NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, May 20.
PORT ANGELES — Curtis Salgado, known as the inspiration for John Belushi’s character of Joliet Jake Blues, will perform with his band this evening at Studio Bob.
The performance will begin at 8 p.m. at Studio Bob at 118½ Front St. Tickets are $25.
Salgado currently is touring the West Coast to promote his new album, “The Beautiful Lowdown,” released by Alligator Records.
The album is Salgado’s “most fearless and adventurous release to date,” said Chris Levick, Alligator Records’ director of tour publicity.
“He’s cut nine albums, but for the first time in his career, he wrote or co-wrote virtually the entire album himself and acted as a full-fledged member of the production team,” Levick said.
The album, Levick continued, “is the culmination of years of developing his own sound and style, combining his blues roots with his love for old-school R&B and classic soul.”
Salgado successfully battled liver cancer in 2006 and lung cancer in 2008 and 2012.
In his early 20s, Salgado made a name for himself in Eugene, Ore., with his band, The Nighthawks, and as co-leader of the Robert Cray Band.
Original Blues Brother
Belushi, while filming “Animal House” in 1977 in Eugene, met Salgado after watching a live performance.
A fast friendship grew, and Salgado spent hours teaching Belushi about blues and R&B.
Belushi was inspired to create the character of Joliet Jake Blues for a “Saturday Night Live” skit and then a best-selling record album dedicated to Salgado.
The skit eventually grew into “The Blues Brothers” movie, with the character portrayed by Cab Calloway named Curtis in Salgado’s honor, Salgado said.
Salgado said he found his own inspiration in Otis Redding, O.V. Wright, Johnnie Taylor, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson.
Salgado has won the Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Artist of the Year in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Also in 2013, Salgado won the Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.
That year, Salgado also won Soul Blues Album of the Year, for “Soul Shot,” also released through Alligator Records.
Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2543993; at Harbor Art Gallery, 110 E. Railroad Ave.; or by calling 360-385-2216.
For more information about Salgado, visit www.curtissalgado.com.
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Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
