Feb 27, 2025 By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger 4 min read

The Doobie Brothers ruled the airwaves in the 1970s and continues to be revered today. A quick visit to Reddit’s music forums reveals fans praising them as “insanely talented,” “highly influential,” and more. Search for songs like “China Grove,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and “Black Water” on YouTube, and you’ll find thousands of views-proof that listeners are still drawn to the band’s distinctive, soulful sound. The music that defined an era continues to resonate with both old and new fans.

For those who crave another taste of that unmistakable Doobie sound, Listen to the Music delivers. The tribute band celebrates more than five decades of Doobie Brothers hits, which are still in heavy rotation on classic rock stations worldwide.

Comprised of musicians who hail from Canada, Listen to the Music, will be at Greensburg’s Palace Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The lineup includes Kevin O’Donnell on drums, Riley O’Donnell and James Naro on guitar and vocals, Chris Dahmer on keys and vocals and Dave Johns on bass.

A life in music

O’Donnell recalls music being ever-present in his childhood, shaping his future career. “My parents are Irish immigrants who played Celtic music when I was young. When I reached high school, I got into rock and was fascinated with drums for some reason and began playing at age 16,” said O’Donnell.

O’Donnell began performing in bars and collaborating with a friend who had a home studio. “It was the 1970s and the studio was in his basement,” he said, indicating that his friend helped pave the way for gigs down the road. That friend was none other than Daniel Lanois, who went on to become a producer for legends like Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, U2 and Emmylou Harris, and who has also had his own solo career.

O’Donnell more recently played with an Eagles tribute band called Hotel California. “I was their Don Henley for six years and we played at The Palace a few times,” he said. O’Donnell eventually left Hotel California for a more balanced lifestyle. “I was never home due to a ridiculously hectic touring schedule, so I decided to put together my own tribute band. I then realized that no one in Canada was doing the Doobies,” he explained.

O’Donnell said that people will enjoy listening to James Naro as Michael McDonald. “James’ father was Phil Naro-the lead singer of the Buffalo-based band Talas, which toured with top ’80s rock bands like Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot and Iron Maiden,” O’Donnell said.

Today Listen to the Music performs about 50 shows a year and has been well received. “People are blown away by the musicianship and comment on it all the time,” said O’Donnell, adding that attendees also remark on how much fun the band seems to be having on stage. “That energy becomes contagious,” he said.

O’Donnell is also thrilled to be playing with his son Riley O’Donnell on guitar and vocals. “My son is a brilliant guitar player, keyboard player and singer,” said O’Donnell. “Agents tell us that we are notches above most tribute bands, so we pride ourselves on that,” he adds.

Some of the band’s favorite moments are the post-show meet-and-greets. “It’s great to actually talk to our fans as they are leaving the concert. We hand out posters with our contact information on them so that they can follow us. They seem to really appreciate that and sometimes we’ll spend close to an hour chatting after a show. It’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Gary Latshaw of Latshaw Productions said that Listen to the Music sets a high bar for tribute bands. “The music of the Doobie Brothers is so classic. Hearing this band perform made us rethink tribute acts. There’s a certain artistry to what they do and that makes for a wonderful evening of entertainment; the audience won’t be disappointed,” he said.

To purchase tickets, visit the announcement at The Westmoreland Cultural Trust website at https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/doobie-brothers-tribute-2025/

Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a freelance writer.