JU Ly 6, 2022 Vo L . 6 6 I ss U e 39
# bUgL e n e W s
buglenewspapers.com
news from plainfield Joliet shorewood Lockport crest Hill bolingbrook romeoville downers grove Westmont Woodridge Lisle niles morton grove park ridge & more
pag e 2 | Wednes day,JULY 6, 20 22 | buglen e w s pa p e r s .c om
W e d n es day, JU Ly 6 , 2 0 2 2 | b U g L e n e W spap e r s. c o m | pag e 3
WILL coUnTy
Joliet prison to hold inaugural blues brothers con 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. 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 James 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
see ‘bLUes’ page 5
pag e 4 | Wednes day,JULY 6, 20 22 | buglen e w s pa p e r s .c om
We d n es day, JU LY 6 , 2 0 2 2 | b u g l e n e w spap e r s. c o m | pag e 5
‘blues’ from page 3 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, Judy 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 Con festival, “Blues Brothers” fans can expect live musical performances by blues legends including Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon 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 Bob’s Country Bunker, catch a Bluesmobile car show before browsing the Maxwell Street Market while sipping on classic ‘Orange Whips,’ made famous in the film. 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 unduplicable 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.” 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 & Saturday, August 20 Tickets: Online at jolietprison.org & jolietmuseum.org Ticket Prices (ALL ticket prices represent a two-day pass to the event): • GA Adult $60 • GA Child $20 (18 & under) • Crystal Head VIP All Access $500 • Crystal Head Platinum VIP $5,000 • Walk-Up Tickets (Both Days) -Above stated prices, subject to capacity • Saturday Evening Screening of the “Blues Brothers” – Free to the Public.
pag e 6 | Wednes day,JULY 6, 20 22 | buglen e w s pa p e r s .c om
We d n es day, JU LY 6 , 2 0 2 2 | b u gl e n ew spap e r s. c o m | pag e 7
pag e 8 | Wednes day, JULY 6, 20 22 | buglen e w s pa p e r s .c om