The Old Joliet Prison, now converted into a tourism site, in Joliet, Illinois, will host a big bash in August to mark the 40th anniversary of "The Blues Brothers" movie, part of which was originally filmed there. The Herald-News, based in Joliet, reported the celebration will be a two-day event. Final dates aren't 100% set, … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison to host 40th-anniversary party for “Blues Brothers” movie
Category: Movies
“Wildorado” documentary is now online
If you have an hour to kill, I highly recommend you view the documentary film "Wildorado," situated in the Route 66 town of Wildorado, Texas. The film premiered on the RFD-TV cable channel and online around Christmas Day. Here's a description of the movie: In our latest I Am Angus documentary, "Wildorado", a forgotten town … Continue reading “Wildorado” documentary is now online
“Wildorado” documentary film to screen online next month
"Wildorado," a documentary about a high-school agriculture class in the Route 66 town of Wildorado, Texas, that establishes its own cattle company, will screen next month on television and online. Here's a trailer for the intriguing film: https://youtu.be/F2gy7MlSai4 The company the students established is the Wildorado Cattle Co. More about the company's origins can be … Continue reading “Wildorado” documentary film to screen online next month
End of an era: Final Dust Bowl Festival held at Weedpatch Camp
Weedpatch Camp, immortalized by John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," recently held its 30th and last Dust Bowl Festival on the outskirts of Bakersfield, California. Simply put, the festival is being shut down because the survivors of that calamity have gotten too old to run it. A local television station did a preview about … Continue reading End of an era: Final Dust Bowl Festival held at Weedpatch Camp
Matt Damon movie being filmed at Arcadia Round Barn this week
A movie starring Matt Damon is being filmed Friday at the Round Barn along old Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma. According to the Edmond Sun newspaper, most of the "Stillwater" film is being shot in Coyle, Oklahoma, but a scene will be produced in Arcadia. Arcadia Mayor James Woodard said it’s an honor for the … Continue reading Matt Damon movie being filmed at Arcadia Round Barn this week
Kanye West film shot at Roden Crater art project near Flagstaff
I swear I'm not making any of this up. The IMAX film "Jesus Is King" from hip-hop superstar Kanye West, along with the artwork on his gospel album of the same title, was shot at Roden Crater, a volcano northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, that's been sculpted into an ambitious art project over the last 40 … Continue reading Kanye West film shot at Roden Crater art project near Flagstaff
OKPOP museum breaks ground in Tulsa
Local and state officials participated Wednesday in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, or OKPOP, in downtown Tulsa. The museum, which anticipates an opening in late 2021, will be filled with memorabilia and information about musicians, film stars, authors and artists with Oklahoma ties. It will be across the street from … Continue reading OKPOP museum breaks ground in Tulsa
Tram tour at Disneyland Paris to be rebranded as Cars Route 66
Interesting news for our French readers: The Studio Tram Tour at Disneyland Paris in France will be redeveloped as Cars Route 66, according to several media outlets that follow developments in the Disney empire. Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure According to a tweet from ED92 that brings Disneyland Paris news: “Buckle up and join … Continue reading Tram tour at Disneyland Paris to be rebranded as Cars Route 66
OKPOP museum will break ground soon in downtown Tulsa
The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, aka OKPOP, will break ground this month across the street from the historic Cain’s Ballroom in downtown Tulsa, officials announced last week. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 23, and the governor and other officials will attend, reported the Tulsa World newspaper. Construction on the OKPOP … Continue reading OKPOP museum will break ground soon in downtown Tulsa
Book review: “Drive-Ins of Route 66: Yesterday and Today”
It's hard to believe now, but more than 100 drive-in theaters once existed on or near Route 66. The number now is seven. That factoid and many more are found in Michael Kilgore's well-researched and brisk-reading "Drive-Ins of Route 66: Yesterday and Today" (Neon Jukebox, 176 pages, illustrated, e-book available). Kilgore is the big kahuna … Continue reading Book review: “Drive-Ins of Route 66: Yesterday and Today”