About the Band

David Kroll	Donny DeJaynes	Donna DeJaynes	Micah Oleson	Mike Peterson

Donny DeJaynes

Lead guitarist Donny DeJaynes learned to play mandolin at age four, and received his first guitar at age five. He soon fell in love with the guitar and performed at all the obligatory school functions.

Donny played in his first club at age eleven, and hit the road with a band for the first time at seventeen. Uncle Sam called at age nineteen, but after a short time in the military he went right back to traveling and performing most nights a week for several years.

In 1976, Donny gave up the road and got a "real job," but also continued playing locally part time. With no pressure to make a living at it, he began to enjoy music again, but retired in 1999. Music wasn't done with Donny just yet, however, and in 2002 he started the band "Synergy" with his wife, Donna, and his two sons, Luke and Mark. A year later Donny played with a band that opened for Peter Frampton and CCR at Steamboat Days before an audience of around 19,000 people.

Donna DeJaynes

Although Donna is new to the David Kroll & Heartland stage she is no stranger to being on the stage. She brings with her 30 plus years of live band performances. Because of this Donna has developed a keen ear, strong vocals and a natural, confident stage presence. Don't let her small stature fool you. She has spunk and energy that commands immediate enthusiasm not only on stage but from the crowd as well.

Donna's roots in Country music began at a young age influenced by her father who was also a musician that played the banjo and listened to Country music in the home. Donna and her husband Donny spent their early married years raising their family and playing in 70's and 80's bands and classic rock bands. "Those were the good old days. You should see the pictures complete with bell bottoms, long hair and platform shoes." she said as she grinned and rolled her eyes. "We both have always loved music. It's in our blood." That is obvious when you see their two grown sons perform. They are excellent musicians in their own right.

The past eight years before David Kroll & Heartland was the only time frame in her adult life that she hasn't performed. Now, after an eight year break Donna is back to her country roots doing the thing she loves most. But she's replaced her bell bottoms and platform shoes with country blue jeans and boots. Watch out. She may be small but you know what they say. Dynamite comes in small packages

Mike Peterson

Drummer Mike Peterson has been on stage since he started singing at age three. In 1978 at age ten, he won the State Fair Talent Competition. There, he had the opportunity to open for Bill Cosby, where he sang Kenny Rogers' "Lucille."

Mike started with the guitar at age seven and the drums at age eleven. Since then he has played in several bands throughout a six state area. Since 1998 he has opened for several big acts including Diamond Rio, Toby Keith, The Steve Miller Band, Neal McCoy, Ty Herndon, Chris Cagel, Clay Walker, Chad Brock, and Lonestar. Mike lives in Oquawka, IL with his wife Chris and his two children, Sophie and Andy.

Micah Oleson

Bassist Micah Oleson began playing music in the first grade when he started to learn to play the violin and piano. As a fifth grader he learned to play the trumpet and participated in concert band throughout high school. After months of begging, Micah received a bass guitar from his parents on Christmas at the age of fourteen and fell in love with the instrument. He quickly converted his violin skills over to the bass guitar and began playing bass for the high school jazz band. "My mom was afraid I'd move to California, get tattoos, and have long hair if she bought me a bass. I didn't go to California and I don't have long hair. Two out of three ain't bad."

Micah earned a music scholarship to play bass guitar in the jazz band at Monmouth College and in other musical groups for the school. After college, Micah began his career as an elementary school teacher at Grimes Elementary and as an assistant football coach at Burlington High School in Burlington. He has played in several local bands and traveled throughout the Midwest to perform. Micah lives in Burlington Iowa with his wife Keli and their two children, Brady and Elise.