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

JOLIET, IL — One of the most widely known cities in the Midwest — I'm talking about Joliet — will become a worldwide attraction in just a matter of days as celebrities Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and a host of others from one of the greatest Hollywood movies ever made return to the scene of the filming: the Old Joliet Prison.

On Friday and Saturday, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is hosting a two-day celebration of the inaugural Blues Brothers Con at the Old Joliet Prison.

Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will reprise their iconic roles of Elwood Blues and Brother Zee for a 90-minute special performance on Friday night, when the famous Old Joliet Prison will welcome back the Blues Brothers.

Aykroyd and Belushi will be supported by Blues legends Al Spears & The Hurricanes, Toronzo Cannon and Curtis Salgado. There will be guest appearances from Tom "Bones" Malone and other original band members from the Blues Brothers film throughout the weekend, as well as Saturday performances by Dave Weld, Mondo Cortez & the Chicago Blues Angels and Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials.

As of early last week, at least 3,500 advance tickets were sold, and the event's organizers were capping ticket sales at 5,000. There are still tickets available for the Blues Brothers Con. For details on getting your tickets, visit the Old Joliet Prison website.

On Saturday morning, there will be a gospel service inspired by “Triple Rock Baptist” featuring three local gospel groups: Will Terry & Sounds of Joy, Chrysann Moore and the Lewis University Gospel Choir.

• There will also be a Vintage Car Show at Daley Plaza featuring the “Chicago Bluesmobile,” Mount Prospect’s Pre-Bluesmobile, vintage Chicago Police cars and Illinois State Police vehicles from the film era.
• “Bob’s Country Bunker” Beer Garden – featuring homegrown Joliet performers.
• Old Joliet Prison “Burnt District” Arts Collective Display – showcasing repurposed artwork from the damaged areas of the Prison.
• “Think” in the “Soul Food Café,” featuring local DJs, art demonstrations, and a letter writing station in cooperation with the Last Prisoner Project.

Maxwell Street Food & Merch Market:

· Mucha Salsa (Mexican)
· Moejoe’s (Cajun & Caribbean)
· Sunshine Mexican Café (Mexican)
· BabyQs BBQ (BBQ)
· Jacks Chick’n Ribs (BBQ)
· Lightning Concessions (Classic Carnival Food)
· Popus Gourmet Popcorn & Concessions
· Cream Crunch N’ More (Breakfast Cereal Infused Ice Cream)
· Tacos Maui (Mexican)
· TCBY (Frozen Yogurt)
· Supermercado Joliet (Mexican)
· Brisket Boys BBQ (BBQ)

Where: Old Joliet Prison, 1125 N. Collins Street, Joliet.

When: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Blues Brothers Performance,

10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.