The Western Illinois Museum “quietly” announces the return of The Blind Swine Speakeasy. The museum’s raw space, once used as a garage, will be open for an authentic 1920s era speakeasy experience. Held the first and third Fridays from June 7th through October 4th, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Each event will have a different theme related to the era. Guests enter through the museum’s south door, if they have the password, and can enjoy live music and fun activities to learn about local history – all while enjoying a now legal beverage. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door.
The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The password can be found on the museum’s Facebook page or by texting “swine” to 309.837.2613. For more information contact the museum at info@wimuseum.org or 309.837.2750.
June 7, 2019
What did Immigrants have to do with Prohibition, with musical guests Turas
The issues leading to prohibition in 1920 illustrate the social and political movements of the time. Concern for the growing immigrant population was one of those issues. At The Blind Swine, we celebrate the culturally rich music of Irish immigrants as we welcome musical guest Turas. The repertoire of Irish and Celtic music handed down from generation to generation with its exuberant sounds and heartfelt lyrics became part of a new life in America. So sit back, draw yourself a pint, and join us in the journey.
Turas is a six-piece band that includes 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, bodhran, accordion, and stomp board; and Rose Fahey Wright on vocals, flute, the whistle, and percussion.
June 21, 2019
The Suffragettes, with musical guest Aaron Jonah Lewis
In 1919 change was in the air. An unlikely partnership was formed between those working to advance the “Vote for Women” and those who believed there should be prohibition of alcohol. On June 21st at The Blind Swine, we look back 100 years and untangle the complicated web of the social advocates from the Anti-Saloon League to the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Musical guest Aaron Jonah Lewis, award-winning multi-instrumentalist, performer and educator, will accompany “the cause” with his spellbinding reels, boisterous blues tunes and even a bit of country gospel. His soulful spontaneity will amplify the deeply held convictions of a time of great social changes –no matter what side you are on!
July 5, 2019
All that Jazz, with musical guest The Recipe & Company
The Prohibition movement was coined “the noble experiment,” yet many considered it a failure. There is no doubt the thirteen-year exercise played a role in breaking down social barriers. The exciting new sounds of jazz added to the club scene where dancing and drinking were all the rage. On July 5th, The Blind Swine welcomes musical guests, The Recipe & Company which includes, Markius Anthony, Brett Dougherty, and Lukas Keil. These cool, homegrown, musicians bring hot jazz that would make any prohibition speakeasy proud. Be ready to cut a rug!
TV Cinema
July 19, 2019
LIVE Attractions with musical guest TV Cinema
The Blind Swine takes its name from the common rural term for a speakeasy, The Blind Pig. Live animals, like pigs, were “on view” for a 25 cent ticket, which also got you a cool spirited beverage. Thought we’d change things up a bit and name our fine establishment after a popular local breed, the White Chester Swine. On July 19th we welcome TV Cinema, a local band that includes musicians, Tucker E. Lee, and Victoria Harmon. Their beautiful harmonies and original songs are just right for a hot July evening.
August 2, 2019
The Talkies, with musical guests The Gentleman’s Anti-Temperance League
The financial prosperity of the 1920s along with advances in technology ushered in new forms of entertainment. The popularity of movies and radio programs influenced fashions and created celebrities. By 1924 Macomb had three movie houses to meet the growing demand. On August 2nd, The Blind Swine welcomes musical guests, The Gentleman’s Anti-Temperance League. Much like the radio and movies’ role in bringing new genres to new audiences, this band knows how to craft a tune. Their sound is described as a melting pot of hot jazz, swing, and Latin rhythms brought to a boil by soaring vocals and endless energy. Hailing from Minnesota the band includes Daniel Rosen on rhythm guitar and vocals; Alan Peterson on lead guitar and vocals; Jonathan Halquist on violin and vocals; Peter Whiteman on bass and vocals; and Kellie Reichert on vocals.
August 16, 2019
The Rise of the Automobile, with musical guest Keel Clemmens
The 1920s saw rapid changes that were fueled by new inventions, like the Model T automobile. Mr. Ford’s “Tin Lizzie” revolutionized more than the production line. He raised his worker’s salaries to $5 a day and instituted the five-day work week, creating “the weekend and leisure time,” along with disposable income to enjoy it. The automobile created the need for sales and repair shops, like the Ford Dealership known as Macomb Motors, which is now home to Western Illinois Museum and The Blind Swine. We welcome musician Keel Clemmens who will craft the playlist for your journey on the best road trip –ever!
September 6. 2019I Heard it on the Radio, with musical guest Last Acre
Radio in the 1920s brought new ideas into people’s homes. National broadcasts of breaking news, entertaining serial dramas, exciting sporting events, and new music styles were enjoyed by people across the country. New products were advertised, and radio stars and sports heroes were born. On September 6th The Blind Swine will dial into the music of Last Acre. With their “blood-kin” harmonies and dry, tongue-in-check repartee, they entertain much like early radio programs. The familiar sounds of their string instruments are woven with lyrics that color the story with spellbinding emotions that keep you tuned in. Last Acre is the project of Mark and Molly Mathewson, a father and daughter from Illinois.
September 20, 2019
The Rebellious Flapper, with musical guest the Nathan Taylor Trio
Nothing is more iconic of the 1920s than the flapper. The 1920 silent comedy film, The Flapper, set in motion the fashion craze and was made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, a cautionary tale about the era. The Blind Swine Speakeasy is the perfect place for a flapper to let loose and challenge social norms. Musical guest, the Nathan Taylor Trio will be on hand to help you “cut a rug.”
October 4, 2019
Let the GOOD TIMES Roll, with musical guests Sally Weisenberg and Don Berbaum
Most consider the prohibition of alcoholic beverages the defining issue of the 1920s, but history shows that the era’s changes affected manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment, and informed social issues. On October 4th, as we close the season at The Blind Swine, guests are invited to consider how life was forever changed during the roaring 20s! We welcome musical guests Sally Weisenburg and Don Berbaum to join us as we put lipstick on The Blind Swine for a roaring twenties closing night bash. Their eclectic mix of just good music is the perfect tribute to the speakeasy. Sally’s spectacular vocals provide the focal point while Don adds the color on guitar and harmonica, crafting a soulful sound.