Spotlight:
Long Train Runnin’
The Doobie Brothers have held the groove for 53 years
by Garrick Rawlings
Long before Americana was recognized as a genre, The Doobie Brothers were already exactly that.
Coming out of the late 1960s Bay Area hippie scene, most bands focused on folk and psychedelic rock. The Doobies blended R&B, gospel, blues, jazz, country rock and biker boogie, incorporating extraordinary three-part vocal harmonies on top of it all.
Over 50 years later, The Doobie Brothers are remarkably intact. Original band founders, singers and guitarists Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston are still at the helm, and touring with the band for the first time in over 25 years is singer and keyboard player Michael McDonald, who joined in 1975. Add multi instrumentalist John McFee, who joined in 1979, and this tour is vintage Doobie Brothers.
The Doobies are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for good reason. Few bands in history played a more joyous brand of rock and roll. The variety of styles the individual musicians bring to the band is what makes them so attractively eclectic. The foundation of their perfect meld of diversities lay within Johnston’s appreciation R&B artists like Little Richard and James Brown coupled with Simmons’ love of straight up 1950s rock and roll like Bill Haley, the country fingerstyle of Chet Atkins and Doc Watson’s flatpickin’ style. As a fan, Simmons was influenced by watching guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) performing around the bay area who in turn, turned him on to traditional bluesmen like Reverend Gary Davis and Jessie Fuller.
From the beginning, the Doobies were adept in both acoustic and electric music, creating wonderful blends of both. They jammed around the Bay Area without a proper band name for a little while until a friend made the suggestion, “Hey, you guys smoke so many joints, why don’t you just call yourselves the Doobie Brothers?”
“We said, ‘What a dopey name.’ And that was it,” Simmons wrote in the band’s collective memoir, Long Train Runnin’. “I mean, we thought it was just a joke, but we were gonna use it for the gig and then change it to something better. But it just kind of stuck. So many bands have mysterious stories behind their names, but with us, what you see is what you get. We were destined to be the Doobie Brothers forever.”
The DB lineup evolved over the years resulting in a constant and successful progression of style; their recording career beginning in 1971 with their eponymously titled debut album. On their second album, 1972’s Toulouse Street, Lawndale’s own Tiran Porter joined, making the Doobies one of the early integrated bands. Like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers before them, they also added a second drummer. Toulouse Street was where the band found their sound, scoring their first big chart hits with the Johnston-penned “Listen to the Music” and “Rockin’ Down the Highway.”
Next up was 1973’s The Captain and Me (“Long Train Runnin” and “China Grove”) followed by 1974’s What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits where Simmons hit paydirt with the funky, southern influenced and first DB #1 hit, “Black Water.”
In 1976, the Doobies fortuitously invited Michael McDonald to join the band. He possessed a deep soul voice and his keyboard playing, particularly on the Hammond B-3 organ, gave the band another level altogether. McDonald’s first album with the band was Takin’ It to the Streets and the title track was his first big hit with the band as singer/songwriter, followed by “It Keeps You Runnin’.”
The Doobie Brothers would reconstitute in many forms over the years, but with McDonald back in the band for the first time in 26 years, this is the most fully formed the original lineup has been this century. “To have Mike McDonald with us these days is a bonus,” Simmons said. “It’s been a long time.”
Simmons is a California boy to the core who now splits his time between Maui, Hawaii and Mendocino County. He is looking forward to performing in Redondo, relating to the lifestyle.
“I’m kind of a coast rat,” Simmons said. “I used to surf a lot in Santa Cruz and I surfed in Hawaii….It’s a beautiful country, we’re pretty fortunate, America is a beautiful place.”
Few musicians on earth are in a band they started in their early 20s that is still rocking down the highway in their early 70s.
“Well you know, every day is a gift, that’s all I can say….It’s something I don’t take for granted,” Simmons said. “I love playing. I always wanted to be in a band, I get to travel the world, meet people, see things, I feel like I’m in high school still, I get to play with great, great people and have fun with my friends. A lot of that is serendipity, the chemistry, in so many respects it’s just an accident, to meet up with somebody and hit it off and having the longevity of the band. It’s a happy accident.”
The Doobies Brothers play BeachLife Ranch September 23.
Upcoming:
Breast Cancer Awareness Beach Event
Join Soho Yoga, Malibu Dana, and Optimist Made to raise money for The Breast Cancer Fundraiser and to kick off breast cancer awareness month in Hermosa Beach. Sunday, October 1 from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Check in at 14th St. and the sand at 10 a.m. Yoga will start at 10:15 a.m. All levels. Sign up: sohoyoga.com (under “workshops” tab). Proceeds will benefit The BCF to help preserve the dignity of breast cancer patients through WeCare packages that provide love & compassionate, tangible support during treatment.
Bat battle at Redondo High
Saturday, September 30. Brett Mendoza Battle of the Bay Wood Bat tournament at Redondo High School, 1 Sea Hawk Way. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate Wellness
Sunday, October 22. Cancer Support Community of South Bay Annual “Celebrate Wellness, a food and beverage tasting event in the garden at the South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Proceeds will be directed to free programs of support, education and hope offered by CSC South Bay. Tickets are $175 per person (guests must be 21 and older) and can be purchased online at CelebrateWellness.org or by calling (310) 376-3550.
Thursday, September 21
Actions for peace
UN International Day of Peace 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. at the Manhattan Beach Civic Plaza, 325 13th Street. Information: @STAND4PEACE.ORG.
Farmers markets
The Redondo Beach Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 309 Esplanade, Veterans Park. Information: (310) 372-1171, ext. 2252.
El Segundo Certified Farmers’ Market, 3 – 7 p.m., 300 block of Main Street. Information: farmersmarket@elsegundo.org.
Top Gun Maverick at the RB pier
Top Gun Maverick, 7 p.m. at Fisherman’s Wharf, 100 Torrance Blvd. Movies start at dusk so actual time may vary. Bring a low back beach chair or blanket. No alcohol, animals or smoking allowed. Arrive early for best seating and grab takeout at one of the many restaurants on the pier and boardwalk. Information: redondpier.com.
Friday, September 22
BeachLife Ranch in Redondo
Three days of country, Americana, and good times on the beach! Giddy up! Tickets and Information: beachliferanch.com.
The Vault
Art showcase at The Vault Gallery, 1212 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. 7 – 10 p.m. Artists to be announced. Free. Information: vaultgallery.com.
Metlox outdoor gallery
The 1st Annual Metlox Outdoor Art Gallery exhibit. Featuring over 25 local artists, and live music. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Metlox Outdoor Plaza, Morningside Dr. & 13th St., Manhattan Beach. Information: Downtownmanhattanbeach.com.
Friday fun for preschoolers at Madrona Marsh
Hands-on program for preschoolers, ages 3-6 years, and their parents or guardians at the Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance. Free every Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Storytime, science, art, and a tour in the Preserve emphasizing the chosen topic. The first hour inside the Nature Center and the second hour in the Preserve. The topics emphasize respect for all living things and prepare the children (and parents) to be good stewards of the planet. Call the marsh to register: (310) 782-3989.
Farmers market
Hermosa Beach Rotary hosts a Certified Farmers Market, noon – 4 p.m., 1035 Valley Drive.
Saturday, September 23
Secret of Blue Zones movie
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, featuring Dan Buettner, will be shown at 3 p.m. at South Bay Adventist Church, 401 S. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach. Following the movie, Anna Evans, a plant based cooking instructor, will demonstrate some delicious recipes. Attendees will receive food samples of the recipes that were demonstrated. This movie and cooking demo are free and everyone is welcome. Register and Info: SouthBayChurch.net.
Rolling Hills celebration
City of Rolling Hills 66th annual city celebration. Hay rides, pony sweeps, petting zoos, stickers and stick races. Equestrian competitions and a poker chip ride will be available for equestrians. . 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Empty Saddle Club, 39 Empty Saddle Rd., Rolling Hills. Information: Contact Rosa Pinuelas, Community Services Supervisor, (310) 377-1577, ext. 109, or visit RHE.city/celebrate.
Ukulele Festival in Torrance
The Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival takes place Sat. 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Unlimited access to workshops for all levels, live performances throughout the day, strum-alongs and presentations, ukulele marketplace, food, and, of course, shaved ice. Free classes for absolute beginners in the Nakano Theatre all day Saturday, along with demonstrations and prizes. Seats are first come, first served; attendees must bring their own ukulele. Torrance Cultural Arts Center; 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Full festival lineup, artist & workshops, and to purchase tickets: losangelesukulelefestival.com.
The day the earth stood still at Old Town Music Hall
Michael Rennie plays “Klaatu,” an outer-space alien who comes to earth in his flying saucer to send Earthlings a very important message. The cast, story, and direction come together perfectly to make this film perhaps the most popular science fiction movie ever made. Suitable for all ages. 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. Information and tickets: oldtownmusichall.org, (310) 322-2592.
Sunday, September 24
Torrance Antique Street Faire
Torrance Antique Street Faire has 200+ sellers. Sartori, El Prado, Marcelina & Post, and the Red Car Brewery Parking lot. Antique Appraisal only $3 per item. Live Music – The Alley Oops. Lots of great restaurants. Free admission, parking, and pet friendly. Information: (310) 328-6107, @streetfaireantiques.
PV 5K
Walk or run a 5K (3.1 miles) in beautiful Palos Verdes. Annual fundraiser to support all programs and services of We Are Brave Together, an NPO that supports the mental health of Caregiving Moms to children with disabilities and all unique needs. 8:30 – 11 a.m. Golden Cove Center, 31204 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes. Information: wearebravetogether.org/annual-5k-2023.
Plane pull for Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Southern California Plane Pull is a team competition to see which team of 25 can pull a 124,000-pound jet 12 feet the fastest. At the last in-person Plane Pull event in 2022, they raised over $250,000 for Special Olympics Southern California athletes! 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Long Beach Airport (Cherry side), 2830 E. Wardlow Rd. Information, donation, and register to pull: secure2.convio.net/sosc/site/TR?fr_id=1940&pg=entry. Questions: Luke Farnell at lfarnell@sosc.org.
Hermosa paper shred and compost
Free to residents of Hermosa. Bring your own containers and shovels for the compost. Paper shredding will be done on site safely and securely. Community Center, 710 Pier Ave., enter the driveway off Pier Ave. Contact Doug Drauss with any questions: (310) 750-3603.
Hermosa Coastal cleanup
Help clean our coastlines in an effort to keep our oceans healthy. Hermosa Beach is one of 50 sites all over LA County where volunteers will participate in the year’s Coastal Cleanup Day. Registration and supplies will be located near the Hermosa Pier. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable buckets and gloves. Registration begins at 9 a.m., cleanup 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Farmers markets
The Riviera Village Certified Farmers Market in Redondo Beach, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1801 S. Elena Ave. Information: rivieravillagefarmersmarket.com.
Palos Verdes Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills. (310) 328-8076.
Monday, September 25
No bullying at MB Library
Educate and inspire kids and teens to create a world without bullying. For ages 10+ with a parent and caregiver. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave. Register: visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/8991809.
Tuesday, September 26
Mayor Montgomery coffee time
A casual conversation over coffee with the Mayor of Manhattan Beach, Richard Montgomery. 3:30 – 4:40 p.m. Dunkin’, 1100 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Every first and last Tuesday of the month. Check the city’s calendar at manhattanbeach.gov to confirm location.
Farmers markets
Torrance Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd. (between Sepulveda Blvd. and Carson St.). The Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers Market from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Metlox Plaza, 13th St. & Morningside. Information: downtownmanhattanbeach.com.
Wednesday, September 27
PM Yoga on the RB pier
Free Yoga on the Pier, 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach (west end of the pier). 6 – 7 p.m. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. All levels are welcome. Free.
Ongoing:
MB community art exhibition
Now through October 8, discover the 6th Annual Community Exhibition (ACE) at Manhattan Beach Art Center. Immerse yourself in an eclectic showcase of local artists’ talent across various mediums. Wed. – Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Questions: (310) 802-5440.
Bingo
Thursdays from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Hermosa Five-O Senior Activity Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Win great prizes and make new friends. $1.50/card. Information: hbconnect@hermosabeach.gov. (310) 318-0280.
Hermosa exercise for seniors
Every Friday. Mind & Muscle; Bodywork by Joy. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. This class will focus on functional movement and mobility training (360 degrees) with exercises that will raise your heart-rate, strengthen your body, and teach you to activate your muscles. Athletic shoes and bring a mat, and a mask (yes we wear masks to keep everyone healthy and safe). Hermosa Five-O Senior Activity Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Information: hbconnect@hermosabeach.gov. (310) 318-0280.
Yoga on the roof in Redondo
One hour all-levels free yoga classes on the roof at the Sonesta Hotel, Redondo Beach. Bring yoga mat, water, and blocks if you prefer to use them. Donation based class. Arrive at the lobby and tell the front desk you are here for yoga. Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m., Monday sunset class 5 p.m. 300 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach.
AM Yoga on the pier in Redondo
Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. All levels welcome. Weather permitting. Second Saturdays, monthly through December, 10 – 11 a.m. Fisherman’s Wharf, the west end of the pier. Information: redondopier.com.
