Jake and Elwood Perform as The Bluz Brothers at Theatre of Western Springs

Submitted by The Theatre of Western Springs.

The Theatre of Western Springs presents “An Evening with The Bluz Brothers,” Chicago’s premier tribute to Jake and Elwood, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS), 4384 Hampton Ave. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre, and the public is warmly welcome.

The Bluz Brothers is an eight-piece band dedicated to those great R&B and party tunes made popular by fictional characters Jake and Elwood Blues of Calumet City, Illinois.

The original Blues Brothers were actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi seen first in 1976 as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live. Belushi played lead vocalist “Joliet Jake” Blues, named after Joliet Prison. The harmonica player and backing vocalist Elwood Blues was Dan Aykroyd.

The Bluz Brothers of today recreate the fun and good music of the original. It’s a high energy, family-oriented show that travels the Midwest playing fests, corporate and private parties, casinos and clubs. Mixing the great dance music of The Blues Brothers, 50’s-60’s-70’s rock, Motown and swing eras, this band is one of the most popular acts playing today. In fact, they have played Chicago’s House of Blues since 1998.

Their band members’ sense of humor is evident in their mission statement which is “... to carry on the tradition until the boys make parole or until incarcerated themselves - whichever comes first.”

The band members are: Dave Dillard as Jake; Steve Daniels as Elwood; Mike Heritage, trombone; Stu Stawicki, drums; Bill Bradly, guitar; Ron Jessen, keys, tenor and alto sax; Danny Alfano, bass; and Wally Antkiewicz; tenor, alto and bari sax.

“I think people can feel the joy that we get when we can move an audience to lose themselves in the fun and excitement of the show,” Dillard said.

The band is the winner of the Gigmaster’s Rising Star award for the most popular Blues Brothers tribune bands in North America, winning multiple times. In addition, the Bluz Brothers have entertained troops in Jordan and Italy as part of the Armed Forces Entertainment Network.

“The music of the Bluz Brothers is the soundtrack of Chicago,” said Eddie Sugarman, Executive Artistic Director of the Theatre of Western Springs. “Please come join us for an evening of rhythm and blues, laughs and great times!”

Tickets are $30. Call 708-246-3380 or go to theatreofwesternsprings.com.

ALSO ON PATCH