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Joliet Area Historical Museum Hosts Inaugural Blues Brothers Con!
August 19, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - August 20, 2022 @ 11:30 pm
Blues Brothers return to Old Joliet Prison for weekend festival August 19-20 featuring live performance by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi
JOLIET, IL – The Joliet Area Historical Museum will host a two-day event in celebration of the inaugural Blues Brothers Con to be held at the Old Joliet Prison, Aug. 19-20, 2022. Anticipated to be an annual event, the sixteen-acre community restored prison will transform into a tapestry of sights and sounds to celebrate and honor the iconic “Blues Brothers” film that debuted in theaters more than 40 years ago. Actors and singers, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will reprise their iconic roles of Elwood Blues and Brother Zee for a 90-minute special performance on Friday night, Aug. 19 when the famous Old Joliet Prison will welcome back the Blues Brothers.
“Since the Museum began operations in 2018, the Old Joliet Prison has become a pilgrimage site for Blues Brothers fans from around the world,” said Greg Peerbolte, CEO Joliet Area Historical Museum. “We are honored to work with Dan Aykroyd, Judith Belushi Pisano and the Belushi family to preserve the cultural contributions of one the greatest films ever made. Blues Brothers Con will also help to repair the effects of the worst aspects of the Prison’s history by partnering with nonprofits and local faith-based organizations that support reentry and restorative justice initiatives.”
Throughout the two-day Blues Brothers Con festival, “Blues Brothers” fans can expect live musical performances by blues legends including Chicago’s own Toronzo Cannon, fresh off of his Chicago Blues Fest headlining performance and Curtis Salgado, from whom the film’s character ‘Curtis’ is named after. Saturday, Aug. 20 will feature an ecumenical Gospel music service led by Joliet-area faith based and civic leaders, followed by the sounds of seasoned Chicago blues veterans Mondo Cortez & The Chicago Blues Angels and Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.
The Blues Con experience will also feature recreated homages to the film throughout the site. Guests can enjoy local food and browse merchandise selections while strolling through “Blues Brothers” experiences including a Maxwell Street Market pop-up, a Bluesmobile car show at the Daley Plaza, live art accompanied by a DJ at Soul Café and live Country and Western music at Bob’s Country Bunker. Saturday morning will open with a special ecumenical service and Gospel music performance inspired by the Triple Rock Baptist Church. A free public screening of “Blues Brothers” will conclude the festival Saturday night.
“It is now more important than ever that we recognize, venerate and celebrate the positive impact African American culture and blues music have contributed to the world,” said Dan Aykroyd. “This is what the Blues Brothers were all about and Blues Brothers Con carries on that mission with dedication and commitment. Judy and I are grateful and look forward to an outstanding weekend of fun, food and celebrating everything that is blues music.”
“I’ve wanted to do this for years,” said Judith Belushi Pisano. “I’ve lived in the Blues Brothers world for over 40 years and the mission to embrace blues music, share music and support live music remains constant. This festival is the perfect format for fans to embrace the blues and I can’t think of a better venue to host this event than the Old Joliet Prison. We intend to create an atmosphere reflective of the beautiful Chicago Blues culture, with music, food and artwork. Our goal is to craft a fun and uplifting experience that will leave people wanting more.”
To view the complete Blues Brothers Con two-day event schedule and purchase tickets, click here.
Event sponsorships are available by contacting Mike Brick, Museum Deputy Director of Marketing & Advancement at m.brick@jolietmuseum.org.
Sponsors for the Blues Brother Con include Old National Bank & Crystal Head Vodka.
Event Location: Old Joliet Prison, 1125 N. Collins Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Dates: Friday, August 19 (Blues Brothers Performance) & Saturday, August 20
Tickets: Online at jolietprison.org & jolietmu
Ticket Prices (ALL ticket prices represent a two-day pass to the event):
• GA Adult $60
• GA Child/Student $20 (18 & under, must be accompanied by adult)
• Crystal Head VIP All Access $500
• Crystal Head Platinum VIP $5,000
• Walk-Up Tickets (Both Days), Prices as above, subject to capacity
• Saturday Evening Screening of the “Blues Brothers” – free to the Public
Parking: Free onsite and remote/shuttle (GA)
About THE JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that celebrates the diverse industrial heritage of the Joliet region. Founded in 2002, it operates a contemporary Museum facility in Joliet’s City Center in the historic 1909 Ottawa Street Methodist Church. Since 2018, JAHM has operated the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. In 2022, it will open two additional historic properties as museum experiences, the Planinsek Market and Union Depot Tower.
