The Northbrook Park District’s free event, Party on the Green, took place on a banner Saturday late afternoon into the evening on Aug. 12 at Village Green Park in Northbrook.
The weather was breezy at 85 degrees when the outdoor event began at 4 p.m. in downtown Northbrook at the renowned park under mature trees. Two bands performed and the event was capped with a movie.
The event perimeter was gated to help ensure safety to the party. Monitored entrances were staffed by security for bag checks.
Food truck fare had significant customer demand as the event continued. The music began at 4:15 p.m. on the raised stage featuring the band Gen FuZe with a mix of classic and modern rock tunes.
The Blooze Brothers took the stage about 6 p.m. and wowed the crowd with their Bluesmobile that was parked prominently near the stage. Many people took cellphone selfies or posed for family photos as keepsakes for the memory maker.
The Blooze Brothers as a model is based on the 1980 movie, “The Blues Brothers” starring John Belushi and Dan Akroyd.
Kevin Pollack, of Glenview, portrays Belushi’s Joliet Jake and Chuck Little, of Poplar Grove, is Akroyd’s Elwood.
“We love it,” Little said of the opportunity to perform. “We’re one of the few bands that still plays everything live, we don’t use any computers or backing tracks, so these are world class musicians. It’s a dying art.”
More Top Picks Sensory Meltdown Vs Tantrum How To Tell The Difference
Kevin Pollack grew up in Buffalo Grove but is married to Northbrook native Katherine Damisch.
“I hope that people love what we do because we don’t just replicate stuff from the movie, but we throw a party,” Pollack said. “And we do music from Motown to Earth, Wind & Fire. We love getting people on their feet and just showing them a good time.”
Damisch said about the group’s music: “This is such a Chicago thing, it’s the Blues Brothers, it’s an icon, it’s a staple here so it’s fun to bring that to the suburbs.”
Singing “Respect” with the Blooze Brothers was vocalist Sheila Jones of Wadsworth.
“I just love performing and seeing all these folks out here having a good time,” Jones said.
Greg Kubik, of Lincolnwood, and son Frank, 3, were seen dancing to the sounds of the Blooze Brothers.
“I’ve been showing him (Frank) little clips from the movie of the songs for a long time,” Kubik said. “He (Frank) loves it so he was real excited to come out here and check them out.”
Dianne Stransky, a 15-year resident of Northbrook, was seen getting out of a chair in the lawn to dance.
“It’s feel good music, simple times, fun,” Stransky said with a smile.
“I’m a fan of this band now,” Stransky said of the Blooze Brothers. “I never saw them before and I’m so glad, this weather is amazing.”
Angie and Robert Bodura attended with their daughter Reyna, 3. Saturday was their first time as a family at a Village Green Park organized event.
“It’s our first time that she’s old enough to attend so this is great,” Angie Bodura said. “I do love all the events they host here and I love how open the space is.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.