Rob rocks!

Here’s a little backstory on one of the island’s more active musicians:

San Juan Island Resident Performing at Satsop Rock Fest

The closest musician Rob Simpson ever got to Woodstock was like most of us…in a movie theater.  But, this weekend Rob will get a taste of what it’s like to perform at a big outdoor rock event.  This weekend marks the return of the Satsop River Rock Festival, a legendary event that originally took place in 1971.

Rob as Ray Manzarek in the tribute show to the Doors....

Rob joined up with Seattle-based DOORS tribute band THE AMERICAN NIGHT
in February of this year as their new keyboard player. Rob has been a life-long fan of THE DOORS so recreating the parts of DOORS organist Ray Manzarek just seems to come naturally.  “With AMERICAN NIGHT we put a lot attention to detail.  We really want people to hear, feel, and see what it was like to experience the originals in their prime,” says Rob.

THE AMERICAN NIGHT recently performed at Seattle’s new HARD ROCK CAFÉ,
but this will be their biggest show so far.  The band is opening for two acts that were at the original festival in 1971, Wishbone Ash, and Eric Burdon of the Animals.

Says Rob, “Just seeing all the performing tribute and original acts on the bill is going to make it really fun.  I haven’t done one of these big outdoor shows for a long time.  It should be really exciting.”

The Satsop Rock Festival is being staged this Saturday (July 31) in Hoquiam, Washington at the historic Olympic Stadium.  Information can be found at www.SatsopRiverRockFestival.com

But, as soon as the big day is over, Rob will be dashing north again for the ferry.  He will be playing the next day back in Friday Harbor for Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Rumor Mill with the SAN JUAN JAZZ QUINTET.  “I can never figure out which one is my day gig,” says Rob, “and which is just for fun.”

Will the Quintet be playing any Doors tunes?

Mused Rob, “Hmmmm…I don’t think so, but you never know.”  Rob will also be performing out at Roche Harbor Resort August 6 and 7 with the new classic rock band THE SLIDERS.  “If we get the urge, THE SLIDERS will do a DOORS tune or two.”

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