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Doobie Brothers Bring Classic Rock Fire to Ruoff Music Center – Concert Review and Photos

By Larry Philpot on September 15, 2025

On a crisp, clear Saturday evening in Noblesville, Indiana, the Doobie Brothers rolled into town and lit up the Ruoff Music Center (puns intended)—a venue that’s earned its title as the #1 Live Nation venue in the world two years running. With temperatures hovering around 75 degrees, fans filed into the amphitheater for a night of timeless rock and soul.

The Coral Reefer Band opened the show with a vibrant, beachy set that felt like a party on the sand.

File Photo: The Coral Reefer Band performs in Noblesville, Indiana on September 13, 2025 (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

The Coral Reefer Band is best known as the longtime touring and recording ensemble behind the late Jimmy Buffett, blending tropical rock, country, and folk into a laid-back sound that defined the “Gulf and Western” genre. Formed officially in 1975, the band’s name is a cheeky nod to both coral reefs and “reefer,” reflecting Buffett’s beach-bum persona and lyrical themes.

Origins and Legacy

The band’s roots trace back to Buffett’s early performances in the 1970s, when harmonica player Greg “Fingers” Taylor first joined him on stage at The Hub in Mississippi. That impromptu collaboration sparked a decades-long musical partnership. Over the years, the Coral Reefer Band became a revolving door of talented musicians, many of whom were seasoned session players or solo artists in their own right.

Even after Buffett’s passing in September 2023, the Coral Reefer Band chose to continue performing his music, honoring his request to “keep the party going.” They reunited publicly in April 2024 for a tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl and later played a full set at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. They played a full set tonight, as well, and fans loved it. My setlists are below.

As of tonight’s show, the Coral Reefer Band includes:

Mac McAnally – Guitar/Vocals
Mick Utley – Keyboards
Scotty Emerick – Guitar/Vocals
Robert Greenidge – Steel Drums
Peter Mayer – Guitar/Vocals
Jim Mayer – Bass
Roger Guth – Drums
Doyle Grisham – Pedal Steel Guitar
John Lovell – Trumpet (from Indianapolis, Indiana)
Tina Gullickson – Vocals
Nadirah Shakoor – Vocals
Eric Darken – Percussion

These musicians helped shape the sound of Buffett’s live shows, which were more than concerts—they were full-blown beach parties with conga lines, Hawaiian shirts, and frozen margaritas.

Musical Style and Influence

The Coral Reefer Band’s style is a fusion of country rock, Caribbean rhythms, and folk storytelling. Their arrangements often feature steel drums, horns, and layered harmonies, creating a breezy, escapist vibe. They’ve backed Buffett on hits like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Come Monday,” and contributed to dozens of studio albums and live recordings. Tonight, they carried on the Buffet legacy, and nobody was disappointed.

Thirteen members strong, they filled the stage with layered vocals, breezy rhythms, and a contagious energy. Beach balls bounced across the crowd, and plenty of folks over 60 danced like they were 20 again. Their setlist was a walk down memory lane of Jimmy Buffet’s career.

The Doobies Take The Stage by Storm

The Doobie Brothers formed in 1970 in San Jose, California. Tom Johnston and John Hartman started the group, later joined by Patrick Simmons and Dave Shogren. Johnston’s love for rhythm and blues and Simmons’ fingerstyle guitar created a sound that blended rock, soul, and folk. Their name came from a friend’s joking suggestion, referencing their fondness for passing around “doobies” during jam sessions.

Over the years, the band evolved. Michael McDonald joined in 1975, bringing a smooth, soulful vibe that reshaped their sound. His background with Steely Dan added depth and sophistication to their arrangements. The band’s ability to reinvent themselves has kept them relevant across decades.

Current Touring Lineup

Tom Johnston – guitars, keyboards, harmonica, vocals
Patrick Simmons – guitars, banjo, recorder, vocals
Michael McDonald – keyboards, synthesizers, vocals
John McFee – guitars, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, harmonica, vocals
John Cowan – bass, vocals
Marc Russo – saxophones
Ed Toth – drums
Marc Quiñones – percussion, backing vocals

Biggest Hits That Still Resonate

“Listen to the Music” – written by Tom Johnston
“What a Fool Believes” – written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins
“Black Water” – written by Patrick Simmons

Relationships and Collaborations

Michael McDonald has collaborated with just about everyone, but mostly Kenny Loggins, Patti LaBelle, and James Ingram. His duet “Yah Mo B There” with Ingram won a Grammy.

Television and Film Appearances

The Doobie Brothers have appeared on shows like Saturday Night Live, What’s Happening!!, and The Tonight Show. Their music has been featured in films including Forrest Gump, Joe Dirt, and Pawn Sacrifice.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. They’ve won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for “What a Fool Believes.” Their compilation album Best of the Doobies went diamond, selling over ten million copies.

The Concert Experience

When the Doobie Brothers took the stage, the crowd roared. They launched into “Take Me In Your Arms” with tight harmonies and crisp guitar work. Johnston’s vocals were strong, and Simmons’ solos felt effortless. McDonald’s smooth delivery on “Minute by Minute” and “What a Fool Believes” drew cheers from every corner of the venue.

The setlist was a journey through their catalog. “Long Train Runnin’” had the crowd clapping in rhythm, while “Black Water” brought a swampy groove that felt timeless. The encore included “Streets” and “Listen to the Music,” closing the night with pure joy. There were several singalongs.

Ruoff Music Center’s acoustics were flawless. Every note rang clear, and the lighting added depth to the performance, with the light wall showing clips of their younger selves, performing. Fans left smiling.

Final Thoughts

Normally, I’d write about the highlight of the show, but the entire show was a highlight, with just a two minute technical glitch between song 1 and song 2. The Doobie Brothers aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. Their sound remains fresh, their energy contagious, as classic rock remains timeless. With a lineup that blends original members and seasoned musicians, they continue to deliver unforgettable shows. Tonight in Noblesville was no exception. My setlists, below: