Douglas J. Neel is a multi-instrumentalist from Columbus, OH, who specializes in performance and education.
As a freelance musician, Douglas has performed with numerous artists/ensembles/groups throughout the region, including The Conspiracy Band, the Michael Shirtz 4tet, The Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Walt Sanders & The Cadillac Band, Canta BRASIL, The Pinup Project, Trio NOT, Yumbambé, Paul Brown’s Science Gravy Orchestra, Central Ohio Brass Band, The Harmony Project, The Dominion Brass, the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, the Student Loan, Soul Kitch’n, Matt King & The Roustabout Band, and the Broadway touring shows of Hairspray, A Chorus Line, and Chicago. Additionally, Douglas has shared the stage with such greats as Melissa Manchester, Mary McClendon, "Blue" Lou Marini, Jay Ashby, Elizabeth Von Trapp, Ernie Krivda, Aretha Franklin, Mark Gridley, the Urban Jazz Coalition, and continues to lead his own group, The DN5tet, on a variety of performances.
Following their 2017 album release, "Balance," The DN5tet has had the privilege of performing at the Sandusky State Theater, The Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus' Jazz & Ribs Fest, The Refectory, Dick's Den (as part of two separate month-long residencies), and numerous other venues throughout the region.
Currently, Douglas is on the Adjunct Faculty at both Capital University (Conservatory of Music) and Otterbein University (Department of Music). Douglas has also served on the faculty at Bowling Green State Univ., Mt. Vernon Nazarene Univ., Univ. of Findlay, and Terra State Community College throughout his career.
In addition to being an Affiliated Educator for Benedetto Guitars, Douglas is also an Edwards Trombones Affilliated Artist, and performs throughout the region as a trombonist, 7-string guitarist, and bassist. He holds degrees from the Capital University- Conservatory of Music (BM, Music Performance) and Bowling Green State University- College of Musical Arts (MM, Dual Specialization).
