Two Nights Of Doobies

I just finished working my second consecutive Doobie Brothers show at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

The band sounded amazing after 50 plus years together. I had once again almost forgotten how many great tunes an old band had and what a big part their music played in the soundtrack of my life. Growing up, my family travelled by car quite a bit, whether it was driving to Brooklyn to see family or our many camping trips up and down the East coast. My dad always had music playing and it was a while before I owned a Walkman…which, for the youngsters, was kind of the first iPod…which for the younger youngsters, was the predecessor to the AirPod. Take Me In Your Arms, Rockin’ Down The Highway, You Belong To Me, Jesus Is Just Alright, China Grove and more. I sat in front of the stage, right under the great Tom Johnston on night one, for the final five songs. It may seem odd, but it is sometimes a bit moving to see the sheer joy that music brings to total strangers. While facing the crowd, I’m always scanning for potential problems, but I can’t help but enjoy watching the smiles, passion and sometimes tears that are present in the faces of the concert goers.

On night two, I was positioned about fifteen feet in front of the legendary Michael McDonald. Besides being the main vocalist on many of the Doobies (and his own) hits, his unmistakable voice can be heard on countless great songs from Steely Dan, Toto, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins and many more. For the final five songs this time, I was sent backstage and stood twenty feet behind Michael McDonald while he sang Takin It To The Streets and Listen To The Music.

At the end of the show, I was tasked with walking each band member back to the busses, one at a time. When Michael came out, he thanked every single crew member around him individually. I emphasize that because many artists do not. Some dont even notice the dozens of workers who make their shows happen. I’m sure musicians have a lot going through their heads when they are on tour, moving from one show to the next, but the guys and ladies that take a few seconds to show their appreciation will always be the ones who stand out to me. I pointed my flashlight down the dark sidewalk and said, “Right this way.” He thanked me and as we walked, I told him I really liked his recent interview with Rick Beato. (If you don’t know, google it!!) He said, “That was a lot of fun, wasn’t it?” We worked our way past some overzealous fans and got to his bus. He thanked me again and I patted his shoulder and said, Thank you.”

I always say that sometimes it’s the little things., but sometimes the little things aren’t so little…to me, anyway.