Donnie started playing guitar at the age of 15, at the age of 18 he

was playing in local clubs with singer/keyboardist Steve Crooks

and working at M.T.R. recording studio. In 1979 he met Jeff

McCrystal and song writer Terry Barrett to form Eyes in the

Trees performing almost every night in Kent. Through the years

Donnie has continued to study the guitar, record and perform

with many different groups. In 2001 Donnie and Steve hooked

up with long time friend's drummer John McIntyre and Tony

Wilkerson to form Donnie Root and the Hoots. A couple of high

points are performing at groverstock a benefit for an injured

soldier raising more than $15,000 and selling a song for a

national T.V. commercial.