One necessity for any beach trip is a good book, and readers can find one this weekend at the Iowa Authors’ Fair, taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Regional Learning and Cultural Center, 112 E. 3rd St., West Liberty , Iowa. “We’re really excited about the event, we think people are really going to enjoy it,” said organizer Teresa LaBella. “You can greet, meet and buy your next best summer read from Iowa Authors Bob Bancks, Lyle Ernst, Teresa LaBella, Karen Nortman and Misty Urban.” The authors will take time out from signing books for a round table discussion and Q&A... Read More

Fatherhood is a metaphorical journey of endless amazement and discovery, and for hundreds of area Dads it can be a key component of a literal odyssey as well during Sunday’s 32st Annual Ride the River. Dads and their families looking for a fun and active way to spend Father’s Day are invited to check out the event from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Beginning at the Quad City Times’ offices in downtown Davenport and traversing Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Port Byron, Cordova, Hampton and Davenport, the 20-mile charity bicycle jaunt is expected to draw over 1,000 riders. New this year are... Read More

Some of the most interesting and funny conversations any of us have had are those that have been in that crooked hour of the night when the liquor has kicked in and the inhibitions have kicked out. Heather Nobiling is hoping to recreate that loose, hilarious feel in the new show she’s put together, Chics with Bics, Just Having Beer In New Jammies: Comedy For a Girls’ Night Out. The gig takes place this Saturday, at the Speakeasy in Rock Island. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8. The cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All female comics are onstage, but boys are allowed (and even encouraged!)... Read More

I’m not a big casino guy. I can count on two hands the number of times I’ve gone to casinos to actually gamble, and every single one of those instances was at the insistence of one of my friends. That said, if you are a casino person, you’re going to love the new Rhythm City Casino venue. And if you’re like me, and lukewarm at best on the casinos, you’ll still enjoy the other amenities quite a bit. I was invited to a special sneak preview of the venue at 7077 Elmore Ave., last Sunday, along with the contractors, construction workers, employees and their families, who were there to see... Read More

The Rhythm City Casino has bid bon voyage to its spot on the river and has moved to an impressive, and huge, new venue at 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport, which will hold its grand opening at 6 p.m. Thursday. (QuadCities.com entertainment columnist Sean Leary offers his review of the new venue here.) If you’re there when the doors open you can get a free Souvenir Grand Opening Chip Key Chain – available only while supplies last. But your luck may not stop with a free key fob, you can also enter into a contest for the $250,000 Sizzlin’ Hot Summer Giveaway and be entered to win hourly prizes like... Read More

Circa ’21 is getting ready to celebrate its 40th  birthday next June, but the Rock Island dinner theater has already announced its 40th anniversary season beginning in November. It’s an action-packed lineup boasting six marvelous musicals – among them a Tony-nominated musical based on an Oscar-winning movie, and two of the most beloved Broadway titles in the history of American theatre. The season begins with the return of a delightful holiday revue last produced in 2009 — Circa ’21’s “Holly Jolly Christmas” (rated G), running Nov. 9 through Dec. 29. Featuring more... Read More

Tristan Tapscott has always welcomed new creative ventures into his life, and with last week’s closing of District Theater after nine seasons, the former artistic director of that venue is sentimental about the past and proud of his accomplishments at that bastion while looking forward to the future. Recently, Tapscott sat down to talk about the District Theater, his performing and producing career, upcoming paths and more. Q: What was it like when you closed the theater? A: It was a very surreal moment for me. I spent the last nine years sacrificing everything for that place. I can’t yet... Read More

From wine to Wayne to a wace, er, race, there’s a lot going on in downtown Moline Centre this weekend. Here’s the rundown: Barley & Rye Bistro will be hosting a 5-course wine dinner Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Showcasing Pedroncelli from Dry Creek Valley, California, Chef Jarod will be preparing mouth watering meals paired with distinct wine pairings for your culinary pleasure.  This is an evening you won’t want to miss so call for reservations today. Also happening Thursday, Moline Centre Thursday Night Concerts on The Plaza at Bass Street Landing will feature 50 Shades of Rock presented... Read More

Moline’s Fourth Wall Films has been selected to produce a visitor center film for South Dakota’s newest state park — Good Earth State Park at Blood Run near Sioux Falls.  Mid-America Emmy® nominated filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle successfully competed with 42 proposals by 36 other companies nationwide to win the $276,000 contract from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department. The Good Earth State Park at Blood Run Visitor Center film will present the fascinating story of this historical and cultural site as told by a Native American grandfather to his grandchildren. ... Read More

Time to stir up the Gumbo again. Gumbo Ya Ya,  Mardi Gras in The District, returns to downtown Rock Island Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, bringing the atmosphere of New Orleans to the Quad-Cities for its 24th consecutive year. A variety of New Orleans style music will be performed over the weekend including zydeco, blues, and more. Louisiana style food will also be available through various vendors and a “French Quarter” marketplace will offer gifts and novelty items. A street magician, David Casas, will perform David Blaine-style tricks among the crowd on Friday night (which will... Read More