Michael (Mike) D'Onofrio was raised in Peekskill NY (birthplace of Mel Gibson and Pee Wee Herman!) While in high school, his dad transferred to Hawaii… where he stayed for 22 years! In Hawaii, he played with the jawaiian band, Saltwater and opened for Ziggy Marley and Bonnie Raitt. He also did an album with Aunti Diana Aki and played for Chubby Checker on his military tour of the islands.
Mike then decided to “explore” and moved to Alaska in 1994. There he played with the Mo’Betta Blues Band and opened for Steppenwolf. He also played at the Telkeetna Blues festival.
In 1999 he moved to Maryland and has played with Shadowfire and the Dangertones.
Mike shares a home with his childhood best friend, Noelle, whom he followed home from church in 1969 and they've been friends ever since!. “She helped turn me around, showed me how wonderful life can be, and taught me about 401ks! She is very supportive of my music and keeps me grounded”.
Mike shares in the joy of Noelle's grandbabies, Jazzy: 2, and Ethan:born on April 2, 2009. He enjoys their dogs, fishing, movies, music festivals, cooking, and thrift stores.
Early influences: Gene Krupa, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Chicago, Santana, Steely Dan, and Tower of Power.
Favorite quotes: “Be flexible”, “Don't sweat the small stuff”, and “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle”.
“When I’m playing a gig and look into the audience and see at least one person tapping their foot or fingers to the music, I know for that moment in time they aren’t thinking about their problems”.
Mission accomplished!!!