Backstage at The Doobie Brothers concert, on the final night of their two show engagement, were kids, grandparents and friends of the family awaiting the opening act, not the head liner. The Brothers lead singer Tom Johnston has been through this before, the legendary band has sold out venues big and small and has had massive success in the music industry over the last 4 decades. Lara Johnston is a different story. The 19-year-old who grew up on the road with her dad, is now embarking on her own music career.

As the lights went down the audience, as is customary when the opening act is on stage, was paying absolutely no attention to the tall blonde who had made her way to the mic stand. By the end of the 30 minute set Johnston's huge voice had taken over and all eyes were on her. Although she may fight the stigma of being a rock star's daughter for awhile this young artist is going to have a very long career ahead of her.

There's certainly a blues sound to Johnston's voice, having grown up with the Doobie Brothers there's no question why this 19-year-old has the sound and musical ability of someone ten years her senior. Currently Johnston isn't pursuing her music career full time as she is a student at USC. After a cover of Aretha Franklin's "Respect," it became clear that she may want to rethink that career move. Look for this future pop star to have a record deal along with a hit single in the very near future.

The small auditorium was packed by the time Tom Johnston and the rest of the band found their way on stage. In front of two drum kits and a backdrop donning the Doobie's logo Johnston shredded through nearly two hours of hit music. Song after song evoked a louder eruption from the audience as the set continued. The audience may be the real story here though, as there were fifty something's who were listening when the band broke onto the scene but there were twenty something's peppered throughout the general admission crowd, bobbing their heads as well. It goes to show that truly great music can bridge a generational gap and this band is gaining new, younger fans everyday.

Guitarist Patrick Simmons frequently rocked out near the front of the stage, giving the fans who had been standing for hours to secure their highly coveted spot, a good show. Always a musically solid band the group did not disappoint. Performances of "Listen To The Music," "China Grove," and "Takin' It To The Streets," were all great. Although this group has now been dubbed an oldies act their live show is just as good, if not better , than the bulk of current artists currently touring. The band has sold over 30 million albums to date, that number, along with ticket sales, will continue to grow. Backstage the party continued as the crowd filed out, band members and family friends congratulated both Johnston's on a job well done. It looks as though Tom and the rest of the band have new competition.

Review By: Tyler Sobie