The University of Maine’s very own Keelan Donovan Band is set to return to Orono on Saturday, March 12 for a one-night only reunion show starting at 9 p.m. at The Roost.
Lead vocalist Keelan Donovan heads the band, which also includes Alex Marino on lead guitar, Dylan Jeffery on bass and Brian Harris on drums. When the band started they were all students at the University of Maine, but in January Donovan transferred to Belmont University in Nashville to further pursue his music career. This Saturday will be the band’s first time performing together again this year.
Donovan, who released his first CD “Tall, Lanky, Pale and Sexy” in December of 2010, began performing at UMaine his freshman year, during open-mic nights in his dorm and later on at local bars. As he started to play more frequently, he connected with Marino and they began to play together at local house parties. Soon after, Jeffery joined them on the bass guitar and Harris on drums. As word spread through campus of their talent and high-energy performances, they gained popularity around UMaine and on the nightlife scene.
It is obvious at their shows how much the audience members are enjoying the band, as well as how much the band appreciates the audience. The band loves to play songs that get the crowd going.
“Personally, I don’t have a favorite song. I prefer crowd pleasers where everyone is dancing and singing along,” Marino said. “I love to witness people enjoying themselves.” The band shows their appreciation throughout the performances by interacting with the audience.
Although Donovan moved to Nashville to explore his music more, he said he misses playing shows in the Orono area.
“I miss the people I’m playing for. There’s nothing like playing in front of a crowd where everyone knows your lyrics. It gives the entire music thing a completely new feel.”
The band has played at venues across Maine including Seadog Brewing Company and JP Thornton’s, both in South Portland, Jimmy the Greeks in Old Orchard Beach, and Dogfish in Portland. While there are always new faces at each show, the band has gained a loyal fan base. Donovan’s Facebook page, facebook.com/keelandonovan, has nearly a thousand ‘likes,’ and grows with every show.
The energy at the band’s performances has a lasting effect on the lead singer.
“It’s a relatively new feeling to see people singing and dancing to the songs I write,” Donovan said. “It’s a cool feeling. It gives me some satisfaction that maybe I am doing something right.”
Donovan said he is really looking forward to the Saturday show at The Roost, and coming back to his roots.
“The show on Saturday should be pretty special for us,” Donovan said. The Keelan Donovan Band’s reunion show has given UMaine students a great reason to return to Orono a few days early to enjoy the last night of spring break.”