The music industry was among the first to close and will be among the last to reopen as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, placing musicians who depend on income from live performances in very dire financial positions, according to John Taylor, concert organizer and head of the now-canceled Galva summer concert series. To support musicians during this critical time, Heartland Connections, through non-profit support of the Galva Arts Council, has launched the “Play it Forward” campaign. This program will distribute 20 grants, starting at a minimum of $500, to musicians facing financial emergencies... Read More

It’s been said there are no coincidences. All actions, all events, are part of a lattice of connection that perhaps we can’t see, and of which we’re not aware, but that we all feel, consciously or unconsciously. That’s what it means when you say something feels right. It feels like it should be. It feels like it should be of our time. That seems to be true especially when it comes to entertainment. To be sure, at all times, there is popular entertainment. There is always something moving through the transom of our lives, of our consciousness, taking up the spotlight. But there are so few... Read More

Davenport’s Junior Theater is holding online classes starting June 1. The sessions will last for four weeks. Here’s the lineup and links for more info: Creative Movement Ages 3-6 This fun class helps to build locomotive skills essential to a strong dance foundation. Using imagination play students will learn to become different things and travel to far away places! Creativity and having fun is what this class is all about! More info here. Character Creation Ages 8-10 / 11+ Students will learn to push their bodies, voices and imaginations to create dynamic characters! Great characters... Read More

Local cornbread aficionado Aiden Landman has been gifted with a golden honor. According to an excited and tasty post on Landman’s Facebook just moments ago, he was nominated by the NCCBA (National Council for Cornbread Awareness) for the 10 day favorite cornbread image challenge. Landman is the first Quad-Citian (that we’re aware of) to be nominated for the prestigious national award. In terms of food-related awards and image challenges, he follows in the footsteps of Tristan Tapscott, who was nominated for the 10 day favorite mojito challenge, Khalil Hacker, who was nominated for the... Read More

Art in the Garden will bloom Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 9 AM – 4 PM at Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave., Rock Island. Local and regional artists including jewelers, photographers, painters, woodworkers, fabric artists, and others who are inspired by nature to create, will exhibit and sell their art pieces at this outdoor show. The handcrafted works will be on display in tents throughout the gardens and a variety of art price points are offered. $8 adults | $4 members and kids 5-15 Free for kids 4 and younger Pay at the door, no RSVP required The call for entry for artists is open here.  Read More

Sara Barto was looking forward to her 40th birthday on Friday, March 13. She and her husband Dave were planning to go out of town for the weekend. The world had other plans. A bartender at the new Off Point Pub, on Davenport’s Hickory Grove Road, the Bettendorf woman went to the doctor that day after having side pain and nausea. After several tests, including an ultrasound and liver biopsy, Barto was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She started chemotherapy immediately but lost her job soon after when the then-four-month-old bar had to close due to Covid-19. Barto was embraced with support... Read More

Davenport has decided to cancel Music on the River. The city released the following on its website tonight: After careful consideration of the health and safety of our patrons, along with the uncertainty regarding future distancing guidelines, the Riverfront Improvement Commission has cancelled Music on the River Summer Concert Series 2020 season. Please enjoy the summer while staying safe. We look forward to this wonderful tradition returning in 2021. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Steve Ahrens.  Read More

Relatively few Quad-Cities artists and arts organizations have received Covid-19 relief funding from Iowa or Illinois, and both states are proceeding in their next round of grant awards. Illinois Humanities recently gave out 24 emergency relief grants (of $2,500 each) – including the Rock Island-based Midwest Writing Center and Bishop Hill Heritage Association. These general operating (non-project) grants aim to help smaller humanities organizations throughout Illinois to weather the current pandemic. “Especially in this moment of duress, Illinois Humanities is proud to support not-for-profit... Read More

Sorry, Brick Tamblin. Second’s not so bad. However, despite Brick’s love of lamp, Royce Eaks has been deemed “Lamp Enthusiast Of The Decade” by the Facebook Lamp Enthusiasts Group for his amazing handcrafted lamps! According to Lamp Enthusiasts Group moderator Alan Vrombaut, Royce has even offered to donate one to help raise money for charity! And, speaking of charity, Lamp Enthusiast T-shirts are on sale now and all proceeds go to Family Resources. “Thank you all for your enthusiasm and love of lamp!!!” Vrombaut exclaims!!!! https://lampenthusiasts-2020.itemorder.com/sale  Read More

They say clothes make the man. They also make Laura Heath very happy, especially when they authentically evoke a specific era. With her husband, Heath owns Trash Can Annie’s 418 E. 2nd St., Davenport, which has been closed to the public since last spring’s historic flooding. But her 40-year passion for fashion and experience working in theater and film nationwide led her to another high-profile project last year – supplying clothes for the hit Netflix mini-series “Hollywood,” which debuted May 1. The Ryan Murphy-led production — lauded for its glamorous, pitch-perfect costuming... Read More