Every year’s end marks the changing of time and the perceived beginning of a new era. But usually things aren’t anywhere near as pronounced or dramatic as we frame them to be due to the calendar’s end. For example, if you look at the change over from 2019 to 2020, it was relatively uneventful. The “new era” of that time didn’t arrive until March of 2020, when covid shut down the world and truly marked a definitive change. However, this year seems different, at least regarding the Quad-Cities entertainment and media scene. Two huge events – the retirement of Paula Sands and the closing... Read More

The most iconic live music venue in the Quad-Cities over the past four decades is closing its doors this weekend, likely for the last time. Rock Island Brewing Company, which has hosted national acts from NRBQ to the Smithereens and more, and provided a stage to countless local and regional acts, is saying goodbye with two shows this weekend, as owner Terry Tilka prepares to retire after the last gig Sunday night. The weekend begins with Saturday night’s 8 p.m. show featuring Einstein’s Sister and Friends, an hour of the local power pop band which began its career on the RIBCO stage in 1994,... Read More

Imagine it’s Super Bowl Sunday, pre-covid. You’re in your home, minding your own business, watching TV, having a couple beverages with a number of friends, having a good time. Across the street, you see lights on in your neighbors’ houses. You see cars out front. They have guests too, and all of you are enjoying a weekend night. Suddenly, the evening is split by the flashing lights and squeal of two police cars, and an ambulance in tow, roaring down your street and pulling up to your neighbor’s house. Everyone is looking out the windows to see what’s going on. You all see your neighbor... Read More

Saturday in the Arts is a comprehensive, in-depth feature on a topic, trend or personality impacting the Quad-Cities, posted every Saturday morning on QuadCities.com. This week we look at the various downtown businesses of the Illinois and Iowa Quad-Cities and how they’ve been impacted by, and have adapted to, the covid-19 pandemic.   The popular Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO), in the middle of The District at 1815 2nd Ave., has been through a lot since it opened in 1979. Hailed as a leader in Q-C live entertainment (its starry roster of guest acts includes Bo Diddley, The Wallflowers,... Read More

Miss getting out on the dance floors at clubs? DJ Shane Brown, the man behind the boards at Billy Bob’s in the Rock Island District, as well as the former DJ for such hot spots as 2nd Avenue and the Stockade in the Village, has come up with a new mix for you to blast in the glorious realm of your own social distancing spot. Shane dropped the new mix this evening, which you can check out here, along with the following note, on his Facebook: “So here’s what I’ve been up to in the basement the past couple of days. This is, without doubt, the most ridiculous, silly, stupid mix... Read More

Yeah, yeah, we know, it’s Saturday night and, well, this sucks. You want to be out having a great time, listening to loud music, enjoying your friends and some cold beverages, and instead you’re boarded up in your house like it’s the zombie apocalypse. Well, consider DJ Shane Brown your sonic Negan, slaying the beats like they’re the undead with his mixing board Lucille. Yes, I really did write that. You’re damn right I did. Hey, I’ve been stuck inside the last three days just like you. I’m just trying to get through it without envying the squirrels too... Read More

For one night only, DJ Shane Brown was back at the club he helped to make famous, 2nd Ave in downtown Rock Island, spinning new dance tracks and a few classics mixed in. Shane is normally at the McClellan Stockade in the Village of East Davenport, but he couldn’t resist the invitation to come back to the Ave to spin, and the packed dance floor was likewise happy to see the veteran DJ back on the tables!    Read More