The Establishment Theater has a new tenant — and it’s one that’s familiar to the downtown Rock Island District. The Center for Living Arts, run by Dino and Tina Hayz at their former home on 4th Avenue in downtown Rock Island for the past 13 years, will spend their 14th and subsequent years at the Establishment Theater, 220 19th Street. The Center takes over the spot from Comedy Sportz, which had been the place’s tenant for the past nine years before moving on. Dino announced the move on his facebook page today, posting, “So… we were going to wait and make this... Read More

After eight years, Comedy Sportz is leaving The Establishment Theater, 220 19th Street, Rock Island. “It is not the close of our shows just the venue,” said Patrick Adamson, director of Comedy Sportz Quad-Cities. “I don’t want to disclose the future locations for ComedySportz yet.”We are excited for the future,” Adamson added. “The team is on board and ready to rumble. We have so much love for the Establishment and Rock Island.” Adamson declined to comment on potential new venues for the troupe, although there is speculation on two particular landing... Read More

Anyone read that article sweeping the web about Terry Tilka? He’s celebrating his 30th year of busting his ass as the owner of the coolest bar in the Quad-Cities, one that’s outlived almost every other and fought its way through countless trends, several recessions and umpteen financial curves in the Quad-Cities. Terry started off young, when he was in college, owning bars around the area, and busted his ass most frequently as the owner of O’Meara’s (named after his Mom’s maiden name), before putting his money and his life on the table to buy a little spot called RIBCO when there was... Read More

By Amanda Jo Payne Excitement Fills the room as the lights dim. The referee takes the stage and another round of Comedy Sportz kicks off an amazing evening of improv genius at The Establishment Theatre located in the District of Rock Island, IL. These shows are rated “E” for everyone. But after each Friday and Saturday night show, they present an adult performance that shares the same audience interaction and guaranteed laughter. The Bandwagon is a show where the actors have instruments that they actually play to create their made-up tunes. Audience involvement is a key point to improv,... Read More

Would you like an opportunity to enjoy some craft beer with friends, while raising money for local charities? Of course you would! Jaycees of Quad Cities are hosting the annual Brew Ha Ha this Saturday Sep 16 from 1-5 p.m. in the LeClaire Park in Davenport. Tickets for this event are $30 per person in advance, which can be purchased at https://www.jayceesqc.org/brewhaha. Or $35 per person at Co-Op Records in Moline or at the door. You must be over 21 and over to attend. All proceeds allow Jaycees of the Quad Cities to continue with their mission of giving back to their community through various... Read More

Looking for an enjoyable Friday night full of laughs? Then look no further than The Establishment in Rock Island! This weekend, The Establishment’s Late Night Studio Series brings to you, It’s YOUR Fault. This interactive improv comedy show leaves all the games and topics to the audience! There are no limitations on appropriateness, so bring those creative and dirty minds with you. The show will play on Friday Aug 4 at 9:30 p.m. The cost of admission is only $5 and advance tickets can be purchased online at http://www.establishmentqc.com/buy-tickets/ (must be 17 or older to attend this one).... Read More

On Sunday June 4th at The Establishment in Rock Island, laughs from a comedy show will turn into dollars for an area homeless shelter.   Beginning at 6 PM the longest running show in the Quad Cities, ComedySportz, will feature two teams of improv comedians competing against each other for points and laughs. All ticket sales will be donated to the Humility of Mary Shelter. The show is rated E for Everyone, and the community is encouraged to come contribute to a much needed service in our area. “This has become an annual event for us and we couldn’t be more excited to share some laughs... Read More

It is said that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter reduces pain, increases job performance, connects people emotionally, and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain. How about combining laughter and running? Brilliant! Gilda’s Club of the Quad Cities is hosting the 2017 Gilda’s Run for Laughs this Saturday, April 22. This year’s 5K and 1 mile Fun Run theme is 80’s Rock, so get ready to come rock out and run in your favorite 80’s gear! Comedy Sportz will also be providing “professionally funny cheerleaders” along the route to help bring the laughter! The cost of the... Read More

Just in time for Shakespeare’s upcoming birthday, the great Bard of Avon gets the improv treatment at the Rock Island Public Library on Wednesday, April 20. Shakespeared, which consists of Shakespearean improvisational comedy from Guys in Ties of Comedy Sportz, Rock Island, will be presented at 6:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The rollicking improvisational romp in the style of Shakespeare is provided at no charge. For more information about Rock Island Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ or follow the Rock Island Library... Read More

Emerging from the ashes of the Blacklist, Open Source Comedy, the area’s roving improvisational comedy troupe, is roaming back to its place of origin – the Speakeasy in Rock Island. Open Source will perform for two shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Speakeasy, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. Tickets are on sale at the door at by phone at 786-7733, ext. 2. “Over the past 25 years, The Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island has been the original home to several popular comedy troupe’s including ComedySportz for 20 years and, more recently, the now defunct Blacklist comedy troupe. The Speakeasy... Read More