The dance has ended, for this year, at least. Ballet Quad-Cities, the only professional dance company in the area, has canceled its season. Ballet Quad-Cities CEO Joedy Cook released the following statement this evening: Greetings and good wishes for health and safety to all of you in this difficult time. For the safety of our community, dancers, staff and other team members we are cancelling the rest of our season, which includes The Sleeping Beauty and Ballet Under the Stars*. This was a heart-breaking decision, but have no fear – Ballet Quad Cities is made up of people that are resilient,... Read More

Joining the chorus of Covid-related theater closings, Rock Island-based Genesius Guild on Tuesday afternoon announced it is canceling its planned 2020 season.  “This is a decision that none of us took lightly – we have not canceled a season since the Genesius Guild started in 1956 – but we feel that it is the right call,” the nonprofit posted on Facebook.  “This decision protects the health of our audience, our cast who would begin rehearsing together in the next month, and our crew, who would have needed to begin working in the upcoming weeks to get the stage ready for the season to... Read More

As many musical artists and other performers are sharing their talents online during the coronavirus crisis, some Q-C music and theater groups are also finding new ways to be creative. The Spotlight Theatre in Moline was to open its latest musical, “Oliver,” last weekend. But during the closing, co-owners Brent and Sara Tubbs have used some of the time to record video interviews with friends and colleagues who’ve gone onto big things. Since late March, the husband-and-wife team have individually done six Facebook Live talks (inviting visitors to post questions), including actors who have... Read More

The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) proudly presents JERSEY 4 JERSEY – a one-night broadcast fundraiser to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities. The one-night event featuring Bruce Springsteen, Saquon Barkley, Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Halsey, Chelsea Handler, Charlie Puth, Kelly Ripa, Jon Stewart and SZA, will raise funds to fight the impact of COVID-19. This special evening will feature New Jersey’s biggest champions and celebrities participating from their homes. This recognition... Read More

Although more than 60 years have passed since the first National Library Week celebration, the original goals of celebrating libraries, promoting reading for leisure, improving incomes and health, and developing strong and happy family life are still relevant today. National Library Week began Sunday, April 19, and though the celebration looks different than in any previous year, the goal is the same: to educate about what libraries offer, and to inspire use. Due to social distancing restrictions, this year’s theme has shifted to “Find the Library at YOUR Place.” That theme recognizes the... Read More

Although most community members of the Quad Cities are currently practicing safe social distancing, that is no reason not to enjoy some daily meditation, yoga and more! While current health concerns have forced Indigo Wellness Studios (4701 41st Street Moline) to temporarily close their doors to customers, they continue to provide free resources, yoga and meditation online! Whether you are in need of some gentle relaxation or some Vinyasa Flow, Indigo Wellness Studios has just the class for you. To check out this upcoming week’s schedule, visit https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/mainclass.... Read More

Looking for a fun way to incorporate an Earth Day celebration this Wednesday while remote learning? Join Stable Vibes Yoga online for Kids’ Earth Day Music/Yoga this Wednesday Apr 22 at 2 p.m. This interactive event with live music and yoga will provide a fun way to celebrate our planet! The cost for this experience is only $10/household and will give your kiddos 45 minutes to play, laugh, and learn with Country Music Artist/Yoga Teacher, Angela Meyer! Angela will be playing some music with her guitar and leading the kiddos through a fun yoga flow perfect for Earth Day! Register here and watch... Read More

Quad Cities native, Lissie, brings her talent and live presence to the safety of our own homes! Check out Lissie’s Solo Acoustic Livestream on Sunday Apr 19 at 2 p.m. at https://lissie.veeps.com/stream/events/cd33094d8fbd. Message from Lissie: “Hi Friends! I’m playing another online concert on Sun. April 19th at 3PM ET! 20% of the proceeds are going to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, Meals on Wheels and the Secoya Coronavirus Isolation Fund (a friend is organizing to directly help Tribal elders quarantine in Amazonian Ecuador & Peru). So please... Read More

Theaters in the Quad-Cities and nationwide are canceling spring and summer shows, due to Covid-19. The latest response to the global pandemic is the Augustana College-based Mississippi Bend Players (MBP), which is shelving its 2020 season. Jackie McCall is in her first year as MBP producing artistic director, and this was to be the fourth season for the professional summer-stock company. It planned to start rehearsals for Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound” June 7, with performances June 19-28 at Brunner Theatre Center, Rock Island. “When we just looked at ahead at what could happen,... Read More

ESPN’s highly anticipated 10-part docuseries on Michael Jordan, “The Last Dance”, originally set to debut in June 2020 will now premiere this weekend! Michael Jordan is one of the most celebrated figures in popular culture and is almost universally regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. In a career filled with too many accolades to list, MJ dominated the ’90s, leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships. The only years the team didn’t win it all during this incredible run, were when Jordan was either retired or trying his hand at minor league baseball. In 1997-1998,... Read More