This weekend, YouTube and the National Independent Venue Association are doing an awesome thing for local music venues nationwide, and I’m sure many of you have heard about the star-studded Save Our Stages Fest. It’s the kind of huge, publicity-grabbing event that gets a ton of attention with people in markets across the country. Which is a good thing, because it’s for a good cause, and it needs to get in front of a large group of people to make that positive impact. I do not begrudge that at all, and I wholeheartedly encourage people to check it out, and any other event of that... Read More

Denny and Brett Hitchcock are the most tenacious of entrepreneurs. For over 40 years, their business, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, has endured a handful of recessions, booming and barren economic conditions, and, now, a pandemic. It certainly hasn’t been easy. Especially not in 2020. Both father and son have said, without hyperbole, that their business was very much in danger of going under if pandemic and economic conditions continued. However, this week, they re-opened, after several months of stress and uncertainty. They debuted a new show, “Savannah Sipping Society,” a homey comedy that’s... Read More

Things are not looking good for this fall in regard to covid-19. Numbers are spiking, the government has been pathetically inept in terms of dealing with the crisis, and the economy is once again on the verge of completely tanking. Unemployment is up, some industries are shut down through the end of the year, and others are teetering on the precipice of being shut down, maybe for good. I don’t know about you, but I’m so pessimistic I’m starting to stock up on toilet paper. That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop at your locally-owned small businesses now. Local... 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

Saturday In The Arts is a new regular feature running every Saturday on QuadCities.com! Saturday In The Arts offers an in-depth, comprehensive and extensive look at a subject, trend or issue on the local arts and entertainment scene. In our debut feature, Jonathan Turner looks at the major concert venues and outdoor fests in the Quad-Cities and how they’ve been impacted, and could continue to be impacted, by covid-19.   If the Iowa State Fair is canceled, can the Mississippi Valley Fair be far behind? The Davenport fair – which would mark its 101st year Aug. 4-9, at 2815 W. Locust... Read More

For many, this will be their first summer without an outdoor concert. The first year in a long time without a festival. The first stretch without them going to see their favorite artist. When will we turn that around and get to see those touring acts, get to go to those big concerts and shows? We have no idea. Cautious optimism. That’s the best description of where we’re at right now in regard to the covid-19 situation and its impact on not just the Quad-Cities arts scene, but the economy of the entire country, especially in regard to live performances, and most particularly in regard to touring... Read More

The coronavirus crisis continues to play havoc with outdoor music events in the Quad-Cities, as more summer series are being canceled, while others optimistically remain on the 2020 calendar. Given the ongoing uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic surrounding when exactly public gatherings will once again be permitted, and out of concern for the health, safety and well-being of the Quad-Cities community, Moline Centre has made the difficult decision to suspend the 2020 Bass Street Landing Thursday Night Summer Concert Series until further notice. “This decision did not come easily, as it... 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

Truckfighters, Valley of the Sun, Daykeeper Rock Island Brewing Co. 1815 2nd Ave, Rock Island Saturday, February 22 Doors 7/Show 8 $18/18+ Heavy music devotees in the QCA are used to high-quality touring bands stopping at the Rock Island Brewing Company with clockwork regularity. This Saturday’s bill, however, will cause even the most complacent headbanger to take note. Swedish desert rockers Truckfighters are back from a short breakup, and, with Ohio’s Valley of the Sun in tow, are visiting Rock Island for the first time in years. Wake Brewing, the heaviest brewery in the Midwest,... Read More

“The 80s aren’t over till we say they are.” The Brat Pack brings all the best of the 80s to RIBCO (1815 2nd Ave Rock Island) this Friday Jan 10 from 8 – 11 p.m. And you won’t want to miss it! The Brat Pack has delivered happy 80s and beyond party goodness throughout this great land for eighteen sweet years – that’s 150% the size of the Me Decade itself. The Brat Pack plays those never-ending hits so true to the originals that every once in a while, a listener suspects lip-synching, so the band might have to treat them to a teensy little mistake just to set them... Read More