Psst—pass it along! Nothing’s happening at the Western Illinois Museum on Saturday, October 18… unless you’ve got the password. The Blind Swine Speakeasy swings open its doors at 6:00 p.m., with bar service for those in the know. From 6:30 p.m. on, musical guests Emma & Matt, joined by local favorite Matt Hughes on bass, will keep the joint jumpin’ with two toe-tapping sets of jazz.
The 1920s were the cat’s pajamas when it came to invention. Thanks to motors, mass production, and new materials, gadgets like vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and radios turned households into hives of modern living. And it wasn’t just convenience, lessons from World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic spurred a boom in packaged food and bottled drinks. Individually wrapped candies, canned goods, and brand-name sodas promised “clean” eating and better health, while ads told homemakers they could be the bee’s knees of efficiency.
But here’s the kicker: while technology was promising progress, folks were also whipping up their own “giggle water” with the help of motors and mixers better suited to milkshakes than moonshine. The speakeasy became the place where all this modern flair, style, secrecy, and a dash of rebellion came together.
On October 18, explore the Museum’s collection of 1920s household marvels and decide for yourself: were they real time-savers or just nifty gizmos? All while you sip a cool beverage, mingle with friends, and let Emma & Matt’s smooth jazz transport you straight back to the Roaring Twenties.
Want in? Text Swine to 309-837-2613 for the secret password (it changes every time to keep the feds guessing). Slip the gatekeeper at the south door a fin ($5), and you’re in.
This program is supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council.
The Western Illinois Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. Located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of the Courthouse Square, the Museum offers exhibits, live music, and programs in a fully accessible historic building.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum.org, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email
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Matt & Emma Short Popular Music Bio
Matt Landon & Emma Reynolds are a dynamic duo, blending masterful guitar with soulful vocals. Performing together since 2022, they enjoy playing a wide range of genres—from jazz and singer-songwriter to blues, folk, and pop. Matt, an accomplished guitarist from Burlington, Iowa, has performed with jazz legends like John Patitucci and Joey DeFrancesco and teaches at WMU and Kirkwood Community College. Emma, a versatile vocalist from Mount Shasta, California, brings rich jazz influences from her performances across California. Their dynamic style, crisp harmonies, and rhythmic arrangements are perfect for any venue, offering fresh takes on both standards and original tunes.
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