By Dave Parsons

The Pavilion at Star Lake, nestled in the scenic hills of Western Pennsylvania, near Burgettstown, PA, has played host to hundreds of classic artists, and unforgettable evenings, since they opened in 1990. August 20, 2024 was no different as legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers took the stage, preceded by an equally iconic figure, Steve Winwood, for a night of classic rock, bringing together fans of all ages for a display of music history and timeless hits. 

The crowd was a diverse mix, with older fans who had followed the bands since the 70s, as well as younger fans who had discovered their music through streaming platforms or their parents’ record collections.  On a very unseasonable summer evening around 70 degrees, the crowd’s energy played a factor as the night went on.

Steve Winwood, a musician whose career spans multiple decades and genres, from rock and blues to jazz and R&B, took the stage at 7:30. Winwood’s credits include being a member of the Spencer Davis Group before going on to form Traffic and later Blind Faith. Winwood paid homage to Traffic, opening with one of their songs called Glad, and followed that with Blind Faith’s Can’t Find My Way Home.  

Winwood’s voice was still stong, soulful and powerful as ever. He changed instruments often, playing the Hammond organ the way he did in the 60s and 70s. His setlist was a curated mix of greatest hits, including Gimme Some Lovin’, Dear Mr. Fantasy and Higher Love. 

As he put a few more of hits from his solo career in the middle of his set, Roll With It, and Back In the High Life Again the crowd erupted into applause, clearly appreciative of what they were witnessing.  Winwood was an excellent choice to warm up the crowd, but also to set teh bar high for what was to come.

With the crowd energized by Steve Winwood’s performance, and staving off the temperature dipping into a temperature reaching the low 60’s, the stage was set for The Doobie Brothers.  Starting with Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), the crowd was into the show, clapping hands and singing along.  From the first note, it was clear that the band was in top form, their tight musicianship showcased as they traded off taking leads.

When you have the career the Doobie Brothers have had, it’s got to be a challenge to make sure you play what everyone in the crowd came to hear. Their setlist on this night was a journey through their catalog, featuring both classic hits and deep cuts.

The Doobie Brothers’ ability to craft songs that resonate across generations was evident throughout the concert. Songs like Long Train Runnin’ and the set closer China Grove have stood the test of time. The hits kept coming through the encores like Black Water.  Takin’ It to the Streets, a song that has become an anthem for fans over the years. McDonald took the lead on vocals, his voice carrying the emotional weight of the song’s lyrics as the crowd sang along with every word. The energy was electric, with fans dancing in their seats and waving their hands in the air, fully immersed in the music….and trying to stay warm!!! McDonald mused twice during the set that the energy from the audience was keeping them warm on the stage. 

The band’s rapport with the audience was evident in the way they responded to the crowd’s energy, feeding off the enthusiasm of the fans and diving head first into Listen to the Music, trading the lyrics back and forth with the audience. The mesh had a very calming effect, with everyone on the same plane and together.

It was very rewarding on the way out, to watch the long time fans taking in the performance, and hearing them compare it to others they have seen.  It was even more rewarding to see the fans who were marvelling wide-eyed at seeing these guys, who are in their 70’s, and can still rock the stage like few others.  

…..And the crowd is growing bigger….Listening for the happy sounds

And I got to let them fly…Listen to the music!

Steve Winwood Setlist

  1.) Glad

  2.) Can’t Find My Way Home

  3.) Why Can’t We Live Together

  4.) I’m a Man

  5.) Forty Thousand Headmen

  6.)  Roll With It

  7.) Back in the High Life Again

  8.) Dear Mr. Fantasy

  9.) Higher Love

10.) Gimme Some Lovin’

Doobie Brothers Setlist

  1.) Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)

  2.) Here to Love You

  3.) Dependin’ on You

  4.) Rockin’ Down the Highway

  5.) You Belong to Me

  6.) Cannonball

  7.) Sweet Maxine

  8.) It Keeps You Runnin’

  9.) Eyes of Silver

10.) One Step Closer

11.) World Gone Crazy

12.) Minute by Minute

13.) Without You

14.) Jesus Is Just Alright

15.) What a Fool Believes

16.) Long Train Runnin’

17.) China Grove

Encore:

18.) Black Water

19.) Still Crazy After All These Years

20.) Takin’ It to the Streets

21.) Listen to the Music