John
spent about 6 years playing with the band, writing songs and playing
rhythm guitar, and then his life changed. He became a husband and
father and the life of a musician – working until 1:00 am, sleeping
late, traveling with a band – just didn't work with a family. So John
got a regular job in the property management business. As the family
grew with two boys and a girl, John became more involved with baseball,
basketball and soccer than music. He never gave up on his songwriting
though, and he continued to practice and write songs. He set up a
little studio in his attic. He taught his oldest son Travis to play
guitar and sing. He put a few bands and acoustic acts together that
played on weekends.

Three years ago, John was diagnosed with
Huntington's Disease. The disease has a deep connection to American
music. Singer/songwriter Arlo Guthrie's father Woody also had
Huntington's Disease.

John retired from his job when he became
ill and he returned to his music. It has always been a great love of
his life. He went through all of his songs and his family and friends
were amazed at all the songs he had written over the years. Everyone
kept asking why he had never recorded an album. I guess it's like John
Lennon said: "life is what happens to you when you're busy making other
plans. I regret I just never got around to it." And so ironically,
John's illness has brought a renewed appreciation and recognition to
his music.

This coming Sunday is all about the music. John, with
the help of his family and friends has put out a CD of some of his best
songs. As previously stated , they are celebrating the release at Sally
O Brien's in Union Square from 3pm to 6pm this coming Sunday, March
13th.

John McDonald will be there, along with Wayne Sherwood and
Jimmy "Hutch" Hutchinson, who has been a member of Bonnie Raitt's band
for years. Travis McDonald, John's son, who is also now a fine
musician, will be singing some of his Dad's songs. Word has it that
John Lincoln Wright and Larry Flint, a former Sour Mash Boy, will be at
Sally O's as well. Hopefully they can be coaxed into singing a tune or
two. So come on down and see one of Somerville's musical pioneers
celebrate this musical milestone.

Somerville has produced many
fine musicians, and John McDonald's legacy is surely a proud one. I
remember seeing The Sour Mash boys at Johnny D's, but never knew that
one of it's members was in that old band called "Indescribably
Delicious," and had inspired many other Somerville musicians such as
myself.

John continues to inspire, as you will see if you can
make it down to Sally's on Sunday. John is keeping the dream alive –
and continues to be a musical voice.

A percentage of all CD
sales will go to the Huntington's Disease Association. You can hear
some of John's music on his website at sweetmontana.com.

Please
join me at Amelia's Kitchen in Teele Square every Thursday evening from
7pm to 9pm. I will be playing the piano with the very same hand that
shook Governor Deval Patrick's hand twice at Somerville All America
City Day celebration on Monday!