Donnie Smith is a Proud American from Niagara Falls, N.Y. Raised in Texas, Florida & currently residing in Massachusetts.
Attended (Gibbs) Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg Florida. (1986-1988) Majoring in Percussion, Keyboard and Theory. My teachers in school were, percussion: David Grissom; Keyboards: Robert Winslow; Theory: Ted Knight and David Pate.
Soon after school I joined the band Halifax and shared a warehouse with (Savatage / Trans Siberian Orchestra) I had the amazing experience of getting drum lessons from Dr. Kill Drums Steve Wacholz. I have also gotten drum pointers from Steve Asheim of Deicide and Gumbi of Al Di Meola.
Studied vocal lessons with Al Koehn for 5+ years. I have had the honor of meeting and working with artists such as Midnight of Crimson Glory and Matt Kramer of Saigon Kick.
Current Gear: Gibson & Ovation guitars. Fender Amplification. Ernie Ball Electric & Martin Acoustic strings. Ludwig Drums, Remo Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, DW-5000 Pedals,Vic-Firth Drum sticks. Blue & Sure Mic’s. Korg Triton 88 Keyboard.
Project's I've been in: Halifax, Still-Born, Destiny, Bad Intentions, The Whirled, Surge-Jury, Soul Purpose, Gallows Hill, Lovin-Kry, Red-Hot, Drop360, Madison's Grove & Music Dragon®
Musical Achievements: Won my first talent contest in the 4th grade at Ford elementary in spring Texas playing hotel California on the drums for k-4. I then won the 6th & 7th grade talent contest.
Finalist for the 1999 & 2000 Guitar Center Drum-Off Boston. Appeared on Real Rock TV-WAAF with Drop 360.
“Sad Dirty Night” was sent from Tonos to the A&R Dropbox for MCA records!
Thank you So much to all my Family and Friends that have helped me come this far and to all the Fans for supporting Music Dragon®, truly Real Music from the Heart and Life’s experiences..
Member of BMI
Back To The Cave!!
