Adelaide Fringe: Adelaide’s Blues Brothers and Sister of Soul Show

Adelaide Fringe The Blues BrothersA sunny Sunday afternoon in Adelaide, Valentines Day. It’s Adelaide Fringe time. I had a date with Jake and Elwood, and just when it couldn’t get any better, Soul Sister Jane Brown was to join us.

I’ve admired these guys for decades. I mean they used to come to my gig at the Wellington Hotel when I was gigging with Quentin Eyers. They always sung. They still do. Soul Sister Jane Brown aka Ursula, is one of the best vocalists I’ve also worked with in the past. Strong, soulful, and dynamic! So when these three reunited for a Fringe show yes, that was me whistling, jumping around, singing and a first for a long time – dancing!

To a near sold out show, The Blues Brothers (Mike ‘Jake’ and Steve ‘Elwood’ Foenander) gave the audience exactly what was to be expected. You may remember them from their Grand Final performances on Channel 9’s Australia’s Got Talent and their show stopping New York, New York, but The Blues Brothers show showcases how they apply masses of energy to a show featuring classics from the movie.

From the opening moments, their band featuring the A Team Horn Section of Chris Webber and Jason McMahon, guitarist son of Steve ‘Jess Foenander’, the brilliance of Paul White on keyboards, Larry Todd on drums and Jason Mannix on bass – literally brought the party to Gluttony – The Octagon.

Featuring all the hits from the Blues Brothers movie including: Shake your Tailfeather, Sweet Home Chicago, Everybody Needs Somebody to Love and so much more, this performance did not let up from start to finish. Urszula R White aka Jane Brown delivered amazing backups and ripped the room apart with her soulful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s Think.

She blended beautifully with the boys, and unlike many other back up singers, did not try to upstage the talent out front. She didn’t need to, as she held her own, and was quite captivating to watch. It was refreshing to see a show under the big top, where everybody was literally bopping from start to finish. It was Jake and Elwood’s party after all, and what a party it was.

The Blues Brothers had the crowd from the get go and the thunderous applause and cheers I’m sure could be heard all the way to the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Whilst there is so much to see at this year’s Fringe, you would be foolish to miss these master Bluesmen who have been performing the show for 25 years. Not bad for two local lads who made a national name for themselves doing what they love.

A powerhouse of entertainment, choreography and crowd participation, I was astounded at how the audience consumed every moment. A first where I saw dancing in the aisles, (even I got up for a boogie) the audience singing word for word, and screaming applause from start to finish.

If you’re in the mood to be really entertained then this is the show for you. Sure there are many other acts at the Fringe this year, but why not support some local SA talent, because these guys have the chops that could be featured on a world stage.

Adelaide’s Blues Brothers and Sister of Soul Show
Gluttony – The Octagon, Corner Rundle Street and East Terrace, Rymill Park
Performance: Sunday 14 February 2016
Additional dates: Saturday 20 February and Friday 11 March 2016
Bookings: www.adelaidefringe.com.au

For more information, visit: www.foenanderentertainment.com for details.

Image: Mike and Steve Foenander as The Blues Brothers (supplied)

Review: Betty Samis – All About Entertainment