‘Soul Man’: UH-Hilo Jazz Orchestra to reprise ‘Blues Brothers’ show

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Jazz Orchestra presents its Blues Brothers tribute concert in two performances, at 7:30 p.m. May 4-5 at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center.

“The Return of the Blues Brothers!” will feature popular songs from the 1980 movie “The Blues Brothers” plus fan favorites from Blues Brothers albums and “Saturday Night Live” appearances.

“The original Blues Brothers band featured some of the country’s greatest R&B musicians playing some of the greatest R&B songs ever written,” said music director Trever Veilleux. “On top of that, you had two incredible comedic actors bringing fun, humor and theatricality to the performances. That combination creates a show that has simultaneous artistic depth and light-hearted entertainment. It’s the perfect vehicle for the jazz orchestra.”

Starring in roles of “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues are UH-Hilo performing arts major Scott Wuscher and performing arts graduate Luke Koehn. Additional vocalists include UH-Hilo grads Lilinoe Kauahikaua and Ka‘ikena Scanlan and UH-Hilo Jazz Orchestra members Joshua Timmons and Mayumi Long.

“We are so fortunate to have this incredible pool of talented young performers to work with on these shows,” Veilleux said. “Scott and Luke, our Blues Brothers, have that rare combination of being excellent singers and dancers who can also act. They are capable of bringing out the inherent humor in the show while, at the same time, singing the heck out of these classic American songs.”

The shows also feature dancers performing the choreography by Dori Yamada.

“I really love doing these shows with Trever,” Yamada said. “He is such a great leader, the audiences are fantastic and the band is off the charts. The dancers have been instrumental in contributing choreography, energy and passion into all the numbers that they are a part of and I’m really blessed to work with such great people. We hope that what we bring to the show enhances the experience for the audience.”

UH-Hilo Jazz Orchestra shows usually sell out, so advance tickets are recommended. Admission is $10 general, $7 seniors, $5 student and children 17 and younger.

For more information or to order tickets, contact the box office at 932-7490 or artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.