The Doobie Brothers returned to Florida Friday night, blasting St. Augustine Beach with rugged rock n’ roll. The ambience was so comfortable, with people of all ages creating an atmosphere that proved the band’s roots in the area to be as deep as the mangroves themselves. It was truly amazing to see such variety at the show.

A sold-out St. Augustine Amphitheatre erupted as the show started with the sounds of “Jesus is Just Alright” cutting the crisp north Florida air. As the show rolled on, they moved into more old favorites such as “Another Park, Another Sunday,” “Long Train Running” and “Black Water.”

To the crowd’s delight, the set also included an appearance by Little Feat’s Bill Payne, who dove straight into a keys and drums jam with drummer Ed Toth. Instead of taking an extended set break and ending late, they had a feature key section, quickly accompanied by percussionist Ed Toth, for the amount of time a typical jam band would have a Drums-type jam.

Another highlight came when John McFee when he swapped out his guitar for a violin, and later a harmonica. Having never been to a complete Doobie Brothers show (I’ve only seen them with side project like “The Doobie Incident” with The String Cheese Incident), I was blown away with this demonstration of diversity and talent, and the band’s cohesiveness even with three guitars and Marc Russo’s saxophone. The show felt like a veritable Doobie Brothers show, leaving me full of gratitude and admiration.

They filled the venue with an incredible energy, which began even as eager fans made their way through the gates, and carried all the way through the night. As fans began to pack up and head home, the band returned with an encore of “Listen To The Music.” I’m glad I stayed and listened.

Check out the full gallery by Staged Right Photography and Design, below.

The Doobie Brothers @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre 11/11/16:

Set: Jesus Is Just Alright, Rockin’ Down the Highway, Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), Another Park, Another Sunday, Clear as the Driven Snow, Spirit, World Gone Crazy, Eyes of Silver, Dark Eyed Cajun Woman, Sweet Maxine, Keyboard Jam**>Takin’ It to the Streets*,The Doctor*, Black Water***, Long Train Runnin’****, China Grove*.

Encore: Without You*, Listen to the Music*

Notes:

*featuring Bill Payne of Little Feat
**Solo
*** John McFee on Violin
****John McFee on Harmonica