Playcrafters Barn Theatre’s first production in 15 months, the new drama “Princeton’s Rage,” is deeply personal for both its Quad-Cities playwright and director. In the Don Faust play (rated R for language and adult content), Princeton Yale left his hometown of Chicago over 30 years ago, turning his back on an abusive past at the hands of his high school classmates and never looking back. But through a series of happenstances, Princeton’s past comes to pay him a visit, in the form of one of his former tormentors, Reece “Rage” Johnson, and more than just talk about “the... Read More

After an unprecedented season, that featured a mix of concerts in empty and limited capacity concert halls, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) is hoping for something far closer to normal for its 107th season in 2021-22, starting in August. “From the New World” – named for the iconic Antonin Dvorak symphony that will kick off the Masterworks Oct. 2-3 – will feature six dynamic Masterworks programs, the beloved Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops, the return of QCSO at the Movies, four intimate “Up Close” chamber concerts, and several special events. “As we are truly entering... Read More

Saturday in the Arts is a weekly feature covering a trend, subject, event or personality of local interest. It runs every Saturday morning on your site for the best entertainment and arts coverage in the area, QuadCities.com! The trio of musical acts who will light up the Adler Theatre stage Saturday, June 5, are not only all led by African-Americans, they also lead with tremendous talent, heart and soul. Rising East Tennessee singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah – who was electrifying in her May 6 TV appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” – is the headliner, with Quad-Cities openers Ashley Dean... Read More

The Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) will once again present its “Be Downtown” event from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 5, in downtown Bettendorf. Located in the city’s parking lot at 15th and State streets, this free, family-friendly event will feature multiple bags tournaments with cash prizes, live outdoor music, food and drink vendors, children’s activities and more. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with 1031 Fitness presenting a free 45-minute high-intensity training (HIT) workout. Afterward, the K&K Family Fun Zone... Read More

In honor of June being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, The Project of the Quad Cities is for the first time holding a free Pride at Bass Street Landing on June 4-5. Presented with sponsors ReCept Pharmacy (The Project on-site pharmacy at 1701 River Drive, Moline) and Arconic, the nearby event (on the plaza off 17th and River Drive) will be 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 4, and 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 5, including food, live music, drag performances and education. Drinks on both nights will be provided by Galena Brewing Company. The Project outreach team... Read More

Melissa Pepper and Matt Rebro are a real piece of work, literally. In their big jobs, they work with many local clients – she’s president of Total Solutions (which handles information technology, accounting, payroll, marketing and human-resources functions for small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Quad-Cities), and he’s vice president of business development for Russell Construction (which helps build the entire region). The super-friendly, unpretentious pair are also building something new on the air, and in the minds of many Q-C students, as hosts of the new podcast “A Real Piece... Read More

The Levitt AMP Galva Music Series will welcome Good Morning Bedlam and Surf Zombies to the new stage at Wiley Park in Galva, Ill., to kick off this annual series on Sunday, May 30. Based in Minneapolis, Good Morning Bedlam has become an innovative force in the Midwest folk scene, with tight soaring three-part harmonies and a thumping kick-drum, they captivate their audience night after night with no intention of slowing down. Also appearing on stage are Surf Zombies, who raise surf rock from the dead with fast, crazy, original instrumentals that straddle retro surf, bubblegum punk and garage rock,... Read More

The Echo – at TheEchoQC.com – is a new online music publication that is partnering with Visit Quad Cities, the official destination management and marketing organization for the Q-C, to expand its digital platform experience and to continue to serve as an important community resource. By implementing a shared online calendar, the two organizations are making it easier for Quad Citizens and visitors to find live music experiences in the region. “Partnering with The Echo is another way to add depth and create value for the Quad-Cities regional destination,” said Dave Herrell, President and... Read More

Tim Schiffer, former executive director of the Figge Art Museum (2012-2019), will show 15 of his new paintings at Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 2967 State St., Bettendorf. The exhibit – “Paintings Within Paintings” – will be on display May 28th through July 28th. An opening reception with the artist (who recently moved to Tucson, Ariz.) will be held Friday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Tim Schiffer has been a moving force in the arts here in our area,” says Pat Bereskin, gallery owner, artist and art teacher. “As past director of the Figge, during his tenure, he made great... Read More

A master of progressive rock, the Alan Parsons Live Project, will perform at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seat tickets for the event (starting at $30) are on sale in person at the Adler Theatre Box Office (136 E. 3rd St.) and online at Ticketmaster.com. Alan Parsons, now 72, began his storied career as an assistant engineer at the famed Abbey Road Studios working on projects such as The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be,” and quickly became one of the most sought-after names in the recording industry following his engineering work... Read More