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

If you’re thinking about going to see Circa ‘21’s “Menopause: The Musical,” or if you’ve already bought tickets to it, you’re definitely going to enjoy it. “Menopause” knows its audience, very well, and has done an excellent job at satisfying that audience. On the opening weekend night I saw the show, the crowd was pretty much filled with middle-aged and above women, with a few middle-aged men as well, and they loved it. I mean LOVED it. They laughed uproariously, they hooted and hollered at some of the jokes and jibes and at the end of the night they quickly rose to give it a... 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

When that change arrives, you can get unusual hot flashes, fiery mood swings and unusual ideas and cravings. And by “that change,” of course I’m talking about a theater changing shows from one to the next. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is going to be transitioning into that more mature era as they closed down “Sister Act” last weekend and this weekend welcome the return of “Menopause: The Musical,” running through Aug. 27. The show will be performed at Circa ’21 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 5:45 p.m., and Wednesday matinées at 1:30 p.m.... Read More

Some of the most interesting and funny conversations any of us have had are those that have been in that crooked hour of the night when the liquor has kicked in and the inhibitions have kicked out. Heather Nobiling is hoping to recreate that loose, hilarious feel in the new show she’s put together, Chics with Bics, Just Having Beer In New Jammies: Comedy For a Girls’ Night Out. The gig takes place this Saturday, at the Speakeasy in Rock Island. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8. The cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All female comics are onstage, but boys are allowed (and even encouraged!)... Read More

Circa ’21 is getting ready to celebrate its 40th  birthday next June, but the Rock Island dinner theater has already announced its 40th anniversary season beginning in November. It’s an action-packed lineup boasting six marvelous musicals – among them a Tony-nominated musical based on an Oscar-winning movie, and two of the most beloved Broadway titles in the history of American theatre. The season begins with the return of a delightful holiday revue last produced in 2009 — Circa ’21’s “Holly Jolly Christmas” (rated G), running Nov. 9 through Dec. 29. Featuring more... Read More

Tristan Tapscott has always welcomed new creative ventures into his life, and with last week’s closing of District Theater after nine seasons, the former artistic director of that venue is sentimental about the past and proud of his accomplishments at that bastion while looking forward to the future. Recently, Tapscott sat down to talk about the District Theater, his performing and producing career, upcoming paths and more. Q: What was it like when you closed the theater? A: It was a very surreal moment for me. I spent the last nine years sacrificing everything for that place. I can’t yet... Read More

Time to stir up the Gumbo again. Gumbo Ya Ya,  Mardi Gras in The District, returns to downtown Rock Island Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, bringing the atmosphere of New Orleans to the Quad-Cities for its 24th consecutive year. A variety of New Orleans style music will be performed over the weekend including zydeco, blues, and more. Louisiana style food will also be available through various vendors and a “French Quarter” marketplace will offer gifts and novelty items. A street magician, David Casas, will perform David Blaine-style tricks among the crowd on Friday night (which will... Read More