Every Saturday during the exhibit the museum will host an eclectic line-up of local performers who are carrying on the roots tradition. These performances are supported by Barnyard Guitar.

This week’s performance will feature Iron Orchard.

Formed in February 2010, Iron Orchard is an Americana/Roots Rock band hailing from the land between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Songwriter/rhythm guitarist Bill Harroun has spent his entire life in and around the area, and his original songs reflect the characters and landscape of this rural area.

Bill Harroun produced, Black Earth Music – The Story Of Macomb Country Rock In The 1970’s, a radio program that examined the region’s musical history through personal interviews with and rare recordings from the people who made it happen. Harroun believes that this was a very important time musically in the area, and that there were a lot of factors converging during the 1970s which greatly influenced the music in this part of the country, including his own songwriting. The group carries on the country rock traditions of the region with their own unique sensibility.

Members of the band include Bill Harroun, Rhythm Guitar/Vocals, John Gorlewski, Pedal Steel/Electric Lead Guitars & Vocals, Larry Andrew, Bass & Vocals, and Joe Gallagher, Drums & Percussion.

HyVee will be providing fresh baked goods.

This event is part of the New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music Exhibition on display in Macomb at the Western Illinois Museum between October 23rd and December 5th. Open hours are: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

For more information, please contact the Western Illinois Museum at 309.837.2750.