The Doobie Brothers, yes, of course; but which brothers? The Hell’s Angels house band co-fronted by Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, purveyors of a feel-good, easygoing rock and owners of a litany of classic hits such as “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Long Train Running”? Or the slick, jazzy sophistication of the Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter era and its litany of smooth rock hits, with which the Angels, apparently, were none too pleased? A little bit of both, one presumes, as this über-durable classic American outfit takes to the road again, with Johnston and Simmons passing the mic like old times.
This, actually, is not a band to be taken lightly, its dated and joke-butt name notwithstanding. The cats can really play, and at least two of their classic early records – The Captain and Me and What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits – hold up every bit as well as the more celebrated California light and country rock of their era. Catch the Doobie Brothers on Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m. at the Belleayre Music Festival. Ticket prices are $95, $76, $66 and $56 for reserved seating and $26 for the lawn.
The Belleayre Music Festival is located at Belleayre Mountain on Route 28 in Highmount. For more information, call (800) 942-6904, extension 1344, or visit www.belleayremusic.org.
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