The Western Illinois Museum is thrilled to announce the next Blind Swine Speakeasy event, taking place on Friday, October 11th. Musical guest EmiSunshine and The Rain will perform two sets of music at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Starting at 5:30 p.m., patrons—with the password—can enjoy a (now legal) drink at the bar while exploring the dawn of the “1920s New Women.”
In the 1920s, women in rural America were no strangers to hard work. They balanced roles as mothers, farm wives, sharecroppers, factory workers, and more. While household chores required strength, athleticism in women was often seen as immodest, selfish, or even harmful. However, during the 1920s, perceptions began to change with events like the 1922 Women’s Olympics and access to competitive sports such as tennis, swimming, speed skating, and sailing. This week at the Blind Swine, we explore the “New Women of the 1920s,” who, with shorter hairstyles and dresses, embraced expanded professional and social opportunities.
Our musical guest is acclaimed singer-songwriter EmiSunshine, who has captivated audiences nationwide with her unique blend of Americana, bluegrass, country, and roots music. Emi, along with Randall Hamilton, are the bees’ knees, delivering soul-stirring performances that echo the music of Appalachia with a modern twist. Her powerful songwriting and signature ukulele have graced stages from the Grand Ole Opry to American Idol, and her music has been praised for its deep emotional resonance and traditional sound.
EmiSunshine and The Rain’s performance promises to be a highlight of this year’s Blind Swine Speakeasy series, with their raw talent and authentic sound creating a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity—reminiscent of the “1920s New Women.”
About the Blind Swine Speakeasy: Inspired by the secretive speakeasies of the Prohibition era, the Blind Swine series offers guests a chance to step back in time for a night of live music, beverages, and a “concealed,” intimate setting. Held in the Western Illinois Museum’s historic building, this event recreates the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s. In addition to the music, guests will enjoy a continuous screening of the 1927 silent film Get Your Man, directed by Dorothy Arzner and starring Clara Bow. This lighthearted comedy showcases the essence of the silent screen star.
Come for the music, stay for the history, and immerse yourself in a night of lively tunes, fascinating stories, and an exploration of the cultural shifts of the 1920s.
To enter the speakeasy, guests must use the back door—and don’t forget the secret password! 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.
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 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.
***Courtesy of the Western Illinois Museum***
