Dom Bottaro

A New Chapter Begins

abottaro — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:32:17 +0000

I’m heading off to college. I’ve just wrapped up my last guitar lesson at Band Gig School of Music, where I’ve had the privilege of learning from Joe Hart for over 8 years. While I’ll undoubtedly miss the weekly lessons and the engaging conversations with Joe, I depart with a profound sense of assurance. It’s clear to me that Joe has equipped me with a robust foundation, upon which I can continue honing my skills and readily showcase my abilities in whatever lies ahead.

Joe, if you happen to come across this post, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for everything.

Norwood Earth Day 2023

abottaro — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:48:27 +0000

I had lots of fun playing lead guitar with The Joe Hart Band. This was a fun event in that it was relocated to the Norwood High School gym. The weather was pretty lousy so all of the Earth Day booths were on display indoors. On the plus side, this increased our audience and provided a fun and interesting venue. The attendees were visiting booths and then when our set began turned their attention to us!
Check out the video clip below!

Full video HERE

XBHS Gala 2023

abottaro — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 18:21:00 +0000

I had a fun time performing with Search Party band at the XBHS 26th Gala! With over 600 guests in attendance, the Xaverian Galas are the biggest events and largest live audiences I get to perform in front of. After my guest appearance, the bandleader/guitarist approached to compliment me on how great I played and how killer my tone was…as if the round of applause wasn’t enough! Check out the short clip.

Full video HERE

Benefit Concert recap

abottaro — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:27:57 +0000

Another successful concert to benefit Music Drives Us. At this concert the audience was bigger than ever – standing room only! In the video clip below you’ll see me playing lead guitar to a cover of Jefferson Airplane’s Somebody to Love (Woodstock version). The band was made up of a couple of music instructors, Colleen Kleya (vocals) and Joe Hart (guitar), as well as Band Gig School of Music students.

Full video HERE

Building My Guitar (updated)

Dominic — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:01:50 +0000

As the title of this blog entry implies, I am going to build my own guitar! By build I don’t mean to suggest that I will be carving my own out of wood, rather I am starting with a guitar husk. The husk is none other than a Gibson Les Paul. Yes you read that right! I’ve searched months for a husk that really speaks to me…I found it and will reveal it soon. Why not just buy one from a music store you may ask? Well, all of the parts on my guitar will be custom picked by me! Everything including the electronics. I want the experience of choosing every bit and having it all come together with my own hands. My build is being heavily influenced by the guitar Carlos Santana played while performing in the 1971 Montreux Golden Rose Pop Festival. I’ll be adding updates as the project progresses to keep you all up to date.

Hover over each image to reveal caption info.

XBHS Winter Concert 2022

Dominic — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:36:35 +0000

I, along with the rest of the Xaverian Jazz Band, performed a few songs at the XBHS Winter Concert 2022 and we certainly had the crowd on their feet. We opened with a cover of Santana’s Jungle Strut, where I played lead guitar. We finished with Carol of the Bells where we got a standing ovation by all of the attendees. Our music instructor was teary eyed when he stated to the audience that he would miss our group dearly, since we are all seniors and will be graduating. Check out the short edited video clip of Jungle Strut.

Full video HERE

Teaching – Guitar 101

Dominic — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 15:55:33 +0000

Yikes…I’m venturing into teaching! Yes, I’ve had an amazing journey learning to play guitar starting way back when I was 10 years old…and by no means is the journey over. My musical taste has expanded since I first got into music when I listened and played mainly classic rock. I still love it, no doubt. Well, I’m ready to share what I’ve learned and hoping to get kids as excited about playing as I was and continue to be! I’ll be focusing on just fundamentals and aiming to teach 10-11 year olds…same as when I started. I guess I’m really doing it in hopes of inspiring a few kids before I’m off to college and overwhelmed with my work load. Wish me luck!

For a special treat, check out my first stage performance from back in 2015 HERE.

Dedham Porchfest 2022

Dominic — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 00:44:13 +0000

So much fun taking part in the first annual Dedham Porchfest. For those that may not know, Porchfest is a free, volunteer-run music festival in Dedham, MA celebrating local artists, the beautiful town, and the people who live there.

Check out a short video clip of my solo when performing cover of Santana’s Black Magic Woman.

Full video HERE

XBHS Gala 2022

Dominic — Sun, 01 May 2022 13:43:52 +0000

Wow…..just wow! I had the privilege of performing with Hip Pocket Orchestra at the XBHS 25th Gala! This event was one of the fanciest I’ve ever taken part in. There were over 600 guests that were enjoying the music, dinner and dancing while gathering for the annual fundraiser. Afterwards, not to sound conceited, there were parents that approached us and congratulated us on doing such a great job. I love performing, have I mentioned that before? Check out the short clip.

Full video HERE

Norwood Earth Day 2022

Dominic — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:18:56 +0000

This performance was unique in the fact that it was the first time I played bass in a band. What was even cooler was the fact that I was playing in the Joe Hart Band! We played 8 songs to a crowd of people who were enjoying the music while picnicking and socializing.