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Western Whackers & Tuba Christmas
December 1, 2023 @ 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm
On Friday, December 1st, the Western Illinois Museum will offer two out-of-the-ordinary musical performances for this year’s Dickens on the Square celebration.
The evening begins at 6:45 pm with the Western Whackers, a new percussion ensemble of Western Illinois University (WIU) students, who will perform holiday tunes using just different lengths of plastic tubes or what is known as Boomwhackers. The popularity of these percussion ensembles can be attributed to the ingenious interpretations of musical favorites and the delightful sounds these simple instruments can make. Under the direction of Kevin A. Nichols, Associate Professor of Music at WIU, this stop on your Dickens on the Square outing will bring an unexpected kind of holiday joy.
Back by popular demand, the Museum is pleased to host a Tuba Christmas concert starting at 7:00 pm. Join us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the international movement that celebrates the tuba and euphonium. You will hear surprising interpretations of your favorite holiday music. This unique group is under the direction of WIU music professor, Dr. James Land who brings together local tuba and euphonium players of all ages to offer this memorable musical performance.
Note: Both these concerts will be held in the unheated part of the Museum building. Please dress accordingly.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and from the Illinois Humanities.
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit community hub celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, that features exhibits, an open collection, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. Programs are free and open to the public; donations are appreciated. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.