Columnist Jerry Fink: Students get Blues education from tribute band

Friday, May 21, 2004 | 8:30 a.m.

The interior of Moose's Beach House (formerly Moose McGillycuddy's, which was formerly Carlos Murphy's) is decorated to resemble a frat house -- one that has been decorated to resemble a beach house.

Students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (across Maryland Parkway) drop by to cram for exams. Those of legal age study while downing a few brews or knocking back some of the inexpensive mixed drinks. When they aren't cramming they're shooting pool and listening to music. Oh yeah, and discussing their class work.

As if the pool shooting and music listening weren't enough of a distraction for the serious-minded students, this month the scholars have the Blues Brothers Reborn to contend with.

Backed by a six-piece band, Blues Brothers Jake (J.I. Gelman) and Elwood (Vic Bershansky) Blues are rocking Moose's with their raucous knockoff of the act inspired by Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers" (which was inspired by a bit they did on "Saturday Night Live").

The band is made up of some of Vegas' finest musicians: trombonist Brian O'Shea, guitarist Don Malcolmson, keyboardist Charlie Pigg, bassist Michael Anonueva, drummer Pat Caruso and saxophonist Tony V. Vechi.

Blues Brothers Reborn is at the local hangout from about 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays until the end of May.

Gelman and Bershansky go crazy as the dysfunctional duo, even donning the famous bee costumes for a couple of numbers.

When they are in their sartorial splendor -- black hats, black suits, shoestring-thin ties, white socks and dark shades -- they are the Blues Brothers, sliding, strutting and jiving as they sing such numbers as "Sweet Home Chicago," "Gimme Some Lovin'," "King Bee" and "Soul Man."

"I did standup before this," said Gelman, who plays Jake, the role played by Belushi (now sometimes performed by his brother, Jim Belushi).

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native, a veteran standup comedian and actor (parts in "Ocean's 11" and "Rush Hour 2") was performing at comedy clubs in and around Santa Monica, Calif., 10 years ago when a buddy in Vegas dared Gelman to ride up here on his motorcycle.

"It took me four hours in the pitch dark," Gelman recalled.

He's been here ever since.

"I'm not crazy about Vegas, as far as the people," Gelman (everyone calls him Stogee) said. "I do not want to be quoted as being from Vegas -- I don't even currently reside here, I just lie here.

"I'm not crazy about Vegas, but as far as the entertainment goes, this is the place to be."

Since arriving, he says he has supported himself by various means -- freelance writing and as a rental car agent, among other things -- all the while trying to get back into comedy.

"There's no market for it in Vegas if you haven't done the comedy circuit," Gelman said.

Then a couple of years ago someone told him he looked like Jake Blues.

Gelman (who has the physical dimensions of Belushi) took a good look at himself and agreed.

"I had a hat. I like hats," he said, tongue in cheek. "When I put the hat and shades on I looked in the mirror and scared myself."

He's been perfecting his Blues Brothers routine ever since, performing at the Castaways (which closed last year) and at private functions.

Last weekend he performed on Fremont Street with Otis Day and the Knights (who played "Shout" in the 1978 film "Animal House," which also starred Belushi).

The 34-year-old entertainer does a lot of pratfalls and other physical comedy that were Belushi's trademark.

"I'm full of energy anyway," Gelman said. "But 10 years ago it was easy, now I'm pushing my body."

Added to the realities of aging, Gelman had a motorcycle accident two years ago. He has a rod in his left leg and pins in his ankle and knee.

But when you're a Blues Brother, you don't sweat the pain.

"I ignore it," Gelman said.

But you can't ignore the Blues Brothers.

Lounging around

The Sand Dollar, 3355 Spring Mountain Road, will host a 15th anniversary party 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday, May 28. Featured performers will be Moanin' Black Snakes, the Ruffnecks and the SpellCasters (who regularly perform at the blues venue from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays).

Robert Conti, world-renowned jazz guitarist, performs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through May at the Imperial Palace's Kabuki Lounge.

The Las Vegas Guitar Society will host a concert 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 11 at the Winchester Community Center Theater, featuring outstanding jazz guitarist Raj Rathor and the Raj Rathor Trio. Rathor's trio, which includes his wife, vocalist Diane Smith, performs Wednesday evenings at the Jazzed Cafe, 8615 W. Sahara Ave.

The Aladdin's Curve Ultra Lounge now features live jazz 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. The Smooth Jazz Club is hosted by Curve and Oasis 105.7 FM. The two hours of live performances are followed by recorded jazz played by a DJ. There is no admission. Upcoming performers include Darrin Michaels (Wednesday), The Brothers Ali (June 2), "2 A T" (June 9) and The Tommy Thompson Project (June 16).

This weekend's performers at Sam's Town's Roxy's Lounge will include Bobby Kingston (4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday); Tweed (10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday); and Huck Daniels (10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday).

The Steven Lee Group will perform from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight at Barley's Casino & Brewing Company, 4500 E. Sunset Road. The band will have their new CD, "From The Ground Up," available for sale.

Blue Storm will perform a double-header Saturday. The blues band will appear from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Boston Bar and Grill, 1030 E. Flamingo Road, and then at the Blue Diamond Saloon, 6935 Blue Diamond Road, from 10 p.m to 2 a.m.