Takin' It To The Streets

Still suffering from jet lag on August 26, we nonetheless found our way to one of the major concerts of the summer at the Cuthbert Amphitheatre: The Doobie Brothers and ZZ Top, two of my favorite bands. The Doobie Brothers opened and played all their hits -- including “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Listen To The Music.”

Hailing from San Jose, California, The Doobie Brothers initially employed two drummers, providing a solid backing beat for three lead guitarists. The band hit all the high notes despite the smoke-choked venue as nearly 80 forest fires burned throughout the Northwest, producing an orange glow over the cover on the stage (above).

Next up, ZZ Top -- the blues-influenced band from Texas -- rocked the Cuthbert at full volume with their hits going back to the 1970s. The band, known for its humorous lyrics laced with double entendres and innuendo, puts out more sound than bands twice its size. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.