Pumpkin spice latte. It’s become a harbinger of fall and a punch line for coffee aficionados, but the fact is, it never would’ve become either if not for one simple fact: Damn, it’s really good. Anyone who knows me well knows I’m pretty much addicted to caffeine. And I have two regular haunts I hit here in my Rock Island hometown to get that fix – Theo’s in downtown and Cool Beanz in College Hill (1328 30th St., Rock Island.) And so it was, on a sunny Thursday afternoon that I was pitched my first PSL of the season at Cool Beanz and decided to check it out. Now, to start, let me say... Read More

Tim’s Corner began with an act of kindness, and 34 years later, the Rock Island comic book shop, at 2963 14th Ave., is still providing a fun, warm environment for comic book fans to hang out, chat and pick up their favorite comics. “My brother was in the hospital in Davenport with a minor stroke, and he had always been into comics, so I picked him up some comic books and every day I would get him books and go hang out with him,” said Tim Cederoth, owner and comics sensei at Tim’s. “I was between positions, I’d just been let go at IH, and I would go to this shop in Moline to get them.... Read More

To say Rock Island made a colossal error in wasting $15 million to woo Walmart to 11th Street is a stunning understatement. But what’s perhaps saddest and most pathetic about it is its irony. Rock Island, like thousands of other cities across the country, will, at least once a year, pay lip service and throw promotional money at “small business weeks” and hollow pitches to “shop local.” City officials should’ve heeded their own advice in this matter. Aside from the property owners who were able to hit a stunning jackpot on selling their failed and crumbling 11th Street businesses at... Read More

Friday, August 26, I was invited by a couple of old high school girlfriends to the Circa 21 theatre in the District of Rock Island, IL to see the musical, “Menopause.” I was very excited to see this since I am coming of age, so to speak. And especially since I was to be seeing it with two girls I have known for 30 years. This would promise to be a life-changing performance for myself and every other woman in attendance. Before I go any further, let me say that this theatre is the most beautiful building I have ever had the pleasure of viewing in our Quad-Cities. The grand state of the... 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

Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque has been a strong presence in the Q-C nightlife scene since its debut five years ago. And, in all that time, as host and admin to our Facebook page, I have read so many messages asking for more. The requests for classes, auditions, bachelorette parties, festivals, and the list goes on and on. This year we were finally able to make a dream come true. The Bottoms Up School of Burlesque was brought to life after all this time. Over the past 15 weeks students have learned the building blocks to burlesque. Not only the “how to” but also what lies behind burlesque. If... Read More

A little over a dozen comedians competed in the Laugh Hard Challenge at Rock Island’s Speakeasy, but in the end, after three weekends of competition, the winner was Mike Lucas from Iowa City.  He takes home $1000 and will headline the stand up showcase on November 12 at the Speakeasy, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. In addition to Lucas, the comedians who attempted the challenge that began Aug. 6 at the Speakeasy in Rock Island were Todd Willhite of Sherrard, Illinois; Mike Adrales of Davenport; Ty Wilson of Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada; Brandon Gale of Rock Island; David Terrell Green of Omaha,... Read More

If you want to trek to a land of hilarious, oddball fun, hit the trails to “Nocturne Falls” tomorrow night at the Establishment Theater. The show is one of Comedy Sportz’ regular after-hours studio series gigs, a slate of shorter performances with an R-rated slant that hit different distinct audiences, but have one thing in common – they’re all unique, hilarious and improvisational fun. “Nocturne” is part “Twin Peaks,” part Mayberry, part Weekly World News. It’s set in the town of the same name, and the show involves a group of its residents, each chatting, in monologues and... Read More

For the last 25 years, Ya Maka My Weekend has been a tradition in The District of downtown Rock Island. This festival celebrates the culture of the Caribbean. It is known for its colorful atmosphere, delicious foods, and lively reggae music. This year, the celebration takes place on the third weekend of August, scheduled for the 19th at 5: 00 P.M until 12:30 A.M and on the 20th 3:00 P.M until 12:30 A.M. Ya Maka My Weekend will be held on the Great River Plaza, 2nd Avenue between 18th street to 1st and 3rd avenue, in downtown Rock Island, IL. Admission is $9 for a one-day pass and $14 for a two-day.... 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