MEET THE BAND!
DonnaLou Stevens was stolen at birth by a band of gypsies, but because of behavioral problems, was returned three days later. No one knows if this is where DonnaLou developed her independence and tendencies of deep contemplation and wanderlust, but one cannot help but think a life-time of wild and wacky, world-wide adventures contribute to her vast and various forms of self-expression. No matter the medium, DonnaLou’s quirky, colorful and often funny or poignant creations have always brought laughter, tenderness and joy to those who interact them. “The thing I’ve heard over and over as a songwriter is that my songs get stuck in people’s heads. If that’s the case, I only want the good stuff stuck in there.”
And the rest, as they say… is history!
In the mid 90’s, DonnaLou was the main songwriter and co-creator of the outrageous musical, “The Cow Patty’s (‘If ya ain’t herd us, ya ain’t herd shee-ut!’) It was announced in May of 2019 that she is the 3rd place winner in the 2018 International Songwriting competition (19,000 entries). The song that won is the track from the viral music video, ‘Older Ladies’, which has been featured on the Today Show, Anderson Cooper, Fox Country, the Facebook Trend page and has nearly 17 million views on Youtube. Come see her newest creation, The Texas Lovebirds. You’ll be glad you did!
Tolly Taliaferro was introduced to playing music when he joined band in middle school. He was confused, but open, as to what instrument he should play. The decision became evident when a fellow student, not fond of playing the trumpet, gave Tolly both his allowance and a sack lunch to take the trombone he got for Christmas. Tolly went on to play trombone in the High School marching, jazz, and concert bands. When he joined the high school classical orchestra, he found out quickly the only real classical music he really loves is Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. Enter banjo…
And the rest, as they say… is history!
While his efforts to steer the Lovebirds in a more 18th century direction have thus far been fruitless, Tolly still loves playing the fun, funny, and joyful music of the Texas Lovebirds with truly wonderful people! YEAH!
Donna Louise Lipman was raised by a family of wolves in the dense jungles of Southern California. After being rescued and rehabilitated, the once quiet and shy girl graduated at the top in her class at finishing school. Her animalistic tendencies disappeared, arising only occasionally in the ‘company’ of her husband and band member, Tom! At age 20, Donna was asked if she could sing. Not having any idea or previous experience, Donna opened her mouth and what came out was shockingly gorgeous! It wasn’t too long until Donna Louise shared the stage with John Denver and Peter Yarrow and a few other famous folks…
The rest, as they say… is history.
Mutual fans and close friends for decades, the two Donna Lou’s never dreamed of singing together due to the vast diversity in styles. Cabaret and Country? HUH? One day however, the gals threw caution to the wind, joined voices and the Texas Lovebirds were born! Many of DonnaLou Stevens’ originals that she wrote (but didn’t have the pipes to sing) are brought to life by BFF, Donna Lou Lipman, owner of one of the biggest hearts and best-sounding voices this side of the Pedernales. TRUE that!
Tom Parish, as a young boy, developed a terrible fear of forks. Tom was only three and at a family reunion, his mischievous, older cousin chased him around the campground weilding a fork in each hand with an impaled worm on each tine. After that, Tom refused to eat with anything but spoons. He would distract himself while waiting for his meals by banging the backs of spoons together. Before long, although a wee lad, Tom figured out how to play intricate percussive beats on those spoons. This kid had real rhythm! No surprise though; Tom’s dad was a professional drummer. One day, Tom senior took the spoons out of Tom junior’s hands, replaced them with a pair of sticks…
The rest, as they say… is history.
Tom has played in marching bands, jazz bands, orchestras, symphonies and rock and roll bands. Now he plays a for the Lovebirds and has everyone’s toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’. Always an adventurer and lover of technology, Tom has a custom-made Zendrum. (What’s that, you ask?) Come see us and find out!
“Daniel Dyer, was born deep in the Arkansas woods and popped out with a baby-sized guitar in his hands and has been playing ever since! With an extensive (some would say excessive) collection of dozens of instruments, Dan is poised to play all them with equal enthusiasm and proficiency at any time! Sadly, with some instruments, that time seldom or never comes. Alas, it is not every song that begs for an accordion or hammered dulcimer, but, hey, it’s always worth a shot! Introduced to the Texas Lovebirds through a mutual Russian feline acquaintance, Daniel started writing, dancing, acting, reading, feeding, grooming, walking, and playing for the band just prior to Covid and has loved every minute of it since!
The rest, as they say, is history…
Daniel, after some very expensive, high-falutin’ schooling, now teaches, composes, and performs music in the Austin area. He’s played Banjo with the Philharmonic, Lap Steel with the Pit Orchestra, Guitar with the Big Band, and now plays Guitar and Mandolin with the Lovebirds!
Yodel-ay-hee-hoo!”
Brett Andacht’s mother, shortly after Brett was conceived, heard that playing Mozart was found to be beneficial to the well-being of an unborn child. Convinced, she wore a CD player strapped around her belly for the next nine months. Is it any wonder Brett came into this world mesmerized by the mechanics of music theory and knowledge of tonal harmony? He spent his early school days daydreaming of music. In high school, Brett was a member of a classical guitar ensemble in Florida. In the summer to make extra cash, unbeknownst to his family and close friends, Brett secretly wrestled alligators for tourists in hotel swimming pools. After several close calls with dismemberment, the smart young man decided he’d rather keep his arms and legs for playing music.
The rest, as they say… is history!
Currently a professional musician and music teacher, Brett was influenced by pop punk, indie rock, folk, bluegrass, ska, and many other genres. A bit dazed and confused by all the differing interests, Brett decided why not add a little country into the mix and went to Nashville to study music in college! After that, lucky for us, Brett landed in Austin and serendipitously fell into the Lovebirds’ nest, surprised to feel quite at home in the wacky antics and the country vibe…. Yippee!
