--Sold Out-- In Conversation: Dan Aykroyd, Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, James Werner, and Heather Reisman

Event Details

Event type: All Ages

--Sold Out--

The Blues Brothers return! Join Canadian film icon Dan Aykroyd joins Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, James Werner for a conversation with Indigo’s Chief Booklover Heather Reisman about graphic novel The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake. Set in the 1990s, this mystery-caper follows a young detective and runaway orphan through a jailbreak that reveals hidden secrets and legendary soul, appealing to fans of both The Blues Brothers and classic mysteries. 

Event Guidelines:

• This is a ticketed event.
• Tickets include ONE presigned copy of The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake (Indigo Exclusive Edition).
• No flash photography.

About the Book:

The Blues Brothers - The Escape of Joliet Jake: It’s 1997, almost two decades after the events in THE BLUES BROTHERS film and Chicago law enforcement is once again in pursuit of the notorious musical criminal, Jake Blues, after a mysterious jailbreak. On the case is Robert, an up and coming detective, whose world is turned upside down… While investigating, Robert receives a little help from Elwood Blues, and an unlikely partnership forms between Robert and Wolfie, an orphan from the Blues Brother’s alma-mater, St. Helen’s of the Blessed Shroud. Together, they unravel a web of mysteries tied to Blues Brothers adventures with Jake and Elwood that we’ve never seen before! Get back to the heart of recidivist mischief, soul and bombastic chases. Sink your teeth into a new Blues Brothers adventure.

 About the Authors

Luke Pisano is a writer and marketing professional. The son of Judy Belushi Pisano, Luke has spent his life immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers, carrying forward the legacy the Belushi family, his mother, and Dan Aykroyd built together. Following Judy’s passing in July 2024, he stepped into her role as the other half of Blues Brothers Approved Ventures, ensuring that the cultural impact of the legendary duo continues to thrive for new generations. He is committed to bringing fresh energy and storytelling to the franchise while staying true to its roots in music, comedy, and soul. Luke holds an undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Beyond his work with the Blues Brothers, he has spent the last decade as a marketing manager for various brands and companies, blending strategic expertise with creative storytelling.

James Werner is a bi-racial writer, filmmaker and actor from Los Angeles. Aside from working with the Blues Brothers and Z2 comics, James currently works as a professional improvisor, clown and music producer in Los Angeles. He has a career in the music industry as a songwriter and musician, and plays for the indie-folk-funk band, Trees, as well as the alternative-rock-soul band Knees. He’s also a very good son (according to his mom) and if you want, you can get him to DJ too. Prior to working independently, James attended Vassar college, where he used the summers to intern at Blumhouse and Bad Robot. His dark, sci-fi, comedy short has shown at multiple film festivals, winning several awards.

Stella Aykroyd is a writer and director from Los Angeles, with a background spanning screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and environmental advocacy. From 2017 to 2020, she worked as a writer’s assistant and later transitioned into ghostwriting, specializing in fiction and short stories. Before focusing on scripted storytelling, Stella worked in documentary film, highlighting environmental and wildlife issues. From 2014 to 2018, she collaborated with Sea Shepherd (Saving the Vaquita, Great Barrier Reef Harm Reduction) and River Keeper (DAPL). As the daughter of Dan Aykroyd, Stella has been immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers her entire life. Since 2018, she and her father have worked together as writing partners, and now, she takes on a leading role in shaping the future of the Blues Brothers brand.

Felipe Sobreiro is a Brazilian illustrator and colorist. He has worked for most comic book publishers big and small, with titles ranging from the creator-owned Image hits "Luther Strode", "Spread" and "Local Man" to Marvel's "Generation X", and Ahoy's "Justice Warriors". For Z2, Felipe colored Jason Derulo's "UZO" and illustrated stories for the "The Illustrated Al" and "No Remoerse: The Illustrated True Stories of Lemmy Kilmister and Motoerhead" anthologies. Felipe lives with his wife in Brazil's capital city Brasília, in a house they share with a horde of cats and a dog.

Troy Peteri has lettered everything from The Avengers, Iron Man, Wolverine, Amazing Spider-Man and X-Men to more recent titles such as Witchblade, Cyberforce, and Batman/Wonder Woman: The Brave & The Bold.