This is the typical scene anytime Donal Hinely plays his homemade instrument, the glass harmonica. With a little water, an agile touch, and an odd assortment of wine glasses and brandy snifters purchased at thrift stores, he has entertained and delighted groups like this one at festivals, street fairs, coffee houses, special events, private parties, weddings, and art shows throughout the southern and mid eastern United States. He learned this obsolete art--which dates back to the days of Mozart-- from his older brother Terry Hinely, a self taught glass harmonica player. Together in 1988 they formed Glasnots, a group which played traditional Irish and original music and featured Terry on the glasses and Donal on guitar and vocals. Glasnots primarily played Renaissance festivals in Texas and were successful recording artists producing 6 CDs over an eight year span.

Since Terry's untimely death in 1997, Donal has carried on the glass tradition pioneered by his brother, playing an eclectic repertoire of traditional tunes from the British Isles, classical music, original compositions, and holiday favorites. Now based in Tennessee, he has been the subject of many local news features and NPR programs and even performed for the Governor of Tennessee at the opening of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Nashville. As a solo artist, he has produced 3 albums of traditional and original glass music.