Taylor James Donskey

Taylor James Donskey is a lover and writer of songs. Although he has become known for his work as a sideman (bass, vocals, trumpet, trombone, percussion), Donskey considers himself a songwriter and band leader ahead of all else.

Absorbing the sounds of the many bands he’s played in (I Like You, The Lowland Lakers, Lena Elizabeth, The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League, Mississippi Hot Club), Donskey has carved a unique spot for himself in the Twin Cities music scene that includes elements of pop, bluegrass, folk, and jazz.

Raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin and influenced by his time in the Driftless Region, he picked up the bass at 14 and began his life as a sideman. He played in pop-punk bands and school jazz combos. He sang in choirs and played trumpet, trombone, percussion, and most importantly, the bass. This led him to playing paid gigs in high school, sitting in with his uncle’s cover band. “I had to learn nearly two hours of rock cover songs,” Donskey says. Playing music by Bowie, Petty, Harrison, and McCartney left its mark. “A lot of that music had incredible bass lines like I’d never really heard. It really inspired me.”

Recognizing his talent, his uncle gave him a Sigma acoustic guitar. “He bought it in the seventies, and I’ve continued to play it. A relentless old companion, it has followed me wherever I go, and it is the instrument from which many of my songs have grown.” Taking that big leap into the spotlight, Taylor James Donskey emerges from his supporting role with Paper Over It, a sophisticated debut, showcasing his strong songwriting skills and prowess as an arranger and producer.

When not busy performing his own music or touring in Lena Elizabeth’s band, he teaches ukulele, piano, electric bass, upright bass, guitar, songwriting, music theory, and voice. “Teaching is my second great joy,” he says. “I’ve learned how to translate the language of music so that people may experience it in their own way.”

Past Shows


Jul
18
th
2023
7th St Entry
Jul
18
th
2023
7th St Entry

Red Wanting Blue

with Taylor James Donskey
Feb
10
th
2023
Turf Club
Feb
10
th
2023
Turf Club

Zachary Scot Johnson presents
Twin Cities All-Star '90s Tribute

with EMILY CASSELMANTAYLOR JAMES DONSKEYJENNIFER ECKESANNIE ENNEKINGBEN COOK-FELTZANNIE FITZGERALDMATTHEW FRENCHZACHARY SCOT JOHNSONLAKEWOOD CEMETERYBRIANNA LANELYDIA LIZAMAYGEN & THE BIRDWATCHERSARAH MORRISLESLIE RICHSAVANNAH SMITHCOLLEEN SOMERVILLELESLIE VINCENTNICOLE WILDER
Jun
16
th
2022
Turf Club
Jun
16
th
2022
Turf Club

Paul McCartney 80th Birthday Tribute

featuring TAYLOR JAMES DONSKEYBEN COOK-FELTZEMILY HAAVIKTED HAJNASIEWICZHER CROOKED HEARTDAN ISRAELZACHARY SCOT JOHNSONMEGHAN KREIDLER (KISS THE TIGER), MARE LENNONLESLIE RICHATOM ROBINSONJAMES RONEKATY TESSMAN w/ PAPA MBYEKATY VERNONSCOTT WOOLDRIDGE
Oct
10
th
2021
Fine Line
Oct
10
th
2021
Fine Line

Wild Rivers

with Old Sea Brigade and Taylor James Donskey

More Shows

Apr
10
th
First Avenue

Alan Sparhawk & Mount Eerie

Mar
29
th
Turf Club

The Rocket Summer

with Mae
Dec
26
th
Turf Club

The Honeydogs

with The Penny Peaches
Feb
28
th
Amsterdam Bar & Hall

MISSIO

with Layto