courtesy of http://www.donnathebuffalo.com/ (from left to right) Donna the Buffalo bandmates Kathy Ziegler, Jeb Puryear, Tara Nevins, Bill Reynolds, and Tom Gilbert. This eclectic New York folk-rock quintet has a devoted fanbase that raises money for charities at the band’s performances.

Band of the Week: Donna the Buffalo

Donna the Buffalo is a band that can put you in a spring mind-set when the weather isn't doing its job. Eclectic and upbeat, their music can sound similar to that of The Grateful Dead with a mix of Bob Marley. They play several musical styles including jamming, folk-rock, country rock, reggae and bluegrass.

The band's music is often sociopolitical and philosophical in nature, calling for peace, justice and love. They are from New York and play primarily in the Midwest and on the East Coast, and their most devoted fans are referred to as "The Herd."

In 2002, The Herd launched a charitable fundraising organization called Side to Side Charities. At Donna the Buffalo concerts, Side to Side has raised thousands of dollars around the country for women's shelters, food banks and other organizations in need of support. The combination of charity support and good music makes Donna the Buffalo a great band for anyone needing some happy vibes.

They don't play locally, but you can hear them at http://www.myspace.com/donnathebuffalo.