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

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

According to an announcement just made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, all Iowa schools will remain closed through the end of the school year, with distance learning via computer remaining in place through the end of the curriculum year. Chicago’s NBC 5 just broke the story, and QuadCities.com broke the story locally, that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be making an announcement at 2:30 p.m. today closing all Illinois schools through the end of the current curriculum year. According to the Iowa story posted by KWWL News 7 Iowa City, the state school districts will be required to continue... Read More

According to a story released a few minutes ago on Chicago’s NBC 5 affiliate, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be making an announcement closing Illinois schools for the remainder of the school year today at 2:30 p.m. The announcement will be part of Pritzker’s daily coronavirus briefing, which you can watch live here According to the story, distance learning via computer, which was put in place over the past week, will remain in effect through the end of this current school year. There was no information regarding graduation ceremonies, other events, or grading or other policies. The... Read More

Ice cream always makes everything better, unless you’re lactose intolerant, and so the news today that Whitey’s Ice Cream had selected their contest winner for their new flavor has been met with a welcome bliss from all but the lactose intolerant and their sadly intractable (literally) lactose-loathing stance. At any rate, earmuffs and eyemuffs, anti-lactites! Because here’s the big news: The flavor contest winner was MONSTER COOKIE submitted by Abby Barkema! Whitey’s released the following incredibly important information and quotage today on their Facebook page: “We... Read More

The One Human Family is forming a Care-A-Van of Thanks and Unity to our diverse health care workers of the Quad-Cities. On Wednesday, April 15 a Care-A-Van decorated with messages of thanks from Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims and Humanists will make its way to four nursing homes on the Iowa side of the River   On Wed., April 22 beginning at noon, a similar caravan will make its way to four nursing homes on the Illinois side of the river. Rev. Rich Hendricks, One Human Family QCA says, “Our CARE-A-VAN of thanks and unity celebrates and honors our tireless and diverse health care workers... Read More

Even in the midst of this terrible time, there’s always some good news, always people rising above the depressing and dark news out there and trying their best to do good works and be positive in this world. And every month, I, in conjunction with our media partners at KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live” bring you some of the positive and uplifting events, actions and individuals in the area. Here are some of the great things going on during this challenging time in the Quad-Cities: Mask Makers Stepping Up In the face of a shortage of masks and a greater need than ever for people... Read More

QUAD CITIES, IOWA / ILLINOIS—Quad Citizens raised $102,376 on Monday, April 6, during the 24-hour “Unite Quad Cities for COVID-19 Recovery” giving event spearheaded by KWQC TV6, United Way of the Quad Cities, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation. All contributions supported the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Every single dollar donated during the event was matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to a challenge from First Midwest Bank, Sears Seating, Modern Woodmen of America, MidAmerican Energy, and Mike and Monique Gorsline. The group has committed... Read More

Spotlight Theatre is once again putting the spotlight on a big name in their virtual online chats! Friday April 10th, at noon, Spotlight Artistic Director Sara Tubbs sits down (virtually) with Dashaun Young live on facebook to take your questions. Dashaun’s credits include “Simba” in The Lion King (Broadway, West End, Tour, Vegas), Hairspray (1st National Tour), Legends (NY Premiere), Sex and The City 2 (Film and Soundtrack). Workshops/Readings: Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Strange Loop, Triassic Parq, The Scottsboro Boys, and Emerald Man. Join Spotlight live to ask questions!  Read More

“Unite Quad Cities for COVID-19 Recovery,” a 24-hour giving event on Monday, April 6, will include a six-hour telethon hosted by KWQC-TV6’s Paula Sands at Davenport’s River Music Experience and Quad-Cities businesses, and a local family, have stepped up to offer a challenge match for it. The first $150,000 donated this Monday will be matched dollar-for-dollar. All contributions will support the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. The challenge match is made possible thanks to a $50,000 gift from First Midwest Bank, a $30,000 gift from Sears... Read More