Date set for return of Aykroyd-Belushi to Old Joliet Prison

Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will return Sept. 9 to the Old Joliet Prison.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum announced the date for what is being called “Blues Brothers Con: The Sequel.”

Aykroyd and Belushi made their first appearance last year for a Blues Brothers performance that attracted an audience of thousands from the Chicago area and as far away as Canada.

The event is linked to the opening scene of the movie, “The Blues Brothers,” which was filmed at the Joliet Correctional Center. The state closed the prison in 2002. The city of Joliet now leases the facility, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum manages tours and events there.

“Following the incredible fan response to last year’s event, we are extremely grateful to Dan Aykroyd and Judy Belushi Pisano and the Belushi family to pass on the film itself – and the music it cherishes – to new generations,” Greg Peerbolte, chief executive officer for the Joliet Area Historical Museum, said in the announcement of the second Blues Brothers Con posted on the website for the Old Joliet Prison.

Peerbolte in April confirmed that Aykroyd and Belushi had agreed to come back this year, but the museum had not yet set a date for the performance.

Peerbolte did not return calls Friday to discuss the upcoming performance.

Joliet City Council member Joe Clement, who heads the council’s Prison Committee, said he expected a good response to a second appearance by Aykroyd and Belushi.

“It was big last year, and I think it will repeat itself,” Clement said.

The city of Joliet holds a lease on the prison, which is still the property of the state of Illinois. The musuem serves as manager of the prison, overseeing events and tours.

Clement said the Blues Brothers performance reflects the public interest in the prison and its history.

“People like it,” he said. “They’re drawn to the Blues Brothers, and there’s a whole lot of history there.”

Aykroyd and Belushi will emcee a lineup of iconic Chicago Blues performers that includes Al Spears & The Hurricane Project, Joanna Connor & The Wrecking Crew, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Toronzo Cannon and Ronnie Baker Brooks.

Aykroyd and Belushi will join alumni of “The Blues Brothers” band for a performance that will cap off the event with hit songs from the film. The gates will open at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $55 for adults and $25 for anyone 18 and younger. Tickets for the front section, which is standing room only, are $75. A front section table for four guests is $500.

Parking at remote lots is free, but onsite parking will be limited at a cost of $30.

For information about the Old Joliet Prison website, jolietprison.org.