to meet with the venue and get set up in accordance with their needs/wants. My approach is that I am performing for them as we both attempt to maximize the venue's objective which is usually to optimize their income with entertainment that keeps their clientele happy. I do a brief soundcheck that is usually completed 45 minutes prior to start time so that if the room is already busy I can start early. In addition, if the room is still full when my scheduled time is over I keep going. I will never leave a full venue just because my time is up. Should the venue decide to pay extra that is certainly fine but I will stay without even being asked and with no expectation of more compensation as I know that even if not paid extra, I will benefit from a potential ask back or positive word of mouth advertising.
I play almost exclusively top 10 hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s and people really like my setlist. I almost always get asked back....which I take great pride in. I have fun doing this and I hope the venue does also.

I graduated from the music school at DePauw University in 1982 as a percussion major but play guitar and sing regularly as a solo acoustic musician all over Northeast Indiana, Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. I gig 2 or 3 times per week in the summer and once or twice per week in the winter (just due to the lack of outdoor performance opportunities due to the weather). I typically get asked back almost all the time as most people enjoy my setlist which consists mostly of top ten hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s out of the pop, rock and country genres.
I am retired so this is all I am doing now and I am available (if not already booked) 7 days per week.
I also play drums in a band that performs in the same area but am much more active as a solo acoustic musician as there are simply a lot more playing opportunities in this market. I play at breweries, wineries, restaurants, bars, private parties, retirement homes and farmers markets on a regular basis. My songlist is well over 350 songs so I can easily adjust my set list to the venue which I do regularly. For example, if I am playing a dinner hour at a restaurant it will be more easy listening. If I am doing a rowdy brewery on a Saturday night it will be more rock n roll/country.
Feel free to call me and ask any questions at (phone number hidden) or email at (email hidden) My facebook page is Joe Donnell Music.

I have 3 different P A systems that I vet for the room or area I will be playing in. When I show up at a venue all I need is two electrical outlets and coverage from the sun (I do a lot of outdoor stuff in the summer at breweries, wineries and festivals and if there isn't a roof they always provide a canopy or tent of some sort). I take care of everything else. I bring back ups of almost every piece of equipment so should anything fail the back up is out in my truck. Most of my equipment is less than 3 years old so I almost never have any issues. As I stated earlier I am retired so I show up early and can stay late as needed.