The Duncan Banner

Local News

Related Photos

  • Jake Blues (J. Leggio) holds the microphone up to Harper Pitts of Duncan, who was dressed in similar fashion to the Blues Brothers, during "Mustang Sally." Rebeka Rutledge/The Duncan Banner

    Sing with me 'Briefcase Blues' concert.jpg
January 15, 2013

'Blues' show brings fun

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — While one performer Saturday night glued on sideburns and created a nose out of putty and wax, the other got dressed. After adorning black suits and slapping on Raybans and fedoras, the pair were transformed into their onstage personas as the Briefcase Blues.

Duncan enjoyed an entertaining treat Saturday night with the performance of J. Leggio and Lee Schwing. The men portrayed Jake and Elwood Blues of the iconic Blues Brothers, a skit on Saturday Night Live made famous by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd and later brought to the big screen.

For 30 years, Leggio and Schwing have traveled from their home in Dallas, Texas, to bring the sound, comedy and soul of the Blues Brothers to audiences. They also perform for United States troops, at home and abroad.

While not a recreation of the movie, their performance is more than just music but a true show.

“There’s a difference between a concert and a show; we’re a show,” said Scwhing. “There is some stage comedy involved and we interact with the audience.”

Interact they did as each of the men had songs that took them out into the rows of seats of the Simmons Center theater, which was packed with a near full house. Elwood took to the crowd for a rendition of “Treat Her Right,” while later, Jake smoozed among the ladies as he belted out “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

For even more fun, the guys invited all the women and children in the audience up onto the stage to dance and sing along to “Mustang Sally.” Several women and a few children took the invitation and had the stage rocking. Among those were Elizabeth Flanders Pitts and her daughter, Harper. After the concert, mom said that the Blues Brothers movie is Harper’s all-time favorite. Harper even donned the appopriate attire for the show, looking very bluesy in fashion.

“We’re going to have fun tonight,” Jake announced early in the show.

Elwood added later, “At our age, we’re showing you that you can just keep having fun because music keeps you alive.”

Along with Jake and Elwood was a seven person blues band, all professional players. Guitar, keyboards, bass, tenor sax, drums, trumpet and trombone players kept the music authentic and the audience clapping along. Some of them perform with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra.

Of course, among the song set was “Soul Man,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Shake a Tail Feather,” which are all songs featured in the film “Blues Brothers.” Not only were songs represented but it was hard not to believe Aykroyd and Belushi weren’t really on stage because of the look, sound and mannerisms of the two men.

“I make the sideburns from hair from my own hairbrush,” said Leggio before the show. “And I make a nose from scratch before every show because hardly anyone is born with as big a nose as John Belushi.”

Scwhing said he is a “little more all natural,” and with his tall and lanky frame, as well as sarcastic comments, he fits the part. They expressed excitement to be performing in Duncan.

“It’s a beautiful arts center and I’m impressed,” Leggio said and added at the end of the show, “There are some of the friendliest people in Oklahoma and great people here in Duncan.”

“We’ll cross that old Red River anytime to come visit you folks,” Scwhing ended.

Text Only
Local News
  • Substitute teacher saves special education students from tornado

    When the F-5 tornado did its damage at Plaza Towers Elementary in Moore on Monday, and after the silence had passed, one little boy looked at his teacher and asked where his backpack was.
    “I don’t know, but we’ll look for it later,” Joy Hendrix said to  him.

    May 24, 2013

  • Velma-Alma Graduation A celebration of faith and unity
    There was a sense of celebration and appreciation throughout the J.M Carey Fieldhouse Thursday night in Velma. 
    With the graduation ceremony commencing for the Velma-Alma High School Class of 2013, came an assortment of emotions, all telling a story.
    In total 31 students walked the stage to receive their diplomas on the evening.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • 5-24 ginger.jpg Velma native runs only to discover home annihilated

    Stuck in traffic trying to get to his home, Roger Graham decided he might as well park the car and run. A Moore resident, the accountant, dressed in casual business attire, didn’t think twice about the distance.
    “It was two miles,” he said. “I just took off.” His wife, Kalissa, a school teacher, was right behind him.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • Duncan students to remain in school Tuesday, Wednesday
    When Duncan seniors cross the stage tonight, they won’t necessarily be done with high school.
    Duncan students will go to school Tuesday and Wednesday, following a three-day weekend for Memorial Day. DHS Assistant Principal Merry Stone said those two days are regular school days for students.

    May 24, 2013

  • Moore Tornado Showcases Advancements in Warnings

    Despite the utter devastation left in the wake of the massive tornado that tore through Moore, Okla. on Monday, the deadly storm, in many ways, helped showcase how far scientists have come in providing communities early tornado warning signs.

    May 23, 2013

  • ODOT efforts hampered by general public traffic

    Oklahoma Department of Transportation is requesting that motorists avoid I-35 through Moore, S. 19th Street because the ramp is closed and emergency and clean-up crews are hampering their efforts.

    May 23, 2013

  • 5-23 EMS Week.jpg National EMS Week shines spotlight on rescue workers

    The Air Evac helicopter was sitting on the helipad at Duncan Regional Hospital Wednesday, but not for emergency reasons.
    National EMS Week, May 19-25, is about connecting with the community and the Air Evac Lifeteam was doing just that.
    “Every base we have is doing something like this during the week,” said Heather Taylor, Air Evac program director. “We want to show appreciation to our community.”

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Restaurant rumors remain on the hot plate

    From IHOP and HomeTown Buffet to Chili’s and Olive Garden, restaurant whisperings have been running rampant in the community since the arrival of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
    Although there are a few open spaces such as the old Golden Corral location and the soon-to-close Honda site, none of these rumors can be confirmed at this point according to Chris Deal, Duncan Chamber of Commerce president. No information on any of the businesses’ websites points to them opening a new location in the area.

    May 23, 2013

  • 5-23 Pham tree Vertical_9168.jpg DMS plants a tree for custodian

    Tam Pham left a lasting impression on Duncan Middle School, and the school has returned the favor.
    On Wednesday, the middle school, along with Duncan Public Schools administrators, recognized Pham for his 28 years of service as head custodian at Duncan Middle School. Pham retired earlier this school year. To honor Pham, the district planted a Chinese pistachio tree in front of the middle school. A base plaque was included to commemorate Pham’s dedication to Duncan Public Schools.

    May 23, 2013 2 Photos

  • List of Moore deceased released

    Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office released today, the confirmed and unconfirmed list of fatalities.

    May 22, 2013