The Robin Gibson Band arrives in town next month and brings blues, rock music to performance in Estacada
Robin Gibson was drawn to the blues from the moment he first saw Ray Charles playing music on television.
“I saw him at the piano with sunglasses, and I asked my mom why he was wearing sunglasses. She said because he was blind, and I was flat out amazed,” Gibson recalled.
From 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 8, the Robin Gibson Band will play at the Viewpoint Restaurant and Lounge, 20189 S. Springwater Road. The group consists of Gibson on guitar and vocals, Gary Jaskowiak on keyboard, Brian Redine on bass and Caz on drums.
“When they’re playing behind me, I don’t have to think about what’s going on behind me,” Gibson said, praising his bandmates.
Though Gibson has been interested in music since he was a child, he went a decade without playing.
“In the mid 70’s, disco was all the rage, but I couldn’t stand it,” he said. “(I was told) if you’re not playing disco, you’re not going to make it in bars. So I sold all my gear and didn’t play for 12 years.”
But it turned out he couldn’t distance himself from music forever, and he got back into it after seeing a neighbor’s show. After the performance, Gibson offered his neighbor advice.
“He asked, ‘Do you play?'” Gibson recalled. “Later, I looked at ads and saw a $50 guitar. I bought it and got the itch all over again.”
Though the Robin Gibson Band specializes in blues, they also play some rock tunes.
“It’s get up and dance. We have a good time,” he said.
Blues is Gibson’s favorite genre, and he appreciates the connectivity it facilitates.
“It’s the human condition expressed as music,” he said. “If you feel it, you feel it deep down inside. If you don’t feel it, something’s wrong with you.”
Gibson played at The Viewpoint in 1995 and is looking forward to returning to the venue again next month.
“Having a good time, that’s what it’s all about for me, and spreading the gospel of blues. People enjoy it, and that brings me enjoyment,” he said. “It’s all about having fun, which is much needed these days.”
If you go
What: Robin Gibson Band performance
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Viewpoint Restaurant and Lounge, 20189 S. Springwater Road
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.