Don Ono, Guitar
Biography
Don, born and raised in San Francisco, started his musical career as a drummer at the age of 12. He wanted to be another Ringo Starr of the Beatles. Don's father, also a musician, played violin in an orchestra, and passed on his musical talents to his aspiring son. Don hasn't looked back since. His musical influences are George Benson, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Jose Feliciano.
Switching to guitar at the age 15 after seeing the legendary Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana perform, Don formed his first band called "The Basics" when he was a senior in high school. His biggest moment for The Basics was opening for Marvin Holmes and the Uptights (whose big hits were "Ooh Ooh the Dragon" and "Funky Mule".)
Years later, Don became one of the founding members of a band called "Lady Red". Lady Red performed in the 1st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair in San Francisco. One of their most memorable moments was opening for Hiroshima (jazz fusion band.)
Don then took a 12 year break from the music scene. He decided to get back into performing after getting together for a jam session with his buddies from the Expo band and realizing the passion for guitar never left. "Thank goodness I still remembered how to play!" remembered Don. He played with Expo from 1992-1995.
In 1995, Don got with some old musician friends and met a wonderful female vocalist named Rowena Rapadas. Together, they formed the band you know and love, Rendezvous, and have been playing ever since.
Other current bands that Don has played with include Expo (Top 40 Oldies) and Mana (Comtemporary Hawaiian).
Don is currently an Investment Analyst for Esurance Insurance Company, and is married with two cats.
Rendezvous Members:
