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Santana and the Doobie Brothers Bring Timeless Rock to Noblesville

By Larry Philpot on June 24, 2026

On a warm June evening at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, the Oneness Tour paired two legendary acts whose sounds have shaped rock music for decades. The Doobie Brothers opened with their signature blend of tight harmonies, driving guitars, and soulful grooves. Santana followed with fiery guitar solos and a deep, percussion-heavy foundation that felt both nostalgic and fresh.

The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers formed in San Jose, California, in 1970. Founding members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons built the band around strong songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and a mix of rock, blues, and country influences. Their early hits included “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” “Black Water,” and “Long Train Runnin’.” When Michael McDonald joined in 1975, the sound shifted toward smoother blue-eyed soul. Songs like “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” and the Grammy-winning “What a Fool Believes” became major radio successes. The group disbanded in the early 1980s but has reunited in different forms over the years. Their recent album Walk This Road marked the first studio project featuring Johnston, Simmons, McDonald, and longtime member John McFee together as the main songwriters.

The Doobie Brothers took the stage at 7:10 p.m. and played for about 80 minutes. They delivered a strong selection of their biggest hits with crisp playing and excellent vocal blends. During the set, the band introduced Michael McDonald as “the new guy,” a warm and lighthearted moment that brought smiles from longtime fans. The performance felt relaxed yet polished, and it was clear everyone on stage was enjoying the music.

Current Lineup

Tom Johnston – guitar, lead vocals
Patrick Simmons – guitar, banjo, lead vocals
Michael McDonald – keyboards, mandolin, lead vocals
John McFee – guitar, violin, pedal steel guitar, backing vocals
John Cowan – bass, backing vocals (touring)
Ed Toth – drums, percussion (touring)
Marc Quiñones – percussion, vocals (touring)
Marc Russo – saxophone (touring)

Most Likely Setlist

(Based on the Noblesville performance and recent dates on the tour)

Rockin’ Down the Highway
Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)
Dependin’ on You
I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)
Walk This Road
It Keeps You Runnin’
Minute by Minute
Without You
Jesus Is Just Alright
What a Fool Believes
Long Train Runnin’
(plus additional classics such as China Grove)

Santana

Carlos Santana formed his band in San Francisco in 1966. The group broke through at Woodstock in 1969 and scored an early hit with “Evil Ways.” Signature songs like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” helped define their Latin-rock fusion style. The 1999 album Supernatural brought a major comeback with the hit “Smooth.” Santana has won multiple Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His live shows continue to emphasize powerful guitar work, spiritual themes, and extended instrumental jams.

Santana took the stage around 9:05 p.m. The set mixed well-known classics with extended jams and strong percussion. Carlos spoke about guardian angels watching over us. He paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Graham, who ran the famous Fillmore venues, and then honored his friend Clive Davis, who had passed away earlier that day. Those moments added a sincere and reflective feeling to the evening.

Current Lineup

Carlos Santana – lead guitar, vocals
Cindy Blackman Santana – drums
Benny Rietveld – bass
David K. Mathews – keyboards
Karl Perazzo – percussion, vocals
Andy Vargas – vocals

Most Likely Setlist

(Based on the Noblesville performance and consistent tour shows)

Soul Sacrifice
Jin-go-lo-ba (Jingo)
Evil Ways
Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Maria Maria
Foo Foo
Everybody’s Everything
Victory Is Won (preceded by tributes to Bill Graham and Clive Davis)
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) / Come Together
Bass and drum solo
Drum solo (Cindy Blackman Santana, followed by band introductions)

(with various jams and musical snippets woven throughout the set)

The performances from both bands were strong and heartfelt. It was a solid night of well-played classics in a relaxed atmosphere. If the Oneness Tour comes to your area, it’s a good opportunity to see these veteran acts together.