Lynne Stukart of LeClaire can’t sing the praises of a staggeringly huge virtual choir loudly enough. But that makes sense, since for Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 6 – with 17,562 singers from 129 nations – they literally were told to “Sing Gently.” At a time when we could all use some peace, togetherness and harmony, Stukart, a veteran flute teacher, was thrilled to be part of the online musical project. She’s a big fan of Whitacre, the popular choral composer and his ambitious virtual choirs – a project that started in 2010 with individual videos from 185 singers from 12 countries,... Read More

Though Illinois allowed indoor museums to reopen June 26, the Covid-19 pandemic still rages across the nation. Museums, historic homes and gardens in the Quad-Cities have taken differing approaches to reopening. As of that Friday in late June, with phase 4 of Illinois’ reopening implemented, very few museums on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River were open to the public. As of today, most have reopened, with attractions remaining closed include the John Deere Pavilion in Moline and Colonel Davenport House on Arsenal Island. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all major Deere tourist facilities... Read More

On Friday, you can gaze up at the summer night sky and watch the stars in wonder. Join well-known local storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis this Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. for a fun, family-oriented evening of American Indian Star Stories at The Twinflower Inn, 110 N. Olson Street, Bishop Hill. Safe social distancing guidelines will be in effect. Fox is an author and storyteller of Cherokee heritage. There will be drumming songs and a chance to sing long. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, bring a snack, and bring a friend. The evening is sponsored by the Twinflower Inn and Fox Tales International.... Read More

Welcome to the QuadCities.com Virtual Art Gallery! In this feature, we’re spotlighting area artists and their work. Every Tuesday we’ll feature a new local artist. It’s free and our way of showcasing awesome area artists and allowing them to include a link to their own online gallery or patreon! If you’d like to be included in the gallery, just send your bio, a headshot pic of yourself and up to a half-dozen .jpgs of your art to Sean@QuadCities.com. We look forward to adding YOU to the gallery!   Like last week’s artist, Les Bell, today’s featured artist is also a local... Read More

You’ve heard of Christmas in July? Well, the Quad-Cities’ first goth rock band has reunited to celebrate Halloween in July. Joshua Bentley, 46, of East Moline, played his first show in the Quad-Cities 29 years ago Tuesday — July 21, 1991 at Uncle Roscoe’s Polo Club in Davenport, with his band Pitch Black Manor (which formed in 1990). Bentley has fronted other Q-C bands, Savage Gentlemen, Human Aftertaste and Hot Candy Idols (national touring with Human Aftertaste in 2007) and has come full circle back to where it all started. Pitch Black Manor recently reunited, with bandmates... Read More

Several Quad-Cities cultural organizations and projects were among 176 grants totaling just over $2 million, announced Friday by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), for works in art, film, history, and culture. The funding comes through programs overseen by the department’s divisions: the Iowa Arts Council, the State Historical Society of Iowa and Produce Iowa, the state office of film and media production. “These funds are critical to help sustain arts, film, heritage and cultural vibrancy across the state and showcase Iowa’s world-class cultural programs and destinations with... Read More

Saturday in the Arts is a comprehensive, in-depth feature on a topic, trend or personality impacting the Quad-Cities, posted every Saturday morning on QuadCities.com. Nathan and Whitney Meyer are a bit like the plucky, cute orphans who are often protagonists of a Disney adventure. Nathan, a 34-year-old graduate of North Scott High School, Eldridge, and his wife (like most of us, isolated and home-bound) actually work for Walt Disney World and are accomplished, blazingly talented singers and actors. Despite the four theme parks in Orlando, Fla., reopening this past week, the Meyers remain out of... Read More

Anyone can be an artist, and while the fourth-annual Chalk Art Fest won’t be able to gather in person this year, Quad City Arts is committed to bringing this colorful street art event to the community. So it will take place virtually from Aug. 15 to 28 and anyone and everyone is invited to participate. Chalk artists can create their work safely at home, on their driveway, sidewalk, porch or balcony. Snap a photo of your masterpiece and send to Quad City Arts (via website or e-mail) by Aug. 28 at 3 p.m., and be eligible for over $1,500 in cash prizes, including a youth category (for ages 12-17)... Read More

Since 2015, Thank the SEALs motorcycle ride and events have been promoting Veterans First and raising much-needed funds one family at a time. The 2020 Thank the SEALs Benefit Dinner will take place this Friday Jul 17 from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street Bettendorf). The Thank the SEALs Honor Ride will take place on Saturday Jul 18 at 9 a.m.   Benefit Dinner Featured Speaker Darren McBurnett “McTeams” is a highly decorated combat veteran, Navy SEAL and diversely skilled operator. As a SEAL platoon leader, he has deployed over eight times into... Read More

Tammy and Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films have a pair of honors to celebrate today. Early yesterday, the duo of area filmmakers found out their feature, “Sons and Daughters of Thunder,” was an official selection of the 2020 Iowa Independent Film Festival. Last night, they found out their film “Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City” was accepted to the 2020 Denali Film Festival in Denali, Alaska. Tammy posted the following on her Facebook last night: We are extremely honored that “Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City” is in this amazing film fest in Denali,... Read More