- Cincinnati, OH
- Singing Guitarist
- $300 and up
Gene F. said
“Ellen done a great job. Everyone loved her song selections. Great entertainment. Thank you Ellen. ”
Jeff Donovan
Overview
I'm a banjo player and singer in Portland, OR specializing in "banjofied blues-grass". I stretch the banjo over as many musical genres as I can & try to make something new. I have a wealth of experience with just about every type of performance, including my regular shows at bars & restaurants, wedding ceremonies/receptions, house shows, business events, graduation parties, & fundraisers. I'm also a multi-instrumentalist: fiddle, mandolin, & ukulele.
Reviews
6 reviews
Cicely G.
April 5, 2025Greatly talented
Jeff performed a handful of pre-chosen songs at my dad's memorial service. My dad used to play the banjo so Jeff's performance was an important part of the service. Not only did Jeff sing and play with such talent, he genuinely seemed to enjoy being there. Many comments were made by the attendees about how great is was to have him as part of the service as hearing the banjo being played reminded people of my dad.
Hired as: Banjo Player
Christie C.
December 3, 2023Incredible banjo player!
Jeff was amazing! He turned a celebration of life into a joyful experience. Thank you so much!
Hired as: Banjo Player, One Man Band
Rachel F.
August 14, 2022Just what we were looking for
Jeff is a talented musician and was the perfect addition to the harvest celebration at our winery.
Hired as: One Man Band
Krystal K.
September 5, 2019Jeff was awesome!
Jeff was a delight to have perform at our birthday celebration. His musical talents are wonderful and he even had the group singing along at one point. He was also very professional and yet easy going so was open to any requests. I would definitely hire him again.
Hired as: Banjo Player, One Man Band
Mary Y.
March 23, 2018Just what we were looking for
Jeff was on time, super easy to work with and provided just the atmosphere we wanted for our event.
Hired as: Banjo Player
Booking information
Price range: $125-300; but please contact for rates.
Languages: English
Gig length: 45 - 180 minutes
What to expect
I would describe my shows as a fusion between old-fashioned banjo technique and vocal-centric musical genres which are not typically performed with banjo. I tailor my shows to match the environment of the event, and can either play energetic bluegrass/traditional tunes, uplifting soul/gospel songs, and/or intricate instrumentals. The banjo has been unfairly stereotyped as a loud, obnoxious, "harsh" instrument, and I try my best to show that this isn't true.
"Let's be honest. Banjo music is not on my Top 10 list and there are all sorts of jokes thanks to an old movie named Deliverance. But when Jeff picks up a banjo, something magical happens. Music! Seriously talented and very easy on the ears. He played at the Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam event and I can't tell you how beautiful it was to hear his music echoing off the forest trees. If you have a chance to hear him play live, do yourself a favor and make the time. Tell him Randy sent you!" - Randy Kepple of Randy Kepple Photography
Additional booking notes
I can provide my own amplification, including mics and stands. I can also use a house PA if it is available. For a typical show, using my standard amplification, I need only a single electrical outlet.
Services offered
Past booked events
March 2025
22
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
La Center, WA
February 2024
24
Saturday
Corporate Event
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Wilsonville, OR
November 2023
19
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Troutdale, OR
August 2022
13
Saturday
Cocktail Party
12:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Newberg, OR
May 2021
16
Sunday
House Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Portland, OR
September 2019
04
Wednesday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Portland, OR
March 2018
09
Friday
Nonprofit Event
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Portland, OR
November 2015
07
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Greensboro, NC
April 2015
17
Friday
Other
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chapel Hill, NC
November 2014
21
Friday
Private Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Cary, NC
Set list
In addition to original compositions, american traditional music (old time, fiddle tunes, bluegrass), blues (Robert Johnson, John Hurt, Mississippi Fred McDowell etc.), contemporary folk (Gillian Welch, Tom Waits etc.), soul/funk (Sam Cooke, Bill Withers), & even some jazz. The list goes on....
Influences and inspiration
Ray Charles, Staples Singers, Crooked Still
Setup requirements
I need only a single electrical outlet to do a show with amplification, but am capable of performing completely acoustic.
Report Jeff Donovan
Banjo Player
Check out these featured profiles
- Shelbyville, KY
- Magician
- $200.00-$1,000.00
Emalee M. said
“Dave was great! We wanted to celebrate a few birthdays in the office so we hired Dave to come after our staff meeting and surprise the team. It was a hit! Everyone talked about it all day. I still... ”
- Tulsa, OK
- Banjo Player
- $500 minimum
Sarah M. said
“We hired Dan for my 3 year old son's farm themed birthday party. He played a mix of kids songs with classic ones for grownups and had a list to request from. He performed for a good hour and ended... ”
Greer Company
1 Verified booking- Rolla, MO
- Bluegrass Band
- $300-$1500
Greer Company is a family band from Missouri performing a mix of bluegrass, country, and crowd favorites - with influences from gospel bluegrass, worship, and...