don norman band
don norman band
The Don Norman Band is a high energy group specializing in vintage R&B, 50’s blues, soul, swing, americana , and original material. The band has been entertaining the greater Columbus area and the rest of Ohio for the past fifteen years. Whether it be a store opening, a music club, farmers markets or a music festival the band has done all for the love music and spreading the joy to others.
The don norman band was formed in 1998 in the beautiful town known as Athens, Ohio. They originally got together to play some house parties but soon offered a repeating Monday night slot at The Night Court. From there they developed a following and were playing at just about every club in town including a crazy Tuesday night slot at the tiny little bar called The Pub. The original lineup included Reagan Anderson- Drums, Gabe Lader-Bass, Bob Elekler-Guitar, and Matt McCarthy- Vocals/Guitar.
Mike Gilliland (Donnie)
Harmonica, Vocals, Guitar, Plumber
Originally from the greater Columbus area, Mike has been a long time sideman in several bands along his musical adventure. Mike has served time in some of Central Ohio’s biggest bands including; Terry Davidson and the Gears, The award winning Drifter Kings, World famous Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers, and The Great John Schwab. Mike is an extremely talented harmonica ace, vocalist and is even taking on second guitar duties as the band continues to stretch its musical legs. MIke’s harmonica style is deeply steeped in the vein of the traditional Chicago blues greats like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Big Walter as well as West coast greats of Paul Delay and William Clarke. Mike is a passionate performer who keeps the crowd engaged and asking for more. Mike loves old cars and is a very proud owner of not one but two Buick GS with Stage One package..
Bruce Soble (Don)
Saxophone, percussion, Sales
A lifelong resident of Columbus, Bruce has been wowing music fans for many years. A member of the Harold Stewart, Greasy Chuck, and Raisin Cane, Bruce has played at nearly every club, out house, townhouse, and flop house in the area. Bruce lays down carefully crafted saxophone hooks and lines that are smoky and sweet! Bruce is a collector of so many wonderful vintage items just ask as he probably collects it; cars, jukeboxes, painting, music and wonderful life stories.
Matt McCarthy (Donovan)
Guitar, Vocals, Sound
Matt hails from the greater Cleveland area where he began playing guitar at age 19. Shortly after picking up the guitar, Matt was introduced to Cleveland Fats, long time Robert Jr Lockwood sideman, and started a musical apprenticeship. Matt loves the sounds, tones, and rhythms of vintage Blues and R&B music from the 1950’s. Albert King drew Matt to pick-up the guitar and has been deeply influenced by Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor, RL Burnside, Jimmie Vaughan, BB King, and Muddy Waters.
Reagan Anderson (Donna)
Drums, Electrical
Reagan is the whiz kid in the band, not only does he provide the countless drum beats and vintage rhythms he also helps to shape the band's sound sonically by building their amplifiers. If it's old or vintage; it's up his alley.
Toby Shamblin (Dontae)
Bass, IT
Toby has been playing guitar for nearly thirty years as he picked up the instrument in prime MTV metal years. Toby switched the bass after Reagan asked him to join some of the jam sessions.
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