Since opening in 1994, Blue Cat Brew Pub has been one of the favorite hangouts, restaurants and brew pubs for thousands of Quad-Citians, and been the spot for many great memories. As we near the Blue Cat’s closing date of Aug. 31, we’re asking you to share your favorite Blue Cat memories and menu items with us! Please feel free to email your favorite memories to Sean@QuadCities.com. This will be for an upcoming story about the Blue Cat, its customers and people’s favorite memories of the local hot spot. Also, please email your favorite Blue Cat menu items and beers to us as well at Sean@QuadCities.com.... Read More

Different uniforms, same results. Led by the core of the now-disbanded Mid America Premier youth soccer squad, augmented by various players from the likewise defunct Moline United, the new Quad-Cities Rush continued their dominance at the U11 youth soccer level, remaining undefeated after three tough matches against some of the best soccer teams in Illinois and Iowa this weekend. The Rush, ranked fourth in the state according to the latest GotSoccer rankings for u11 teams, began the weekend 5-0-0, but had a tough mountain to climb on Saturday with back-to-back games at 3 and 4:30 p.m. in the scalding... Read More

EXCLUSIVE – The new owners of Rock Island’s Blue Cat Brew Pub, soon to be the Big Swing Brew Pub, are local real estate developers John Timmer, Shane Scott and Jon McAtee, according to a number of sources who asked not to be identified, and verified through city documents and applications. The sale to the trio was also confirmed Friday by Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, during recording of an episode of the podcast QCUNCUT. The trio are the creative and financial force behind the new Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar, in the old Milan Lanes building, 2020 1st St. W, Milan, which is having its opening... Read More

The new Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar is a fantastic addition to the local entertainment landscape, particularly as a draw in an area barren of other options – Milan and southwest Rock Island. The complex, at 2020 1st St. W, Milan, in the old Milan Lanes building, is a wonderful mix of high-tech bowling alley, sports bar, video game arcade and surprisingly delicious and eclectic gastro pub. Regardless of all the entertainment options, the food alone is enough of a draw, as the menu is full of tasty surprises, from flatbread pizzas featuring figs, pears and prosciutto to bourbon bacon burgers and... Read More

Mid America Premier youth soccer dissolved over the summer but it ended its run on top. GotSoccer, the international site which ranks teams from around the world, ranked Mid America Premier’s undefeated U10 team as number one in Illinois for the 2017-18 season, ahead of its rivals in Peoria and Chicago and the vaunted Scott Gallagher teams from St. Louis and southern Illinois. The MAPS red squad was undefeated in its age group as well as the U11 age range, and scored tournament wins across the state and region, including wins in Elmhurst, Peoria, Morton, Muscatine, LeClaire, Wisc., Crystal Lake... Read More

The Blue Cat is becoming the Big Swing. The Rock Island Blue Cat Brew Pub, 113 18th St., will close Aug. 31, remain shut for renovations and open later this fall as The Big Swing Brewing Company, sources close to the situation said. It was reported first here on QuadCities.com that Blue Cat, one of the first brew pubs opened in the Quad-Cities in 1994 by brewer and chef Dan Cleveland and his sister, Martha Cleveland, was sold by the duo to an unnamed local buyer last week for an undisclosed sales price. Dan will stay on as brew master after the purchase, sources said, and the menu will continue... Read More

EXCLUSIVE – Rock Island’s Blue Cat Brew Pub, one of the first brew pubs opened in the Quad-Cities in 1994, has been sold, sources that asked not to be identified said Friday. The restaurant and brewery, in the heart of the District, at 113 18th St., was sold to an unnamed buyer this week and will be closed down two weeks from now, the source noted. The pub will not be closed for good and will instead be shut for “a significant remodeling,” the source said. “From what I hear, they’re going to put a lot of money into it and it’s going to look really cool,” the source added. A grand... Read More

The SUSTO: Fine 2 Day Fest took over Codfish Hollow Barnstormers Friday and Saturday night, featuring music from SUSTO, The Artisanals, Crab Claw, Babe Club and Human Resources. Hundreds of folks roamed the grounds and partook in the cool vibe and awesome tunes while enjoying the beautiful weather, and QC Scene was on the scene having a great time and taking pics for your viewing pleasure. Check out www.codfishhollowbarnstormers.com for future shows and more info!    Read More

The three wise men are a staple of Nativity scenes and Christmas stories worldwide, but along with gold, frankincense and myrrh, did they also carry samurai swords? That’s the concept behind the new book, The Arimathean, which claims the trio of Magi were ninja wizards sent to protect Jesus, Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem. The three warriors are joined by another Biblical figure, Joseph of Arimathea (hence the title), as they battle against Satan, King Herod and various other forces of evil. “It’s the greatest story never before told,” said author Sean Leary, who didn’t divulge... Read More

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island is thrilled to announce local auditions for their upcoming productions of ANNIE and NEWSIES on August 11, 18 and 19th.  Those auditioning must be available for all rehearsals and performances as scheduled and must prepare a verse and chorus or 16 bars of a Broadway song. Music from the show is acceptable. They should bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.  Young performers should dress comfortably (please no costumes, wigs or makeup for Annie) and provide a non-returnable photo, as well as a brief résumé.... Read More