WINNIPEG -- The Doobie Brothers can still light it up.

More than 30 years after their formation in San Francisco, the blues-based outfit sent a a crowd of 3,500 middle-aged classic rock fans into a time warp at the Winnipeg Arena last night with a set of golden oldies, some of which have aged nicely over time.

The band wasted no time in getting down to the hits, starting things off with two of their biggest, and best: Rockin' Down the Highway and Jesus is Just Alright, before settling down into middle-of-the-road territory with several new songs which failed to capture the spirit of what made the band one of the biggest hit-makers of the 1970s.

With nine members -- including founders guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston and guitarist Pat Simmons, along with longtime members drummer Keith Knudsen, percussionist Mike Mossac and guitarist John McFee -- the band travelled all over the music map with styles ranging from blues to soul to funk to pop to prog to straight up rock 'n' roll, without losing their way.

The material worked best when the band worked as a fluid unit jamming together, but was less successful at other times, like during a new acoustic number by Simmons which sucked the life out of the crowd.

The band played songs from both the Johnston and Michael McDonald eras and proved that while the McDonald-led records may have sold more, the Johnston material was always stronger.

At press time the band still had some of their biggest hits to come, including China Grove and Listen to the Music.

The arena was set up in the cabaret bowl setting, with the stage on the west side and round tables and chairs in front of it, giving the rink a casino-like feel.

Canada's quintessential classic rock party band Trooper opened the show with a set of songs recognizable to anybody who grew up in this country.

What keeps Trooper songs like One for the Money and Boys in the Bright White Sports Car still sounding somewhat fresh is the enthusiasm of vocalist Ra McGuire, guitarist Brian Smith and keyboardist Gogo, who still believe they are the rock 'n' roll stars they used to be.

Unfortunately those days are long gone, and it wasn't more obvious than when the band closed with Raise a Little Hell, a song which used to pack some punch, but lacked any of the energy and rebelliousness the lyrics might once have generated. (More on The Doobie Brothers)

JAM! Rating: 3 out of 5