Don West

I have been reading crowds and have the expertise to know what to play at the right time. Volume is always very listenable and never interferes with regular conversation.

Born in Toledo Ohio, Started playing guitar at age 16. My neighbors and my brother turned me on to music. I loved the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Bob Dylan and later George Benson.
I grew up in a place and a time when music was looked upon with respect and status. The competition was stiff and the musicians were very dedicated to their craft. It was a very good foundation and I was forged with steel in the school of hard knocks.
By age 18 I was playing with the top band in the city. By age 20 was playing with the 3 best bands in the city at the same time. All the bands played completely different styles of music. Rock and disco, oldies, bebop jazz. I was also studying jazz with the premier sax player in Toledo, Gene Parker. He took me under his wing. I also went to Toledo University and Monroe Community College to study music. My schedule was insane and I was not a very fun person to be around. I was very hard on myself. If I didn't play well on the gig I would refuse to take the money.
Landed a record deal in Florida and moved here in 1982. Played with Celine Dion, Todd Rundgren, Ted Nujent, Iggy and the Stooges, Three Dog Night, Molly Hatchett, Tom Warrington(Buddy Rich's Bass Player), Rick Derringer, Chuck Berry to name a few.
I was asked to be the guitar Director at Palm Beach Atlantic University and took that job that lasted for two years until a budget cut. Graduated Cum Laude - Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fl, 1989. I was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1989. Went back and got Masters in fine arts. Have played with many of the great club date bands in Florida including Fifth ave, Dan Leslie and Drew T, The Headliners to name a few. Currently doing a solo act and loving it.

All my performances are inside due to the inconsistencies of the weather and insurance liabilities. I bring my own system and lighting to all my jobs. I just need 1 20 amp circuit with 4 plugins within 6 ft of me. Area should be at least 10' x 12'. Stages not necessary.