It’s midnight somewhere on a Wednesday night in a near-empty downtown Rock Island bar and Billy Peiffer is celebrating the induction of Lynn Allen into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having a beer and attempting to talk Spanish to the bartender. “Was that right, was that even close?” he says, as she shrugs and nods. He laughs heartily. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep tryin’, I’ll get it right eventually!” That attitude of dogged perseverance and good humor has been the engine that’s driven the Quad-Cities band since its inception in 1982. The group – then consisting of Peiffer... Read More

It’s almost the end of the summer season, but the music and events aren’t stopping in downtown Moline Centre. Moline Centre’s Thursday Night Summer Concert Series presents the Curtis Hawkins Band on September 1 at 7:00 p.m. You can check out the music, as always, on the pavilion across from Stoney Creek Inn, near the river and under the lights. Refreshments and more are available during the free musical treat. For more information on the group, see https://www.facebook.com/TheCurtisHawkinsBand/. Looking to learn to cook going into the fall? Sign up today and learn how to cook like a... Read More

The Q-C Festival of Praise has survived and thrived for 20 years over a succession of names and changes and this weekend it will bloom in Davenport’s LeClaire Park with a huge concert featuring the hugely popular Christian pop act Rend Collective. The show, which begins at 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.), also features Brandon Shupp and the Heritage Worship Team. Tickets are available before the show for $20 at all Chick Fil A shops in the Quad-Cities and are on sale for $25 at the door. “We’re excited!” said Babette Howard, promotions and marketing manager for the festival. “We actually... Read More

If you’re looking for something to provide the soundtrack to your leisurely lunch, or just looking for a break in the workday, the District in Rock Island is providing you with an oasis of music. Every Wednesday at noon, the District is presenting performances by local musicians on the Great River Plaza in downtown Rock Island. “We thought it would be a great idea,” said Micaela Booth, events coordinator for the District. “People can come out to the District and have lunch and enjoy the outdoors and enjoy music by local entertainers. It’s just another way of giving people a great entertainment... Read More

It’s three times the fun for parents and toddlers, now that Rock Island Library has expanded Play and Grow early learning time from one to three events per month. The play group for ages three and under and their parents or caregivers will be offered once per month at each of the library’s three locations. Upcoming dates for the 10:30 am Play and Grow events are: Sept. 6 at 30/31 Branch and Sept. 7 at Southwest Branch. (No September Play and Grow session at Main Library.) Oct. 4 at 30/31 Branch; Oct. 5 at Southwest, and Oct. 7 at the Main Library. Play and Grow uses the Every Child... Read More

Four-time Grammy nominee and Five-time Dove Award-winning Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant comes to town with Two-time Dove nominee and K-LOVE’s 2016 Male Artist of the Year Danny Gokey, on their nation-wide “Be One” tour at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Centennial Hall Auditorium, Augustana College, 3703 7th Ave, Rock Island. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at BeOneTour.net

 “Be One” is Natalie Grant’s current top-selling album, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart and features the title track radio single and theme: “why... Read More

Quad-Cities artists Amber Williams and Ana Garza Moore took the top honors in the Revive 2 art exhibit taking place through August at Bucktown Arts Gallery, 225 East 2nd St.,  Davenport. Williams won the Board Award, chosen by the members of the Bucktown arts board, where Moore took home the Viewers’ Choice Award, voted upon by attendees of the exhibit. “I’m really happy and a little surprised,” said Williams, about the award, which netted her $100 in addition to a certificate of achievement. “Last year I got the people’s choice, which I was really excited about. It’s interesting... Read More

As home to Comedy Sportz, the Establishment Theater, 220 19th St., Rock Island, has long enjoyed a reputation as a venue for G-rated improvisational comedy. But over the last few months, they’ve also opened up their stage to more PG- and R-rated stand up. This weekend they’ll get back to that, with the Establishment Stands Up! At 9:30 Saturday night, after the regular Comedy Sportz show, a number of comedians will dole out their dicier routines. It’s not for the kiddies, but it is for the laughs. The last show, which I reviewed, hosted by The Establishment’s own Patrick Adamson, was a good... Read More

Think you won’t get enough cool music and vibes from River Roots Live? Going to be looking for an after-party venue after the LeClaire Park festival shuts down its lights Saturday night? Well, check out RaggedTrotter, because it’s the spot for you. This year the official after-party for River Roots has moved to the downtown Davenport’s Daytrotter building, just blocks from the River Roots festival at 324 Brady St.  As the music is winding down on the riverfront, things will be taking off at RaggedTrotter. “This years event is a bit smaller, but it’s the first time we’re doing... Read More

The last shows in the “Germans in Hollywood-Film & Lecture Series” are guaranteed to scare up plenty of interest among horror fans. “American Horror Story” (2011-2016), “Nosferatu” (1922) and “Freaks” (1932) will all be presented beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 28. Admission is $5 at the Figge Art Museum, John Deere Auditorium. Benjamin Mier-Cruz will present this final installment of the Film & Lecture Series focused on the fantasy and horror genre. He will discuss and compare this modern American television show with classic German noir and Austrian horror films,... Read More