When John Belushi formed the Blues Brothers, he was inspired by Oregon-based singer Curtis Salgado, whom the actor befriended during the making of National Lampoon’s Animal House. Belushi even dedicated the Blues Brothers’ debut, Briefcase Full of Blues, to Selgado. The dude has a long history as bandleader and sideman. Early on, he sang with Robert Cray, before launching a solo career that’s included gigs with Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters and Albert Collins. He’s remained an independent musician, but he’s maintained connections with bigger stars — something that turned out to be crucial when he was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2005. Like many musicians, Selgado has no insurance. So famous friends like Cray, Raitt, Steve Miller and Taj Mahal held a benefit concert to offset the medical expenses for a costly transplant. Salgado ultimately recovered and recently released Clean Getaway, which celebrates the end of his medical woes. The show starts at 9 p.m. at the Winchester (12112 Madison Ave., 216.226.5681). Tickets: $12. — Ernest Barteldes