Laurel CanyonCollective

Dennis O'Brien's Laurel Canyon Collective is an amalgamation of some of the finest local talent and some of the finest songs ever written.

The LCC's recent performances are some of the most cherished performances amongst our patrons.

The musicianship, professionalism and quite frankly good vibes that come with each show is something to savor.

Since high school Denny has always amazed me. His friendship and leadership were obvious back then but his music blows me away. Over the last 25 years I have seen Dennis and his band play many local and regional venues and he never fails to bring the music to life. Whether it's the sound of Dan Fogelberg, The Beatles, John Prine, or Jethro Tull, Dennis and his band make the music real, fun and exciting again.

I am a Board Member of the Raue Center for the Arts, a 600-seat historic theater in Crystal Lake, Illinois. We book many concerts and cover bands each year. Our best-selling events are performers that bring the music home for people, resonate with people and make this generation of music lovers feel the fun and excitement again. Dennis and his band have made it happen every time, every show I’ve seen.

I am fascinated with the Laurel Canyon Collective. I have seen the show twice at a great location in Aurora, Illinois called The Venue. The show just works. Sold out each time. The energy and the pace of the show moves. We learn about the music, we learn about the artists and we hear Dennis and the band's interpretation of these songs. It’s not impersonation, it’s not mimicking, it’s interpretation. Great talent, great voices and great musicians create great energy and a rousing memorable experience.

The addition of Mary Hunt to the group has supercharged this show. The Eagles – Jackson Browne – James Taylor inspired sessions now share the stage with the Bonnie Raitt – Linda Ronstadt – Joni Mitchell jazzy soulful sound. This expands the tone and the emotional range of the show. I love it.

Keep doing it, Dennis. Life is good when there's a show coming up – and you are playing.

I attend numerous concerts a year in the Chicagoland area — usually around 50+ at different venues throughout the area. However, it is rare that if I go to see a performance and it moves me so much, that I have to return to see the matinee performance the next day! That was true of the Laurel Canyon Collective's performances at The Venue in Aurora, IL on August 8 and August 9, 2026.

I had seen the advertisement for the show on Facebook and because I am such a fan of the “Laurel Canyon artists” from the late 60's to early 70's I decided to buy a ticket. The show was amazing — Dennis and Jim and their group of exquisite musicians brought such emotion and excitement to the songs of Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Eagles, CSN, Linda Ronstadt, etc. By the end of the show, people were up dancing and singing along to the finale, Love The One You're With, and it was a great example of how music can bring people together!

After that performance on Saturday, I decided that I not only had to go back to Sunday's matinee performance, but I also had to lock in an interview for my Retro Rock Roundup podcast with Dennis and Jim to help promote this amazing musical venture!

There was a couple sitting next to me before the 2nd performance, and I told them how great the previous night's show was. After the intermission, they turned to me and said “You were right, they are fantastic!”

I encourage any music fan, no matter what your age, to go see The Laurel Canyon Collective!

This past August, I had the immense pleasure of hearing the Laurel Canyon Collective band at the Venue in Aurora, IL. The group of musicians, all assembled by Dennis O'Brien, were incredible. Aside from the musical skill one would expect from all involved, what captured me the most was the deeply present and expressed commitment to the music. Every musician honored the legendary tradition of music that came from this memorable singer-songwriter scene with an all-out effort that captured all of our hearts.

It's not often one goes to a concert and finds oneself completely immersed from beginning to end. I truly was and the entire audience was as well.

The musical performance was outstanding in every way. Kudos to Dennis O'Brien and all involved in bringing this incredible music to life.

I first heard Laurel Canyon Collective at a Christmas concert back in 2025, and was blown away by the group's synergy/collaborations on a great selection of songs from the various artists associated with Laurel Canyon. I attended their latest concert at The Venue this year, and, if anything, that collaboration/synergy has evolved to make their performance even more rich, complete, and enjoyable. You can literally read their enthusiasm for the material into their effort, which makes each selection that much stronger.

While I believe it is in our nature to absorb music into actual feelings within us, it becomes an even deeper experience when the performers are as deeply involved as the audience is — and Laurel Canyon Collective does that with every song.

I hope they get the opportunity to share their abilities with many new audiences — they are worth it.

We've been big fans of Dennis O'Brien and his take on music for years. He has always found ways to put his personal touch on his arrangements of some of our favorite songs.

Recently we had the pleasure to see the “Laurel Canyon Collective” show at the Venue in Aurora. The group he assembled blew us away with their tight renditions of selections both familiar, as well as some serious deep cuts. The vocals and harmonies were outstanding. We didn't want it to end.

The evening was truly a moving experience, which has lit a fire under us to dig deeper into the artists, music and happenings of that remarkable period of time.

Can't wait for the next one!