Dynamic duo
Alabama Blues Brothers entertain Willson students
By Lisa Singleton-Rickman Staff Writer
Lauren Casiday, an A,B honor roll student at L.E. Willson Elementary School in Sheffield, dances with Elwood, half of the Alabama Blues Brothers, during a performance last week. The duo thrilled students with music, dancing and humor, all to congratulate them for their efforts in school. JIM HANNON/TimesDaily
SHEFFIELD - No one entertains quite like the Blues Brothers with that quirky, jerky quality synonymous with Jake and Elwood Blues.
Except, maybe, the Alabama Blues Brothers.
The duo from Town Creek -- brothers Jamey and Justin Crisler -- has traveled the Southeast, performing their act in various venues.
No matter the age of the audience, they draw the same response -- hysterical laughter.
Students at L.E. Willson Elementary had the opportunity Friday to experience the Alabama Blues Brothers' style of humor and music.
About 300 students who are members of the school's principal's club were treated to the concert.
Principal Mary Napier established the club years ago that includes all students in the third- through sixth-grade school who make the A, B honor roll and display excellent citizenship.
Napier has rewarded students with limousine rides, lunch at various restaurants, skating trips and other entertainment.
But never, she said, has any activity been as successful with the children as the Monday concert.
For an hour and 15 minutes, students rocked and rolled, laughed and danced. "It's one of the best things we've ever had here at the school," Napier said. "They were entertaining beyond description." The duo, mimicking the John Belushi-Dan Aykroyd act made famous during the "Saturday Night Live" television skit of the late 1970s, drew howls of laughter from the young audience. They danced on stage and in the aisles, pulling students and teachers to their feet to join the frolicking. "We laughed until we cried," Napier said. "They were absolutely great."
But Napier admits their humor, though keeping with their personas, provided for a scary moment before their performance began. "I was in a classroom, and I looked out the window and saw this black and white police car speeding right toward the building -- and me," she said. The car came to a screeching halt and out stepped Jake and Elwood. "I guess you could say their grand entrance really set the tone for their performance," Napier said. Sixth-grader Kira Cowan was chosen to go on stage. "It was so exciting, like the most fun thing we've ever had here," she said. "We're hoping they'll come back." But Cowan noted that the Blues Brothers did show their serious side. "They talked to us about staying in school and doing good and that we needed to always be prepared when we come to school," Cowan said. "They told us about how Jake used to do bad in school, but he turned himself around and realized how important school is." Brandt Holland, a Willson third-grader, said the harmonica playing, jazzy crooning of the Alabama Blues Brothers was right up his ally. "I thought they were so cool," he said. "I love jazz. That's my favorite kind of music." When time came to close the show, Napier said the kids started begging them to make a return visit.
"There's definitely a chance we could get them back," Napier said. "It's the kind of entertainment where you just can't stay in your seat."
Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.