“Blues Brothers Con” is the world’s greatest tribute to the iconic 1980 film in the place where it all began, supported by the timeless Blues Music it celebrates!
Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will reprise their iconic roles of “Elwood” and “Brother Zee” Blues at the home of “Joliet Jake:” powerhouse hour and a half performance inside the walls of the 1858 Old Joliet Prison Historic Site.
BB Con will be held one day only on Saturday, August 17th.
The proceeds from the event will support the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that operates the historic site for public tours and educational programs.
Since 2018, JAHM has raised over $10 million to support the structural stabilization of the site.
Areas of the prison will be open to the public for the event. In 2024, the Old Joliet Prison Historic was designated a National Register Historic District by United States Park Service.
The Blues Brothers will be joined by some of the greatest Blues acts in the country, including legendary Chicago Bluesman Ronnie Baker Brooks, and Curtis Salgado (the namesake of the film’s character “Curtis”).
Also appearing on stage will be seasoned Chicago Blues veterans Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Toronzo Cannon and Joliet area Blues sensations Al Spears & The Hurricane Project.
Fans can also expect personal appearances from Tom “Bones” Malone and author Daniel de Vise.
A testament to its continued worldwide appeal, “BB Con” already has confirmed ticketholders from eleven countries on six continents, and counting!
The 16-acre Old Joliet Prison will be activated with family-friendly sites and sounds that pay homage to the Blues Brothers universe, including:
• Daley Plaza Bluesmobile Car Show: Featuring an eclectic collection of “Blumos” from around the country and associated Blues Brothers automobiles from near and far, featuring the official “Chicago Bluesmobile.”
• Soul Food Café Court: Enjoy a diverse array of Joliet’s local favorites. Confirmed vendors include Sunshine Mexican Cafe, Popus Popcorn & Concessions, Tacos Maui, Super Mercado Joliet, Cemeno’s Pizza, Mucha Salsa, Marion’s Kitchen, Ben’s Soft Pretzel and TCBY Frozen Yogurt.
• Blues Bar Beverage Tent: You won’t find orange whips, but for craft beer lovers 21 and older, a limited-edition, official licensed Blues Brothers beer, a collaboration of Blues Brothers Approved Ventures and the award-winning Will County Brewing, will be available exclusively at the event alongside other adult favorites.
• Maxwell Street Merch Market: Featuring small businesses from Downtown Joliet as well as a variety of limited-edition licensed merchandise for every Blues Brothers fan.
Performance Schedule (Subject to Change):
• 11:30 AM – Gates Open
• Noon – Opening Remarks and Welcome
• 12:30pm – Al Spears & The Hurricane Project
• 2pm – Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials
• 3:30 – Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way
• 5:00 – Ronnie Baker Brooks
• 7:00 – Curtis Salgado
• 9:30 – The Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd & Jim Belushi • 11:00 PM – Event Closes
Sponsors: BB Con is generously sponsored by a patchwork of community partners including the City of Joliet, Heritage Corridor Destinations, Northpoint, D’Arcy Motors, Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel, Old National Bank, Klein & Hoffman and Berglund Construction. With nearly a quarter of billion impression in its first year, a sponsorship of Blues Brothers Con offers an incredibly unique opportunity to promote your business or brand while supporting the chartable efforts of the Joliet Area Historical Museum.
Parking: FREE onsite parking for BB Con ticketholders. ADA Parking is available in the Old Joliet Prison lot immediately to the south of the main prison building.
Additional parking will be available in nearby designated lots TBD. If you require special accommodation, please contact us, preferably within 72 hours prior to the event.
JAHM encourages carpooling, public transit and ride-sharing application
Public Safety Guidelines: All BB Con patrons and their property are subject to search upon entry or reentry into the site. All patrons will be subject to a metal detection screening.
Those who choose not to subject themselves or their personal belongings to the screening will not be permitted to enter the site.
Blues Brothers Con operates in full cooperation with the Joliet Police Department. Any patron attempting to access off-limit buildings or areas of the complex may be asked to leave the premises without a refund.
JAHM and Old Joliet Prison management reserves the right to prohibit any item not listed herein from entering the premises at its discretion. All patrons and their belongings are subject to search prior to entry and once inside the building. If a prohibited item is brought into the facility, you can throw it away or take it to your car. JAHM and Old Joliet Prison will not hold any items. • Items Allowed: Bag Chairs, Strollers/Wagons, Blankets, Ponchos, Diaper Bags, Purses, Backpacks/Small Bags, Small personal Care Items (Sunblock, Bug Spray) • Items Prohibited: Weapons*, Outside food & Beverages (including Alcoholic Beverages) Coolers, Umbrellas, Tents, Canopies, Duffel/Oversized Bags, Fireworks, Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, scooters; Barbeque grills/private cooking fires; Drones; Laser Pointers/pens/flashing or strobing devices; Unauthorized noisemakers; Pets/animals (excluding service animals), Tools. *JAHM and all historic sites and museums operated by JAHM definition of weapons includes but is not limited to the following: knives or blades of any length, metal nail files, tools, chains longer than 6 inches not made of precious metals (i.e. platinum, gold or sterling silver), firearms (authentic or replicated, including toys), clubs or extendable batons, any type of chemical irritant spray, stun guns or Tasers, spiked or studded jewelry, brass knuckle or any other item that could likely be used as a weapon or may cause injury if thrown or used improperly. Commercial filming or photography, and associated camera equipment without prior written permission from JAHM is prohibited at BB Con. Smoking (including vape pens) permitted only in the designated smoking area outside of the East Gate. Severe Weather – BB Con is a “rain or shine” event, and every attempt will be made to complete the show. In the event of severe weather (defined as thunderstorms which produce lightning, damaging winds, hail and/or tornados) the safety of our guests and personnel may dictate evacuations or postponement. All severe weather-related decisions will be made in consultation with the production team and emergency management personnel.
Tickets: General Admission $55 Preferred Viewing (Standing Room Only) $75
Available online at www.jolietmuseum.org or www.jolietprison.org Event re-entry allowed
