Named after the legendary 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen is an Oregon-based improvisational rock band honoring the enduring music and spirit of The Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead, The Band, and Little Feat, while also weaving in original music, classic funk, soul, and deep-cut American rock.

Led by Gabriel “Brother Gabe” Johnson, Watkins Glen brings together some of the finest players from the West Coast music scene to create a live experience rooted in deep grooves, soaring improvisation, rich vocal harmonies, and fearless musical exploration. The band is not interested in simply recreating the past. Their mission is to honor these legendary songbooks while pushing them into fresh territory, creating the kind of spontaneous, high-energy musical moments that can only happen when great songs meet great musicians in real time.

Since its inception, Watkins Glen has built a strong regional reputation for inspired performances, thoughtful and adventurous setlists, and extended live jams that move fluidly between Southern rock, psychedelic Americana, funk, soul, and improvisational rock. Each show is designed as its own journey, with the band channeling the spirit of the music rather than copying it note-for-note.

Highlights so far include appearances at Cascade Equinox Festival, Sawtooth Valley Gathering, 4 Peaks Music Festival, The Golden Road Gathering, Re/Evolution Music Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Juan de Fuca Festival, Mannifest, US Fest, Bend Summer Festival, Bend Fall Festival, Bend Roots Revival, Homegrown Music Festival, and numerous Northwest concert series. Watkins Glen has also supported or co-bill with numerous nationally recognized acts including Melvin Seals & JGB, Leftover Salmon, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Pink Talking Fish, Dogs in a Pile, MarchFourth, Holly Bowling, Yak Attack, Scott Pemberton Band, and more. The band has also enjoyed guest appearances from many notable musicians including Kebbi Williams and Isaac Eady (Tedeschi Trucks Band) and Jimmy Law (Dogs in a Pile).

Watkins Glen Personnel:

Gabriel "Brother Gabe" Johnson — Leader, guitar, keys, vocals
(Maxwell Friedman Group, Sonic Benders, Elektrapod, Jive Talkin’ Robots)

Mark Karwan — Bass, vocals
(American Babies, Quattlebaum, Jenner Fox Band)

Malaika Angelica — Keys
(MFG, High Sierra Artist-at-Large)

Drums — One or two of the following:
Cliff Porter (Jam Cruise Artist-at-Large, Joe Marcinek Band, Jelly Bread)
Kyle Pickard (TEB)
Greg Copley (Oregon Fryer)
Sam Gibney (The Hasbens)

Other performers who have appeared as part of Watkins Glen:
Pete Kartsounes — Guitar, vocals
Dave Dernovsek — Keys
Jarrod Donatelli — Percussion, vocals
Evan Mullins — Keys, vocals
Tyler Mason — Bass
Taylor Neal — Drums
Patrick Ondrozeck — Drums, keys
Kaleb Kelleher — Drums
Eric Leadbetter — Guitar, vocals
Kyle Swantek — Bass