KIND WORDS

“Moonlight Drive has established themselves as one of the top performing tribute bands currently touring the Midwest. Dustin Lentz hauntingly resurrects Ray Manzarek’s keyboarding style, recently acquiring a 1971 Fender Rhodes Piano Bass, and a 1968 Gibson G-101 Kalamazoo Organ. Phil Martin, who adds an important dynamic to a number of local acts, is vital as Robby Krieger. His talent is noticeably showcased with Moonlight Drive. Colby Aiken, on percussion, uses a combination of jazz and rock styles as John Densmore did. His performance style displays mastery, and is pure joy to witness. When Robert Shannon commands the microphone, it is as if he has evoked the spirit of Jim Morrison, delivering to audiences the same raw energy, and emotionally seductive performance they would expect from one of rock’s most inspired, unrestrained, and tragic icons. With these four talents, an audiences’ eye becomes a wandering spotlight.

Having studied, enjoyed, and been influenced by the music of The Doors—Moonlight Drive has the knowledge.

Having commissioned Dr. Franklin Von Hammershmitz, a great friend and professional costume designer from the Actors Guild of Wichita, to design the group’s authentic on-stage wardrobe, Moonlight Drive is a visual snapshot of The Doors circa 1969—they have the look.

Individually talented and passionate musicians in their own right, drawing from a number of influences, and working continually to embrace their individual creative visions, and grow as artists—Moonlight Drive has the skill.

There is one more important ingredient in the equation, however, that Moonlight Drive brings to every venue they play. Lentz, Martin, Aiken, and Shannon, find a way to weave individualism into their portrayals of Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, John Densmore, and Jim Morrison—collectively, The Doors. Not only do they find a way, but the band’s live show benefits from each artist’s emotionally driven performance that gives knowing and unfamiliar audiences alike the feeling that Moonlight Drive is an original band.

Doing so also further parallels the Doors stage performance style. Every live show was its own event. Even those on the inside, including the band members themselves, knew that the only real ‘inside’ lay inside their own hearts and minds. The same songs sounded different almost every time they were played. Solos were taken at different times, poetry was added or taken away, and jams took their own shape guided only by emotion and atmosphere. The members of Moonlight Drive know what it is to feel the music, and the audience benefits from that.

Every tribute band knows that the best testament to its talent is audience reaction to the music. Did the knowledge, skill, and look come together to create a memorable rock and roll experience?

Emotion is the common thread. It drives the creation of great music, whether that of The Doors, or that of Moonlight Drive, and connects the audience to the entertainer. It is the heartbeat manifested by throbbing speakers, and the life communicated by an affected audience. Whatever your age or expectation, and whatever your knowledge of The Doors and their music, an audience listening or grooving to Moonlight Drive is always an audience affected.”