Things are not looking good for this fall in regard to covid-19. Numbers are spiking, the government has been pathetically inept in terms of dealing with the crisis, and the economy is once again on the verge of completely tanking. Unemployment is up, some industries are shut down through the end of the year, and others are teetering on the precipice of being shut down, maybe for good. I don’t know about you, but I’m so pessimistic I’m starting to stock up on toilet paper. That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop at your locally-owned small businesses now. Local... Read More

MACOMB, IL — The Western Illinois University Singers have been named the Third Place National Winners of The American Prize in Choral Performance (College/University Division), a year-long national performing arts competition. Choirs of all types and levels, elementary to professional, from around the United States, submitted recordings in late April 2019. From those recordings, a national panel of judges selected semi-finalists, finalists and finally, winners in each category. Assistant Professor Brian J. Winnie, director of choral activities, was named the Second Place National Winner of... Read More

Fourteen years before Aug. 6 was burned into the world’s memory (with the 1945 U.S. atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, killing more than 70,000 people), that date marked another impactful death. Davenport native and jazz legend Leon Bismark (“Bix”) Beiderbecke died Aug. 6, 1931 at age 28, from alcohol abuse and lobar pneumonia in his Queens, N.Y., apartment. His mother and brother Burnie were on their way to New York but arrived too late. Bix’s body was returned to Davenport with services on Aug. 11, 1931 at Hill & Frederick’s Funeral Home, and burial at Oakdale Cemetery,... Read More

Join the Northern Parallels 043 for another open-air event, Backyard Boogie Edition, this Saturday Aug 8 from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Avenue Rock Island). This free, all ages event (21+ to drink), will feature DJ Sets from Mike Derer and HIGGY outside of Rozz-Tox. Outdoor seating includes the LaborSpace park next door, the side patio and the backyard. Drinks will be available for purchase at the walk-up window on the side of the building. Masks are encouraged throughout the night and will be required to go inside to use the restrooms. No mask, no entry. For more information, please... Read More

Are you a local performer, theatrical actor, theater, or arts organization? We’re looking to provide you a virtual stage on the QuadCities.com site and social media! With covid rampaging, we know it’s a crazy time and we want to showcase your organization. No one can come to you but that doesn’t mean you can’t come to them. Along those lines, we’re producing a Virtual Cabaret called The Show Must Go On(line) and we want you to be part of it! The “live” event will air on our Facebook page on Friday, August 14 at 7 p.m. Submissions are due Friday, August 7 by 7 p.m. Use WeTransfer... Read More

Quad City Symphony Orchestra presents Signature Series: Fantasie this Friday Aug 7 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., live from Allaert Auditorium at the Galvin Fine Arts Center (St. Ambrose University 518 Locust Street Davenport), both in-person and virtually. Join concertmaster Naha Greenholtz and pianist Marian Lee for an evening of Musical Fantasies! Experience the music live in-person or from the comfort of your own home via Livestream.  With a multiple high-definition camera setup, Livestream viewers will get an up-close view of these two masterful musicians at work, unlike anything they could experience... Read More

MACOMB, IL — The Western Illinois University Singers have been named the Third Place National Winners of The American Prize in Choral Performance (College/University Division), a year-long national performing arts competition. Choirs of all types and levels, elementary to professional, from around the United States, submitted recordings in late April 2019. From those recordings, a national panel of judges selected semi-finalists, finalists and finally, winners in each category. Assistant Professor Brian J. Winnie, director of choral activities, was named the Second Place National Winner of... Read More

Saturday In The Arts is a comprehensive weekly feature looking at a trend, personality, or major subject involving the Quad-Cities arts and entertainment scene.   When Davenport jazz pianist and singer Freddy Allen returned July 25 to perform at The Grape Life Wine Store & Lounge, it was the first time the former regular played there since Feb. 28. It was a bittersweet occasion for the 50-year-old full-time musician, who has seen his livelihood decimated due to the raging Covid-19 crisis. “It was emotional, it was hard,” Allen said recently. “I’ve been one of those people, during... Read More

One year has gone by so quickly! It is officially time to celebrate with the Quad Cities Homeslice, LoPiez. The local favorite pizza joint is pulling out all the stops to party with the people, pizza, and things we all love. Starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday Aug 2, LoPiez (429 E 3rd Street Davenport) will open the gates at the parking lot across the street to welcome their brothers at Wake Brewing into Iowa. Come and enjoy some SCW Wrestling followed by three of LoPiez’ favorite QC bands: Road Soda, Pit Lord, and Giallows! If music, wrestling, beer, and pizza aren’t sweet enough, they are also... Read More

Listen, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Wow! Taylor Swift just released a new album! I wonder which ex-boyfriends all her songs are about?” Oh, you naïve child. Taylor Swift’s songs have never been about ex-boyfriends, any more than Planet Ping Pong’s pizza menu has been about pizza. Of course, those of us who aren’t SHEEPLE all know Taylor (I can call her Taylor) has long been a tool of the Illuminati, and her songs have incorporated secret coded metaphors for the takeover of the world. “Blank Space?” About people having their memories erased and reprogrammed... Read More