Community members are invited to meet author and globally respected musician Danny Donnelly aka “Zoro the Drummer” for a discussion featuring his memoir, Maria’s Scarf from 1–2 pm on Saturday, June 22 at the Grants Pass branch of Josephine Community Library, 200 NW C Street. Afterward, community members can visit Oregon Books & Games for a personal book signing event at 150 NE E St, Grants Pass.
Maria’s Scarf is the incredible story of a mother’s love, a family’s unbreakable bond, and a starry-eyed boy who never lost sight of his dreams. As the fatherless child of a Mexican immigrant, Danny Donnelly was never expected to amount to much. Before the age of nine, his single mother had moved her seven children more than 30 times—from the impoverished streets of South Central Los Angeles to rural southern Oregon. Sometimes there was no home to go to, so they slept in their ’62 Chevy; sometimes dinner was a slice of bread; sometimes they showered in a nearby park. Through it all, Danny channeled his pain and transformed himself into Zoro, one of the world’s greatest drummers.
Participants will hear excerpts from book and learn about Zoro’s upbringing, including his time living in Grants Pass as a child in the 1970’s and 1980s that led to a remarkable career as a drummer for many Grammy-Award-winning musicians.
Zoro the Drummer has performed on some of the most famous stages of the world of rock and R&B music. He has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz; Bobby Brown; Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons; The New Edition; Jody Watley; Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire; Sean Lennon; Lisa Marie Presley; Lincoln Brewster; Phil Keaggy and many others.
Maria’s Scarf can be placed on hold for checkout at the library and is for sale at Oregon Books & Games.
The Zoro the Drummer author talk is part of the 2024 Summer Reading Program sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank, Josephine Community Library Foundation, and the State Library of Oregon.
This program is offered at no charge and is open to the public. A library card is not needed to participate.
For more information about the annual Summer Reading Program, library programs, and other services, visit josephinelibrary.org, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.
To learn more about Zoro the Drummer’s memoir, Maria’s Scarf, visit zorothedrummer.com/marias-scarf-book.