Get Ready to Break in to the Old Joliet Prison

Get Ready to Break in to the Old Joliet Prison

The Great Joliet Prison Break-In fundraiser will be taking place on Saturday, August 25 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. Ticket holders will be able to step onto the historic prison yard and listen to the music of The Blooze Brothers, M&R Rush, Petty Cash and Hot Mess. while enjoying the tastes of various options from food trucks and beer vendors. The event is the grand opening and first major event of the “Old Joliet Prison,” which closed in 2002. The prison is featured in many movie and television projects, including The Blues Brothers and Prison Break.

"We anticipate this event will be a celebration of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who have selflessly supported the Museum’s efforts to stabilize, secure and showcase this historic site to visitors from around the world," stated Joliet Area Historical Museum Executive Director Greg Peerbolte, "The Great Prison Break-In will not only be an incredibly memorable experience, but will help to raise funds for the important work to preserve the Old Joliet Prison."

The City, Joliet Area History Museum and many other community partners are undertaking an effort to open the prison for public tours and access. According to Economic Development Director Steve Jones, “the funds raised from this event and other partnerships will allow the City to stabilize the site and preserve this historic facility.”

The Blooze Brothers has been one of Chicagoland’s most in-demand show bands. They honor the music and the spirit of the original Blues Brothers, from Dan Aykroyd’s love of traditional blues and soul to John Belushi’s love of classic rock. The group has played their music at the House of Blues, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, America’s Got Talent and at a US Presidential Inauguration.

M&R Rush began in the early 70’s, winning a few “Battle of the Bands” and building a following. The next thing you know, they were signed to the same Chicago-based management company as Styx. The group disbanded in 1987, but reformed in the early 2000’s. In their history, the band has performed shows with talents including Paul Rodgers, Blue Oyster cult, Pat Travers, REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Kansas, Starship (featuring Mickey Thomas), Head East, Uriah Heep, Foghat, Jim Peterik, the legendary Temptations, The Buckinghams, The Cryan Shames and more! PettyCash is a high-octane stage show appropriate for old rockers, baby rockers, and everything in between.

The band “Hot Mess” is a cover band that excels in classic and hard rock hits, and some original tunes of their own. The band features Mayor Bob O’Dekirk on the drums.

Tickets can be purchased online at jolietprison.org for $40.00 per person (ticket and processing fees are included in the price). Patrons can purchase their tickets for $35.00 per person (ticket and processing fees are including in the price) in person at the Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432) or the Joliet Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry Main Office (63 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432) during regular business hours.

The Joliet Historical Museum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit entity which operates a vibrant, 10,000 square foot modern museum facility in Downtown Joliet at the historic intersection of Old Route 66 & Lincoln Highway. The Museum also facilitates tours, programs and educational interpretation at the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. Find out more about the museum at jolietmuseum.org.

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