It’s a gloomy Monday morning in winter in a coffee shop filled with sleepy drones and the only full-time magician in the Quad-Cities is performing an amazing trick – he’s making my case of the Mondays disappear. And all without two dozen pieces of flair, shrimp poppers, pizza shooters or extreme fajitas! That’s because David Casas is more than a magician, he’s a magical performer. He’s got a charm, style and panache that makes him compelling to watch on- and off-stage when he’s talking about his craft. Casas, 36, mixes self-deprecating humor and a down-to-earth persona with quicksilver... Read More

As the weather becomes brighter and the days become longer, the blooms break through the ground, a familiar sound of school bells grows silent as children across the area get revved up for spring break — and parents are suddenly hit with the thought of what they’re going to do with those kiddies during that time off. However, parents need not get too worried, as the Bettendorf Family Museum is ready with a full slate of activities to keep the kiddies happy, thinking and burning off some of that excess energy. All events and performances are included with admission or membership! Sponsored... Read More

Circa ’21 is hoping to cut up audiences in their latest show, “Shear Madness.” The dinner playhouse is presenting the local debut of the longest running comedy in U.S. history. Running through April 30, this slapstick whodunit has played for over 30 consecutive years in Boston and nearly as long at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Arts, and Rock Island’s beloved dinner theatre is proud to host both the show and its cast of sterling professional talents. “Shear” will be performed at Circa ’21 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at... Read More

There’s something fun, relaxed, goofy and familiar about the Quad Cities Lip Sync battles that’s utterly charming, which is why, if you haven’t done so already, you really should check one of them out. This weekend, the regular gigs at the Rock Island Speakeasy turn their spotlight on songs from Disney, so if you’re a fan of the house of the mouse and its signature showtunes, you can get on board Saturday night. But if not, make sure you make time at some point in the future to include these unique events on your planner. I checked out the last Lip Sync event the first week in February... Read More

Davenport’s QC Theatre Workshop is serving up a “big meal” for its first gig of 2016. The group is presenting the local premiere of Dan LeFranc’s acclaimed comedy/drama “The Big Meal,” with shows running at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, and 3 p.m. March 6, 13 and 20. Doors open a half hour before each performance, and due to the play’s adult themes and language, parental guidance is recommended. An epic presentation following the personal journeys of four generations of family members, LeFranc’s 2011 work was called “sharp and stunning,... Read More

Ever wanted to be on stage? Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is holding auditions for the area premiere of “Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s hugely popular, best-selling children’s books brought to life in a genuinely comical and “not strictly-for-kids” musical. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at the theatre, 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island. “Junie” is the third different show produced at the Rock Island theatre, based on Barbara Park’s children’s books. Helming the spring children’s musical is director Kim Furness, popular... Read More

Who’s not afraid of seeing “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Well, anyone who fits into that category will want to know that District Theater in Rock Island is presenting the show April 1-16 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2 p.m. at District Theatre in the former Rock Island Argus Building, 1724 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201. Tickets are $20 and you can get them at the theater and at www.districttheatre.com. Directed by Tristan Layne Tapscott, “Woolf” is a “two-fisted thriller,” a tight blend of unforgettable characters and fast-paced comedy. The story centers... Read More

Don’t be sad this St. Patrick’s Day, don’t be sullen, don’t be disappointed you can’t find a good time and some great Irish music, because the Don’t Be Brothers are ready to turn those don’t’s into do’s. The Don’t Be Brothers, an Irish American Folksingers and Merrymakers Band, roll into Circa on Tuesday, March 15.  Tickets are $50.16 per person.  The doors open at 5:45, buffet (with Irish themed options) from 6-7:00 and the concert beginning at 7:15. The Don’t Bes are a couple of old Irish pub singers — Larry Kernagis and Larry Diemer — and three of their musically... Read More

Zipping around the track in a savage ballet, following intuitive patterns as their bodies crash into each other, the women engage, again and again. Muscles sore, sweat dripping from their skin, they push hard, ever forward, a tangle of arms and legs, as through the cacophony, two lithe figures weave between the jigsaw of effort, until they reach an open space, and they sprint, faster, faster, on four wheels driven by long legs, luscious machines of fury. This, is roller derby. This, Quad Cities Rollers Roller Derby, will open its tenth season this weekend with a tough opening bout that welcomes... Read More

Looking to take in some hard-hitting, fast-moving Mallards hockey action in the fun, family-friendly I Wireless center? Even better, looking to do it FOR FREE? Then QuadCities.com has got the contest for you! We’re giving away some great prizes including a seat on the Mallards Bench During Pre-Game Warm-Ups for the Friday, February 26th game versus Rapid City AND four glass seats for the Saturday, February 27th game versus Rapid City. The contest will run through Thursday, February 25 with winners randomly chosen and notified on February 26! Here’s the deal: Check out our contest page at http://www.QuadCities.com/mallards/.... Read More