Donato has performed with some of the best known musicians of the genre, namely Al McKay of Earth, Wind and Fire, Bruce Conte of Tower of Power and Steve Reid of The Rippingtons.

Donato also fronted Reid's Bamboo Forest for four years. He has worked outside the smooth jazz genre as well, most notably with Gerald Levert and Richard Marx. In addition, Donato frequently tours with his own band, The Art of Sax.

Donato's work can also be heard on the number one Steve Oliver hit from 2006, High Noon as well as on the soundtracks of Thelma and Louise, The Untouchables and The Wedding Planner.

A resident of Palm Springs, California, Donato is a frequent headliner with The Art of Sax at smooth jazz concerts in the area. He is also a frequent guest of Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a pioneering smooth jazz concert promoter and morning drive radio personality on Palm Springs' KJJZ.