Before the deluge: The Doobies give the crowd some music to listen to, all the time -- until the rain came. Photo by Bill Brownlee/Special to The Star
It seemed like the Doobie Brothers' fault. A threatening storm held off until the classic rock hitmakers decided to play "Black Water." Then the skies over Starlight Theater immediately opened.
After a 55-minute delay, Chicago began performing in the downpour. They were on stage for a rain-soaked hour, including a two-song closing set with their co-headliners. The Doobie Brothers squeezed in 40 minutes before their unfortunate song choice.
It's a shame; both bands were in fine form Thursday night. They validated the decisions of the approximately 6,000 fans who purchased high-dollar tickets to see acts that enjoyed commercial peaks over 25 years ago. Both boast timeless songs and dynamic presentations that keep mold and dust at bay.
Even when the Doobie Brothers tested the audience's patience by offering several album tracks in a row, they remained remarkably vital. Their rhythm section was so organically powerful that it was impossible to distinguish between their groove and the rolling thunder overhead.
While their focus is feel-good boogie of the first order, their sterling interpretation of blues, folk, country and rock material demonstrated that the Doobie Brothers continue to be no less viable than the Allman Brothers or any number of Grateful Dead spinoffs.
About half the audience remained sheltered to the side and back of Starlight as Chicago raced through a set of familiar horn-driven hits, but those who braved the buckets of rain to stand at the front of the stage enjoyed a deliriously fun production.
"Beginnings," "Dialogue," "Saturday In the Park" and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" took on new meaning in the deluge. Only "Colour My World," Chicago's finest ballad, suffered noticeably in the hostile elements.
The tossed-off talent displayed by Robert Lamm, Bill Champlin, James Pankow and company resembled a relaxed session in a recording studio, albeit one with a very leaky roof.
The two bands joined forces for a rushed encore of "Listen To the Music" and "25 or 6 to 4." The combination didn't add much musically, but it's worth noting that the cumulative age of the musicians on stage was well over 800. Take that, Rolling Stones.
Nicola Congiu's brief opening set initially seemed like an amusing joke. Parodying the smarmiest elements of Clay Aiken, Michael Buble and Josh Groban is a good gag. Remarkably, the Italian wasn't kidding. Just like everyone else at Starlight, he was all wet.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
I doubt the Doobies could be "no less viable" than the Allmans. I will give Mr. Brownlee props for enduring the rain though.
Posted by: John Beginningscreech | June 13, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Quote: Even when the Doobie Brothers tested the audience's patience by offering several album tracks in a row, they remained remarkably vital.
My patience wasn't tested! Gosh, that is how the Doobies do it! What's wrong with that??
Posted by: Barb C. | June 14, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I have completely given up on any Outdoor Concerts in KC Area. Had 4th Row, Saw 4 songs before the Flood. It never fails, it is 100+ Degrees with 100% Humidity or Snowing so that you cannot get to the venue even if it is indoors.
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