And here you have them, the TOP TEN stories of the year, 2019. There were obviously a lot of big stories this year, but, these are the ten that we picked to have the biggest impact and resonance. Why did we pick these stories? A couple of them involved incredible achievements by local groups of people, achievements that are rarely accomplished by groups on the local level. Some of those involved achievements by groups of kids, which make them even more impressive, and also leave the possibility for even greater resonance later on down the line as those children grow and mature and work towards... Read More

G.I.T. Improv and The Black Box Theatre of the Quad Cities are excited to announce a new partnership which sees the The Late Nite Shows – a popular line-up of original, uncensored comedy performances – make their long-awaited return at The Black Box Theatre, located at 1623 5th Avenue in downtown Moline, this Saturday.“It’s so funny – at just about every show we’ve done over the past 6 months, people have continuously asked, ‘When are you bringing back the late shows?!’,” said Patrick Adamson, co-founder and CEO of G.I.T. Improv. He laughingly added, “Well, we finally... Read More

The longest-running show in the Quad Cities takes a final bow in November as the entity known as ComedySportz will be formally converting into G.I.T. Improv following a 30-year run of family-friendly, competitive improv matches. “It’ll definitely be a shift for comedy in the Quad Cities, and we’re very excited about what the future holds,” said Jeff Adamson, co-founder and co-owner of both CSz Quad Cities, Ltd. and G.I.T. Improv. ComedySportz began in 1990 enjoying successful runs at both the former ComedySportz Arena (The Speakeasy) and at The Establishment before relocating this year... Read More

Comedy Sportz is about to pull off their last “yes, and…” After 30 years, the improvisational troupe will no longer play under the Comedy Sportz banner, instead changing their name to the G.I.T. Improv Band starting in December. Comedy Sportz Quad-Cities, one of 29 groups nationwide, debuted March 20, 1990 in the Speakeasy next to Circa ’21. The franchise, based off the popular improvisational game slate created six years earlier and franchised to various locations nationwide in the years after, was brought to town by Jeff and Patrick Adamson and Brett and Denny Hitchcock,... Read More

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

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

Are you looking for some comedy on New Year’s Eve among the celebrating? Then stop by Comedy Sportz for some laughter. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a match between the Red Resolutions and the Blue Baby New Years. This event will continue till 9:15 p.m., leaving time to fill your night with other activities until midnight. CSz Quad Cities is located at 220 19th Street, Rock Island. Tickets are sold for $12.00 and available at: https://www.showclix.com/event/event4065768578755802428882068756278683020641993245934321 The match is set up with a referee who calls the fouls and keeps the match on the... Read More