Doobies and Reefer Blaze at SPAC
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Yacht rockers, parrotheads, and a whole lot of boomers stormed SPAC on Monday night for a double-header of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and the legendary Doobie Brothers, featuring the one-of-a-kind Michael McDonald.
The Reefer Band—Buffett’s backing group that has continued touring after the “Margaritaville” singer’s death in 2023—delivered exactly what was expected of them. With images of cheeseburger palm trees and dancing spring breakers behind them, they cranked out Buffett’s signature tunes in the same style as their former band leader. “License to Chill,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” were all part of the predictable repertoire.
One of the Reefer singers seemed to incorrectly identify SPAC’s host city as “Sarasota Springs,” though, in a sense, this was not entirely inaccurate given the band brought a taste of Florida to Upstate New York.
The headlining Doobie Brothers then took the stage, playing a setlist that spanned from classic 70s hits to cuts off their new, well-reviewed 2025 album “Walk this Road.” Towards the end of their set, the group strung together a series of tracks that blended seamlessly into one another. The presence of both yacht rock god/keyboardist McDonald and sax player Marc Russo was more than welcome, offering a richness of sound that culminated in a seemingly improvised piano and sax solo during the encore. This jam led into a rousing edition of “Takin’ It to the Streets,” proving the Doobies still got it after 55 years in business.
Some of their latest offerings, such as “Walk this Road,” “Angels & Mercy,” and “Call Me” were surprisingly good, defying the cliche that aging rock bands can’t put out decent new material. “Listen to the Music” was the fitting final encore song that sent the nearly-full amphitheater crowd to the exits.
The SPAC show closed out the summer leg of the Doobies/Coral Reefer tour. They’ll be takin’ it to the streets once again on Sept. 4 for a show in St. Louis.