Since 1989 Don Eaton Orchestra has been providing Philadelphia , New York , and Washington DC metro areas with premier live entertainment. Each member of our band brings a wealth of talent and professionalism to every performance.

  Don Eaton

Don's musical career has spanned over 30 years. After attending the New England Conservatory and the Berklee School of Music in Boston , Don went on to record and work with such distinguished artists as Quincy Jones and Alice Coltrane. He has been co-billed in concert with various artists including Jean Luc Ponty, Jaco Pastorious, Hugh Masakela, Phil Collins, Grace Jones, Spyro Gyra, Weather Report, and others. His music has taken him to places around the world. Don traveled to Delhi India as a conductor and composer for a multi cultural dance ensemble orchestra. He has performed with his ensembles at The United Nations, Studio 54 in New York City , Philadelphia 's Academy of Music , the Bijou Cafe, The Mann Music Center, as well as many other local clubs and concert venues in the Philadelphia area. His continued enthusiasm as a performing artist and leader serves as the foundation of the Don Eaton Orchestra - Philadelphia ’s Premier Party Dance Band!

 
   Kathy Wilson Fowler

Kathy Wilson Fowler's accomplishments in music include her vocal performance on a grammy nominated album, as well as recording a top dance hit listed in Billboard Magazine’s ‘Top 100’. Since her first date with the band in 1992 she has been the lead female vocalist for the orchestra. Kathy has the profound ability to closely duplicate the vocal trademark qualities of many popular female artists, while still offering her own golden tone to many of the group’s arrangements. Some have actually referred to her as a “vocal chameleon”. As much as people love her singing, they love the person behind the voice. While divine in her demeanor and appearance, she’s no diva. In fact, she has been named one of Atlantic City 's ‘People Of The Year’. When not performing with DEO, she is recording and performing in the regional area with various Philadelphia based artists, as well as participating in fund raising events for the community. She is truly the “precious jewel” of the ensemble.

Kathy’s personal comments on the band... “I particularly enjoy working with DEO because of the enormous talent.... the versatility and sensitivity of the musicians is very inspiring... the personalities of all the members are of a professional level that I am very proud to be part of.”

 
  Nelson "Nelly" Gilfillian

Simply put - the crowd loves Nelson. He exudes a special warmth and charisma with an enthusiasm that is delightfully infectious to all those within his range. Nelson has toured club and concert venues in cities such as Boston , New York , Washington , and New Orleans . He has also been featured as a recording artist at the renowned Power Station in New York City . His primary vocal inspiration has come from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael McDonald, and Donny Hathaway. Nelson became a permanent fixture on the bandstand shortly after his first performance with DEO in 1993.

Nelson’s personal comments about the band... “A great bandleader realizes that talent and chemistry go hand in hand. Great players inspire each other. This is how Don put this group together. Each player is an inspiration to the others. It’s no wonder why the band’s longevity speaks for itself.”

 
  Rob Swanson

Rob is the senior member of the band. His performance on upright and electric basses in addition to his unique lead and background vocals make him an invaluable asset to the band. Rob is also a prolific writer/composer, arranger, and recording artist who has two CD’s titled ‘Terra Soul Project’ and ‘My Basic Hats’ - released on his own label. For more information on Rob, you may go to robswansonmusic.com

Rob’s personal comments on the band... (DEO players are)... “ a great blend of schooling, passion, energy and no divas!”
…On our clients... “ for the most part, our clients are more in tune with music ..”

 
  Ishmael "Ish" Wilburn

Ishmael began performing with Don in 1989 in various local Philadelphia clubs and jazz venues. Since then, he has been drummer and groove master of the band! Ishmael has toured the world extensively while playing with some of the giants in music such as Joe Zawinal, Wayne Shorter, and Jaco Pastorious of Weather Report. While playing on their grammy awarded ‘Mysterious Traveler’ album, he headlined with them at Carnagie Hall. He has also traveled worldwide with Grover Washington Jr. and played with countless other major artists such as Billy Paul and Esther Satterfield. He has played on the same bill with B.B. King and Earth, Wind and Fire. Ishmael’s wealth of professional experience and warm personal glow make him the heartbeat of the band.”

 
  Jon Pruitt

Jon Pruitt is a vocalist and keyboard master for DEO, and another long time member - he claims to have been sentenced to DEO by a judge... Jon brings tons of experience gleaned from the wide range of headline acts he has performed with in Atlantic City 's showrooms over the years. Jon began his musical journey playing jazz and contemporary styles, and then became schooled in synthesizers and technology. This led him to become one of the most versatile, in-demand and highly regarded master keyboardists in the tri-state area. As a vocalist, Jon's voice is rich with tenderness, emotion, and soul. He can literally bring the room to tears on that special ballad.

Jon’s personal comments: "my favorite things about DEO are the people, the music, and the special rapport that a band only has when they have been playing together for years." Jon has observed that ... "DEO is like a black hole for great musicians - they go into the band, and they never want to come out." ...."Don's personality and open-mindedness creates a situation where talented musicians can thrive, by letting us bring our special strengths into the ensemble. We create a unique live musical sound that is worthy of a recording. Pretty unusual for a special events band..."

 
   Tony “TV” Venturara
A Delaware native and graduate of both the Philadelphia Musical Academy and Capella University, Tony has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe and China, performing with such artists as Ben Vereen, Sammy Davis Jr., Melba Moore, Jimmy Darrin and Mitzi Gaynor.  These performances also included television appearances on The Johnny Carson Show, with Phil Donahue, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and Sammy Davis in Acapulco. He has been highly involved with the advancement of a project at Capella University, which provides instruction in Jazz improvisation to a Web-based audience. Tony teaches jazz-related courses at the University of Delaware, as well as Jazz guitar performances in the Wilmington, DE and Philadelphia, PA area. 

Tony’s comments about the and:                                                                          “In well over 12 years of assuming the role of guitarist/singer with the Don Eaton Orchestra (DEO), I have been blessed to work with musicians of the highest caliber with sincere dedication to their art, all under the guidance and leadership of Don Eaton. Don, along with the other band members, provides an inspiring, creative, and collaborative environment.  This environment becomes an integral fabric in the successful outcome of the event. A common thread of dedication, professionalism, and all-around enjoyment, make my involvement with the DEO a truly unique experience.”
  Dave Cianci
Since 1997 as the bass trombonist for "Peter Nero & the Philly Pops", Dave has performed and recorded on national television with Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Elton John, Johnny Mathis, Melissa Manchester, and backed numerous "stars" who have performed with the orchestra at Philadelphia's 'Academy of Music' and 'Kimmel Center'. Dave has also performed with various chamber orchestras backing choral groups and opera soloists at venues including Philadelphia’s Mann Music Center, the Lincoln Center in New York City, Meyerhoff Hall in Baltimore and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Dave was a member of the orchestras that performed for the Brian Wilson 'Pet Sounds' tour and the ‘YES’ Symphonic Tour'. 

Dave’s comments about the band:
“Playing with DEO has been the most musical experience that I have ever had performing with a 'private event' band.  Making 'music' is always the priority, not just going through the motions playing the same repertoire week in and week out as with other bands of this type.  Each of the players in the orchestra brings a unique background to the ensemble, which enables the band to handle any kind of request and execute it stylistically correct.  The members of the band hold each other accountable for performing at a high level of musical competence.  Don, as the leader of the orchestra, creates an environment that is relaxed but still professional and musically challenging.  The band has as much fun as the guests, and it shows in the parties we play.  Most of our clients treat us like family....”
  Steve Sharp
Steve Sharp's musical career began at an early age. The trumpet has long been a part of his life. He attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Master of Arts in Teaching.  Steve has performed with such outstanding artists as:  The Moody Blues & Roger Daultry at the Mann Music Center, Bobby Vinton, Marvin Hamlisch, the Dovells, Don Rickels, Rich Little, Bowser, and Motown Artists at Madison Square Garden, NY.  His accomplishments also include performances on Pennsylvania State Lottery commercials, NFL Film Awards, Don King Enterprises and Miss America events.  When not performing with DEO, his rich and brilliant trumpet can be heard in the tri-state area with many notable Philadelphia-based musicians.  

On the Don Eaton Band - “It has been a rewarding and energizing experience to play with such great and talented musicians. Don is a truly inspiring leader. DEO is one unique band!”

  Jimmy "Jr." Coleman

Positive vibes, high energy, and charisma - three words that describe what Jimmy brings to the bandstand as he compliments the rhythm section adding color and texture with his congas, timbales, bongos, and assorted hand percussion. His musical background is rich in popular music, jazz, soul, latin, and hip-hop. As a drummer, he has toured extensively and recorded with Grammy award-winning John Legend, Britney Spears, Amos Lee, Estelle, and Eric Hutchinson. He has been featured in the Rolling Stones/Blue Note Jazz Series and Pepsi’s Holiday TV Commercial ( Japan). He has also played on the same bill with Maceo Parker, Kanye West, Kid Rock and Outkast. The band has enthusiastically welcomed Jimmy as the newest member of our group!

"The personality, talent, and musicianship are some of the reasons that I'm proud to be a part of this band. The atmosphere with these guys is always positive and inspirational. It takes a special "ring leader" to keep these wonderful attributes alive in a band. I'm grateful to be a part of the family".