Who's Donn T? Well, she's not your average Philly girl at first sight. She is a reflection of every piece of the world she has touched, layered on the back of her foundation, Philadelphia.  

Based on Donn's upbringing, it's almost like she had no choice but to become a musician. You see, her dad, Lee Andrews, was one of the top Doo Wop singers of his time. Then, he formed a 70s soul group with her mom called Congress Alley.  Oh and, you may know her brother--that guy with the afro in The Roots, Questlove.  But dont let that form your opinion yet. Donn does a few things differently compared to the rest of her fam.

I was introduced to Donn and her music over 10 years ago at one of the most acclaimed regular musical events in Philly, The Black Lily.  On any given Tuesday, this is where some of us Philly folk discovered artists like Floetry, Jaguar Wright, The Jazzyphatnastees and Jazmine Sullivan. Donn was always a little different than the rest and perhaps ahead of her time. 

She was our alternative sista, with her own alternative dance moves to boot! She took those talents and began making music for TV and film, as well as writing for some pretty amazing folks like Common.

Today, she has fused her alternative entree with two side dishes--soul and house--and the meal is filling and delicious!  She released her album, Kaleidoscopic in July, and I re-introduced her on Questlove's stage at Wawa's Welcome America Fourth of July Jam in Philly. Watch the video below!

Insider tip: Want to see her live? You can catch Donn T on Saturday, August 6, opening for Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears at the TLA. Get your tickets here.