Doobie Brothers, Sam Woolf to play at Winterfest at Lakewood Ranch

War is coming to Lakewood Ranch. So are the Doobie Brothers.

Two of the most durable bands in the business will headline the second annual Winterfest, scheduled for Feb. 28 at Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus.

The lineup, which was announced Tuesday, also includes Bradenton's favorite "American Idol" finalist Sam Woolf and Canadian recording artist Les Sabler.

The Doobie Brothers have had a long string of hits going back to the early 1970s, including "What a Fool Believes," "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" and "Black Water."

Their membership has changed often over the years, but the current lineup includes founding members Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston -- the lead singer on many of the band's early hits -- plus guitarist John McFee, who joined the Doobies in 1979.

War first gained fame backing up Eric Burdon on the hit "Spill the Wine." The band went on to create such pop-funk classics as "Why Can't We Be Friends?" and "Low Rider."

The current lineup features only one original member, keyboardist/singer Lonnie Jordan.

Tickets will go on sale Friday (Nov. 14). They'll run between $30 and $125. Go to lwrwinterfest.com for tickets and information.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Doobie Brothers, Sam Woolf to play at Winterfest at Lakewood Ranch."