Buffalo blues

Donna the Buffalo Roots Tour

Tonight, 9 p.m.

Rosebud, $15…

Donna the Buffalo Roots Tour

Tonight, 9 p.m.

Rosebud, $15

(412) 261-2221

Try to picture cruising down an endless highway in a beat up 1960s van on a warm afternoon, windows down, the wind breezing through your hair and the radio cranked, filling the air with songs of peace, love and happiness. What comes to mind – the ’60s, flower children, Dylan, CSNY, peaceful pleasantries, Volkswagen symbols? How about Donna the Buffalo? If this doesn’t seem to ring a bell, please read on.

Donna the Buffalo originated in 1987, bringing together musicians with a love for bluegrass fiddle music. Their music is a combination of everything from reggae to rock ‘n’ roll to country. Along with an unusual style of instrumentation, the band creates a very unique sound. But for a comparison, think Rusted Root.

The group is known for the messages and moral challenges their lyrics contain, including political, personal and spiritual themes. It is no doubt one of the reasons Donna the Buffalo has gained somewhat of a cult following of loyal fans. The band has a familiar home on the festival circuit and is followed from stop to stop by die-hard admirers who call themselves “The Herd.” In short, these fans are hippies of the new millennium.

Donna the Buffalo traditionally hosts the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg, N.Y. every summer to benefit AIDS programs as well as arts and education. But this year they have begun a new tradition, a tour of their own – the Donna the Buffalo Roots Tour. Friends and influences of the band fill the show, including zydeco artist Preston Frank and the reggae sounds of The Overtakers.

Donna the Buffalo recently released their fourth studio CD, titled Positive Friction, which has hit the top 20 on American radio charts. They also have just released their first live recording, Live From the American Ballroom.

The Donna the Buffalo Roots Tour hits Pittsburgh tonight at Rosebud in the Strip District. For more information about the group, check out www.DonnatheBuffalo.com.

— Brian Kluchurosky, staff writer