Campus JAX
On July 26, 2024, Campus JAX in Newport Beach hosted a night to remember with The Doobie Doubles, an electrifying tribute to The Doobie Brothers. The event, which began with a delicious dinner at 8 PM, set the perfect stage for an evening of great food and classic rock nostalgia. Fans packed the venue, eager to see the band's debut full-length show, and the atmosphere was electric from the start.
As The Doobie Doubles took the stage, the crowd was instantly captivated by their flawless renditions of The Doobie Brothers' classic hits. The band didn't just stick to the well-known songs but also treated the audience to deep cuts like “Don’t Stop to Watch the Wheels” and “Depending on You,” showcasing their versatility and commitment to paying homage to the original band. Each track was performed with passion and precision, seamlessly flowing from one to the next, with minimal talk in between—something attendees, including a charming couple who are regulars at Campus JAX, particularly appreciated.
The concert was elevated by an impressive video display behind the band, adding to the vibrant atmosphere, while the venue’s top-notch sound system ensured every note resonated clearly throughout the room. Fans who couldn’t make it to Newport Beach tuned in via the venue's live-streaming setup, enjoying the concert from around the globe.
The band’s lineup brought together a talented group of musicians, each contributing to a performance that was both nostalgic and refreshing:
Pete Hopkins: Lead vocals, Guitar
Ray Bergstrom: Lead Guitar, Vocals
Daniel Osterock: Keyboards, Vocals
Mike Leffler: Drums
Rick Erbe: Percussion, Vocals
Sheldon Bonada: Bass, Vocals
The night was made even more special by the presence of celebrities from other top tribute acts, who came out to support The Doobie Doubles, adding to the celebratory feel of the event. This camaraderie among musicians highlighted the band's place within the tribute music scene. The club owner, visibly impressed by the turnout and performance, expressed his hopes to have The Doobie Doubles return for future shows, to the crowd’s enthusiastic applause.
The Doobie Doubles' setlist included all-time favorites like “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “What a Fool Believes,” each song igniting smiles and sing-alongs from the audience. For their final encore, the band ended with “Listen to the Music,” bringing everyone to their feet for a rousing sing-along that captured the essence of The Doobie Brothers' feel-good sound. As the last notes faded, there was a collective groan of disappointment that the night had come to an end, a true testament to the band’s ability to transport their audience to a place of pure joy and musical bliss.
Campus JAX provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible show, with excellent acoustics, vibrant visuals, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For The Doobie Doubles, this 90-minute debut set marked the beginning of a promising future in the tribute scene, and fans are already looking forward to their next show. Here’s to more nights of rock nostalgia, deep cuts, and dancing with The Doobie Doubles!
