Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country kicked off its touring year in the Pacific Northwest with two electrifying shows in Seattle and Portland.

After taking time off to gather their energy and hit the studio, Donato and his country jam outfit played their first show of 2025 on Thursday at The Showbox in Seattle, opening with “Broadside Ballad” and “Hangman’s Reel” before introducing a cover of Johnny Cash‘s “Big River”. The band got its mojo working during a jam-packed second set, clearly refreshed after a month off of touring. After a couple PNW-appropriate selections, “Passing Storm” and “Sunshine in the Rain”, DDCC capped off the tour opener with Muddy Waters‘ arrangement of “Got My Mo-Jo Working” and an encore cover of the John Prine classic “Angel From Montgomery”.

Then, on Friday, Donato’s visit to Rose City happened to coincide with opening night of the Portland Winter Light Festival. Psychedelic displays throughout the city made for a festive atmosphere as fans filled the Wonder Ballroom. Donato has leveled up since his Portland debut at The Get Down. Even shifting from the 420-capacity hotspot to the larger venue, the room was packed tight, especially with a divider running through the crowd to create an all-ages section—but at least the youngins got a chance join the fun.

After opening with a cover of Bob Dylan‘s “Country Pie”, the band got down with “Boogie Man”, picked up the energy with an invigorating “Hi-Country”, and finished the first frame with “East Bound and Down”. The second set featured a mix of originals and covers including Marty Robbins‘ “Running Gun” and Tony Hazzard‘s “Fox on the Run”, but the highlight arrived with the appearance of special guest saxophonist Sean McLean (World’s Finest, Sean McLean and the Vibetenders), who also recently sat in with Dogs In A Pile. McLean joined the band for “See Through”, “Tangled Up in Blue” (another nod to Bob Dylan), and “Tell Me I’m A Lover”, later returning after “Lose Your Mind” to help close out the set with Waylon Jennings‘ “Waymore’s Blues” and “Mystery Train” by Little Junior’s Blue Flames. He also joined Donato and the band as they sent the crowd off with a “Workin’ Man Blues” encore.

Check out fan-shot videos from Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country in Seattle and Portland, and click below to view a gallery of photos from Seattle courtesy of photographer Dave Vann. Scroll down to check out the full setlists.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country continues its West Coast trek with shows in Bend and Eugene, OR before heading down to California. Find a full list of tour dates and ticketing details here.

Daniel Donatos’ Cosmic Country – “Angel From Montgomery” (John Prine) – 2/6/25

[Video: keaton6921]

Daniel Donatos’ Cosmic Country With Sean McLean – “See Through” – 2/7/25
[Video: keaton6921]

Setlist [via Daniel Base]: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country | The Showbox | Seattle, WA | 2/6/25
Set One: Broadside Ballad > Hangman’s Reel, Big River > Darlin’ Cory, Rose In A Garden, Translation, Cosmic Country Gardens
Set Two: Why You Been Gone So Long, Ten Feet Of Rope [1], Double Exposure [2], Along The Trail, Passing Storm, Sunshine In The Rain (Strange Presence), Got My Mojo Workin’ [3] [4]
Encore: Angel From Montgomery
Annotations:
[1] Will McGee on lead vocals
[2] Nathan Aronowitz on guitar and keys
[3] Nathan Aronowitz on lead vocals, guitar, and keys
[4] Sliced Milk teases

Setlist [via Daniel Base]: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country | Wonder Ballroom | Portland, OR | 2/7/25
Set One: Country Pie > Boogie Man, Hi-Country, Free Wheelin’ [1] > Everybody’s Talkin’ > Weathervane, Gotta Get Southbound > East Bound And Down
Set Two: Honky Tonk Night Time Man, Running Gun, Blame The Train, Fox On The Run > Arkansas Traveler, See Through [2], Tangled Up In Blue [2], Tell Me I’m A Lover [2] [3], Lose Your Mind > Waymore’s Blues [2] > Mystery Train [2]
Encore: Workin’ Man Blues [2]
Annotations:
[1] Will McGee on lead vocals
[2] Sean McLean on saxophone
[3] Nathan Aronowitz on lead vocals, guitar, and keys