Joliet Area Historical Museum Reveals New Music Exhibit: Women Of Color Who Changed The Beat

(The following press release is from the Joliet Area Historical Museum)

JOLIET, IL —REBEL MUSIC!, presented by Black & Brown Femme Films is a sonic and visual journey through the artistry, resilience, and genius of women and femmes of color who shifted the beat and rewrote the score. From protest chants to punk riffs, from soul anthems to experimental soundscapes, their work is both resistance and revelation.

Through art, installation, and film, this museum exhibition honors the voices that refused silence, the rhythms that carried liberation forward, and the imaginations that dared to dream us into new worlds.

The exhibit will be on display at the Joliet Area Historical Museum from February 21st through March 21st and accompanied by weekly presentations, each spotlighting powerful women and women of color who continue to shape culture and history.

Opening Night

Join us on opening night for a powerful 30-minute documentary celebrating the overlooked pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Grace Jones, Alejandra Guzmán, and more. Using archival footage, interviews, and narration, the film highlights their bold contributions to music and culture. Following the screening, a 30-minute live Q&A with Black & Brown Femme Films invites the audience into a deeper conversation about legacy, visibility, and the future of music history.

Date: February 21st, 2026
Location: Joliet Area Historical Museum
Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Lyrics & Lattes

A lively coffee and pastries reception kicks off this interactive morning program, where visitors play table trivia games to set the stage for conversation. The centerpiece is a multimedia music presentation that celebrates Women of Color rock legends, blending visuals, music, and storytelling. Attendees will take part in “What’s the Hidden Meaning?”—a fun, group game that turns lyric analysis into an engaging activity. Guests will leave with a playlist QR code, a takeaway that keeps the music and spirit alive after the event.

Date: February 28th, 2026
Location: Joliet Area Historical Museum
Time: 11:30AM - 1:30PM