QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
	Henry County Iowa impacted by storm, sheriff’s office reports Parts of Henry County have been impacted by the storm, according to the Henry County Iowa Sheriff’s Office.
	Warmer, wetter future: New report details impact on climate change on Quad Cities The report predicts places like the Isle Casino Hotel and Vibrant Area at the MARK could become susceptible to flooding as early as 2040.
	How you can help the Iowa DNR track local bumblebee populations The Iowa DNR hopes local data will help them better inform conservation practices so native bees can thrive just as well as honeybees.
	Suspect faces felony charge after car stolen in Davenport ends up in Colorado A 50-year-old Miles, Iowa, man faces a felony charge after police allege a car stolen from a Davenport dealership was found in Colorado. Edward Randall faces a charge of first-degree theft, court records say. Edward Randall (Scott County Jail) On Jan. 24, police say a theft occurred at Patriot Lincoln of Davenport, 520 W. Kimberly Road. Randall, police allege in affidavits, was in the process of purchasing a 2018 Toyota Camry valued at $15,443 from the dealership. He was allowed to drive the Camry off the lot with the stipulation that it would be returned immediately with the agreed-upon $1,000 cash deposit. Randall "did not return to Patriot Lincoln of Davenport with the $1,000 deposit or to return the vehicle," police allege in affidavits. Patriot Lincoln tried to contact Randall over the period of one month to obtain the $1,000 deposit or the car, but could not make contact, arrest affidavits say. The car was stopped in Brush, Colorado, by the Brush Colorado Police, and the Camry was impounded. Randall tried to retrieve the car from the Brush Colorado Police Department's impound lot after it was impounded on March 28, police say in affidavits. Ramdall, who was arrested on a warrant, was released on his own recognizance. He is set for a preliminary hearing April 30 in Scott County Court. Brush is about 747 miles from Davenport, according to Google maps.
	Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune re-air times Due to severe weather coverage, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune will re-air early Wednesday morning.
	QC artist creates colorful nature oasis atop new YWCA In an impressive career of public art, Atlanta Dawn’s latest outdoor mural is her biggest yet, and not even visible to the general public. The 30-year-old Rapids City artist is just about done with a 3,000-square-foot nature mural that surrounds a new outdoor childcare playground (open to the sky) being built on top of the new YWCA Quad Cities, at 513 17th St., Rock Island. Atlanta Dawn outside her new mural on the top of the new YWCA at 513 17th St., Rock Island, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (photos by Jonathan Turner). The formerly gray concrete walls Dawn painted with explosive, vibrant colors are 100 feet long and 18 feet high (she used scaffolding to reach the higher parts) and the shorter walls are 37 feet by 18 feet. Dawn was chosen for the project because the YWCA was “highly impressed with the detail and creativity with her murals,” president/CEO Julie Larson said Tuesday. “We wanted to add a touch of nature to the playground and after she presented us her ideas, we knew she was the perfect fit.” The new two-story, 48,900-square-foot YWCA is expected to open around May 1, 2024 at 17th Street and 5th Avenue, Rock Island. The two-story, 48,900-square-foot building (under construction since fall 2021) is completed with the pool slated to be finished in early May, Larson said. They’re just waiting for the new child care furniture to arrive and once the rooms are set up, DCFS will visit and issue a license for the new facility. The Y hopes to move in on or before May 1. YWCA is planning to move from its much smaller 70-year-old building at 229 16th St., Rock Island, including a new childcare center that will expand the organization’s capacity from 130 kids to 350. Dawn's mural at Hey Bryans bar in downtown East Moline, seen in July 2023. Dawn's last major mural was for a Living Lands & Waters garage in East Moline last October, and larger murals she did last summer include a 700-square-foot one at Hey Bryans bar at 1140 15th Ave., East Moline (which incorporates key elements of downtown’s history), and a retaining wall on 18th Street near Lincoln Road in Bettendorf. Atlanta Dawn and her mural on 18th Street in Bettendorf, July 2023. Her son Calvin was born Oct. 24, 2023, and she has a 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Violet, who are both in day care when she paints. Varied nature scenes For the Y in Rock Island, Dawn wanted to focus on a variety of plants, flowers, and insects (such as spiders, butterflies, bees and ladybugs) that kids could identify and learn about. She initially sent the Y a bunch of concepts and ideas and they went with the nature theme, she said Tuesday morning. "They wanted to bring life to the concrete," Dawn said. "It kind of looked like a prison yard before. We added a lot of these bugs and critters, things they would see out in nature." A green luna moth is featured among plants, flowers and other insects at the planned YWCA childcare playground. They plan to start a scavenger hunt for children (and adults) to identify parts of the mural. One wall is specifically an education wall, with a large sun (with a face), reflections of four seasons and portraits of many children with different expressions, to reflect their emotions. "That way, the teachers can interact with students," Dawn said. At Hey Bryans, Dawn used a boom lift to reach the top of that wall. She couldn't use a lift on the foam flooring of the YWCA roof. "It worked out great," she said. Dawn averaged about seven hours a day working, starting March 4, when those chilly days barely hit 40 degrees. She bundled up and is used to working in cold weather, with her years of experience painting holiday windows. "It was definitely a 'trust the process' kind of mural, 'cause it's so big, you gottta get a little bit done every day," Dawn said of the Y. "It slowly builds and builds and builds." Help from others Fellow QC muralist Heidi Sallows helped paint on three days, and Dawn also asked a few Quad City Arts Metro Arts students to help. Her assistant (and fellow Moline High alum) Pauline Hernstrom also helped paint. Dawn, left, with fellow QC muralist Heidi Sallows, who also worked on the YWCA project. "It's a whole other style from what I'm used to," Hernstrom, 28, said of murals. "It's a different medium, different environment, definitely a different style. It's just been really fun to learn from her. I really enjoy it. I just like how it connects with the community." They did a chalkboard together at Tap 22 in Silvis several years ago. At the Y playground, Dawn also wanted to teach kids what milkweed looks like and how it's beneficial to butterflies. Other flowers were chosen for being attractive to bees and butterflies. The Y plans to have a rental room for private events, and may offer access to the space, which can't be seen from the street, Dawn noted. "If that's the case, I'm definitely bringing my daughter here for her birthday, because it would be so cool," she said. Upcoming projects Dawn is one of 10 finalists for the downtown Rock Island Arts Alley murals, and the only local one, narrowed down after 400 artists from around the world submitted to be one of two selected for the walls in the 1700 block of 2nd Avenue. "I was really surprised; I didn't think I was gonna make it," she said Tuesday. "I feel honored. I'm a little bummed I'm the only local." Dawn, left, and her mural assistant Pauline Hernstrom, who helped on the Y project in downtown Rock Island. The specific designs for Arts Alley are due April 28 (artists will be paid $500 each), and they will be put on public display. The two artists are expected to be chosen in early April with murals completed in mid-June. Dawn didn't apply for the 4,000-square-foot downtown Moline mural (on the side of the Analog Pizza and Arcade building, 1405 5th Ave.) last fall, since she was having a baby. That $30,000 Moline mural was done by two Brooklyn, N.Y. artists. Reflections seen in windows at the YWCA playground mural. She called the Arts Alley project (and whole downtown revitalization) "a really cool thing." "Murals do bring tourism and they create emotion," Dawn said. Payments for the Arts Alley artists will be: Mural 1: $33,600 (80 feet x 28 feet) Mural 2: $27,000 (60’ x 30’) For both murals: 50% of the compensation is to be paid upon contract execution and 50% within two weeks of completion of the mural. This fee includes all associated costs of creation (i.e., materials, paint, transportation, etc.). A section of the 3,000-square-foot YWCA painted by Dawn over the past six weeks. Dawn was the lead artist (with Heidi Sallows) who coordinated the new Alternating Currents murals in downtown Davenport last August, working with five artists to create those over four days, in the alley south of 2nd Street off Pershing Avenue. They're doing more murals during the festival this summer in downtown Davenport, possibly along Armored Gardens and the Klemme building. All last year's artists were local, save one from Iowa City. They're planning to add some lighting and an archway along the current AC murals. Dawn is on the art committee for the Downtown Davenport Partnership. Murals that Dawn helped coordinate and paint for 2023's Alternating Currents last August in downtown Davenport (south of 2nd Street). She has other mural projects planned, but if she's picked for Arts Alley, they will be pushed back. One is a big Rock Island Lines train mural at the Avenue Tap in Silvis, due to start April 22. Another is one for the Gilda’s Club Davenport clubhouse where people affected by cancer can get free wigs, and another along the railroad retaining wall near 5th Street and Harrison in downtown Davenport. Dawn got a Quad City Arts grant for a new gallery/studio space, Art on The Bend, at the back of The Rust Belt in East Moline. There's a common lounge area between the concert venue and Midwest Ale Works, and the owner wants to turn it into an art gallery featuring local artists. Part of the huge mural Dawn painted on the patio of the Palace Tavern, 701 15th Ave., East Moline, in 2022. Dawn is going to manage and promote that, including artist receptions with live music and snacks. That's starting in June, and the first artist will be Tony Cavallo (who was one of the Alternating Currents artists). A tall mural for downtown Davenport Dawn did near Harrison and 5th streets. "I've got a lot of things happening this year," Dawn said. To see more of her art, visit her website HERE.
	LIVE: Tracking strong storms in the Quad Cities area Our Quad Cities News chief meteorologist Andy McCray is live on-air and online tracking a strong storm system as it passes through the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. You can watch the livestream below, then tune in to Our Quad Cities News at 5 as our weather team and news crews bring you the latest. Weather alerts are updated live at OurQuadCities.com/alerts. Closings are updated live at OurQuadCities.com/closings. Get the latest forecast at OurQuadCities.com/weather and check the traffic cameras, power outages and driving maps at any time at OurQuadCities.com/qctraffic.
	Muscatine animal rescue in desperate need of funding to avoid closing shelter After a distemper outbreak depleted resources from the rescue during the winter, It Takes a Village is at risk of closing its shelter facilities.
	Bill making it easier to arm school staff heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk A highly-debated, Republican backed bill is now on Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk with goals of improving school safety in the state.
	Morgan Wade, April 30 Touring in support of her most recent album Psychopath, a top-10 Billboard hit that No Depression said "highlights her broadening range and skillful integrations of country, rock, and pop elements," rising country star Morgan Wade headlines an April 30 concert at Davenport's Capitol Theatre, the singer/songwriter also lauded by Red Guitar Music as "an artist who deserves to make some serious waves."
	Lonestar, April 27 Currently touring in support of their most recent album TEN to 1, which allowed its musicians the opportunity to revisit and even potentially improve upon some of their biggest hits, the country superstars of Lonestar bring their national tour to the Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on April 27, treating fans to a musical history that boasts more than 10 million album sales to date and such chart-topping singles as “No News,” “Come Crying to Me,” and the crossover smash “Amazed.”
	LIVE UPDATES: Severe thunderstorms roll through Iowa, Illinois on Tuesday Stay weather aware with live updates from News 8 as severe thunderstorms move into the region. Hail and tornadoes are possible.
	Upchurch, April 27 Currently touring in support of his recently released album Blue Genes 2, a work showcasing the more serious alter ego of comic hick-hop performer Upchurch the Redneck, country rapper Ryan Upchurch headlines an April 27 concert event at East Moline venue The Rust Belt, his remarkable discography including more than 20 albums released since 2016, as well as such platinum-selling singles as "Outlaw" (featuring Luke Combs), "Rolling Stoned," and "Holler Boys."
	Muscatine animal rescue in desperate need of funding to avoid closing shelter After a distemper outbreak depleted resources from the rescue during the winter, It Takes a Village is at risk of closing its shelter facilities.
	Emanuel Ax, April 27 Lauded by The Guardian for his "wonderfully straightforward, unfussy approach" and by the New York Times as an artist who "has long been, and continues to be, one of the finest American pianists," seven-time Grammy Award-winner Emanuel Ax will be the featured guest in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's annual springtime Gala Concert, the April 27 performance at Davenport's Adler Theatre boasting a stunning repertoire of works by Mahler, Beethoven, Mozart, and Stravinsky.
	Deputies release names of 1 killed, 1 injured after ATV crash in Knox County Knox County Sheriff’s deputies released the names of those involved in an ATV crash that happened over the weekend. One person died and another was seriously injured, according to deputies.
	Here Come the Mummies, April 26 Described by the Examiner as “a band unlike any other” and by Blurt magazine as “a hybrid of Idris Muhammad, George Clinton, Ohio Players, and Earth, Wind & Fire,” the tightly-wrapped funk, rock, and R&B musicians of Here Come the Mummies headline a n April 26 concert at East Moline venue The Rust Belt, their infectious grooves leading The Bob & Tom Show co-host Bob Kevoian to call one of their concerts “the most fun I've had in 20 years.”
	Families can 'Journey the World' with the Girl Scouts All children are invited to the annual Girl Scouts event in East Moline on April 20. Grab your 'passport' to interactive booths representing different countries.
	Georgette Jones, April 26 A gifted country-music singer/songwriter and daughter of genre legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Georgette Jones headlines an April 26 Country Vibes Series event at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm Room, her most recent album Skin inspiring Saving County Music to rave that "her talent for singing and finding songs that embody all that's great about the country genre is on full display."
	Tom Holland & the Shuffle Kings, April 28 With the artist's work with James Cotton resulting in Grammy Award-nominated albums such as Giant and Cotton Mouth Man, distinguished Chicago blues guitarist Tom Holland and his ensemble the Shuffle Kings perform a special April 28 engagement presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, the performance at Davenport's Best Western Steeplegate Inn showcasing the gifts of a musician who honed his skills through personal mentorship under John Primer, one of Muddy Waters' last guitarists.
	Moline High announces winning piano design A Moline High School student won $250 in gift cards Tuesday for creating the winning design in Sound Conservatory’s “Keys of Unity” painted piano project. Shea G. (no last name was given) will paint an upright piano donated by Sound Conservatory and be put in rotation in its new program to place pianos in downtown Moline for a month each. The winning Keys of Unity design by Moline High art student Shea G. For her winning design (out of 12 submitted), she earned of $250 in gift cards to Lagomarcino's, Meli’s Pancake House, Dead Poets Espresso, Tony’s Chicago Pizzeria, and Sound Conservatory. “The designs were creative, versatile and hard to choose from,” Moline High art teacher Elizabeth Nache said Tuesday. “I'm very proud of everyone that participated in creating all the designs.” “I like the idea of a diverse community surrounding music, which is why I used a circle of hands of many different colors surrounding colorful musical notes,” Shea wrote with her design. “Music is a way to express myself. I can listen to happy music when I'm happy, sad music when I'm sad, or angry music when I'm mad. Music is a very expressive form of the arts and that's what makes it so special to me.” “We will have the honor of having a custom painted piano featuring Shea's winning design, which she won with 32% of the 200+ votes!” Sound Conservatory posted on Instagram. “We are excited to featuring your piano along with our other pianos for the community to enjoy playing, and seeing her wonderful art!” Moline art student Shea G. will paint her winning design on this upright piano donated by Sound Conservatory, 504 17th St., Moline. Keys of Unity aims to help connect the music & art community, local business and residents, featuring high-quality upright pianos at local businesses that will serve the following purposes: Give members and guests of our community the opportunity to play a piano at a local business. Give our local business an opportunity to program live music as well as events they may want to hold through the use of our pianos. Spark that interest in music that you have always had in the back of your mind. Encourage our community members and guests to learn more about and visit our beautiful downtown businesses. Spark that interest in music that you have always had in the back of your mind. Give our young artists an opportunity to partake in annual piano painting contests as a learning opportunity for how to get involved in the professional art world. Not only that, but Sound Conservatory will provide free performances at select locations featuring pianists from its own music school at 504 17th St., Moline. To view a calendar of where to find their pianos as well as performances, click here.
	Jake Simon, April 27 With the country-music artist praised by Obscure Sound for how his "mellow vocals lead into a soulful vocal lushness," singer/songwriter Jake Simon headlines an April 27 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the native of Grinnell, Iowa having made his debut to country radio with "I Still Think About You," which became a top-40 single on the Music Row Country Breakout chart.
	Marty O'Reilly, May 1 Praised by Bainbridge Island Review as a singer/songwriter whose "voice is beautiful and distinctive" and whose lyrics are "stark yet lush over gritty electrified guitar," Marty O'Reilly headlines a May 1 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the artist also lauded by Glide magazine for crafting "music you’ve never heard before, music you can’t compare to anything, music that is its own genre that has only been defined, in sound, by those who play it."
	Hawthorne Heights, April 27 Billboard chart-toppers whose album hits include the top-10 The Silence in Black & White, If Only You Were Lonely, Fragile Future, and Bad Frequencies, the rockers of Hawthorne Heights play two April 27 concerts at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, the artists currently on their “The Sound in Black and White Acoustic Tour” alongside the special guests of Bike Routes.
	“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” April 30 Deemed "a side-splitting spectacular" by the Washington Blade, the touring celebration of a beloved and iconic TV sitcom comes to Davenport's Adler Theatre in Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, an adult-themed comedy that, with its all-male cast, Play Off the Page described as "a wonderful blend of nostalgia and witty dialogue mixed with the sex appeal of drag."
	Kuniko Yamamoto, April 29 through May 4 Enchanting audiences of every age with dramatic storytelling using myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto enjoys a residency as the latest guests in the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series, her area performances from April 29 through May 4 spiced with social revelations to educate and amuse.
	Anders Carlson-Wee, April 23 The latest guest in the college's River Readings at Augustana series, renowned author and poet Anders Carlson-Wee will deliver examples of his lauded works at Augustana's Wallenberg Hall on April 23, his 2023 poetry collection Disease of Kings lauded by The Los Angeles Review as a work in which "readers are presented with readable poetry that resonates with the heart of humanity," adding that the work "reveals our deepest secrets and failings with complex sympathy."
	“Iowa's Pearl Button Industry,” April 28 Presented by Dustin Joy, director of Muscatine's National Pearl Button Museum, Iowa's Pearl Button Industry continues the popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series at Davenport's German American Heritage Center, the April 28 program designed to explore the fascinating history behind the state's formerly massive export, as well as its lingering legacy.
	Know the difference between a tornado WATCH and WARNING It's important to know the difference between tornado products from the National Weather Service. Often, a Tornado WATCH is issued before a tornado WARNING. A WATCH means conditions are favorable for possible tornado development. At this point in time, you should think about your severe weather safety plan for the day. Once a tornado has been seen by a trained weather spotter or the possibility of one has been detected by radar, a tornado WARNING will be issued. this means you need to take immediate action and get inside a sturdy structure. The basement is best when available, otherwise an interior hallway or closet if a basement is not available. When a large, violent tornado is on the ground causing extensive damage, you might hear meteorologists refer to this a tornado emergency.
	“Agatha Christie's Murder in the Studio,” April 26 through May 4 A trio of chilling, humorous, and entirely surprising tales by history's master mystery writer will be told at Moline's Black Box Theatre when the venue houses its latest series of live "radio" plays, the April 26 through May 4 production of Murder in the Studio treating audiences to three mesmerizing works by the legendary Agatha Christie.
	Incoming nonprofit leadership in the Quad Cities Several nonprofits in the Quad Cities will gain new leadership in the coming months.
	“Pride in Memory” Red-Carpet Fundraiser, April 28 With the April 28 event hosted by Quad Cities Pride in Memory, Inc., audiences are invited to Davenport venue The Last Picture House for an exciting and important red-carpet fundraiser for Our Story: Pride in Memory, a forthcoming documentary, currently in production, by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Moline's Fourth Wall Films,
	Iowa man steals car from Davenport dealership, car gets impounded in Colorado, police say A Miles, Iowa man was arrested after police say he drove off with a vehicle from a local car dealership in January. The man was later pulled over in Colorado and the car was impounded, court documents show.
	“DART Senior Thesis Art Show,” through April 27 A celebration of work completed by graduating seniors in the Department of Digital Art and Design, the DART Senior Thesis Art Show will be on display at the University of Dubuque's Bisignano Art Gallery through April 27, the exhibit boasting a variety of pieces in illustration, animation, digital painting, motion graphics, and digital artwork, and displaying the wide range of skills students cultivated during their time at UD.
	Railroad quiet zone established after $1.5 million investment from the City of Clinton The City of Clinton established a quiet zone from 19th Avenue North to 32nd Avenue North.
	Major water main failure puts parts of Moline under boil order Officials said a sample from the area will be processed in the Moline water laboratory on Tuesday.
	Police investigate gunfire incident in Davenport The investigation is ongoing.
	Police: 1 injured in Davenport crash involving bicyclist A man was injured after a crash involving a bicyclist, police say.
	Trace Adkins to perform at Rust Belt Country star Trace Adkins will play The Rust Belt in East Moline on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at 8 p.m. with special guest Bryan White. In his 25-year career in country music, Adkins has sold over 11 million albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams, according to a Tuesday tour release. Country star Trace Adkins on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images) A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the 62-year-old Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his country career to include film and TV acting, the release says. He broke out in 1996 with the debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” cracking the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Every Light In the House Is On” and following with the #1 smash, “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).” Since then, Adkins has pioneered a mix of classic country-minded traditionalism and adventurous, good-natured showmanship, breaking open new avenues in modern country through fun-filled hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Hillbilly Bone” (with Blake Shelton). Adkins’ newest video “Love Walks Through the Rain” (featuring Melissa Etheridge) is available everywhere now. Bryan White will be the opening act at Rust Belt, Aug. 10, 2024. Bryan White is a CMA, ACM, and Grammy award-winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter. Throughout his prolific recording career, he’s charted 21 singles, of which 6 were number 1. His hits include “So Much for Pretending,” “Sittin’ On Go,” “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore,” “Rebecca Lynn,” “Someone Else’s Star” and “From This Moment On” which he recorded with Shania Twain for her “Come On Over” album. For more information on Adkins, visit his website HERE. For tickets to the Rust Belt show ($59.75 plus fees), click HERE.
	Tornado Watch issued for Quad Cities The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH for the Quad Cities and surrounding areas until 10 p.m. Conditions are favorable today for severe t'storms with large hail and a few dangerous tornadoes are possible also. Right now the window for the worst weather in the Quad Cities looks to be from 3 until 8 p.m. Plenty more updates coming today on TV and right here at ourquadcities.com
	Judge orders psych evaluation for man charged with killing 4 in Rockford A judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a northern Illinois man charged with killing four people by stabbing, beating and driving over them.
	REVIEW: Spotlight 'Anastasia' a sumptuous thrill It was obvious when The Spotlight Theatre opened with its first full production, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in October 2018, that its multi-talented owners Sara and Brent Tubbs had no small ambitions. Taking over the former Scottish Rite Cathedral at 1800 7th Ave., Moline, the married couple has consistently offered first-class, prodigiously entertaining musical theater, and its gorgeous, spectacular, jaw-dropping latest is no exception. From the start of this fantastic, fancy feast for the senses, you can easily get swept up in history, romance and adventure in the big musical “Anastasia.” With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, the stage musical is based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, and while it has a sprawling cast of 29, director Aaron Baker-Loo keeps the towering tale laser focused on the sympathetic title character. The show – which is visually and sonically stunning -- adapts the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who was rumored to have escaped and survived the execution of the Russian Imperial family. The youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, in real life she was killed with her family by Bolsheviks at age 17 in 1918. Chris Tracy, left, Claire Sattler and Caleb Swinney in "Anastasia." In “Anastasia,” several years later an amnesiac young woman named Anya hopes to find some trace of her past by siding with two con men (Dmitry and Vlad), who want to take advantage of her resemblance to Anastasia by presenting her to the Grand Duchess' paternal grandmother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, in Paris. At Spotlight, there are three girls playing Anastasia at different ages – 6, 17 and 26. The outstanding Claire Sattler (a 2023 Iowa State University grad) has by far the most stage time as the adult Anastasia, who later goes by Anya, and is trying to discover her identity. Caleb Swinney and Claire Sattler as Dmitry and Anya. Kicking off in 1906, the bulk of the story takes place in the 1920s, and the musical (with pre-recoded orchestral tracks) includes flavors of Parisian and Russian folk styles, plus standard Broadway musical theater. Sattler (who was briefly was a Circa ’21 Bootlegger late last year) displays a preternatural poise, maturity and calm as our protagonist, and a gloriously strong, shining singing voice, including the standout songs “In My Dreams,” “Journey to the Past,” and “Crossing a Bridge.” Sattler shares great chemistry with her eventual romantic interest, Caleb Swinney as the idealistic Dmitry. Swinney has been notable in recent area productions of “Sweeney Todd” (Anthony), “SpongeBob” (Plankton) and “Spring Awakening” (Melchior). The two combine for some very nice harmonies in “Anastasia.” Chris Tracy as Vlad. Chris Tracy is characteristically solid as Dmitry’s sidekick, Vlad, and he rekindles his own romance in the second act with the dominating powerhouse Kat Jecklin (in her Spotlight debut) as Lily. At the close of their charming waltz, “The Countess and the Common Man,” they have a cute kiss and Tracy lifts his leg as a lady typically would in that old-fashioned moment. Kat Jecklin as Lily. The Act II “Swan Lake” ballet scene is an elegant, sumptuous thrill. Choreographer Ellie Allen is also making her Spotlight debut, and she’s danced at a ballet company in Brazil. She is beautiful as a dancer in this scene, as the pivotal black swan. Other delicate dancers are Dorothy Turner as the white swan, plus Melodie Hoffman, Marissa Pedersen, and Christianna Crosby. Choreographer Ellie Allen (center) also dances the black swan in "Anastasia." Spotlight veteran (as both director and actor) Noah Hill is a magnetic, powerful presence as the dark, tormented Gleb Vaganov, a general for the Bolsheviks who now control Russia. He announces that the now-poor Saint Petersburg has been renamed Leningrad. Hill’s highlights include “The Rumors Never End” and “Still” in Act I. Another imposing, crucial performance is delivered by Dolores Sierra as the bitter, mourning Dowager Empress, who doubts Anya is really Anastasia. She lost everything she loved and demands to know who Anya is. The show’s tremendous impact is heightened by a variety of dramatic, colorful lighting (designed by Brent Tubbs), rear screen projections, and amazing, often formal costumes (done by Heather Blair, a self-taught seamstress designing her ninth time for Spotlight costumes). The white outfits of the Romanov family are especially impressive, as are Sattler’s sparkly blue gown with white gloves, and a regal red and white gown, both in the second half. The massive, triumphant waltz at the end truly puts the “grand” in its grand finale. Kudos also due to music director Laura Hammes (in her second Spotlight show) for preparing the epic musical’s 32 numbers with such care, grace and heart-pounding emotional force. Claire Sattler and Caleb Swinney in "Anastasia." This “Anastasia” is one to luxuriate in, like a soothing bubble bath, and not to be missed. Performances continue at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (April 19-20), and 2 p.m. Sunday (April 21). Tickets are $20 or $25, available HERE.
	Boil order in effect for swath of Moline, expected to last through Wednesday morning A water main malfunction led to the order Monday night. It covers northeastern Moline.
	Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation introduces new scholarship for student-athletes $372K are being gifted to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) to establish an annual scholarship for student athletes at Rock Island High School.
	Immunity for armed school staff and new traffic camera regulations Iowa legislators agreed on a compromise that makes it easier for districts to allow armed teachers and staff in schools and another plan that places additional regulations on traffic cameras.
	INTERVIEW: Art of the Brew at Figge Art Museum Calling all beer lovers: The Figge Art Museum is hosting "Art of the Brew" this Friday. Figge membership coordinator Emma Hughes joined Our Quad Cities News This Morning to tell us all about it. Watch the video above or click here for more information.
	REVIEW: Exit Laughing at Richmond Hill Players Exit Laughing continues at Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre in Geneseo, Thursday through Saturday, April 18 through 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m.
	3rd-annual Taste of East Moline is Thursday The 3rd-annual Taste of East Moline fundraiser will feature 15+ local restaurants serving bite-sized portions of favorite menu items, live music, cash bar, and raffle prizes on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline. 17 area food and beverage vendors will be at the Taste of East Moline on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Proceeds will support the East Moline Community Fund, a partner fund of Moline Regional Community Foundation. “Here you can join your friends and enjoy tasty bites from 17 local restaurants while also supporting the East Moline Community Fund, which has provided over $180,000 in grants to support local non-profits over the past 10 years,” said Connie Dowsett, chair of the East Moline Community Fund. Nonprofits supported by the fund include Habitat for Humanity, Spring Forward Learning Center, East Moline Public Library, Children’s Therapy Center, and Christ United Methodist Church’s food pantry. The fundraiser will be at The Rust Belt in East Moline Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Thursday Taste of East Moline participating vendors are: Catfish Charlie’s Cattleman’s Meat Market Country Style Godfather’s G’s Popcorn Happy Joe’s Jewel Jimmy John’s Proceeds will go to the East Moline Community Fund. Junior’s Sports Bar Lagom’s Gourmet Snacks and Seasonings Midwest Ale Works QC Plate Me Revive Café Rudy’s Steel Plow The Palace Tickets for the event are $30 per person, available HERE.
	Former Bix champion takes 3rd at Boston Marathon 2021 Quad City Times Bix 7 Champion Edna Kiplagat finished 3rd at the Boston Marathon Monday. Former Augustana Cross Country and Track & Field coach Fred Whiteside finished 8th in the men’s 70-74 age group.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 16, 2024 One person was killed in a Davenport crash, and another person was injured in a Kewanee accident. Moline is also moving forward with the solar farm proposal.
	Parking restrictions start Monday on Sycamore Street in Muscatine Traffic alert.
	Preparing for severe weather Preparing for severe weather
	City of Rock Island breaks ground on $8.7M downtown revival After years of planning, the City is starting construction on the major renovation, where four blocks will see rebuilt streets.
	Public hearing on roads in rural Conesville is Wednesday At 6 p.m. Wednesday in the conservation education center in Discovery Park, the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors will have a public hearing to gather information on whether the county should vacate roads, including a portion of 245th Street and…
	Work on Welch Apartment building continues Contractors are making progress on the Welch Apartment building, but work has been slower than expected.
	Names released in fatal UTV accident in rural Muscatine Saturday The Iowa State Patrol has released the name of a Muscatine woman who was killed Saturday in a UTV crash and three others who were injured.
	Davenport man accused of sexually abusing child takes plea deal Authorities allege the abuse happened in 2022.
	QC author presents her children's book at Rock Island Library Quad Cities author Shellie Moore Guy will present her family’s inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance, as told in her children’s book "The Family Tree," on Saturday, April 20, at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch. The free event will be at 11 a.m. in the Watts-Midtown Branch auditorium, 2715 30th St. The book, written by Guy and illustrated by Gwen Ballard Patton, tells the story of brothers Charley Wilson and Sandy Terry, who escaped enslavement in Kentucky to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War. Wilson, who is Guy’s great-great-grandparent, settled in Rock Island with his family after the war. He later moved to Port Byron. In 1914, John Hauberg interviewed Wilson about his life under slavery and his journey to freedom. Guy is a life-long resident of Rock Island. As part of her background as a storyteller, artist, community activist, and advocate, Guy wrote the book to educate the community and share her family’s stories, particularly those of the 108th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry. According to the National Park Service website, the regiment was organized at Louisville, Kentucky, on June 20, 1864, and served in action, garrison and guard duty at various points, including the Rock Island Prison Camp. The unit mustered out March 21, 1866. “As much as slavery is a tough topic, there are stories within stories that help us learn about resilience, perseverance, and faith,” said Guy.” In the author’s note to "The Family Tree," she wrote, “Our story reflects the stories of many African American families in the United States and it is my hope that this labor of love will provide the readers of this book a sense of history as well as a source of personal inspiration, encouragement, and pride.” For more information about the library and other events, visit here or call 309-732-READ.
	New scholarship for Rock Island High School track, cross country athletes The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) will launch a new scholarship for track and cross-country athletes.
	Man accused of robbery at Moline tobacco shop also faces drug charges The drug charges in Scott County must be resolved before he can be extradited to Rock Island County on the robbery charges, court records state.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, April 16, 2024 Carole L. Brown, 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Bickford of Davenport. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, April 16, 2024 Carole L. Brown, 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Bickford of Davenport. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Former Bix Champion takes 3rd at Boston Marathon; former Augustana coach Whiteside takes 8th in age group 2021 Quad City Times Bix 7 Champion Edna Kiplagat finished 3rd at the Boston Marathon Monday. Former Augustana Cross Country and Track & Field coach Fred Whiteside finished 8th in the men’s 70-74 age group.
Monday, April 15th, 2024
	What you need to know to prepare for severe weather When severe weather is in the forecast like it is on Tuesday, it’s important to be prepared.
	Lawmakers vote to pass bill making it easier to arm school staff A highly-debated, Republican backed bill is now on Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk with goals of improving school safety in the state.
	Moline considering plan for solar farm The farm would be installed just south of the QC International Airport.
	Davenport bike path to remain closed most of summer The city is working on a sewer project along Duck Creek Bike Path.
	Boil order active in parts of Moline The order is in effect until further notice.
	Rock Island leaders break ground on downtown revival The project is funded by almost $4 million in COVID relief funds.
	Boil order active in parts of Moline The order is in effect until further notice.
	Part of Moline under boil order for water main break Part of Moline is under a boil order because of a major water main break. The City of Moline issued the boil order for the northeast part of Moline. The water main broke near 40th St. and 2nd Ave. Homes within the shaded area on the map are under the boil order: (City of Moline) A water sample from the area will be processed April 16. A 24-hour incubation period is required before the results are known. For more information, click here.
	Groundbreaking ceremony marks beginning of ‘Rebuild Downtown Rock Island’ project A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of some big changes coming to downtown Rock Island.
	Illinois works to eliminate medical debt Millions across the U.S. are burdened with medical debt, and thousands in Illinois could see theirs eliminated. Gov. JB Pritkzer unveiled a four-year plan to eliminate $4 billion in medical debt for more than a million people. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris reports, low-income residents could see relief a lot sooner.
	Major water main failure puts part of city under boil order, Moline city officials say A boil order has been issued for the North East part of Moline, according to a media release from city officials. It comes as a result of a major water main failure near 40th St. and 2nd Ave.
	Davenport Central senior isn't letting a heart attack slow her down on the track Tayveona Thomas-Everett has become a smiling source of motivation for her track teammates.
	Quad City Bank and Trust celebrates 30 years of banking on community relationships From its humble beginnings, Quad City Bank and Trust has survived and thrived to celebrate 30 years of filling a 'hometown banking void.' Jennifer DeWitt from the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal visited with Our Quad Cities News for a closer look at the company and how it banks on relationships within our community. For more information, click here.
	Traffic Alert: Parking restrictions, Sycamore Street in Muscatine Beginning Monday there will be no parking allowed on certain streets in Muscatine.
	Traffic Alert: West 46th Street in Davenport A traffic alert for Davenport drivers.
	Iowa’s Kate Martin drafted into WNBA Iowa women’s basketball sixth-year guard Kate Martin was drafted Monday night into the WNBA.
	Traffic alert for parts of Bettendorf There's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert in Bettendorf. Work has begun on 18th St. from 53rd Ave. to St. Andrews Cir. Traffic on 18th St. is reduced to one way northbound from 53rd Ave. to St. Andrews Cir. Traffic is also one way westbound on 56th Ave. The work is expected to take four months. Streetscaping and landscaping work is slowing down traffic near the TBK Bank Sports Complex. Competition Dr. is closed on both sides of the roundabout. Middle Rd. is down to one lane in both directions through the roundabout. Drivers are instructed to follow the detour. The work is expected to take a month.
	Bettendorf woman’s transplant journey sheds light on the urgent need for organ and blood donations A special ceremony took place at Impact Life headquarters in Davenport to recognize Organ Donation Awareness Month.
	New circuit judge breaks barriers in QCA A newly-appointed judge from the Quad Cities is the first Black woman to serve in the position for the 14th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. A new face in the courtroom, Rock Island Attorney Tionn Fambro Carter, was sworn in as an Associate Judge for the circuit. "I have a servant's heart, and I just wanted to be able to serve the community and I feel that this is a position that you can 100 percent do that every day," Carter said. "I'm grateful for that opportunity." After being sworn in, Carter took some time to reflect on how far she's come and what she's wanting to accomplish. "I don't have any goals of anything that I want to be other than a great judge every single day," Carter said. "Someone who is fair, someone who is kind, someone who is a good listener and most of all, someone who follows the law and applies it equally to everyone. That's my goal." Carter will handle civil and criminal cases. She's humbled to make history and hopes this can set a new standard for future judges. "As much as it means to me, I'm hoping that it really means a lot to the community to know that the bench is more representative of the people in the community," Carter said. The 14th Judicial Circuit includes Rock Island, Henry, Whiteside and Mercer counties. Carter fills the vacancy of former Associate Judge James Heuerman. He was appointed to fill another vacancy.
	Caitlin Clark drafted by Indiana Fever with top pick in WNBA Draft To no surprise, Caitlin Clark was taken by the Indiana Fever with the top pick in the WNBA Draft.
	Impact Life and Iowa Donor Network raise awareness about organ donations The organizations estimated some 106,000 patients across the country are waiting for an organ transplant.
	2023 WIU nursing graduates all passed the NCLEX exam 27 graduates passed the licensure exam on their first try.
	We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us: “Civil War,” “Arcadian,” “Vanya,” and “Hundreds of Beavers” Unbiased journlalists may seem hard to find these days. But as Alex Garland's film reminds us, they're still out there, and they're not the problems – they're the messengers. And you don't shoot the messengers. Except that here, other Americans very much do.
	Weekend at work? This is why Iowa legislators may be at Statehouse Iowa legislators may need to work into the weekend to finish for this year.
	Entries sought for Deputy Nick Weist memorial bags tournament in Abingdon Entries are being sought for the first Deputy Nick Weist Memorial Bags Tournament sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Spoon River Valley Lodge 427 Foundation and A-Town Baggers, a news release says. The tournament will begin at noon on Sunday, May 5, at the American Legion in the Knox County community of Abingdon, Ill. Deputy Nicholas Weist “We encourage anyone who likes to have fun for a good cause to join us in Abingdon on May 5 as we remember one of our own who died in the line of duty,” said Lodge 427 President Donald “Ike” Hackett. “Nick Weist was always a familiar face at these types of events, and we want to honor his memory that day with good fellowship and friendly competition.” The bags tournament entry fee is $50 per team and registration forms are available here. Food and beverages will be available and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. All proceeds support the Deputy Nick Weist Scholarship Fund. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Weist was killed in the line of duty on April 29, 2022, after he was struck by a car driven by a fleeing crime suspect. About the Fraternal Order of Police The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second-largest state lodge, representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit here for more information.
	Preserving the past, growing the future: How a Calamus man has saved thousands of vegetable varieties Every year, Glenn Drowns plants, grows & harvests 3,000+ varieties of rare vegetable varieties. Without his work, hundreds of those seeds would be lost forever.
	Rock Island hosts groundbreaking ceremony to kick off multi-million dollar downtown project After years of planning, work on the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island plan begins on April 16.
	Severe thunderstorms forecasted to move into greater QC region Tuesday The National Weather Service Quad Cities says strong to severe storms are expected across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois as a warm front travels north.
	Davenport police respond to shots fired incident Monday morning News 8 was on the scene when a child and a man holding a baby exited the house. A tactical response team went into the house just before 5 a.m.
	Monmouth College builds new Yurt at educational farm for area elementary students The newest classroom in Monmouth isn't like any you've probably seen. Monmouth College's new yurt adds a new learning space for area elementary students.
	Celebrate Life Walk in Bettendorf honors organ donors and their families April is Donate Life Month, and Quad Citizens can help honor local organ donors and their families at the first-ever Celebrate Life Walk.
	Monmouth College builds new Yurt at educational farm for area elementary students The newest classroom in Monmouth isn't like any you've probably seen. Monmouth College's new yurt adds a new learning space for area elementary students.
	Organ donors honored in Davenport ImpactLife and the Iowa Donor Network recognized the generosity of organ donors in Davenport. The two groups got together to put more attention on the importance of blood donations and organ transplants. More than a 100,000 people in the country are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. More than 600 of them are in Iowa. Melissa Nelson got a pancreas transplant in 2019. She experienced complications and needed blood transfusions to survive. Nelson has made it her mission ever since to encourage people to learn about the impact blood donations make because it helped her stay alive for her son. Nelson is coordinating a Celebrate Life Walk on April 20. The walk recognizes organ donors and their families, and all of the money raised will be donated to the Iowa Donor Network. For more information or to register, click here.
	Rock Island officials break ground for multi-million dollar downtown rebuild project Construction will be done in three phases and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
	You can play donated pianos in downtown Moline Patrons of the swanky Fifth Avenue Syndicate Bistro & Bar in downtown Moline can expect an even classier experience than usual after 5 p.m. today. The Sound Conservatory's donated Baldwin upright at Fifth Avenue Syndicate, 1630 5th Ave., Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). That’s when Sound Conservatory piano instructor Kinza Maclin will play on a high-end $18,000 Baldwin upright piano in a corner of the bar, which has been donated from early April through early May. It’s part of the new “Keys of Unity” program from the music store and school Sound Academy (504 17th St., Moline, where owner Andzrej Kozlowski is loaning upright pianos for selected downtown businesses free of charge for a month. “The idea is that, for each location during that one month, they’re allowed to use that piano for whatever events they want to schedule,” he said recently. “It gives them the opportunity to bring in more live music and not have to worry about the cost of bringing a piano in.” Each business also gets one free performance from one of the Sound Conservatory piano instructors, including Clara Nielsen who will play at Dead Poets Espresso on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. The first of four pianos was delivered April 5, and the last piano this past Tuesday. On the corresponding day next month, pianos will be moved to different locations. There are 19 businesses that have signed up so far, Kozlowski said. An upright piano on loan at Los Portales Mexican restaurant, 1231 5th Ave., Moline. “The goal behind the program is to get more people excited about live music, going out to the local businesses,” he said. “Also allow these businesses to offer live music for their guests. Music is one of the biggest things that draws people into a restaurant or a space.” Brian Terriquez, managing director of Fifth Avenue Syndicate (1630 5th Ave.), said they got the piano “because our establishment is one of class. We feel that it definitely adds to the allure of our property as a whole,” he said Monday by email. “I think it’s amazing! For as long as I’ve been in this industry, I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing something like this, as it is supremely unique. “People have played it and some of the talent that resides in the QC amazes me,” Terriquez said. “My assistant manager, Amanda, played the theme song from Titanic on her very first day here!! Andrzej from the Sound Conservatory comes in all the time and he has showed his piano skills as well!” Post your videos Sound Conservatory is also having a contest, for every rotation of each piano. Anyone who plays one of the pianos, posts a video of themselves on social media, and tags what businesses they’re in, using the hashtag #KeysOfUnity, each month they’ll pick a winner for a $50 gift card for that business. “The idea behind that is to help get people to share they’re going to these places,” Kozlowski said, noting it aims to help promote the local businesses. Each gift card winner will be randomly chosen at the beginning of each month. The current pianos are also at Los Portales Mexican restaurant (1231 5th Ave.) and the Svithiod Club (1522 6th Ave.). The donated pianos (like this one at Svithiod Club, 1522 6th Ave.), are on loan for one month each. “This whole project is not just about Sound Conservatory and live music, it’s about promoting these local businesses,” Kozlowski said. The program focuses on restaurants and hotels. “We want people to sit down and make sure it sounds good to them and the people around them,” he said of the high-quality pianos. He connected to Moline High art teacher Elizabeth Nache and gave her students the chance to paint on one of Sound Conservatory’s Baldwin upright pianos. Keys of Unity’s motto is “Community and music together,” so Sound Conservatory asked art students to come up with a design to reflect that motto. Student art contest There were 12 groups who submitted designs and over 200 people voted (on the Sound Conservatory website) and the winner will be announced Tuesday at the high school. That group will paint a piano at the school, and get $250 in gift cards to local businesses, and once it’s done, that piano will be added to the rotation. One of the Moline High School designs for "Keys of Unity," to be painted on one of the donated upright pianos. “Having the piano there for them to analyze helped them plan their design,” Kozlowski said. “There’s lot of kids involved.” “I feel that The Keys of Unity is a great way to bring awareness of music programs and opportunities in our community locally as well as provide a visually stimulating appearance to draw in more curiosity at each venue about the music program with the painted piano,” Nache said Monday by email. As Art Club sponsors, she and Chelena Henning-Saberton like to provide the Moline High School's Art Club “with opportunities to get involved within the community locally, to gain experience and learn of different ways to create visual fine art professionally,” Nache said. “As for the designs, we asked the students to come up with creative designs that would demonstrate the idea of community & music together.” One of the 12 Moline High School designs for a Keys of Unity painted piano. “The idea is to keep expanding with more pianos throughout the season,” Kozlowski said. “Ultimately, we want to have these pianos permanently placed, so that way they have these pianos for year-round programming.” It is not the goal of “Keys of Unity” to sell more Sound Conservatory pianos, he said. He will maintain the tuning of the pianos. “The best thing we can expect from this is inspiration – someone will be inspired to play,” Kozlowski said. “You just never know what kind of interest this may spark. Music is quite an inspirational thing.” “This is just the start of it – we want piano music everywhere,” he said, noting the pianos are free for anyone to play, as long as they’re respectful of the businesses. “Maybe they’ve never been in that business before. Maybe they’ll try or sandwich or a drink there, or bring their friends,” he said. “We want people to feel comfortable about going out and enjoying.” Dead Poets has long had a piano (a Chickering grand) that Sound Conservatory has serviced. “Since they had a piano, we wanted to add them into the mix of things,” Kozlowski said. “They’ve already got some awesome live acoustic music they program there, so we wanted to add to that. I don’t think there’s such thing as too much live music.” The high school art contest will be held every year. Sound Conservatory also is partnering with local artist Regan Hatfield, commissioning him to do live painting of an upright piano outside at Bass Street Landing (off River Drive and 17th Street) every Thursday during the Summer Concert Series, starting May 16. Hatfield will be painting a piano in a Chopin theme (which is close to Kozlowski’s heart). “He does wonderful work and I’m really excited to see his vision of what this piano will be,” Kozlowski said. Upcoming concerts The Sound Conservatory hosted a jazz duo concert (John Daversa and Tal Cohen) Saturday, April 13, and its next shows will be: The Matt Fuller Band, May 11 at 7 p.m. Big Fun Jazz, May 25 at 7 p.m. The Ben Schmidt Band, June 15 at 7 p.m. The Sound Conservatory showroom configured for its concerts, last held one April 13 (photo by Jonathan Turner). Recent concerts have been packed, Kozlowski said, adding acclaimed jazz pianist Laurence Hobgood is planning to return to Sound Conservatory for a solo Christmas program this next December. He also is starting an early childhood music education program, including having an instructor go to Boys & Girls Club in Moline once a week for six weeks to teach kids (around age 8-12) recorder and hand percussion instruments. The Sound Conservatory hosted an instrument petting zoo last month, where 20 children got to try out a variety of instruments with teachers playing contemporary music – including trying piano, violin, flute and drums. Sound Conservatory moved in fall 2023 into the former Moline Public Library downtown, a 1903 former Carnegie library (photo by Jonathan Turner). Every month, they will do a similar petting zoo with other instruments. “We show them, just because it’s classical instrumentation doesn’t mean it has to be classical music,” Kozlowski said. “You can play anything you want.” For more information on Sound Conservatory, click HERE.
	Rock Island officials break ground on downton project The city of Rock Island officially broke ground today on its downtown revitalization project.
	Calamus man preserving seeds of history in his farmhouse Glenn Drowns has filled nearly 3,000 jars with all sorts of seeds from around the country.

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024

Monday, April 15th, 2024