Those familiar with the iconic stage and screen show, THE MUSIC MAN, may remember that the very first song performed in the show is titled “Rock Island.” It’s consequently fitting that this Tony-winning classic can be found in Illinois’ actual Rock Island when THE MUSIC MAN runs at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse now through May 13.  An endearing musical romance that has charmed generations of fans, this timeless hit boasts numerous songs that have become cherished favorites, and is being brought to life by a spectacular cast of returning talents and Circa ’21 newcomers. THE... Read More

A rainbow of floral color and verdant green arbor landscapes are sprouting on the walls at Taste Buds, as Rock Island artist Melanie Vallejo’s panoramic florals and colorful landscapes will be brightening up Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island, through March 2. “This is my first ever exhibit, so I’m really excited,” Vallejo said at her opening reception. “It’s a thrill to see my artworks on the wall here! I’m very thankful to Taste Buds for hosting me!” A Taste of Q-C Art showcases various local artists and, through a sponsorship with QuadCities.com, allows them to keep 100 percent... Read More

A self-taught artist, Rock Islander Melanie Vallejo’s panoramic florals and colorful landscapes will be brightening up Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island, for the next two weeks, beginning with a reception at 5 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public and will feature free drinks, refreshments, snacks and other cool stuff, and you’ll get to meet the artist and talk to her about her work, which will be on display through March 2. Recently, Vallejo chatted with us about her muse. When did you first get into art and what got you into it? I am a self taught artist.  I have been painting... Read More

Hey fantasy fans! Have you ever been interested in learning about different types of stones and crystals? Then look no further than Spellbound’s upcoming Stones and Crystals Class on Saturday, February 18th. The price is $5 at the door and seating is very limited so if you plan on attending, you will need to register at the following link. Registration is free of charge.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stones-crystals-5-at-the-door-tickets-31102879550. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monica Stone will explore many different stones, what their benefits are, and how to use them. She will also cover... Read More

Where else can you find everything from live music to live art displays to book signings to performance art to free drinks and food in an eclectic array of settings and get an evening’s worth of that entertainment all for free? Well, Gallery Hop. The bi-annual event in the District of Rock Island going on from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday features over 300 artists and performers showcased in over 20 locations throughout downtown Rock Island. The locations are not limited to art galleries; artists will exhibit in coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. Jewelry, photography, glass,... Read More

Renaissance Rock Island will celebrate three businesses with a rolling ribbon cutting on Friday, November 18th. J Wild Marketing, LLC is celebrating a year in the McKesson Lofts building with an official ribbon cutting. Avenue Studios opened at 100 19th Street earlier this year after relocating from another downtown Rock Island location. Taste Buds moved from the College Hill District to downtown Rock Island in August, and is celebrating with a ribbon cutting as well. Attendees will move from business to business during the rolling ribbon cutting, allowing them to see what each new business has... Read More

There are going to be plenty of treats, tricks, scares and surprises during this year’s Halloween season in the Quad-Cities, and here are some of the events you can check out. Fright Night takes place beginning at 5 p.m. in the District in downtown Rock Island, featuring music, fun activities for kids, crafts and arts, lots of free candy, a costume contest, DJ Jeff James and more. It’s all free and all fun down in the District. Also down in the District at Skellington Manor, 420 18th St., Rock Island, their hellishly fun triple-decker haunted house The Asylum is going to be wrapping things... 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 taken over a decade for 3 Years Hollow to become an “overnight sensation,” and they’re hoping the years in the trenches have prepped them for a long run of success. After forming in 2001 and slogging through various roster changes and dingy club gigs, the act began to take off in 2008, after solidifying its line-up with Jose Urquiza on lead vocals, Tony Reeves on guitar, Neil Kuhlman on guitar and vocals, Dex Digga on bass and Chris Cushman on drums. Since then, 3 Years Hollow has steadily grown its fan base, touring regionally and opening for acts from Buckcherry to Papa Roach. And... Read More

There’s something brewing this weekend in the Rock Island District. Saturday, July 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. The District will host a Homebrew event on the Great River Plaza in downtown Rock Island. Rivers Edge Homebrew Festiv-Ale is the first of its kind in downtown Rock Island; this event will feature over a dozen homebrew clubs from around the Midwest with over fifty different brews to sample. Attendees will receive fifteen sample tickets, and a Rivers Edge Homebrew Festiv-Ale commemorative glass (while supplies last) with paid admission. An exciting element of this event will be a special tapping... Read More