ROLAND, Okla. — One of the most iconic ensembles in blues and soul, the powerhouse musicians behind the Original Blues Brothers Band is heading to the Lee Creek Tavern stage inside Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland on Friday, Oct. 31, at 9 p.m.
Originally presented by Dan Aykroyd and the Belushi family, The Original Blues Brothers Band remains synonymous with blues music that’s tapped into pop culture While Jake and Elwood Blues may have fronted the stage, it was the iconic musicians behind them that have built a legendary reputation all their own — backing greats such as Roberta Flack; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Paul McCartney; Frank Zappa; Dr. John; Paul Simon; and the Saturday Night Live Band.
Audiences can expect a star-studded lineup featuring musicians from both the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers” and the 1998 sequel “Blues Brothers 2000.” “Blue” Lou Marini (saxophone) and Tom “Bones” Malone (baritone saxophone and trombone) return from the original film, while Tommy “Pipes” McDonnell (vocals) and Leon “The Lion” Pendarvis (B3 organ) bring their talents from the sequel. They are joined by Francesco “Red House” Simon (guitar), Steve “Catfish” Howard (trumpet), Lee “Funkytime” Finkelstein (drums), James “Hags” Haggerty (bass) and Bobby “Sweet Soul” Harden (vocals) — each a distinguished artist with credits alongside global music legends.
Since regrouping in 1988, The Original Blues Brothers Band has electrified audiences worldwide, headlining major jazz and blues festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Pistoia Blues Festival, Nîmes Fair and the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, where it performed for crowds of up to 60,000. The band’s performances deliver a masterful blend of blues, gospel and soul, infused with energy that keeps audiences on their feet from start to finish.
The show is free to those 21 and older.
Serving the River Valley for 35 years, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is the ultimate entertainment destination just minutes from downtown Fort Smith. What began as a small bingo hall in 1990 has grown to more than 300,000 square feet of award-winning gaming, dining and nightlife that’s been recognized by the Southwest Times Record and Arkansas Democrat Gazette, among many others. The resort, along with the Cherokee Travel Plaza and Gaming Parlor are located on Cherokee Blvd. in Roland, just off the intersection of I-40 and Highway 64. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Roland tab, or call 800-256-2338. More information about One Star Rewards® is available at www.onestarrewards.com.