The succulent scent of barbeque and the scintillating sound of roots rock has proven a potent lure to LeClaire Park for the past nine years as the two-headed beast of River Roots Live and Ribfest rocks the riverfront, and this weekend it’s once more expected to draw thousands in for stick-to-your-ribs eats and stick-to-your-ears tunes. The dual festival, which has showcased a wide menu of barbecued treats and other delicious delicacies served up hot with a diverse array of rock and Americana acts since 2007, rolls from 4 to midnight Friday and continues Saturday from noon to midnight. Proceeds... Read More

With school just around the corner, why not bring the entire family together one more time before the chaos begins? Moline Centre is offering a handful of activities to achieve that purpose this weekend. ArtsyBug Studio will be hosting Family Day on August 27.  Learn how to paint a purple dinosaur, a tiny turtle or a masterpiece of your choice as their experienced instructors guide you through the painting process.  Call and make your reservations today. There’s a new and exciting event coming to Moline Centre. Mercado on Fifth, is an open-air market, that will bring local residents, vendors... Read More

A little over a dozen comedians competed in the Laugh Hard Challenge at Rock Island’s Speakeasy, but in the end, after three weekends of competition, the winner was Mike Lucas from Iowa City.  He takes home $1000 and will headline the stand up showcase on November 12 at the Speakeasy, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. In addition to Lucas, the comedians who attempted the challenge that began Aug. 6 at the Speakeasy in Rock Island were Todd Willhite of Sherrard, Illinois; Mike Adrales of Davenport; Ty Wilson of Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada; Brandon Gale of Rock Island; David Terrell Green of Omaha,... Read More

In the back of a newspaper a couple of weeks ago I came across a call to entry. The Bucktown gallery was looking for submissions for a show called Revive2 that had to include something recycled. I have never had art in a gallery show before, but since this was my preferred medium I had a couple of pieces already, so I thought I would submit them and hope for the best. I was overjoyed to hear I had been accepted, and have been extremely pleased to be a part of the show, which is on display at Bucktown, 225 E. 2nd St., Davenport, and will have a closing reception this weekend at 6 p.m. As for my... Read More

Mercado on Fifth, an open-air market in the Floreciente neighborhood in downtown Moline, is opening to the public on Friday. The Grand Opening, which will include a ribbon cutting ceremony by Lee Vasquez from the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber, is scheduled for Friday, August 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors will enjoy fresh produce, prepared foods, live music, and entertainment for all ages including live music by The Crooked Cactus Band from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., food vendors including El Mariachi, Divine Soul2Soul, Hacienda, Streets of Italy Pizza, What’s Poppin Popcorn, and many more,... Read More

A teen gaming night on Thursday, August 25 will allow teens to play Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 and board games and to learn how to make their video games with Scratch programming. The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Main Library. In addition, this month, teens can explore what life after high school could hold for them, with a Teen College & Careers Night on Tuesday, August 30. The event is from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Main Library. The event includes tips for teens and their families on planning a path after high school, whether it’s finding a job, learning a trade or heading off to college.... Read More

Garage3, at 817 22nd Street in Rock Island, is becoming an ever more popular venue for traveling comedians, as the word spreads of its laid back atmosphere and warm crowds.  Named as being the third garage on the property of Dylan and Tia Parker, Garage3 is normally host to spoken word and poetry readings. Sporadically, however, it is taken over by comedians. Monday, August 22nd was one of these nights. Hosted by local comic Andrew Cline, the Crew Neck Comedy Show is a free comedy showcase of local and traveling acts. A donation basket is passed around for the out of town entertainers, however.... Read More

The Quad Cities Prayer Center (QCPC) is seeking volunteers in various capacities for its Christmas show and is holding a gathering tonight at 6:30 for more information at the Quad Cities Prayer Center in North Park Mall (Sears Court) in the Family Room. Volunteers are needed to help with the event and the meeting is slated to gather and educate volunteers. Volunteers may enter from the parking lot, through the doors under the yellow canopy next to Sears facing Kimberly Rd. The QCPC has been planning a community Christmas outreach to the Quad Cities, called ONE VOICE.  It has invited several churches... Read More

Stimulate your creative side with two events for adults this month at the Rock Island Public Library. On Wednesday, August 24, the library will host a Recycled Book Page Art session. Participants will add new life to old book pages by embellishing them with colored stamps. Choose from a wide variety of stamps and pages, and create a entirely new piece of art. The free event is from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. August also marks the continuation of the library’s monthly adult coloring night. Color yourself happy with new coloring pages and bookmarks, and... Read More

A little of the big apple is coming to a garage in Rock Island tonight. Monday, August 22, Garage3’s Crew Neck Comedy Show will be showcasing comedians from New York City. Patrick Hastie, an Iowa native now living in New York, will be headlining. Featured along with Hastie will be Albert Kirchner and Nick Pupo from New York as well. Local comedians will be Benjamin Graham from Rock Island, as well as Travis Bails and Donny Townsend from Cedar Rapids. Located at 817 22nd Street in the historic Broadway District of Rock Island, sits Garage3, named as being the third garage on the property of #MrRockIsland... Read More