Music director Donny Milwalkee has built a reputation for shaking the status quo. As a drummer, arranger, producer, educator, performance trainer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocal coach, he is known for creating projects that shape culture.

Donny Milwalkee moves to create culture and community. The dedication to pushing the scene forward is clear from building Toronto’s scene of live hip-hop cyphers and showcasing (100+ artists), elite music education, owning a live music venue and recording studio (closed due to the pandemic), and working with event producers innovating the concert experience.

This work has been done through his showcasing band (The Dirty B-Sides), trap-jazz collective (game.set.trap), soca band (Yard Lime), and years of other initiatives before moving to Halifax. Since moving, he has also started a New Orleans streetbeat brass band (Fat Sundays) and is developing a showcasing band (The Dirty Seasides). He currently works supporting the African Nova Scotian Music Association ushering in new ideas, initiatives, and programming to guide new pathways for community with expansion throughout Atlantic Canada establishing fiscally viable tour circuits for POC.

 

RECENT CREDITS

Halifax: Co-Creator of 2022 HaliBana event (Soca Sweat held at Grand Parade Square – Grand Oasis)

Creator of 2022 HaliFesta Brazilian events (held at The Local – 2037 Gottingen Street)

Toronto: 2022 Dora Mavor Moore nomination for Sound Design & Musical Arrangements for an experimental neo-soul tap dance production, Tap Legacy.

2022 Music Director in-residence at SoulPepper Theatre for production inspiration sessions of “The 6th Book of Moses”. 

 

LIVE MUSIC DIRECTION & ARRANGING FOR ATLANTIC REGION ARTISTS:

Psyc Tha Prince, Shay Pitts, Arenye, Kierrah, Lyris Daye, Vince The Messenger, Mister Monark, Aquasocks, Kwento.

LIVE MUSIC DIRECTION & ARRANGING FOR TO / NYC / LA ARTISTS:

J. Hoard (Grammy winner), Sydanie (2019 Polaris longlist), Young Paris (ROC Nation), Ray Robinson, Jusso, Shi Wisdom, Dan-e-o, Rich Kidd, Adam Bomb, Spek Won, Dream Warriors, Maestro Fresh Wes, Kelson Fredericks (2019 TO Jazz Festival Rising Star Award w/ The Dirty B-Sides), Ase Eschu, Erik Flow, Adria Kain, Clear Mortifee, Sulpacio Jones (LA), Matt Somber, Xolisa, Just John, The Sorority, Keysha Fresh, Lex Leosis, WolF J McFarlane, Derin Falana, JayD Ink, Raz Fresco, Moscow Apartment, Remy Shand, Michael Morales, & more.

CREDITED WORKS
• Music director & arranger for CBC Sounds of The Season for live-to-air Metro Morning at Glenn Gould Studio 2016-2019

• JP Saxe original music for the New York Chamber Society in Washington Square Park 2014