Meet the TomatoFest 2025 Performers!
Perform 4 Purpose
Perform 4 Purpose (P4P) provides local youth opportunities to learn, create, and perform music. P4P provides a social environment that enables participants to experience active roles as student musicians, friends, and mentors. P4P also teaches the importance of helping others and giving back to the community by performing live music events for local charities.
Phoenix Phive
Phoenix Phive is a band made up of an eclectic group of musicians. Hand picked by band founders, Shelly Major and Mike Keegan, this group is made up of musicians taken from the blues world, rock and roll bands and even theater outfits. Formed to play classic rock and new country music, Phoenix Phive thrives on tight harmonies, musicianship, and experience to expose its cumulative talent to an audience
THE CUSTOM TAYLOR BAND
THE CUSTOM TAYLOR BAND is central New York’s premier Top 40 country music band. With musicians that any band would envy, the group has incredible dynamics and stage presence that leave fans breathless on the dance floor and tapping their toes at the bar. With the help of local Syracuse radio stations B104.7 and BIG FROG 104 they have opened for Nashville acts such as Big & Rich, Craig Morgan, Mark Chesnut, Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie and Tracey Lawrence, just to name a few.
Mark Bialczak, of the Syracuse Post Standard wrote, "The Custom Taylor Band proved that Syracuse has a contemporary country band that fits on a big stage comfortably with the big national stars... Taylor’s own ‘Down at the Honkey Tonk’ is good enough to get air-play on its own."
Donna & the Mystics
Donna Minnoe - Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals
Donna Minnoe is the soul of Donna and the Mystics, bringing a lifetime of passion and talent to the stage. A musician since the age of 9, she began singing and playing guitar in her father’s renowned country band at just 13. From fire halls to grand ballrooms, festivals to banquets, Donna has been a staple in the Central New York music scene, captivating audiences across every type of venue imaginable. Her journey has been marked by standout achievements, including winning first place in a New York talent competition and going on to dominate a nationally televised contest in Nashville, outshining 60 other performers. She later earned second place in the prestigious Nashville Talent Showcase, solidifying her presence among the industry’s best. Closer to home, Donna has been recognized as the New York State Country Music Association’s Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. In 2010, she was inducted into the Cortland Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2017, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor voted on by her peers. A true entertainer at heart, Donna’s mission is simple—leave every audience entertained and wanting more.
Mark Minnoe - Lead Guitar, Steel Guitar, and Lead/Harmony Vocals
On any given night with Donna and the Mystics, you’ll find Mark Minnoe delivering fiery lead guitar solos, smooth dance melodies, or adding that classic country touch on the pedal steel. His versatility and passion for music make him an essential part of the band’s signature sound. Mark’s musical journey began at just 12 years old as part of his family’s act, The Silver Spur Band. By 17, he had already made a name for himself, winning first place in a statewide competition as Junior Instrumentalist and Vocalist, along with several other prestigious honors. As the founder of Southern Express, Mark spent 16 years shaping the band into a highly respected act, earning them the opportunity to open for national artists like Marty Martel and the Midnight Special Band and Billy Montana. Today, Mark leads Donna and the Mystics as their Band Leader, bringing his years of experience, musical expertise, and showmanship to every performance. With Mark at the helm, the band continues to be a powerhouse in the country music scene!
The Healers with Jim Van Arsdale
The Healers are a 9 piece band featuring a smoking horn section, dynamic rhythm section, soaring guitars, and sweet sounds of piano and B3. We perform the original music from Jim Van Arsdale mixed with upbeat songs from across the decades.
