The Daily Times

Editor’s Note: In honor of The Gate and New Hope’s special event April Foolies at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Clayton Center for the Arts, The Daily Times is running a weekly special feature on each of the six acts performing in the self-proclaimed “Talent Show with a Twist.”

For nearly 20 years, Josh Livingston and Jarrod Millsaps have been wowing crowds with their uncanny tribute to the Blues Brothers, and on March 30 they will bring their act to April Foolies.

The two started performing their Blues Brothers Tribute in 1994 when they were friends at Heritage High School together.

Inspired by the “Saturday Night Live” characters made famous by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, Livingston approached Millsaps with the idea to perform a Blues Brothers tribute as part of a high school talent show.

The high energy and enthusiasm won over the audience, and they have been performing together as Jake and Elwood ever since.

Livingston and Millsaps can be seen doing their Blues Brothers tribute regularly at Memories Theater in Pigeon Forge.

Millsaps said that being a part of April Foolies offers him the chance to perform for a local crowd and to help nonprofits The Gate and New Hope.

‘A great cause’

“April Foolies is a great cause,” Millsaps said. “It’s a good family event to bring the community together.”

Josh and Jarrod’s Blues Brothers Tribute will be backed by Pistol Creek Catch of the Day.

Millsaps is no stranger to April Foolies as he has performed in the fundraiser two other times. However, this is his first opportunity to do his and Livingston’s tribute to the Blues Brothers together.

“I performed with Aaron Killian and Jacob Slingluff two years ago by doing a spoof of the Blues Brothers performing “Soul Man” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”,” Millsaps said. “I also performed last year with Scott Graves in our Sugar Hill Gang remake of “Apache.”

Secret weapon

Livingston said this is his first year performing in April Foolies, but he noted that his act has a secret weapon that is sure to win over the audience:

“Jarrod’s dancing,” Livingston said. “Can we pass a tip jar?”

Tickets for April Foolies are available at New Hope, The Gate, the Clayton Center Box Office and from committee members. Tickets are $15 general admission or $30 for VIP tickets, which includes general admission and a post-show reception with beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Like April Foolies on Facebook for more information.