Although shrouded in mystery, the name, Cosmic Donkey, is actually
a slang term for a "Zafu" meditation pillow. With an original and eclectic
sense of fusion that appeals to all ages, Donkey weaves an intricate
tapestry of traditional bluegrass, folk, jazz, and swing. This band always
strives to create an original sound that ventures beyond the established
boundaries of acoustic music.
The Band:
Christopher Strand, Mandolin
A working muralist and historic renovator, Chris began his musical pursuits at
seventeen when he first picked up a guitar. It was four years later when he
decided to turn his attention to the mandolin and bluegrass. Between 1997 and
2000 he performed with several acts including 4 Peace, The Got No
Mountain Boys, and Pistol Pete's Acoustic Gypsies. Strand has
organized and played numerous acoustic gigs and open stages across the
country from Houston, TX to Louisville, KY and currently resides and works
from the Dragon's Den Studios at 619 7th St. Rockford, IL.
Influences: Bill Monroe, Frank Zappa, Jaime Mainsfield, Sam Bush, and
Johnny Statts.
Russel Piccirilli, Banjo
While most young musicians are drawn to the the rock star glamour that goes along
with the guitar, Russ says he spontaneously picked up the banjo on a whim
at eighteen. By the next year he was playing out regularly with Pistol Pete's
Acoustic Gypsies and several other collaborative projects. In 2002 he formed
Cosmic Donkey with Strand and Sadona and really began to flourish as a
picker. Piccirilli currently lives and plays in Rockford, IL where he attends
NIU in pursuit of a psychology degree.
Influences: Bela Fleck, Django Reinhardt, Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and
of course, Earl Scruggs.
Steve Kelly, Guitar
Not many guitar players can say they crafted their own instrument. Steve can. A
working guitar builder, Kelly's obsession with the six string began at 14 with
his first axe and a large dose of heavy metal. At twenty he formed his first real
band, Motherload, and three years later was an integral part of the
"Greatest Unknown Band in the Midwest," Outer Proportion. Aside from
offering Steve his first chance to write his own music, playing with O.P.
introduced him to the Mary's Place Open Stage,
where he first met and played with the other members of Cosmic Donkey.
Late in 2003 Steve was invited to join the Donkey on guitar, an opportunity
Steve says, "[This] is by far the coolest musical experience I've had. Buckle up
folks, this ass kicks!" Kelly currently works and resides in Rockford, IL and
plays guitar for Cosmic Donkey, The Bizarro Beat Circus, and
General Evil.
Influences: "Anything I've heard that didn't suck, and Django Reinhardt."
John Bocce,Contra Bass - Bocce was inspired to play the Contra Bass after a
chance meeting with a disabled gypsy street performer, while on holiday in San Sebastian.
After a 30 minute impromptu jam on the boardwalk John was invited to fill in for an ailing
bass player at a full blown olde world wedding party. The troupe of wandering troubadours
was so impressed with Bocce's performance they welcomed him into their "family" with a
raucous celebration that very night. John spent the next month immersed in the gypsy
performer's vagabond lifestyle, learning their music, magic and secrets. Upon returning
to the United States Bocce resumed his work a day life and attempted to forget his time
as a true bohemian, but the call of the gypsy life was too strong. He spent several months
restlessly sitting in on various jam sessions until another chance encounter introduced him
to a new band of gypsies, known as Cosmic Donkey. John was officially adopted into their family
in January of 2005.
Influences: Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Dannie Richmond, Sam Woodyard
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