Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics; Oct. 12, 2019 – Feb. 2, 2020
From the moment rock and roll hit the airwaves, it has played a crucial role in politics and social movements around the world. Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics looks at some of the most important debates in our country through the lens of rock music and explores the power of rock to change attitudes about patriotism, peace, equality and freedom. The exhibit explores how artists exercise their First Amendment rights, challenge assumptions and beliefs, stimulate thought and effect change.
The exhibit includes exclusive video interviews with people such as Bono and Jimmy Carter, and combines them with interactives, photography and artifacts to examine how music has both shaped and reflected our cultural norms on eight topics: Civil Rights, LGBTQ, Feminism, War & Peace, Censorship, Political Campaigns, Political Causes and International Politics. The exhibit is organized by presidential administrations – from Eisenhower through Trump – and uses historical context to shed insight into how we view these issues today. Examples of artifacts included in the exhibit are:
• Joe Strummer’s 1966 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar from his Clash years
• Grace Slick’s vest from Jefferson Airplane’s performance at the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, 1969
• Original handwritten lyrics from Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” Chuck Berry’s “School Day,” Neil Young’s “Ohio,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A” and Green Day’s “American Idiot”
• Correspondence between the FBI and Priority Records regarding Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”
• Original Village People stage costumes
• Artifacts related to the Vietnam War, the May 4, 1970 shooting at Kent State, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the #BlackLivesMatter movement
Curators from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Newseum worked with veteran music journalist, author and television producer Bill Flanagan (VH1 Storytellers, CMT Crossroads, CBS News Sunday Morning) to create this unique exhibition.
Sponsorship of this exhibition is provided by The Sherwood Foundation; Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation; Douglas County, Nebraska and Dillon Foundation. Additional support provided by Whitmore Charitable Trust and Fraser Stryker PC LLO. Media support provided by Star 104.5 and CD 105.9.
Exhibition Related Programs and Events
Rock and Roll at The Platform
Saturdays, November 2, 2019 – February 1, 2020 • 10AM-Noon
Join us each Saturday at The Platform, the museum’s interactive play space for kids of all ages. Each Saturday morning will feature a new and exciting STEAM-based activity related to music and sound. No registration required, and regular admission applies; free for museum members!
Music Trivia Nights Adults Only!
Member: $10, Non-Member: $15
November 14, 6-9PM: Hits, Classics and Oldies but Goodies
January 23, 6-9PM: 80s, 90s and Today
Join us for two exciting nights of music trivia hosted by Omaha radio personality Dave “Wingy” Wingert from Boomer Radio. Visit Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics from 6-7PM during this 21 and over event. Then, enjoy a music trivia contest and cash bar from 7-9PM. Your ticket includes admission to the museum after hours and a night that is sure to be a rockin’ good time! Great prizes for the top finishers! All proceeds help support the museum.
• Must be 21 or older to attend.
• Form a team of up to 8 people or purchase individual tickets and be paired on a team with other music lovers.
• Purchase your tickets online or call 402-444-5071. Payment is required upon registration.
• Festive costumes are HIGHLY encouraged but not required.
• You are welcome to bring snacks for you and your team.
• Refunds cannot be issued less than one week in advance of the event date.
Voice your Choice with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 6:30PM
Who would you choose to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? This fun, interactive program breaks down the induction process—from nomination to voting to induction—while providing YOU the chance to choose the artists you feel deserve to be inducted. Defend your decision and voice your choice with special host, Jason Hanley, Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Registration is required and regular admission applies; free for members.
