Aykroyd, Belushi Returning To Joliet Prison In September

JOLIET, IL – Following the success of last year’s inaugural Blues Brothers Con attended by nearly 6,000 people from all over the world, Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will reprise their roles as "The Blues Brothers" where it all began, at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site, representatives of the Joliet Area Historical Museum announced on Thursday.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, thousands of "Blues Brothers" fans will visit the 16-acre historic prison site to celebrate and honor the iconic film that debuted in theaters more than 40 years ago and continue the film’s legacy of preserving Blues culture and music as it exists in one of the world’s great Blues cities.

“The Blues Brothers film was about passing on the Blues to a new generation,” said Greg Peerbolte, CEO Joliet Area Historical Museum. “Following the incredible fan response to last year’s event, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is honored to continue this work with Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi Pisano and the Belushi family to pass on the film itself - and the music it cherishes – to new generations.”

According to Thursday's press release, Belushi and Aykroyd will emcee a stacked lineup of iconic and diverse Chicago Blues performers featuring Al Spears & The Hurricane Project, Joanna Connor & The Wrecking Crew, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Toronzo Cannon and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Additionally, two iconic Blues Brothers alums, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper and Tom “Bones” Malone will return to this year’s fest to interact with fans and join the Blues.

The Saturday evening event will be appropriately capped off by a Maxwell Street style Blues jam featuring favorites from the film, including appearances by iconic Blues Brothers alums Steve “The Colonel” Cropper and Tom “Bones” Malone.

"Joliet Prison is a great historical architectural site.So glad that the buildings are being saved as a museum," Malone emailed Joliet Patch on Thursday. "As most Blues Brothers fans remember, the movie starts and ends at the prison. We had an amazing party there last year at the grand opening.

"Come on out, September 9th and help us celebrate again. Keep the Blues Brothers alive and well."

Fans of the Blues Brothers should expect a variety of special experiences, pop-up exhibits and photo-ops throughout the day to be announced in the coming weeks.

Proceeds from the event support the operations of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit that has operated educational tours and community programs at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site since 2018. Peerbolte adds, “Stretching back almost a century, Blues music has a unique shared identity with the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. This music not only helps us to convey a past that is difficult to confront, but to work to heal that history.”

Related Joliet Patch:

Thousands Rock Old Joliet Prison For Belushi, Aykroyd Concert

Joliet's Greatest Week Ever? Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi Arriving

If you go:

Event Location:

Inside the Walls of the Old Joliet Prison, 1125 N. Collins Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Date: Saturday, September 9; Gates open 2 p.m., event is from 3 to 11 p.m.

Tickets:

 www.jolietprison.org

Ticket Prices:

 General Admission – Adult $55
 General Admission – Child $25 (18 & under)
 Front Section Standing Room Only – $75
 Front Section table for 4 guests – $500
Parking:
 Free onsite parking and remote/shuttle (GA)
 $20 preferred parking (quantities limited)