Hailing from Trumansburg, New York, Donna the Buffalo has been a powerhouse in the roots music scene for over three decades. The band’s name came from a happy accident—a musician friend suggested “Dawn of the Buffalo,” which was misheard as “Donna the Buffalo,” and the name stuck. Their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as The Herd, has grown into a self-organized community that connects at live shows and festivals across the nation.

Donna the Buffalo is a founding and host band of the annual Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance and the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival. They’re also regular headliners at The Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, New York, and were featured in the documentary On The Bus, co-directed by Dave Sale.

Known for their dynamic live performances, the band plays both original songs and carefully selected covers that span Cajun, zydeco, folk, bluegrass, and Americana. Over the years, they’ve collaborated with an impressive roster of musicians, including Jim Lauderdale, Bela Fleck, Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo, Claire Lynch, The Duhks, and Amy Helm. Band member Tara Nevins has also toured with former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and his band, BK3.

Whether you’re a longtime member of The Herd or discovering them for the first time, Donna the Buffalo’s appearance at Rhythm & Roots 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of roots music at its finest.