Blind Swine Speakeasy with musical guest Turas

****Password Alert****

“I’m looking over a four-leaf clover.”

The Western Illinois Museum is thrilled to announce the next Blind Swine Speakeasy event, taking place on Friday, September 27th. Guests are invited to raise a pint and enjoy an evening of music celebrating the rich cultural contributions of Irish immigrants, featuring musical guest Turas. Starting at 5:30, patrons can enjoy a (now legal) drink at the bar while soaking in the atmosphere of a bygone era, with live music performances at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The institution of Prohibition, which became law in 1920, reflected many of the era’s social and political tensions, particularly concerns about the growing immigrant population.  These anxieties played a role in garnering support for Prohibition. The musical guest, Turas will bring the exuberant sounds and heartfelt lyrics of Irish and Celtic music, passed down through generations, offering a musical journey into the immigrant experience. Guests will also have the chance to learn about the traditions and customs Irish immigrants brought to America as they built new lives.

Turas, a six-piece band, features Mike Bergstrom on vocals, bouzouki, and guitar, Anne Marie Brinton on vocals, guitar, and percussion, Jeff Calhoun on vocals, banjo, mandolin, and guitar, Lauri Gannon on whistle, bodhrán, accordion, and stomp board, and Rose Fahey Wright on vocals, flute, whistle, and percussion. To learn more about the band, visit their website at https://www.turasband.com/video/.

In addition to the music, guests will enjoy a continuous screening of the 1917 silent romantic comedy The Immigrant, written, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. This classic film offers a glimpse into how immigration was perceived during the early 20th century, adding depth to the evening’s exploration of cultural identity during Prohibition.

Come for the music, stay for the history, and immerse yourself in a night of lively tunes, fascinating stories, and an exploration of the complex cultural issues of the 1920s.

To enter the speakeasy, guests must use the back door—and make sure you have the secret password! A suggested donation of $5, or a “fin,” is encouraged to support the band.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities Council.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. As a vibrant community hub, the Museum features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, and is fully accessible.

A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

Upcoming Dates for the 2024 Blind Swine Series

• Friday, October 11th: The New Macomb Woman: Work, Fitness, and Beauty Ideals of the 1920s with music by EmiSunshine
• Friday, October 25th: What’s Playing at the Illinois Theater? Radio & Film of the Prohibition Era with music by Gina DeGregorio and Paul Asaro