The Blues Roulette Big Band is bringing a non-stop Blues Brothers party to Hawthorn Arts Centre on 9 May. If you needed a reason to go along and celebrate this cinematic and musical classic, musical promoter Ben Wicks has plenty.
You already know the songs
Soul Man, Gimme Some Lovin', Sweet Home Chicago and soul queen Aretha Franklin's Respect and Think are just the start. 'We do our best to play all the big tunes from the film,' says Ben.
This is Chicago R 'n' B... so it's BIG!
Ben explains that most of what makes Chicago blues and R 'n' B amazing is what makes modern pop music great too - a strong back beat, solid melodic hooks and incredible storytelling.
'It's a big band, and to do it right there's no shortcut,' he says. 'We have 3 amazing blues singers - Iseula Hingano, Paul Slattery and Vincent Bradley - filling the roles of Aretha Franklin, Jake and Elwood. Then 2 guitarists, keys, drums, bass and a 3-piece horn section tie it all together.'
You can dress up
The band loves to see people dress as their favourite character from the film, going that extra mile to have fun and bring joy to the room. 'Everyone in the band, the other punters, even bar staff get a kick out of it,' says Ben. 'That's what it's all about, celebrating the joy that the music, the jokes and film bring to us all.'
Get a snap with the Bluesmobile
The band's Bluesmobile will be front and centre at Hawthorn Arts Centre - so sidle on up to the replica California Highway Patrol sedan and strike a pose. 'But for OH&S reasons we've stopped the car-chase rides in intermission,' explains Ben.
Let the music lift your mood
'I hope everyone takes a smile and a full cup of joy away from our gig,' says Ben. 'We love breathing life into these songs - the smiling, dancing and laughter is what keeps us doing it.'
Blues Brothers by the Blues Roulette Big Band is at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Saturday 9 May at 7:30 pm. Get your tickets at our Blues Brothers in Concert page.
