The Western Illinois Museum presents Macomb Unplugged: Revisited on Sunday, January 4th, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Featuring founder Bill Maakestad, the program explores the history and legacy of the beloved local performance series that ran from 1993 to 2003, celebrating its lasting impact on the Macomb community through live music, poetry, dance, food, and conversation.

Doors open at 12:30 pm. A suggested $5 donation at the door helps support the Museum’s community programming.

Macomb Unplugged was a concert series created in 1993 by Bill Maakestad, inspired by MTV Unplugged. What began at the Bailey House as a living room–style event eventually outgrew its original space and expanded to other venues around Macomb. Over the years, the series featured musicians, dancers, poets, and visual artists, accompanied by thoughtfully prepared food, creating evenings that blended performance with conversation and gathering. Many Macomb Unplugged events also raised funds for local nonprofit causes.

The program at the Museum will recreate many elements of the Macomb Unplugged evenings in a single afternoon. Beginning at 1:00 pm, a short documentary on the history of the series will be shown. Music performances begin at 1:30 pm and will feature Bill Maakestad, Willie Jones, Brian and Jeanie Davenport, Randy Smith, Dan Eilers, Dick Marcott, Eric Ginsberg, and Brett Dougherty.

At 2:00 pm, Tom Joswick will offer a poetry reading, followed by a community conversation bringing together key figures from Macomb Unplugged’s history, including Bill Maakestad, Steve Larimer, Tom Carper, and Suzan Nash. Moderated by Rich Eggers, the discussion will reflect on the series’ cultural significance and community impact. The program will conclude with a final set of music at 2:45 pm. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon.

Program Schedule:

12:30 pm Doors open
1:00 pm Macomb Unplugged short documentary
1:30 pm Music Set
2:00 pm Poetry Reading and Community Conversation
2:45 pm Music Set