The Blues Brothers to Headline Long Center's PURPLE PARTY 7 This Spring

From Saturday Night Live, to the top of the music charts, to Dell Hall; The Long Center is thrilled to announce that The Blues Brothers will headline this year's Long Center gala, Purple Party 7, presented by AT&T.

Purple Party is an exclusive annual gala, celebrating the Long Center's 7th anniversary on May 16. Co-chaired by Kathy Taylor and Leslie Ward, the evening includes a VIP event on the City Terrace with a gourmet three-course dinner overlooking Austin's skyline. The evening continues with a spectacular public concert by Dan Aykroud and Jim Belushi as The Blues Brothers in Michael & Susan Dell Hall.

Over the years, many have taken the stage behind their dark sunglasses, skinny ties, and black felt fedoras to pay homage to the legacy of Jake and Elwood, but only a select few belong amongst the official pantheon of The Blues Brothers -- genuine, bona fide members of the family, carriers of the flame.

Dan Aykroyd is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, musician, writer-and, most recently, business entrepreneur. He became a regular on Saturday Night Live in 1975 due to his political satire, powered by flawless impersonations of Presidents Nixon and Carter. He recently appeared in the films Stardom (2000), The House of Mirth (2000), Pearl Harbor (2001), Bright Young Things (2003), 50 First Dates (2004) and I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry (2007) with Adam Sandler.

Jim Belushi first came to national attention through his role in the Edward Zwick film About Last Night, with Rob Lowe and Demi Moore. In 1983, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for two years. In 2000, Belushi co-starred in MGM's Return to Me, directed by Bonnie Hunt and starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver. Jim can also be found on the road singing with his own band, the Sacred Hearts. In addition, he does numerous voiceovers for film, television and for commercials.

Purple Party 7 sponsorships and individual Gala tickets are currently available by contacting Brett Barnes at (512) 457-5154 or bbbarnes@thelongcenter.org. Concert tickets will available in March at TheLongCenter.org or by calling (512) 474.LONG (5664). Also available at the Long Center's 3M Box Office located at 701 West Riverside Drive at South First Street. For groups of 10 and more, call 512-457-5161 or groupsales@thelongcenter.org.

The Long Center is Austin's Creative Home, built "by the community, for the community." The organization is primarily funded by private citizens and corporations and by nature understands the importance of giving. As a non-profit, the Long Center collaborates with community partners to sponsor educational programs, host free events on the City Terrace, subsidize rental costs for emerging art groups, and gift tickets to charitable and community-minded organizations. The Long Center also provides the best overall live entertainment experience of any venue in Austin. It is home to the Symphony, Opera and Ballet and boasts additional eclectic programming spanning diverse audiences. A commitment to acoustic excellence combined with exceptional theater site lines and an unparalleled outdoor view of Austin creates a magical experience and lasting memories. Austinites of all ages and interests are invited to explore the Long Center to expand their cultural perspective and appreciation of the arts. For more information, visit TheLongCenter.org or call (512) 474-LONG (5664) for ticket information.