Like its first blockbuster traveling exhibit of French art over two years ago, the Figge Art Museum again is partnering with many Q-C cultural organizations for its major new exhibit on American art. Unlike the last one (partly due to the pesky pandemic now), the museum is offering a ton of virtual online content and programming, starting with a free Zoom celebration Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. to preview “For America: 200 Years of Painting from the National Academy of Design.” Figge executive director Michelle Hargrave will welcome National Academy of Design Director Gregory Wessner, and... Read More

Can we ever get out of the rabbit hole? That eternal question is more relevant today than ever, as Davenport Junior Theatre (DJT) continues its 69th season with its second virtual production, “Alice in Wonderland,” directed by local theater artist Bobby Becher. Based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and adapted by Daniel DP Sheridan, “Wonderland” is a timely story that speaks directly to the viral Wonderland we’ve all found ourselves in over the last year. “Alice in Wonderland” involves 24 students from around the Q-C area. The kids range from ages... Read More

After a fairly hellish 2020, Shelley Cooper is back in musical heaven as the first half of 2021 is shaping up to be very busy and fulfilling. The enthusiastic Augustana College assistant professor of theater arts recently filmed two special performances for Circa ’21; she’s directing a new college production of “Into the Woods” this month; choreographing the next Circa mainstage show in March, and directing the Circa musical after that; performing a one-woman original show at the Black Box Theatre in late March, and then going to Orlando, Fla., to do the same show by June. Plus, you know,... Read More

The Bettendorf Public Library and Black Hawk College are once again collaborating to support area job seekers. On Thursday, February 18th at 6:00 PM, Angela Striegel, the Coordinator of Career Planning and Placement at Black Hawk College, will share information and tips to help participants create or update a resume to share with employers. This free, virtual workshop has limited space and will take place via GoToMeeting.  Registration can be made online by visiting http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/4790386 or by calling the Library at 563-344-4179. Once registered, participants will receive... Read More

Leslie LaCorte, drama director at Davenport North High School, and her students are itching to get back to live performances. That will happen March 5-7, with their first live play since the pandemic started –  a comedic mystery, “The 39 Steps” – and the month will also be special for 10 North students who will be part of a first-ever virtual Iowa Thespian Festival. “The 39 Steps” will be performed at Paul J. Holzworth Performing Arts Center (limited to 25-percent capacity), 626 W. 53rd St., Davenport. Adapted by Patrick Barlow (from the novel by John Buchan and classic movie by Alfred... Read More

Let’s face it — Saturday, Feb. 20 will be a big day for museum lovers in the Quad-Cities, as two long-time Davenport institutions open new exhibits. A new original exhibit at the Putnam (1717 W. 12th St.), “Faces of the Past,”  explores portraiture around the world and across time as a reflection of self-identity, popular culture, mythology, and ritual. The exhibit will be included with general admission and remain open through mid-2021 at the Putnam, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Throughout the world, people see themselves in different ways. Cultures demonstrate how they view themselves... Read More

And now, here’s a survey that certainly would’ve been tipped heavily if the Yankee Clipper was still open and hadn’t been turned into condos. A new rundown of the Most Sinful States In The U.S. has been released by WalletHub, and given that the Quad-Cities straddles both Illinois and Iowa, we’re doubly impacted by the results. As it turns out, each of the 50 states has its own virtues and vices. Some of them involving Furries (ahem, South Dakota… Yeti fetish, much?). For example, Missouri has the worst drug use problem. And it certainly comes as no surprise that Nevada... Read More

A wise man (lyricist Hal David) once wrote “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Man, do we need it now more than ever, and you can certainly get your affectionate fix in the new Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse Valentine cabaret, “Let’s Fall in Love.” Valentine’s Day is technically over — but really, who doesn’t need love every day?? And the 90-minute, slick, sweet and super heartfelt video compilation will be available online through noon on Monday, Feb. 22. I loved, loved, loved it. It features the talents (including cute interviews of couples) of many performers not only from... Read More

In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, the Bettendorf Public Library has partnered with Fourth Wall Films to present a virtual, live screening of Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe on Thursday, February 18th at 2:00 PM. This Mid-America Emmy® nominated documentary will be presented via the Fourth Wall Films’ Facebook page. Registration is encouraged to help Bettendorf Public Library track attendance for this online program and can be made at http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/4780047 or by calling the Bettendorf Public Library at 563-344-4179. This film screening is free thanks... Read More

Western Illinois University (WIU) Libraries will hold a virtual presentation of Robert Lopresti’s award-winning book, “When Women Didn’t Count” in March, in recognition of Women’s History Month. Robert Lopresti, a retired government information librarian from Western Washington University, (WWU) will discuss his award-winning book, “When Women Didn’t Count”(Praeger, 2017). The presentation is sponsored by WIU Libraries in acknowledgment of Women’s History Month. It will be held virtually at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 18. Lopresti retired in 2018,... Read More