Blues Brothers All Over Joliet This Weekend-- Part 1: 'They're Baaaack and On a Mission from ?'

From the August 18, 2022, Chicago Tribune "Jum Belushi fully prepped for return as 'Joliet' Jake" by Darcel Rockett.

The inaugural Blues Brothers Con is just a few hours away now.  Are you ready to "Shake a Tailfeather," get that old-time religion or find out why there is chicken wire on the stage at Bob's Country Bunker?

If so, you need to be in Joliet, just a bit off good old Route 66.  In a world where comic books, TV shows and movies get their conventions, the 1980s movie "Blues Brothers" finally gets its own.

I have already written about it in this blog, but here is some more on it.  It will take place at the Old Joliet Prison on August 19 and 20.   Of course, this place also served as the introduction of the movie where Joliet Jake (John Belushi) is walking the corridor and meets brother Dan Aykroyd in the Bluesmobile outside.

I must admit that "Blues Brothers" is my second all-time favorite film after "Animal House."

--RoadBrother

Seven Interesting Conventions and Gatherings-- Part 2: UFOs, Blobs, Toilet Summit and Impersonators

4.  INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS:  Earthlings from dozens of countries descend on Phoenix, Arizona for this extraterrestrial -themed conference and film festival.

5.  BLOBFEST: Celebrated every summer in the small town of Pheonixville, Pa., where the classic B-horror movie "The Blob" was filmed in 1958, starring Steve McQueen.  It is held at the Colonial theatre, which was featured in the film.  There is a parade and it was held July 12th.

6.  WORLD TOILET SUMMIT & EXPO:  This one is real.  Aimed at bringing sanitation and clean water to impoverished countries around the world.  Each year it is held in a different country.  But, it is not without its quirks like in 2011 when a $200,000 gold-plated toilet was showcased.  No privvy jokes, please.

7.  CELEBRITY IMPERSONATORS CONVENTION:  Of course, held in Las Vegas and brings impersonators from all over the world.  Featuring the best of the fake with plenty of Oprahs, Chers, Obamas and Stallones.  Maybe even an Elvis or two-three.

Flushing That Blob Away.  --RoadDog

Seven Interesting Conventions and Gatherings-- Part 1: Furries, Lebowskis and Redheads

From the July 25, 2014, Wilmington (N.C.) Star-News "The List:  7 of the craziest pop culture and industry conventions" by Hunter Ingram.

This was the weekend of the big Comic-Con International in San Diego "A mecca of proud geeks the world over." 1.  ANTHROCON:  Held in Pittsburgh, Pa., this convention is a leading destination for anthropomorphics or "furries," a term used to describe people who like to dress up like animals.  Strange.

2.  LEBOWSKI FEST:  Celebrating Joel and Ethan Cohen's cult classic "The Big Lebowski," this festival was set to be held August 22-23 in New York.  Its fans wear film-inspired costumes while attending the yearly bowling party and fan screenings.  Well, you missed it.

3.  REDHEAD DAYS:  Redheads from all over the world gather in Breda, Netherlands, for this weekend festival, starting this year on September 5th with more than fifty events celebrating the history of roodharigendag (Dutch for redhead).  Last year the festival broke the world record for most redheads in one place, with more than 5,000 from 80 countries.  You've got one day to book flight and get there.

Hmmn, Furries?  --RoadDog