Laura Fraembs wasn’t well-known to the general public outside of local media circles. She wasn’t on TV, or radio, and her picture rarely appeared in the newspapers for which she’d worked since 1981, The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus, and then the Quad City Times. In fact, she hated attention and shied away from the spotlight. But Fraembs’ legacy of integrity and veracity, absolutely spartan work ethic, and dedication to the principles of journalism, made her a true star of local media and an irreplaceable part of the newspapers. I was very sad to hear about her passing... Read More

Paramount Pictures has announced that Sonic the Hedgehog will join the list of movies releasing early digitally. Sonic the Hedgehog will be released digitally on Tuesday Mar 31, on Digital HD from Amazon Video and iTunes. Sonic is a hero to everyone in Green Hills. The exploits of the lovable hedgehog are known far and wide. Sonic’s adventures soon gain the attention of shady government operatives who want to capture Sonic and use his abilities for very bad purposes. One of Green Hills’ finest must use his expertise as a police officer to help Sonic evade those who are trying to capture... Read More

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is bringing the pranks into homes this April Fool’s Day with the early digital release of Impractical Jokers: The Movie on April 1, 2020, only five weeks after its successful theatrical debut. The film, an extension of the wildly successful IMPRACTICAL JOKERS series, was directed by Chris Henchy (Daddy’s Home, “Eastbound & Down”). A truTV original production and produced by Funny Or Die, Impractical Jokers: The Movie carries a suggested retail price of $19.99 for the Digital ($24.99 in Canada) and is rated PG-13. “Impractical Jokers... Read More

Among the rising number of local musicians continuing to provide entertainment to the masses, Jef Spradley and Scott Stowe will be combining forces to bring listeners and viewers some Office Jamz! Office Jamz w/Jef Spradley and Scott Stowe will take place on FB Live at 7 p.m. on Monday Mar 30 at https://www.facebook.com/spradleyjef/. Jef Spradley Originally from Houston, Texas this country boy found his way to the Quad Cities and now he’s “Local Livin” in Iowa. Playing music is his passion and he’s been pursuing it full time for the past several years. His music genres range from Classic... Read More

Metallica kicked off their Metallica Mondays series of free livestreams featuring pro-shot video from the band’s archives, last week. Up first was Metallica: Live at Slane Castle – June 8, 2019, filmed at the famed venue in Slane, Ireland last June. “While we’re all doing our part and staying home, we find ourselves missing live music, so how about we dive back into a few of our favorite shows at a socially responsible distance? Not to sound too cheesy, but now more than ever, we’re in this together, and staying connected is how we’ll get through it,” reads a note from the band announcing... Read More

Elton John is hosting a “living room” concert aimed at bolstering American spirits during the coronavirus crisis and saluting those countering it, iHeartMedia and Fox said Wednesday. Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys, Tim McGraw and Billie Joe Armstrong are scheduled to take part in the event airing from 8 – 9 p.m. Sunday Mar 29 on Fox TV and on iHeartMedia radio stations. The artists will be filmed with cell phones, cameras and audio equipment in their homes “to ensure the health and safety of all involved,” according to a statement. The event will take the... Read More

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” His voice, usually brash and loud, is quiet and cracked. “I mean, I’m depressed. Obviously, it sucks, because the money is a big thing. It’s not just me playing out. My wife is a waitress and bartender, and I’m a bartender a couple nights a week. That’s just extra. But we need it.” They have a couple of kids. They have five jobs between them. Or, well, they used to. Now they have one. His. His “day job,” he used to call it. Now it’s their only lifeline to an income that was way too small for them all to live on, but which now has to... Read More

Looking for something fun to do today? Why not check a live performance from Chuck Murphy’s garage? Local musician, Chuck Murphy, will be taking his upbeat and entertaining live music to Facebook Live today at 3 p.m. You can check out his show on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chuckchuckbobuck79. Make sure to tune in! Maybe he’ll even agree to do some more ‘fun costumes’ for viewers.   Bio: Chuck Murphy is an Iowa-based country and rock musician that creates unforgettable moments with his audience (both in person and remotely). This singer, guitarist and pianist has... Read More

As we all continue to Shelter in Place and practice safe Social Distancing, we are finding that turning away from the news and focusing on uplifting and hopeful messages provided by artists and musicians and the treasures they create, are quite beneficial. Local musician Lewis Knudsen is one of the many Quad Citians dedicated to bringing the community positive entertainment through these times. Lewis, however, may be taking local live concerts to the next level for other artists. Lewis Knudsen is currently (right now!) performing a 12-hour live concert on Facebook! You can find his live stream... Read More

Netflix Original, Ozark, returns with Season 3 on Friday Mar 27. The first two seasons of this series, in which Jason Bateman won an Emmy for directing and Julia Garner won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for, are currently streaming on Netflix. Ozark tells the story of a financial adviser that drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder $500 million in five years to appease a drug boss. Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz Creators: Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams   For more fun things to do in the Quad Cities this week, check out the... Read More