Photo: Dino Perrucci

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country pulled into San Francisco on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The Nashville-based four-piece took the stage at The Independent after completing a slow crawl down the Western shoreline–live shows in Washington and Oregon. The group’s resulting visit to the jam mecca included nods to Bobby Weir’s cowboy era during the first set and, later, the arrival of local fixture and guitarist, Reed Mathis. 

Last night’s performance kicked off with the Merle Haggard-penned, Lynyrd Skynyrd-popularized “Honky Tonk Night Time Man,” ahead of the traditional “Darlin’ Cory.” Next, the ensemble pulled out a section of original music: “Tennessee Tumbleweed,” “Fortunate Sparrow,” “Blame The Train,” and “Cosmic Country Gardens.” The thrill of “Big Iron” took over next and provided a reference to Weir’s Kingfish era. The group completed their initial set after “Dark Hollow,” a final nod to Dead and that group’s live album, Reckoning.  

The original “Prairie Spin” kicked off the second set. The song ran into JJ Cale’s “Travelin’ Light.” The band paused ahead of “Forgotten Days,” but ultimately ran it into “Valhalla Peace.” Next, they delivered a debut original, penned by Nathan Aronowitz and titled “Peace Ain’t For Free.” On the other side of the first time play, they added “Faded Lovin’” before bringing out Mathis to add to Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” and the Dead-associated “Turn On Your Love Light.” 

Notably, both Donato and Mathis have deep ties to Grateful Dead member Billy Kreutzmann, who has previously engaged both players to join him for Billy & The Kids concerts. Following Mathis’ sit-in, the band gave weight to “Dance in the Desert,” which functioned as the night’s encore. 

Tonight, Donato will return to San Francisco’s The Independent stage. Tickets remain on sale.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country 

The Independent – San Francisco 

Feb. 11, 2026 

Set I: Honky Tonk Night Time Man Darlin’ Cory Tennessee Tumbleweed Fortunate Sparrow Blame The Train Cosmic Country Gardens Big Iron Dark Hollow

Set II: Prairie Spin > Travelin’ Light Forgotten Days > Valhalla Peace Ain’t For Free (FTP) 1 Faded Lovin’ Tangled Up In Blue > 2 Turn On Your Love Light 3

Enc.: Dance In The Desert 4

Notes:

[1] Nathan Aronowitz On Lead Vocals And Guitar (Song)

[2] Reed Mathis On Guitar And Sharing Lead Vocals With Daniel (Song)

[3] Reed Mathis On Guitar (Song)

[4] Nathan Aronowitz On Guitar And Keys (Song)

Setlist and notes via danielbase.com.