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Gina de Gregorio and Paul Asaro at The Blind Swine Speakeasy
October 25, 2024 @ 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Western Illinois Museum is excited to announce its next Blind Swine Speakeasy event, happening on Friday, October 25th. The evening will feature two sets of live music by Gina de Gregorio and Paul Asaro, with performances at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. when guests—who know the secret password—can enjoy a (now legal) drink at the bar while exploring the fascinating world of 1920s film and broadcast.
In addition to the live music, the event will dive into how the emerging technologies of film and radio transformed the 1920s, delivering news, sports, music, and entertainment to the public. Guests will experience this era through a special presentation, including a screening of The Gold Rush, the iconic 1925 Charlie Chaplin film, which helped define the early silver screen. This exploration of media history will show how film and broadcasts shaped the culture of the Roaring Twenties and brought the world into people’s living rooms like never before.
Musical Guests:
Gina de Gregorio is a high-energy singer, songwriter, and percussionist whose vibrant performances have been featured on ABC, WGN, and Fox. Regularly headlining top Chicago venues such as the House of Blues, Metro, and Lincoln Hall, Gina is known for her dynamic stage presence and vintage-inspired, catchy original songs that evoke a range of emotions and characters.
Paul Asaro is widely celebrated as one of the leading interpreters of early jazz, stride piano, and ragtime. A seasoned performer, Asaro has played alongside numerous acclaimed musicians and is a longtime collaborator with Leon Redbone. His authentic renditions of classic jazz have earned him a place on stages across the U.S. and beyond. Paul’s deep connection to early 20th-century American jazz piano makes him the perfect complement to Gina de Gregorio’s style.
About the Blind Swine Speakeasy:
Inspired by the clandestine speakeasies of the Prohibition era, the Blind Swine series transports guests back to the Roaring Twenties for a night of live music, drinks, and intimate ambiance. Hosted in the Western Illinois Museum’s historic building, this event recreates the vibrant and secretive spirit of the 1920s.
Come for the music, stay for the history, and immerse yourself in a night of lively tunes, fascinating stories, and a look at the cultural transformations of the 1920s.
How to Attend:
To enter the speakeasy, guests must use the back door—and don’t forget the secret password! Text ‘Swine’ to 309-837-2613, and the password will be sent directly to your phone. A suggested donation of $5 (or a “fin”) is encouraged to support the band.
This event is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and additional contributions from the Illinois Arts Council.
About the Museum:
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving 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 setting. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, and is fully accessible.
For a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum.org. For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.