Daniel Donato brought everyone together at the Granada

November 10, 2025

Allison Scavo,

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. // photo by Allison Scavo

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
The Granada
Thursday, November 6

Daniel Donato stepped into the glow with his wide-brimmed hat, Telecaster slung low, and a grin that said he was as ready as the rest of us. He hit that first bright chord, clean, and sharp, and just like that, the room lifted.

From the start, it wasn’t your granddad’s country show. Sure, there was the sweet, cutting twang but it came laced with a celestial and psychedelic spin. Cosmic Country played like they were in orbit, letting the songs stretch and breathe. One tune would start as a honky-tonk shuffle and drift into a swirling jam that felt like the Allman Brothers had pulled up a barstool in Kansas.

Within the crowd was a mix of cowboy hats, college kids, and jam-band faithfuls who knew that Donato isn’t just playing country–he’s expanding it. Every solo was a little journey, a trip across open space and back home again. Between songs, he’d flash a smile, say something about the stars, the spirit, or just the joy of playing—and the audience believed every word.

By the time the encore came, no one was checking their watches or phones. Donato came back out, thanked the crowd like he really meant it, and launched into one last number–a rollicking tune that brought the whole night full circle. When it ended, he held his guitar aloft, the band hit one final chord, and the theater exploded in applause. Daniel then came out to meet everyone and say “thank you” to us as if we were the ones selling out venues. Daniel is truly for the people.

All photos by Allison Scavo