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COM
2 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

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Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 3
when Republicans joined Democrats to
ILLINOIS POLITICS By Rich Miller
increase taxes and pass a budget over

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Rauner’s vetoes.

The White House withdrew the order,

Raoul and Colleagues Dig in to

but then the White House press secretary
insisted that the cuts would still happen
even without the directive. Another law-
Vol. 32 · No. 1030 Resist the (Ir)resistible Force suit, filed by Illinois Attorney General

T
Kwame Raoul and several colleagues
FEBRUARY 2025 o many Statehouse types, some of ideological policing (along with the from across the country, began to move
last week’s news out of Washing- mysterious and highly-suspect cut-off forward.
ton, D.C. felt eerily familiar. of certain states’ access to the Medicaid That process came to a head on Friday
RIVER CITIES’ READER Last Monday night, the White House computer portal). when a federal judge issued a sweeping
532 W. 3rd St. announced a sweeping new policy that Opponents of the order rightly pointed temporary restraining order blocking the
Davenport IA 52801 would’ve at least temporarily defunded out that Congress long ago passed a law Trump administration from doing any-
[Link] trillions of dollars of government spend- protecting its strong constitutional- thing that could reduce spending already
(563)324-0049 (phone)
(563)323-3101 (fax) ing on everything from the National appropriations powers by mandating approved by Congress. Judge John J
info@[Link] School Lunch Program, to Head Start, to the executive to spend the money it McConnell even quoted a ruling that
cancer and sleep-disorders research, and appropriates, with very limited excep- Trump-appointed U.S. Supreme Court
PUBLISHING SINCE 1993 on and on through 50 small-print pages. tions. And, by late afternoon, a federal Justice Brett Kavanaugh handed down
The River Cities’ Reader is an independently owned
publication and website, dedicated to providing readers So some Illinoisans rightly pointed judge paused the cuts until a temporary when he was a circuit court judge, “even
and members the “keys to the Quad Cities’ culture.” out that former Illinois Governor Bruce restraining order hearing could be held the President does not have unilateral
Rauner also tried crashing government on Monday. authority to refuse to spend the funds.”
PRINTED MONTHLY spending by defunding vital social ser- Again, the Rauner specter re-emerges. The state could similarly be in for
Newly printed complimentary editions are available
vices and other programs. years of court fights over this current
monthly at select locations in the region. For a complete
list, visit [Link]/distribution. But what the White House attempted federal-spending battle, and likely more
last week differed from Rauner’s misrule There’s no way that this state in the future, while, as under Rauner, the
PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING government can adequately institutions and people down below try
Visit [Link] for full in a very big way: Rauner thought he
publishing calendar, sponsorship could use massive funding cuts resulting plan for what might happen to survive.
opportunities, ad sizes, and pricing. from a budget impasse as “leverage” (his next because nobody knows There’s no way that this state govern-
word) to force Democrats to break their what will happen next. I ment can adequately plan for what might
PUBLISHER ties with labor unions. happen next because nobody knows what
Todd McGreevy • todd@[Link] mean, who could’ve predicted
The Trump administration offered will happen next. I mean, who could’ve
perhaps the most aggressive
EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER no such “grand bargain.” Instead, they predicted perhaps the most aggressive
challenge ever to the U.S. challenge ever to the U.S. Congress’
Kathleen McCarthy • km@[Link] ordered the complete funding cut-off
of some two thousand government
Congress’ constitutional-ap- constitutional-appropriations powers
ARTS & CALENDAR EDITOR
grants and programs until they could propriations powers would be would be launched last week?
Mike Schulz • mike@[Link]
be assured that none of them conflicted launched last week? Really, the only thing the state can
IT-SYSMIN with their ideological demands, includ- do now is to be even more prudent with
William Reveal ing “diversity, equity, inclusion, and The courts back then forced the state of its budgeting. President Trump wants
accessibility,” “gender ideology,” etc., all Illinois to pay its employees and fund to cut programs that deviate from his
ADVERTISING SALES
sales@[Link] with the end-result of “ending ‘wokeness’ certain vital programs even without a ideology. If he can convince Congress
and the weaponization of government,” budget. So the state limped along for two to go along, a judge won’t be able to step
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & ARTISTS according to a memo issued by the acting years while non-Medicaid human-ser- in. He could also try another way to get
Rob Brezsny, John C. Dvorak, Scott Horton, director of the Office of Management and vice providers, contractors, and others around the court’s mandate (and the U.S.
Cami Koons, Rich Miller, Ron Paul, Jonathan Turner Budget Matthew Vaeth. The examination slowly died on the vine. The horror (state Constitution).
process had no stated end-date, so some funding for things like a program to help Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax,
PRINT COPY DISTRIBUTORS or even most of those programs could’ve teenage rape survivors was eliminated) a daily political newsletter, and
Cheri Delay, Jay Strickland [Link].
been suspended indefinitely. finally ended 793 days after it began,
Email info@[Link] As we learned during the Rauner
to make your business years, providers typically have very
a Reader pick up spot. little cash on hand, and that’s mostly
by design. The federal government, for
instance, doesn’t just hand out a year’s
ALIVE AND FREE worth of funding to some small social-
SINCE ’93 service group. The providers get their
money in small bites, often around pay-
Keep the free press free with roll dates. So even a two-week funding
your direct support at halt could seriously harm many of these
organizations.
[Link]/Support The president didn’t actually need to
Mail checks to: halt a dime of funding to examine these
532 W 3rd St - Davenport, IA 52801
Letters to Editor: letters@[Link]
programs for ideological conformance,
of course. He could’ve just, you know,
© 2025 River Cities’ Reader had his people look at them, which gives
you a big clue that this action was much
more than just some limited “anti-woke”
4 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

press release. “I am hon-

AGRICULTURE NEWS By Cami Koons
ored to have the oppor-

Former Iowa Governor and U.S. tunity to build on that

legacy, working closely

Ag Secretary Vilsack Now

with Mashal Husain
and the talented team to
extend the Foundation’s
Running the World Food Prize impact worldwide.”
According to a press

Foundation release from the foun-

dation, Vilsack will

T
om Vilsack will return to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad from the focus on addressing
as CEO of the World Food Prize position in November. global food insecurity
Foundation, headquartered in Vilsack served as Iowa’s 40th gover- and expanding the
Des Moines, following his role as U.S. nor from 1999 until 2007, when he left global network of the
secretary of agriculture during the to serve as U.S. secretary of agriculture foundation.
Biden-Harris administration. during the Obama administration. Husain, as president,
Vilsack takes the place of Mashal “The World Food Prize Foundation will continue to lead “diplomatic acumen” and Husain’s
Husain, who was named the president has a phenomenal and important his- programming for the foundation. innovative programming.
of the foundation following the retire- tory of advancing innovation to address Board Chair Paul Schickler called it “Together, they will honor Dr.
ment announcement of former Iowa global food security,” Vilsack said in a an “exciting” era for the Foundation Norman Borlaug’s legacy by address-
thanks to the combination of Vilsack’s ing the most pressing global food
challenges with bold action, strategic
alliances and a commitment to equity
and sustainability,” Schickler said in
the release.

Board Chair Paul

Schickler called it an
“exciting” era for the
Foundation thanks to
the combination of
Vilsack’s “diplomatic
acumen” and Husain’s
innovative
programming.

The World Food Prize was started

by Norman Borlaug, often called the
father of the green revolution for
his work developing a high yielding,
disease resistant strain of wheat. Each
year the prize honors work that has
improved quality, quantity or availabil-
ity of food.
“I look forward to forging new
partnerships, helping bring to life new
solutions in the fight against hunger
and championing efforts to ensure a
sustainable and equitable food system
for future generations,” Vilsack said.

This article was originally published

at [Link]/briefs/
former-secretary-of-ag-vilsack-selected-
to-run-world-food-prize-foundation/.
Author Cami Koons is an Iowa Capital
Dispatch reporter covering agriculture
and the environment. She previously
worked at publications in Kansas and
Missouri, covering rural affairs.
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 5
Americans, a more general smear campaign was tional Development (USAID) laundering practices
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR By Kathleen McCarthy
launched that resurrected domestic terrorism as using its $50 billion annual budget to fund all

Time to Rein in the Wannabe

America’s primary danger by vilifying so-called manner of suspiciously expensive, unaccountable
“white supremacists” anew. programs, foreign activities, and regime change,
Hundreds of mainstream media news broad- that fall far afield of alignment with American

Reigners? casts, from local affiliates to the major networks,

began reporting in choreographed unison, using
interests, making the Administrative State Ameri-
can citizens’ actual number-one national security

I
nearly verbatim scripted messaging, that “White threat.
n 2013, the newly enacted Smith-Mundt Modern- Enhanced Prosecutorial and
Supremacy” individuals and groups were now the The State Department also manages the lion’s
ization Act permitted government, in partner- Judicial Abuse
ship with media, to propagandize Americans for extreme triple threat. Without so much as a single share of propaganda disseminated in foreign coun-
This was also evidenced with J6 defendants.
national security interests. Prior to this, the original building collapsing from extreme airplane crash- tries via Radio Free America and Voice of America.
Prosecutors are allowed “sentence enhancing,”
Smith-Mundt Act of 1946 prohibited government ing, “White Supremacists” had suddenly eclipsed During the Biden Administration, it added
designed to bully defendants into pleading to
and/or media from propagandizing Americans all those foreign terrorists accused of being respon- America to its audience, and has been given carte
lesser charges instead of going to a jury trial with
under any circumstances. sible for 9/11, including radical Islamic jihadists, blanche to implement propaganda programming
enhanced charges. In the case of J6 defendants,
Also in 2013, less than three months after James Al Queda, and a host of other global provocateurs for Americans. This new directive includes secret
prosecutors threatened to enhance their misde-
Comey ascended to Director of the Federal Bureau in their centuries-old missions to prevent Western surveillance via social media and partnerships
meanor charges to felonious domestic terrorism
of Investigation (FBI) for the Obama Administra- imperialism from rubble-izing entire countries with the Global Engagement Center (GEC) and the
and face life in prison if found guilty by hanging
tion, a behavior modification scheme was hatched and cultures for their natural resources. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
judges and juries.
by the State Department, intelligence community, Volumes of Super Clips have been compiled to (CISA), who in turn cooperated to discreetly
Activist jurors, whose demographic is almost
and the Department of Justice (DOJ), including demonstrate the magnitude of effort that went into create the disinformation, misinformation and
always to the left of center, are convicting based on
the FBI, to redirect Americans’ focus from foreign nationwide media messaging to convince Ameri- malinformation censorship infrastructure, both
ideology and political guilt by novel theory versus
terrorism to domestic terrorism as the number-one cans to look inward, domestically, for the country’s domestically and abroad, to manage elections,
innocence with established evidence (often not
threat to the Homeland. true national insecurity afoot in the 21st Century super-cyber-surveillance capacity, and eventually
admitted into proceedings). It is heartbreaking
This new domestic threat magically permis- – white supremacist groups plotting and planning digital transacting, for starters. GEC was closed
to know that there are jurors who are willing to
sioned DOJ and FBI to spy on Americans without to … . Well, that part was never exactly articu- in December of 2024 when Congress declined to
ignore the oath they take to uphold the Constitu-
warrants, without their knowledge, and without lated, but whatever the danger, it was extreme and enact its extension.
tion as a juror and deliberate using the Presump-
having to demonstrate predicate for such secret widespread. [Link]/product/pdf/IN/
tion of Innocence Doctrine, vowing to hold the
surveillance, otherwise strictly reserved for foreign Because not one American in a million actually IN12475
government accountable to the burden of proof
threats to our national security. knows a White Supremacist, this new hair-on-fire [Link]/about
and not the defendant. Jurors are the absolute last
Constitutionally squishy portions of the Foreign threat assessment would take some convincing. No [Link]/nsd/fisa-reports
line of defense in our Constitutional Republic and
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) laws, worries, though: The Smith-Mundt Moderniza- [Link]/assets/documents/702%20
requires integrity, commitment, discernment, and
especially FISA Sections 702 and 201, have been tion Act of 2013 more than adequately funded such Documents/statistical-transparency-report/2023_
enough self-respect to honor an oath.
systematically twisted and contorted into adminis- a dramatic switcharoo of the American psyche, ASTR_for_CY2022.pdf
More than 1,500 J6 trials were held nationwide.
trative lawfare, actions upheld by rubber-stamping including a complete reorganization of the State However, when these efforts were exposed
The trials held in D.C. were comprised of a super-
federal FISA judges, who grant FISA warrants to Department through 2015. using highly arbitrary and capricious surveillance
majority of Progressive jurors, whose conviction
secretly spy on targets almost 100 percent of the targeting, the disinformation apparatus was closed
rate was 100 percent, a statistically improbable rate
time. But who should otherwise stand in the gap The Administrative State Is domestically, only to resurface in Britain, employ-
unless some other attribute was at play, such as
to constitutionally protect our rights, and any Another Name – the Correct One – ing the same goofball who clearly loves show
extreme bias against these Trumpster MAGA sup-
American from prosecutorial mischief, abuse, and for the Deep State tunes and tapping USAID resources to fund this
porters, begging the question whether the consti-
overreach? As the Obama Administration passed into his- unaligned program.
tutional right to a change in venue was consistently
Which the FISA Court attempted to do in tory at the beginning of 2017, the infrastructure for In conclusion, and to put a finer point on
violated, as well.
May 2023 with its ruling, released by the Office the secret surveillance of Americans, unaccount- the Administrative State, be crystal clear that it
It is important to note that the Progressive
of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), that able censorship, and epically successful manipula- includes the following: Democrat and Republican
federal D.C. judges were also openly biased against
found the FBI had improperly used FISA authori- tion of groupthink was exponentially advanced to Parties’ leadership (county, state, and national),
J6ers, with an equally egregious conviction rate
ties 278,000 times to search a U.S. database of secure greater centralized authority to the federal whose primary directive is to control all ballot
of more than 90 percent, with the added insult
foreign intelligence. Administrative State. choices, nationwide county by county. In other
of punishing J6ers with far harsher sentences
[Link]/world/us/fbi-misused-intelligence- COVID’s appearance in the world in 2020 words the two-party system selects who the Amer-
than was appropriate for their misdemeanor
database-278000-searches-court-says-2023-05-19/ (2019 if we are honest about it) kicked the secret ican voters elect; any and all elected representatives
convictions.
surveillance/censorship protocols into high gear, who no longer represent Americans’ interests but
giving the Administrative State (the true Deep instead steward special interests for personal gain;
Enhanced Secret Warrantless Manufacture Bad Guys and a judiciary that has lost all connection with its
Searches State, if we are honest about it) a chance to trial
Those of us who remember Ron Paul’s candi- own prime directive – to ensure laws are written,
Since 2013, law enforcement has been pushing balloon dismantling America’s Republic by testing
dacy for president in 2008 and 2012 also remember enacted, and upheld in accordance with the U.S.
domestic-terrorism crimes using embellished Americans’ loyalty to our Constitution, including
an eerily similar smear campaign to derail him Constitution as a checks-and-balances on legisla-
criteria such as designating individuals and/or our constitutionally protected rights.
politically and target his supporters as domestic tive and executive powers. Ceding its fiduciary
groups as “White Supremacists.” But such accusa- So how do you think we scored?
terrorists that began with the infamous 2009 Mis- responsibility to administrative rule inevitably
tions require evidence that supports an actual Today, the State Department augments its
souri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) Report compromises justice itself and our constitutional
threat. The Domestic Operations and Investiga- well-funded programming, especially its regime
on the Modern Militia Movement. MIAC is Jef- republic.
tive Guide (DIOG) was created as a more specific changing, using effective strategic partnerships
ferson County’s Fusion Center, making its findings Oh, and did I mention a civically deficient
means to remove the FBI’s guardrails, endowing it and propaganda techniques such as neurolin-
relative to Ron Paul more professionally derelict. public without critical thinking skills, whether
with unconstitutional predicate and investigative guistics, cognitive dissonance, precise scripted
This oddly unscientific analysis cited clues that abandoned or Common Cored out of their skill
privileges relative to domestic terrorism that they redundancy, repetitive subliminal exposure to
might identify a potential militia man/woman or sets? Or the ability to meaningfully discern things
can exploit to make arrests. messaging, all to securely anchor said messaging
domestic terrorist disguised as a Ron Paul sup- correctly, largely due to the abandonment of
Type 3 Assessments ([Link] of the DIOG) focus without Americans’ awareness of government’s
porter that included Ron Paul bumper stickers, foundational knowledge we once possessed (i.e.
on “investigative techniques without needing a covert targeted influence operation to modify our
and Don’t Tread on Me flags. Kind of a narrow, understanding of natural immunity and herd
specific factual basis for suspecting illegal activity.” collective behavior for a pre-determined or desired
paltry few signals, ‘tis true. But let your hearts be immunity that many of us experienced first hand
These techniques include “ … database searches, outcome/response.
glad, because Missouri has come along way since with chicken pox and the measles!) And whatever
physical surveillance of public movement, engag- those initial paranoid inFUSIONed days. happened to simple curiosity, healthy skepticism,
ing informants … .” No initial predicate makes a Not to mention suspicion of Ron Paul as a The Real Triple Threat to National questioning the status quo, and certainly question-
secret investigation, using DIOG’s techniques out- legitimate national threat was such an epically Security ing “The Man?”
lined in Type 3 Assessments, a direct violation of preposterous proposition, that this ludicrous The magnitude of the Administrative State’s Be done with being manipulated by govern-
due process rights, and an assault on justice itself. smear campaign died practically the same hour it constitutionally violative nature, including its stag- ment and media. The only important choices to be
[Link]/document/823920580/FBI-Domes- launched. gering bureaucratic theft of trillions of dollars from discerned lie with the real agendas of AmeriCANS
tic-Investigations-and-Operations-Guide-DIOG- But the smear part of the campaign idea stuck. American taxpayers, much of it through the State versus AmeriCONS.
2013-Version-Part-01-of-01 In order to do more secret illegal surveillance of Department’s United States Agency for Interna-
 6 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

GUEST COMMENTARY By Ron Paul GUEST COMMENTARY By John C. Dvorak

Audit USAID … Then Shut It Down! Abolish the Income Tax: Utter
Folly, or Something To Consider?
surtax on incomes over $500,000. The first Form
1040 was introduced that year.
Then came the gouging. The Revenue Act of
1918 increased tax rates to fund World War I,
creating a progressive structure with rates as high
as 77 percent for incomes over $1 million. Why
Americans were spending this sort of money to
fund a war in Europe was never questioned as
this was the beginning of the era of PR. Social
manipulation programs were turned on the

A
s of this writing (February 3, 2025), propaganda line. Does anyone think these American citizenry, suckering the whole country
when you attempt to access the U.S. wholly U.S.-funded “news” outlets would ever into wanting to fight the “monsters” in Europe.
The direct and indirect results of this stupidity
Agency for International Develop- publish a story that the U.S. government did
led to the rise of both Marxist Communism
ment (USAID) Web site or social-media not want published?
and Fascism, the Soviet Union, the Cold War,
pages you are informed that “This site can’t This is plainly immoral, but it is also
the nuclear bomb, and the mess we are in today.
be reached.” The media reports that the new dangerous. Most U.S. mainstream media
Good work, propagandists.
Trump Administration has not only frozen stories about Ukraine have their origins in the
Throughout the 20th century, the income
USAID activities, but may be planning on “reporting” of the local media. From battlefield
tax system continued to evolve, particularly
bringing it back under control of the U.S. State news to casualties to the state of the Ukrainian
during wartime, when rates were increased to
Department. Other reports, including state- military, the “news” from Ukraine is being

T
an extreme. For example, during World War II,
ments by Elon Musk, suggest that it will be written by U.S. government-backed media
he income tax is, at its core, a method of the top marginal rate reached 94 percent in 1944.
closed completely. outlets and then picked up by U.S. and other population control and redistribution The introduction of withholding taxes in 1943
If true, the closing of USAID may be one of western media. It is a closed propaganda loop of wealth. It’s also a disincentive to work and various reforms have shaped the current
the most significant changes President Trump that not only propagandizes the U.S. citizen because the more you work, the more you pay. structure of federal income taxation.
has made among many dramatic actions in his but also feeds false information into U.S. gov- For years, this writer has advocated for its Most taxation is done to fund wars, so we put
first couple of weeks in office. Many Ameri- ernment outlets – such as Congress – that rely abolishment in favor of a wealth tax. Still, the ourselves on a permanent war footing to forever
cans may still have the idea that USAID is a on mainstream U.S. media reporting for their wealth tax does not fix any of the problems cited tax the public. It’s not a bad time to rethink all of
government agency delivering relief at disaster news on Ukraine. above. The complete abolishment of the income this.
sites overseas. They may still remember the No wonder so many in Washington con- tax does this and Trump is hinting that he’d like
bags of rice or grain with the USAID logo on tinue to support this hopeless war! to see that happen.
them. But that is not USAID. But USAID is not just in the business of Here is the backstory of the personal income Most taxation is done
USAID is a key component of the U.S. disinformation. Elon Musk recently re-posted tax in the U.S. to fund wars, so we
a New York Post article on X reporting that In 1861, the first federal income tax was part
USAID funneled $53 million to EcoHealth of the Revenue Act to help fund the Civil War. put ourselves on a
Private volunteer Alliance to support gain-of-function research This tax levied a flat rate of 3 percent on incomes permanent war footing
assistance organizations on coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab! Did over $800. The next year, a revised income tax
USAID help fund COVID? Americans have a imposed a 3-percent tax on incomes between to forever tax the public.
can more effectively
assist victims of disasters
right to know. $600 and $10,000 and 5-percent tax on incomes It’s not a bad time to
In natural catastrophes overseas Americans exceeding $10,000. This measure also estab-
worldwide. have shown themselves to be extremely gener- lished the position of Commissioner of Internal rethink all of this.
ous. Private volunteer assistance organizations Revenue. However, it was repealed in 1872 due to
government’s “regime change” operations can more effectively assist victims of disasters public opposition and a reliance on other revenue Trump’s notion that we can return to a Federal
worldwide. USAID spends billions of dollars worldwide. sources like alcohol taxes and tariffs. government financial structure that predates the
every year propping up “NGOs” overseas that USAID needs a full and transparent audit. In 1894, the tax scheme was revisited, out of 16th Amendment is folly, but fun to imagine. It’s
function as shadow governments, eating away Americans deserve to know exactly what is nowhere. Dubbed “The Wilson Tariff Act,” it also a good exercise in restraint and rethinking
at elected governments that the U.S. interven- being done in their name overseas. Then the reintroduced an income tax, but it was short- the whole system. It brings attention to things we
tionists want to overthrow. Behind most U.S. agency needs to be shuttered completely, and lived. The Supreme Court ruled in 1895 that this never think about or consider. So maybe some-
foreign policy disasters overseas you will see its employees sent home. That would go a long tax was unconstitutional. That led to its repeal thing good will emerge.
the fingerprints of USAID. From Ukraine to way toward making America great again. and to the disbandment of the income tax divi- The next four years will be very entertaining.
Georgia and far beyond, USAID is meddling sion within the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
So in 1909, President Taft pushed a constitu- John C. Dvorak has reported for and published
in the internal affairs of foreign countries – This article was originally published at the
tional amendment to allow federal income taxa- essays in numerous tech industry magazines and
something that would infuriate Americans if it Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity at
tion without apportionment among states based daily newspapers since the 1980s. Since 2007,
was happening to us. [Link]/audit-usaidthen-shut-it-
on population. This proposal gained traction he has co-hosted the twice-weekly, three-hour,
When President Trump ordered a 90-day down/. Ronald Ernest Paul (born August 20,
somehow amid growing support for progressive media-deconstruction, value-for-value podcast
pause in USAID activities, we quickly learned 1935) is an American author, activist, physician,
taxation. Socialism was creeping into govern- No Agenda with Adam Curry, available at NoAg-
just how pernicious the agency really is. The and retired politician who served as the U.S.
ment and the American ethos. In 1913, the 16th [Link].
U.S. media reported that Ukrainian press Representative for Texas’s 22nd congressional Dvorak is also the co-host of the weekly finan-
Amendment was ratified, granting Congress
outlets were scrambling to keep their doors district from 1976 to 1977 and again from 1979 cial markets analysis podcast DH Unplugged
the power to impose an income tax. This was a
open when the U.S. dollars stopped flowing. It to 1985, as well as for Texas’s 14th congressional significant turning point, allowing a graduated with Andrew Horowitz, available at DHUn-
is reported that 90 percent of the media outlets district from 1997 to 2013. On three occasions, Federal income tax system. [Link]. Dvorak’s columns may be read and
are funded by the U.S. government! he sought the presidency of the United States: as Following the ratification of the 16th Amend- susbcribed to at [Link]. In his spare
This means that there is virtually no inde- the Libertarian Party nominee in 1988, and as a ment, Congress established a federal income tax time, he helps publish culinary books, the most
pendent media in Ukraine, only fake-news candidate for the Republican party in 2008 and with rates starting at 1 percent on net personal recent effort being [Link] authored by
outlets willing to toe the U.S. Administration’s 2012. incomes over $3,000, along with a 6-percent his wife Mimi Smith-Dvorak.
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 7
 8 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.
engage in polluting atmospheric activity, cloud in 2010. The full text of HF191 as of February 5,
IOWA LEGISLATION By Todd McGreevy
seeding, or any other type of weather engineer- 2025 is published below. Lobby declarations have

Geoengineering Bills Introduced In Iowa

ing, unless otherwise provided by law. been filed from one Iowa Department of Natural
Sec. 3. NEW SECTION. 708C.3 Penalties Resources (DNR) lobbyist who has declared

Senate and House and enforcement.

1. The department shall immediately issue
“Undecided.” On February 4, 2025 HF191 was
referred to subcommittee that includes Daven-
Iowa County Attorneys Association, Sierra Club, and a cease and desist order to a person suspected port native House District 97 Representative
of violating section 708C.2. A cease and desist Ken Croken.
Iowa DNR Lobbyists Currently Declaring “Undecided” order issued under this section shall have the
weight of a court order and any violation shall be HF 191 (LSB 1034YH (6) 91)
punished in accordance with subsection 2. HOUSE FILE 191
2. A person who violates section 708C.2 BY SHIPLEY, FETT, HAYES, GOLD-
commits a class “D” felony. A separate offense ING, SMITH, A. MEYER, WENGRYN,
is committed by the person for each day during SIECK, BODEN, ANDREWS, GUSTOFF,
which the violation has been conducted, WILLIAMS, CISNEROS, YOUNG, THOMP-
repeated, or continued. SON, DIEKEN, THOMSON, GEHLBACH,
Sec. 4. NEW SECTION. 708C.4 Notice to SITZMANN, SORENSEN, WHEELER,
cease federal or armed forces programs. WOOD, and NORDMAN
1. Federal government and armed forces A BILL FOR
projects must meet all the requirements of this An Act relating to the intentional emission of
chapter. If an activity in violation of section air contaminants into the atmosphere.
708C.2 has been approved explicitly or implicitly BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL
by the federal government, the department shall ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
issue a notice to the appropriate federal agency Section 1. Section 455B.133, Code 2025, is
that the activity cannot lawfully be carried out amended by adding the following new subsec-
within or over the state. tion:
2. The department shall determine whether NEW SUBSECTION. 11. Adopt rules pursu-
violations have occurred and, if deemed neces- ant to section 708C.1 prohibiting the intentional
sary, shall refer potentially prohibited activity to emission of air contaminants into the atmo-
the Iowa air national guard. sphere within the borders of this state when
Sec. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act, being such emission occurs for the express purpose of
deemed of immediate importance, takes effect affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity
upon enactment. of the sunlight. Notwithstanding any other law
to the contrary, rules adopted pursuant to this
EXPLANATION subsection shall be controlling.
The inclusion of this explanation does not Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 708C.1 Geoengi-
constitute agreement with the explanation’s sub- neering.
stance by the members of the general assembly. 1. Notwithstanding any other law to the con-
Senate File 142 As used in this chapter:
trary, the intentional emission of air contami-
1. “Cloud seeding” means a type of weather This bill relates to geoengineering by creat-
On January 28, 2025, Iowa District 42 State
modification that attempts to change the ing penalties and enforcement procedures for nants into the atmosphere within the borders
Senator Charlie McClintock introduced Senate
amount or type of condensation or precipitation persons engaging in such practices. A person of this state when such emissions occur for
File 142 to the Veterans Affairs committee. The
by dispersing chemicals, including but not lim- who engages in polluting atmospheric activity, the express purpose of affecting temperature,
bill was presented to the full senate on Febru-
ited to silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry cloud seeding, or weather engineering commits weather, or the intensity of sunlight is prohib-
ary 3, 2025, and subsequently referred to the
ice, into the air by means of aircraft or ground a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punish- ited.
Judiciary subcommittee.
generators. able by confinement for no more than five years 2. The environmental protection commis-
McClintock retired in 2009 from the Iowa
2. “Department” means the department of and a fine of at least $1,025, but not more than sion shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A
National Guard as a Warrant Officer after serv-
public safety. $10,245. Each day the person violates this restric- to administer this section. The environmental
ing for 21 years. He currently serves as the 911
3. “Polluting atmospheric activity” means the tion is treated as a separate offense. Additionally, protection commission may adopt emergency
Manager for the Cedar Rapids Police Depart-
deliberate discharge of any solid, liquid, gaseous, if these practices are suspected, the department rules under section 17A.4, subsection 3, and
ment, where he began as a police officer in 1994.
or thermal irritant, contaminant, or substance, of public safety (DPS) is authorized to issue the section 17A.5, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, to
He has served as a city councilman and mayor
including smoke, vapor, soot, fume, aerosol suspected person a cease and desist letter having administer this section and the rules shall be
of Alburnett. Before running for Iowa Senate,
plume, acid, alkali, chemical, artificially pro- the weight of a court order. effective immediately upon filing unless a later
he was elected to the Iowa House representing
duced electric field, magnetic field, electromag- The bill states that the federal government date is specified in the rules. Any rules adopted
District 95 in 2020. The full text of SF 142 as of
netic field, electromagnetic pulse, sound wave, and armed forces must abide by these restric- in accordance with this subsection shall also
February 5, 2025, is published below. Lobby dec-
sound pollution, light pollution, microwave, and tions. Should an act approved explicitly or be published as a notice of intended action as
larations have been filed from two Iowa County
all artificially produced ionizing or nonionizing implicitly by the federal government or armed provided in section 17A.4.
Attorneys Association lobbyists, one Iowa Sierra
radiation or waste conducted in the atmosphere forces be in violation of these restrictions, the
Club lobbyist, and one Iowa Department of
that may have harmful consequences upon department shall issue a notice to the appropri- EXPLANATION
Natural Resources (DNR) lobbyist. All four, as
health, the environment, or agriculture. ate federal agency that the actions are unlawful. The inclusion of this explanation does not
of this printing, have declared “Undecided.” The
4. “Weather engineering” means the deliberate DPS may refer violations to the Iowa air national constitute agreement with the explanation’s sub-
Judiciary subcommittee is chaired by District 6
manipulation or alteration of the environment guard if DPS deems such referral as necessary. stance by the members of the general assembly.
State Senator Jason Schultz.
for the purpose of changing the weather or cli- The bill takes effect upon enactment. This bill prohibits the intentional emission
mate by artificial means, typically involving the of air contaminants into the atmosphere with
SF 142 (LSB 1118XS (3) 91)
SENATE FILE 142 deliberate release of polluting emissions in the House File 191 the express purpose of affecting temperature,
atmosphere via cloud seeding, for small-scale, On February 3, 2025 Iowa District 87 State weather, or the intensity of sunlight, notwith-
BY McCLINTOCK
large-scale, and global-scale alteration of the Representative Jeff Shipley was joined by twenty standing any other law to the contrary.
A BILL FOR
environment. fellow legislators to introduce House File 191 to The environmental protection commission
An Act relating to the prohibition of geoen-
Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 708C.2 Prohibited the full House. It was subsequently referred to currently adopts rules relating to air quality.
gineering activities, providing penalties, and
acts. the Environmental Protection committee. The bill requires the commission to adopt rules
including effective date provisions.
A person shall not engage in polluting atmo- Shipley has lives in Van Buren County and is expounding on the bill’s prohibitions. The bill
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL
spheric activity, cloud seeding, or any other type serving his third term in the Iowa House which allows the environmental protection commis-
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
of weather engineering, or use an unmarked or he joined for the first time in 2019. He earned his sion to adopt emergency rules to implement the
Section 1. NEW SECTION. 708C.1 Defini-
unidentified aircraft or other vehicle or facility to B.A. In political science at the University of Iowa bill’s prohibition.
tions.
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 9
LOCAL ARTS By Jonathan Turner

Music and Theatre Paradise

Volunteer Usher Corps at the Adler

W
hether one head banged with which is the wonderful thing about it,”
Rob Zombie and Black Sabbath added Beth, a retired nurse.
in the 1990s, enjoyed dinner Mark has Chorale Midwest concerts
and a Broadway musical downtown in the four times a year, and said of ushering,
2000s, or busted a gut at a John Crist tour “The nice thing is, they allow you to cancel.
stop in 2024, the experience inside the They’ll put a bulletin in the e-mail saying,
Adler Theatre on show night always begins ‘We need some help.’”
on a positive and classy note thanks to the Mark usually works at QCSO concerts
heretofore unheralded volunteer usher and Beth does the Broadway at the Adler
corp. touring shows (the last one was Hadestown
For decades, the former RKO Orpheum on January 15). “They’re very accommo-
(which opened in 1931) has employed dating and they keep adding concerts,” he
volunteer ushers, from eager high-school said.
kids to sage retirees, who dutifully and Beth, meanwhile, avoids the rock/pop/
effectively assist patrons to their seats with country shows, she says, “because of the
noise and the chaos and the alcohol.” She Adler Theatre ushers Jan Schweer, Chandler Cox, Linda Vandeventer,
patience, a flashlight, and good humor for and Bev Rosenbohm (photo by Jonathan Turner).
all. It is not a stretch to state that the the- does work all of Ballet Quad Cities’ annual
performances of The Nutcracker, although act is, if there’s audience interaction, and The Adler has a total usher crew of about
atre-goer’s memorable experience is force
Mark doesn’t, and says her favorite show anything ushers need to additionally know. 136, with five of those being paid positions
multiplied because of these volunteers and
was the musical Jersey Boys (which came to Ushers are expected to work at least two (ticket takers at entrances), and 15 to 20
their knowledge of the Adler.
the Adler in 2015 and this past May). shows a year, and if they want a Broadway coming from Muscatine. Cox averages that
Mark and Beth Meyer love music and
“It’s a great way to volunteer and have the show, the Adler requires them to volunteer there are about 40 ushers per show.
theatre, and one of the Quad Cities’ prime
flexibility of saying yes or no,” Mark said of for three shows, with one of those being a For Hadestown, the main doors opened
venues for them is Davenport’s historic,
ushering, noting that they pick the balcony Ballet Quad Cities (BQC) program, said to the public 65 minutes before curtain,
sumptuous Adler Theatre. The Eldridge
section for their work shifts. He tries to go associate ticket office manager Chandler and aisle doors opened 35 minutes before.
couple is among a crew of more than 130
to five or six events a year. Cox. Michael and Hedy Hustedde of Dav-
people who get to see live performances
“If you want to leave at intermission, if In the late fall, Cox added, there’s an enport, who, like most of the ushers, are
there for free by volunteering their time as
you have something going on, they’ll allow annual training with dinner provided, retired, were at the BQC Nutcracker on
ushers.
you,” he said. “Once you’ve initially seated which the Adler encourages all volunteers December 14. They usually work at the
Mark sings with Cedar Rapids-based
[patrons] at the beginning of the show, to attend, as it covers safety information, same events, in the balcony.
Chorale Midwest, with Davenport’s Zion
your job as an usher is about over.” venue layout, job specifics, and updates to “I like being up here,” Hedy said, noting
Lutheran Church choir, and has been part
At the Adler, the former RKO movie training. they subscribe to the QCSO concerts, not
of many choral masterworks with the
palace (circa 1931) located at 136 East Third Ushers assist with opening and closing ushering for those. “You can see the whole
Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO)
Street, the uniformed ushers will meet as aisle doors leading into the theatre and array of the symphony, you can see the pia-
at the Adler and Handel’s Messiah with the
a group an hour-and-a-half before every escorting patrons to their seats; if pro- nist and the soloists. We’ve got a great view
Augustana Oratorio Society.
showtime, in the lower level with house grams/playbills are provided by the show, of whoever it is. And from the front to the
The Meyers have been ushers for about
manager Linda Vandeventer. She goes over ushers pass those out, as well. Ushers often back, you can see every single instrument.”
10 years. “We were happy to do it,” Mark
needs for each performance, the size of the help direct patrons towards concessions, Although, as Michael said, Adler ushers
said recently.
audience, seat configuration, how long each restrooms, and other amenities such as “also look for broken seats or lights that are
“It’s totally open to choose your events,
merchandise, if available. After the end of out,” they are not responsible for cleaning
the show, ushers flip up seats and return up any trash, such as food and beverages
programs before being dismissed. During that are allowed in the theater. (The QCSO
shows, once doors have been closed and and ballet don’t allow popcorn inside.)
after patrons have been seated, ushers can If there are empty seats available, ushers
watch from their assigned posts. can sit during a performance, but only
For Hadestown (in which all 2,411 seats if they are behind the last patron, Hedy
were sold), the house manager emphasized said. On January 15, during Hadestown,
that no photos or recording were allowed. all ushers had to stand on the sides if they
Some acts, however, actually suggest that wanted to watch.
people take and share images and videos “Long before we became ushers, we
from concerts on social media. were going to the symphony,” Hedy said,
“Joe Bonamassa encouraged photos and noting they did usher a couple times for the
putting them out there,” Cox said of the Harry Potter films, where QCSO plays the
popular blues guitarist who’s played the soundtrack music during the movie. Those,
Adler about a dozen times. “More rock she said, were also sold-out shows.
concerts, like Chicago the band, allow “It seems as though the Broadway series
it. The symphony, ballet, Broadway – no is the most popular for the ushers,” Hedy
photos or video.” said. Ushers are asked to rank their favorite
One time, she made someone delete a shows before they are assigned, so they can
video they took on their phone. “Some- see one of their choice.
times people fight it,” Cox said, noting Michael said a John Denver tribute
that she once confiscated a laptop during a concert was one of his favorites to usher,
Adler house manager Linda Vamdeventer (right) gives
a pre-show briefing to volunteer ushers (photo by Jonathan Turner). show.
Continued On Page 28
10 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

Send your events to Calendar@[Link]

EVENTS CALENDAR
Through March 9, 2025

Your event listing in print and online has been complimentary since 1993!
Full descriptions, contact info, addresses, maps, and links for each listing at [Link]/calendar

VISUAL ARTS Second Saturdays at the Figge, free admission on the second Mirrors and Milagros: A Collection of Art Collage by Adult DIY: Rustic Love Figurine, adults are invited to make a
Saturdays of the month thanks to… Figge Art Museum, 10am Sat Corinne Stanley, the exhibit features mixed-media collages rustic love figurine; free; for… Davenport Public Library - Eastern

Openings & Gallery Events

Mar 8 inspired by the… Muscatine Art Center, thru Sun Mar 9 Avenue Branch, 3pm Sat Feb 8

2025 Young Artists at the Figge Recognition Day: Moline, Davis-Salazar, Weiland, & Regional Woodturners, exhibit of Soldering Sampler, with instructor Maggie Joynt; this workshop
Free Senior Day, all seniors age 60 and up receive free admission, sponsored by Tom and Brooke Terronez; this imaginative whirlwind paintings by Katrina Davis-Salazar, sculptural ceramic… Quad City involves the fundamentals of… Beadology Iowa, noon Sun Feb 9
as… Figge Art Museum, 10am Thu Feb 6 of… Figge Art Museum, Sun Mar 9 Arts Center, Fri Feb 7 thru Sun Mar 9
Valentine’s Evening for Friends, Family, and Couples:
John Deere Collection Celebration, Figge Executive Director 2025 Young Artists at the Figge: Pleasant Valley this
Exhibits & Shows
2-Strand Memory Wire Bracelet, with instructor Alyssa
Melissa Mohr will share remarks about the… Figge Art Museum, imaginative whirlwind of art showcases hundreds… Figge Jakowchuk; use memory wire to make a… Beadology Iowa, 5:30pm
6:30pm Thu Feb 6 Art Museum, Sat Feb 22 thru Sun Mar 2 Fri Feb 14
2025 Young Artists at the Figge: Muscatine, this imaginative
Wild About Reading Mixed Media Art Contest, pick up whirlwind of art showcases hundreds… Figge Art Museum, thru Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild Exhibition, in celebration Teardrop Ruffle Earring, with instructor Karen Kubby; this
materials to create your own… Moline Public Library, Thu Feb 6 Sun Feb 16 of National Quilters Week, the… Figge Art Museum, Tue Feb 25 project uses a whip stitch… Beadology Iowa, 10am Sat Feb 15
thru Sat Feb 15 thru Fri Mar 7
College Invitational, the bi-annual College Invitational is back Celebrating Artist Franz Marc with Gloria Burlingame,
Q&A and Opening Reception for Melting Point: for… Figge Art Museum, thru Sun Feb 23 2025 Young Artists at the Figge: Moline, this imaginative German Expressionist Marc was born February 8, 1880. In 1911,…
Improvisations in the State of Clay, held in conjunction with the whirlwind of art showcases hundreds… Figge Art Museum, Sat Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 11:30am Sat Feb 15
exhibit of recent works by Megan Quinn ... St. Ambrose University Die Hoffung der Pflanzen: The Hope of Plants, exhibit of Mar 8 and Sun Mar 9
Catich Gallery, 5pm, Fri Feb 7 prints by Joseph Lappie; featuring… German American Heritage Blown Spheres, with instructor Tyson Whitehill; for those with
Center, thru Sun Feb 23 Cara and Diego Romero: Tales of Futures Past, the exhibit basic hollow glass… Beadology Iowa, 1pm Sun Feb 16
Opening Reception: Davis-Salazar, Weiland, & Regional brings together 39 artworks by… Figge Art Museum, Sat Mar 8 and
Woodturners, exhibit of paintings by Katrina Davis-Salazar, Leo Villareal: Interstellar, the exhibit will showcase nine works Sun Mar 9 Precious Pressings, with instructor Abby Olderog; students will
sculptural ceramic by Brant Weiland,… Quad City Arts Center, 6pm from light… Figge Art Museum, thru Sun Feb 23 learn to roll clay… Figge Art Museum, 6pm Wed Feb 19

Classes
Fri Feb 7
Melting Point: Improvisations in the State of Clay, recent works MPL Makers Club, meet up with fellow makers for an open craft
Makerspace: Open Hours, bring your ideas of what you want by Megan Quinn; for information, call 563-333-6444 ... St. Ambrose nigh;… Moline Public Library, 5:30pm Thu Feb 20
to make; we’ll… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, Fri Feb 7 University Catich Gallery, thru Fri Feb 28 Adult DIY: Greeting Cards, each participant will take home
and Mon Feb 10 four greeting cards; no experience… Davenport Public Library - Netted Flower Earrings through Kirkwood Community
Holz, Kluever, & Ryan, exhibit featuring mixed-media Fairmount Street Branch, 6pm Thu Feb 6 College, with instructor Karen Kubby; use a Huichol inspired
Second Saturdays at the Figge, free admission on the second assemblages by Cheryl Holz, landscape… Quad City International netting stitch… Beadology Iowa, 1pm Thu Feb 20
Saturdays of the month thanks to… Figge Art Museum, 10am Sat Airport Gallery, thru Mon Mar 3 Animal Portraits, Thursdays thru Feb. 27, with instructor Lisa
Feb 8 Stisser; students will… Figge Art Museum, 6pm Thu Feb 6 Bonita’s Nebula Beads, with instructor Karen Kubby; this
Art Bridges: Partner Loan Network, masterworks on loan intermediate lampworking class is full… Beadology Iowa, 3pm Sat
2025 Young Artists at the Figge Recognition Day: from the Crystal Bridges Museum of… Figge Art Museum, thru Portraits: Looks of Love, Thursdays thru Feb. 27, with instructor Feb 22
Muscatine, sponsored by the Kent Corporation; this imaginative Sun Mar 9 Pat Bereskin; students will… Figge Art Museum, 8:30am Thu Feb 6
whirlwind of art… Figge Art Museum, Sun Feb 9 Zodiac Series: Pisces Pond Resin Pendant & Earrings, with
Louise Kames: I Don’t See Anything That’s Not Beautiful, Clay Open Studio: February, on Thursdays, with instructor Laura instructor Alyssa Jakowchuk; in the third of a yearlong… Beadology
Mending Mondays, drop in with any and all projects that need Kames focuses on creating works that explore… Figge Art Museum, Warner; registering for this course allows… Figge Art Museum, 1pm Iowa, 10am Sat Feb 22
repairing… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 3pm Mon thru Sun Mar 9 thru Thu Feb 27
Feb 10 Crafts for Adults: Cricut and Silhouette Edition, discover
Marvin Cone: Painter, this exhibition explores the Iowa talent’s Artists with Special Needs, Fridays thru Apr. 25 with instructor some possibilities for using the Library’s Cricut and Silhouette…
Celebrate “Pal”entine Night at the Figge, grab your significant life… Figge Art Museum, thru Sun Mar 9 Laura Warner; an ongoing… Figge Art Museum, 3:30pm Fri Feb 7 Bettendorf Public Library, 2pm Sat Feb 22
other, your bestie, or your favorite family… Figge Art Museum,
5:30pm Thu Feb 13 Myrlande Constant: DRAPO, Constant has been creating drapo, Ball Chain & Leather Bracelet through Kirkwood, with Capped Caged Earrings, with instructor Zanetta Hoehle; a great
or Vodou flags,… Figge Art Museum, thru Sun Mar 9 instructor Alyssa Jakowchuk; use waxed linen to wrap ball… intermediate wire working class… Beadology Iowa, 1pm Sun Feb
Adult Knitting Circle, whether you are in the middle of a project Beadology Iowa, 5:30pm Fri Feb 7 23
or… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 2pm Mon Feb Beth Van Hoesen: Prints from the Permanent Collection,
17 highlights 26 prints and drawings by American artist… Muscatine Pearl Dangle Earrings, with instructor Karen Kubby; use Pinterest, every month we will be making some exciting new
Art Center, thru Sun Mar 9 wrapped loops to attach pearls… Beadology Iowa, 10am Sat Feb 8 craft;… East Moline Public Library, 11am Wed Feb 26
Paint Nite at Great River Brewery: Midnight Moonlight,
join us for an evening of fun and creativity as… Great River Brewery, Muscatine History Revisited, this journey back in time features Pearl Knotting, with instructor Emma Folsom; learn the secrets of Adult DIY: Paper Clip Birds, make paper clip birds in the Studio
6:30pm Wed Feb 19 artifacts and… Muscatine Art Center, thru Sun Mar 9 making pearl… Beadology Iowa, 2pm Sat Feb 8 321 Makerspace at… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 3pm
Thu Feb 27
College Invitational Celebration, all are welcome to revel with
students and professors from… Figge Art Museum, 6:30pm Thu Kaleidoscope: All Hands on Puppets for Ages 9-12,
Feb 20 Saturdays thru Mar. 29; with instructor Seth Chappell; students
will… Figge Art Museum, 9:30am Sat Mar 1
2025 Young Artists at the Figge Recognition Day: Pleasant
Valley, sponsored by GreenState Credit Union; this imaginative Kaleidoscope: Into the Woods for Ages 5-8, Saturdays
whirlwind of art… Figge Art Museum, Sun Feb 23 thru Mar. 29; with instructor Leana and Laura Carter;… Figge Art
Museum, 11am Sat Mar 1
Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild Appreciation Night,
celebrate the talents of the Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild Kaleidoscope: The Elements of Art for Ages 5-8, Saturdays
(MVQG)… Figge Art Museum, 5pm Thu Feb 27 thru Mar. 29; with instructor Leana Carter; students will… Figge Art
Museum, 9:30am Sat Mar 1
Free Senior Day, all seniors age 60 and up receive free admission,
as… Figge Art Museum, 10am Thu Mar 6 Kaleidoscope: What a RELIEF! for Ages 9-12, Saturdays thru
Mar. 29; with instructor Seth Chappell; students will… Figge Art
Opening Celebration: Tales of Future Past, artists Cara and Museum, 11am Sat Mar 1
Diego Romero will discuss their interrelated artistic… Figge Art
Museum, 6:30pm Thu Mar 6 Night of Mindfulness at the Museum, with instructor Becky
Nakashima Brooke; students will experience a night… Figge Art
Reception and Artists’ Talk for Cara and Diego Romero: Museum, 6pm Sat Mar 1
Tales of Futures Past, the exhibit brings together 39 artworks by
acclaimed contemporary Indigenous… Figge Art Museum, 5pm Seed Library Kick-Off, celebrate the 2025 Seed Library opening
Thu Mar 6 with us; we will… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 10am
Michelle Ryand's Discord @ Quad City Arts International Art Gallery -- through March 3 Sat Mar 1
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 11
Gardener’s Pots: Ages 13-18, Sundays thru Mar. 23; with Polyrhythms’ Third Sunday Jazz Series: Karli Bunn Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks V: Echoes Jane & the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor, a discussion
instructor Abby Olderog; students will… Figge Art Museum, Quartet, featuring Karli Bunn on saxophone, Meghan Stagl on of Exploration, explore musical landscapes inspired by travel! of Stephanie Barron’s book with the Mystery Book… Bettendorf
9:30am Sun Mar 2 piano, Evan… Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Journey from the sun-drenched Italian Riviera to the ancient Public Library, 9:30am Sat Feb 8
Cities, 5pm Sun Feb 16 dynasties of China, back to the whimsical Italian streets, before
Beginner Drawing: Portraits, Mondays thru Mar. 24; with taking in the vibrant culture of Spain; featuring Mark Russell Smith, Short and Sweets, discuss short stories from a variety of
instructor Annie Peters; students will… Figge Art Museum, 6pm Tropidelic - Bikini Trill, this six-piece performance powerhouse conductor, and Roberto Díaz, viola; $8-70; for information, call contemporary and classic… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Mon Mar 3 carves their own path with an… The Redstone Room, 8pm Sun 563-322-7276; Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport IA, QCSO. Street Branch, 10am Mon Feb 10
Feb 16 org, 7:30pm Sat Mar 1
Intro to Watercolor, Mondays thru Mar. 24; with instructor Pat Artificial: A Love Story, a discussion of Amy Kurzweil’s book with
Bereskin; students will… Figge Art Museum, 5:30pm Mon Mar 3 Goitse, the popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse was Rascal Flatts, the musicians embark on their “Life Is a Highway the Get Lit… Adventurous Brewing, 7pm Tue Feb 11
forged in the… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am Tue Feb 18 Tour”… Vibrant Arena at the MARK, 7pm Sat Mar 1
Pottery Wheel Bootcamp - March, Tuesdays thru Mar. 25; with Dinosaurs: A Novel, a discussion of Lydia Millet’s book with the
instructor Laura Warner; students will… Figge Art Museum, 5:30pm Keenan O’Meara, concert with the Maryland-based alternative- Sam Prekop - Idpyramid, Prekop is the prolific Chicago artist Between the… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch,
Tue Mar 4 indie singer/songwriter; $15.88… Raccoon Motel, 6pm Tue Feb 18 known for his band The… Rozz-Tox, 8pm Sat Mar 1 6:30pm Wed Feb 12

String Art: Mug, a fun-filled night of string art; the pattern will Corsicana - Nicole Dean, concert with the Denver-based indie Tall Tall Trees, concert with the musical pseudonym of vocalist Big/Little Bookclub, a book club for Littles (kids in 3rd through
be… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6pm Tue rockers, featuring a set by… Raccoon Motel, 6pm Wed Feb 19 and multi-instrumentalist banjo… Raccoon Motel, 7pm Sat Mar 1 5th… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm
Mar 4 Thu Feb 13
Goitse, the popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse was F. Chopin: A Birthday Celebration Performance, Saturday’s
Plant Pokes, Mar. 5 & 12; with instructor Linda Hardin; students forged in the… The Sound Conservatory - Moline, 7pm Thu Feb 20 concert features pianists Alex Gilson and Clara Nielsen, who… The SPECTRA Reading Series: Local Lovers Open Mic, inviting
will… Figge Art Museum, 5:30pm Wed Mar 5 Sound Conservatory - Moline, 6pm Sun Mar 2 anyone in or around the greater Quad City area… Rozz-Tox, 8pm
Michael Cera Palin - Combat, concert with the Atlanta-based Thu Feb 13
Clay Open Studio - March, on Thursdays; registering for this indie-punk outfit, featuring a set by… Raccoon Motel, 6pm Thu Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks V: Echoes
course allows you access to your… Figge Art Museum, 1pm Thu Feb 20 of Exploration, explore musical landscapes inspired by travel! The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World, a discussion of
Mar 6 Journey from the sun-drenched… Centennial Hall, Augustana Laura Imai Messina’s book with the Navigating… Rock Island Public
Ben Schwind, Schwind is a multi-instrumentalist who has graced College, 2pm Sun Mar 2 Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, 1pm Sat Feb 15
Florals in Watercolor, Thursdays thru Mar. 27; with instructor Pat the Quad Cities’… Bettendorf Public Library, noon Fri Feb 21
Bereskin; students will… Figge Art Museum, 8:30am Thu Mar 6 The Manny Lopez Big Band, the musicians will be performing all Washita Love Child, an author talk with Douglas K. Miller; learn
I-Rock 93.5 Cabin Fever w/ Josey Scott of Saliva, be one of the your favorites from such… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 2pm Sun Mar 2 about Jesse… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm Sat Feb 15

MUSIC first 93 in the building to… The Rust Belt, 7pm Fri Feb 21
Quad City Ukulele Band, an event in the Tuneful Tuesdays series; Bath Haus, a discussion of P. J. Vernon’s book with the Read…
John Mueller + Tom Lecky: All Colors Present, a sound and this club for… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, noon Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Tue
Calls for Entry: Alternating Currents 2025 Open Call for visual meditation, with poet Ryan Collins reading from… Rozz-Tox, Tue Mar 4 Feb 18
Talent, Downtown Quad Cities’ annual multi-city, bi-state festival, 8pm Fri Feb 21
is… Thu Feb 6 thru Sat Mar 1 Dinners with Ruth, a discussion of Nina Tottenberg’s book with
the Midtown Readers Book… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, a salute to Buddy Holly, the Midtown Branch, 6:30pm Tue Feb 18
Big Bopper, and Ritchie… Capitol Theatre, 6pm Fri Feb 7
The River We Remember, a discussion of William Kent Krueger’s
Alborn - Discrepancies - Emperors & Angels - NonGrata, book with the Book… Moline Public Library, 1pm Tue Feb 18
concert with the hard-hitting, yet melodic, alternative metal band
based in… The Redstone Room, 7pm Sat Feb 8 A Novel Love Story, a discussion of Ashley Poston’s book with the
Novel Naptime… Moline Public Library, 9:30am Wed Feb 19
Dogcatcher - Daisy Glue, concert with the California-based indie
rockers, featuring a set by… Raccoon Motel, 7pm Sat Feb 8 Distant Sons, a discussion of Tim Johnston’s book with the
Contemporary Books… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm Wed Feb 19
Emo Nite, presented by Capitol Theatre & ia live; $20… Capitol
Theatre, 9pm Sat Feb 8 From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: An Evening with
Local Author Dave Markward, join us for an evening with
Revel in Red - Facecarver - Mental Riot, an event in the Winter author Markward as he… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-
Jam Concert Series; fun for the… The Rust Belt, 7pm Sat Feb 8 Midtown Branch, 6pm Wed Feb 19

Tropical Super Bowl w/ Angela Meyer & More, bring your Redshirts, a discussion of John Scalzi’s book with the Science
inflatables and a dish to pass; we will… Raccoon Motel, 3pm Sun Fiction… Moline Public Library, 6pm Wed Feb 19
Feb 9
The Master & Margarita, a discussion of Mikhail Bulgakov’s book
Love Songs with Jim & Marcia, swoon away with Jim & Marcia as with the Contemporary Books… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm
they perform a… Moline Public Library, 1pm Tue Feb 11 Wed Feb 19

Wild Horses - Marques Morel, concert with the Minnesota- Virtual Event – ILP Presents: Slowing Down with Amy Tan,
based bluegrass musicians, featuring an additional set… Raccoon Rascal Flatts @ Vibrant Arena at the MARK -- March 1 a virtual Illinois Libraries Present event with National Humanities
Motel, 6pm Wed Feb 12 Medal… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 7pm Wed
Feb 19
Dimensions of Disco presents: The Love Dimension,
Dimensions of Disco is B. Empire and Diamond Life; a Matthew McNeal - Ten Tigers AC - Jinnouchi Power, concert Hunter Peebles & the Moonlighters - Brandon Good, Virtual Event – Illinois Libraries Present: Amy Tan, Tan is an
kaleidoscopic,… Rozz-Tox, 8pm Fri Feb 14 with the Texas-based alternative-indie singer/songwriters, featuring concert with the touring county ensemble, featuring a set by… American author best known for her novel… Silvis Public Library,
sets by Ten… Raccoon Motel, 7pm Fri Feb 21 Raccoon Motel, 6pm Thu Mar 6 7pm Wed Feb 19
Hairball - The Pork Tornadoes, concert with the touring tribute
rockers; $35.75… The Rust Belt, 8pm Fri Feb 14 The Knox-Galesburg Symphony’s Celebrating Black Voices Hearsay - Tea? Yes, Yay!, comprised of visionary experimental Normal People, a discussion of Sally Rooney’s book with the
in Classical Music: A Conversation & Concert, featuring sound artist Allen Moore, versatile cellist… Rozz-Tox, 8pm Fri Mar 7 Overbooked Book… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Valentine’s Day w/ Funktastic Five, come early before the band Kedrick Armstrong, conductor, Melissa Joseph, soprano, Pippi Branch, 6:30pm Thu Feb 20
starts and have a free… Rascals Live, 8pm Fri Feb 14 Ardennia, narrator… Orpheum Theatre, 7:30pm Sat Feb 22 Songwriter Sessions: David G Smith - Mark Ridolfi - Carol
Montag, an all-seated in-the-round. Intimate, listening-room Silent Book Club, join us for a full hour of uninterrupted reading
Let Me Be Frank, Central Illinois native Ben Jones is back to bring Cardiacs: an evening of listening, in celebration of the new show; $18-20; for tickets and… The Redstone Room, 8pm Fri Mar 7 with… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, 5:30pm
you… Orpheum Theatre, 7:30pm Fri Feb 14 Cardiacs book released by Melodic… Rozz-Tox, 8pm Sat Feb 22 Thu Feb 20
Tony Logue & the 184 - Josh Merritt - Addison Johnson,
Big Hair Mafia - Mercury’s Crown, an event in the Winter Jam Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls - Nonetheless, an event in the concert with the touring country, Americana, and folk musicians, Hello, Beautiful, a discussion of Ann Napolitano’s book with the
Concert Series; fun for the… The Rust Belt, 7pm Sat Feb 15 Winter Jam Concert Series; fun for the… The Rust Belt, 7pm Sat featuring… Raccoon Motel, 7pm Fri Mar 7 Last Monday… Silvis Public Library, 6pm Mon Feb 24
Feb 22
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer, the Listeso String Finom - Brother Bird, concert with the rock band from Chicago All American Boys, a Seniors Read Banned Books discussion of
Quartet performs from the Oscar-winning composer’s repertoire… The Library Sessions: CJ Parker - Lainey Jean Lewis - Lewis formed by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist… Raccoon the book by… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 2pm
First Congregational Church - Moline, 6:30pm Sat Feb 15 Knudsen, a unique concert series dedicated to spotlighting the Motel, 7pm Sat Mar 8 Tue Feb 25
talent of… The Sound Conservatory - Moline, 5pm Sun Feb 23
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special, the Listeso String Funktastic Five - 7 Ark, an event in the Winter Jam Concert Series; The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the
Quartet performs a series of love songs… First Congregational Cigarettes for Breakfast - Stoney Point - Cough N Flop, fun for the… The Rust Belt, 7pm Sat Mar 8 Natural World, a discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book with
Church - Moline, 8:30pm Sat Feb 15 concert with the Philadelphia-based band known for their lush the Environmental… River Action, 7pm Tue Feb 25
soundscapes… Raccoon Motel, 6pm Thu Feb 27 Jheri Curl Grease - Zeb Brooks, record collector and music
Great River Show Choir International, hosted by and benefits enthusiast Brooks is back at the… Rozz-Tox, 8pm Sat Mar 8 The Children on the Hill, a discussion of Jennifer McMahon’s
the vocal music program of D
​ avenport… Davenport RiverCenter, Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves - Rianna Marie, book with the Brown Bag… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Sat Feb 15 concert with the touring Americana ensemble, featuring a set by… North Mississippi Allstars, after 25 years, 12 albums, five Avenue Branch, 1pm Wed Feb 26
Raccoon Motel, 7pm Fri Feb 28 Grammy Award nominations, and… The Redstone Room, 8pm
The Electric Cars: Cars Tribute, concert with the touring rock- Sat Mar 8 The Girl with the Louding Voice, a discussion of Abi Daré’s novel
tribute outfit; $15.88… Raccoon Motel, 7pm Sat Feb 15 F. Chopin: A Birthday Celebration Performance, Saturday’s with the Southwest Book… Rock Island Public Library - Southwest

Get the Led Out, concert with the touring Led Zeppelin tribute
concert features pianists Alex Gilson and Clara Nielsen, who… The
Sound Conservatory - Moline, 7pm Sat Mar 1 LITERARY ARTS Branch, 3pm Wed Feb 26

musicians; $28-53… Capitol Theatre, 7pm Sun Feb 16 Pop-Up Library at Autistic and Loved, join the Davenport
For Those About to Yacht - Pick Your Poison, an event in the Wild About Reading Adult Winter Reading Program, adults library for a Pop-Up Library; attendees will… Autistic and Loved,
Glyders - Lys Allen, concert with the Chicago-based indie rockers, Winter Jam Concert Series; fun for the… The Rust Belt, 7pm Sat 18+ are invited to register for… Moline Public Library, thru Sat Feb 10am Thu Feb 27
featuring a set by… Raccoon Motel, 6pm Sun Feb 16 Mar 1 15

Continued On Page 12
 12 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

Auditions: The Prom, seeking performers for the Tony- The Hunt for Planet B, screening in the 2025 QC Environmental
CONTINUED
prints by Joseph Lappie; this… German American Heritage Center,
Literary Arts nominated musical comedy about washed-up performers… Quad thru Sun Feb 23 Film Series; $7 general… Figge Art Museum, 3pm Sun Feb 23
City Music Guild - Prospect Park Auditorium, Sat Feb 15 thru Sat
Feb 22 Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories, the permanent, Mulholland Drive, a free community film screening of David
regional-history exhibit highlights the past,… Putnam Museum & Lynch’s classic and… Rozz-Tox, 6:30pm Wed Feb 26

DANCE
Winter Reading Program Sendoff, join us for donuts and hot Science Center, thru Sun Mar 9
chocolate at our all-ages… Silvis Public Library, 9am Fri Feb 28 Past Lives, a screening of Celine Song’s 2023 romantic drama
Quad City Innovators, the permanent exhibit shares the nominated for… Figge Art Museum, 6:30pm Thu Feb 27
The Song of Achilles, a discussion of Madeline Miller’s book with Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance Classes, offering classes in incredible stories of… Putnam Museum & Science Center, thru
Untold Narratives: An… Bettendorf Public Library, 3:30pm Sat Ballet Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Conditioning, Creative Movement, Sun Mar 9 Giants Rising, screening in the 2025 QC Environmental Film
Mar 1 and Adult Ballet, for ages 3 to adult; all classes taught by the Series; $7 general… Galvin Fine Arts Center - St. Ambrose University,
company’s professional dancers; for information and to register, call With You I Am Myself / Mit Dir bin ich ich, Israeli artist and 3pm Sun Mar 2
TV6 Book Club, join Brittany Peacock and Morgan Ottier on 309-786-2677; Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance, 613 17th Street, photographer Oranit Ben Zimra… German American Heritage
KWQC TV6 for… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 3pm Mon Rock Island IL, [Link], Thu Feb 6 thru Sun Mar 9 Center, thru Sun Mar 9 Wacky Movie at Watts-Midtown, this month’s film is an Oscar
Mar 3 winner from the year… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown
Active Adult & Senior Winter Dance, with live classic country Seasonal Tour of the GAHC+M, enjoy our seasonal guided tours Branch, 6pm Wed Mar 5
The Great Divide, a discussion of Cristina Henriquez’s historical and rock music; coffee and snacks… Geneseo Community Center, of the museum with our… German American Heritage Center, 11am
fiction with the Alpha… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown
Library, 1pm Mon Mar 3
4pm Sun Feb 9 Sat Feb 8
SPORTS
Ballet Quad Cities’ Love Stories featuring “Carmen,” German Schwalm Embroidery Class: Beginner, learn three
Pageturners, a contemporary fiction and nonfiction book Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm; Ballet Quad Cities’ annual presentation basic German Schwalm stitches as you create a… German American Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen, professional minor-
discussion group that meets… Moline Public Library, 1pm Tue of romantic vignettes features an all-new take on “Carmen”; for Heritage Center, 12:30pm Sat Feb 15 league hockey; this game is Education Day; for tickets,… Vibrant
Mar 4 information, call 309-786-3779; Galvin Fine Arts Center - St. Ambrose Arena at the MARK, 10am Thu Feb 6
University, 2101 N. Gaines St., Davenport IA, [Link], Sweetheart Tea Party, tea for two for all ages; sip on tea in…
Journaling Workshop, take some time to reflect and celebrate Sat Feb 22 thru Sun Feb 23 Mississippi Spoon Gallery, 3pm Sat Feb 15 Quad City Storm vs. Birmingham Bulls, professional minor-
World Teen Mental… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown league hockey; this game is Country Night; for tickets,… Vibrant
Library, 4:30pm Tue Mar 4 Active Adult & Senior Winter Dance, with live classic country What’s New? Recent Acquisitions to the Collection, visit the Arena at the MARK, 7:10pm Fri Feb 7 and Sat Feb 8
and rock music; coffee and snacks… Geneseo Community Center, GAHC+M to explore some of… German American Heritage Center,
Invisible Son, a discussion of Kim Johnson’s book with the See 4pm Sun Mar 9 Sat Feb 15 thru Sun Mar 9 Alien Boi Boxing, the main event will feature a UBO title fight
YA… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm between… Davenport RiverCenter, 7pm Sat Feb 8

COMEDY
Wed Mar 5 Kaffee und Kuchen: Fascinating Fasching, this presentation
will acquaint you with Karneval in Cologne on… German American Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen, professional minor-
QC Poets, share your poetry with a supportive group of poets Heritage Center, 2pm Sun Feb 23 league hockey; this game is Union Night; for tickets,… Vibrant Arena
and… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Wed Mar 5 at the MARK, 7:10pm Sat Feb 22

Oscar Wilde & a Death Of No Importance, a discussion of Gyles Steamwheelers Showcase Tryouts, for those who have the
Daubeney Brandreth’s book with the Mystery… Bettendorf Public speed, strength, and skill to compete… The Ambrose Dome, 9am
Library, 9:30am Sat Mar 8 Sat Mar 1

THEATER Quad City Storm vs. Huntsville Havoc, professional minor-

league hockey; this game is First Responders Night; for… Vibrant

Performances
Arena at the MARK, 7:10pm Fri Mar 7 and Sat Mar 8

The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler’s series of comedic and OTHER EVENTS
dramatic monologues about the… Playcrafters Barn Theatre, Thu
Feb 6 thru Sun Feb 9 English Language Learners Conversation Club, English
language learners and ESL students of all ages can… Bettendorf
Groundhog Day: The Musical, stage adaptation of the Bill Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 6
Murray comedy classic about a… The Spotlight Theatre, Fri Feb 7
thru Sun Feb 16 Viva La Divas, the premiere drag show in the area showcasing the
best… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Feb 7
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, author Ken Ludwig
transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic “The Hound… Circa ’21 BSA Troop 109 7th Annual Chili Cook-off, with 15 different
Dinner Playhouse, Fri Feb 7 thru Sat Mar 8 chilis to taste; vote your favorite for the… Culemans Hall, Seton/
Sacred Heart Campus, 5pm Sat Feb 8
Pretty Woman: The Musical, the touring adaptation of the Julia
Roberts movie smash features an original score by Grammy winner Downtown Rock Island Sweetheart Shop Hop, hosted by
Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and a book by the movie’s legendary the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, this Valentine’s Day-themed…
director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton; for tickets, Quad City Arts Visiting Artists Goitse -- February 18 and 20 Downtown Rock Island, 4pm Sat Feb 8
call 800-745-3000; Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport IA,
[Link]/the-adler-theatre, 8pm Wed Feb 12 OWLT & About: Freight House Farmers’ Market, cool off
ComedySportz Quad Cities, on Fridays and Saturdays; the in the shade of our awning, check out… Freight House Farmer’s
Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Ken Ludwig’s romantic period comedy Quad Cities’ fast-paced, all-ages improvisational… The Spotlight Market, 8am Sat Feb 8
based on his parents’ wartime… The Black Box Theatre, Fri Feb 14
thru Sat Mar 1 Theatre, 7pm Fri Feb 7 thru Sat Mar 8 MOVIES Scott County Democrats Trivia Night, fundraiser benefiting
the Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scholarship; cash prizes for 2st,
Imaginary: A New Musical, Timothy Knapman and Stuart Shakespeared!, long-form Bard-ian improv comedy, with the Star Wars: A New Hope, a screening of the 1977 sci-fi classic in the 2nd,… LULAC Club, 6:30pm Sat Feb 8
Matthew Price’s exciting, funny and inspiring… Davenport Junior audience supplying the title… The Spotlight Theatre, 9:30pm Sat Star… Orpheum Theatre, 7pm Fri Feb 7
Theatre, Sat Feb 15 thru Sun Feb 23 Feb 8 Winter Wellness Event, take a break from screens and connect
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, a screening of the 1980 with nature, creativity,… Black Hawk State Historical Site’s Watch
Imaginary: A New Musical – ASL Interpreted Performance, George Lopez, an evening with the Grammy-nominated sci-fi classic in the Star… Orpheum Theatre, 2pm Sat Feb 8 Tower Lodge, 10am Sat Feb 8
Timothy Knapman and Stuart Matthew Price’s exciting, funny and comedian whose self-titled sitcom ran on ABC for six seasons;
inspiring… Davenport Junior Theatre, 3pm Sun Feb 16 $51-101; for information and tickets, call 563-328-8000; Rhythm Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, a screening of the 1983 sci-fi classic Bettendorf Public Library Chess Club, on Saturdays; an
City Casino Resort Event Center, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA, in the Star… Orpheum Theatre, 7pm Sat Feb 8 all-ages and all-skill-levels chess club; free; for… Bettendorf Public
Misery, stage adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel about [Link], 8pm Sat Feb 15 Library, 1:30pm Sat Feb 8 thru Sat Mar 8
a bestselling… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Feb 21 thru Fri Wacky Movie at Watts-Midtown, this month’s film is from
Feb 28 Nightcaps presents Shots Through the Heart, this special the year 2003 staring Mike… Rock Island Public Library - Watts- Parks & Recreation Trivia, test your knowledge of the beloved
themed show that pokes fun at the Valentine… The Circa ’21 Midtown Branch, 5:30pm Wed Feb 12 NBC sitcom; win house… Great River Brewery, 7pm Mon Feb 10

Auditions & Calls for Entry

Speakeasy, 8pm Sat Feb 15
Knit & Lit: The Great Gatsby, we will play a literary movie with Coffee and Connections, on Wednesdays; warm up with a cup of
The (Open[Mike)Interruption] Invitational 6, QC stand-up the lights on… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, coffee or… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 3pm Wed Feb
Call for Entries: Come from Away, seeking performers for the comedy veteran Mike Steele’s final quarterly comedy show;… Rozz- 1pm Thu Feb 13 12 thru Wed Mar 5
Tony-winning musical set in the week… Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Tox, 8pm Sat Feb 15
Thu Feb 6 thru Sun Mar 9 Soul, enjoy a showing of the Oscar-winning Disney/Pixar movie; Friend Speed Dating, designed for people aged 18-30; whether
Kathleen Madigan, an evening with the famed standup popcorn will… East Moline Public Library, noon Sat Feb 15 you’re new to town,… East Moline Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 13
Auditions: The Tell-Tale Farce, Steel Magnolias, and The Fox comedian on her “The… Capitol Theatre, 7:30pm Thu Feb 20
on the Fairway, seeking performers for the first three… Richmond Glory, Edward Zwick’s Oscar-winning Civil War drama presented Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal, with seven jaw-dropping traditional
Hill Barn Theatre, Sat Feb 8 and Sun Feb 9 Gabriel Rutledge, the touring standup comedian performs in with support from the… Orpheum Theatre, 7pm Sat Feb 15 circus acts all thrillingly adapted for… Vibrant Arena at the MARK,
the Tomfoolery on Tremont series;… Renwick Mansion, 7pm Sun Thu Feb 13 thru Sun Feb 16
Auditions: Gypsy, seeking performers for the Tony-winning Feb 23 The Shitthropocene, screening in the 2025 QC Environmental
musical classic about a domineering… Quad City Music Guild - Film Series; $7 general… Figge Art Museum, 3pm Sun Feb 16 Bob’s Discount Furniture Grand Opening, the 9th largest U.S.
Prospect Park Auditorium, Fri Feb 14 thru Sat Feb 22 Shakespeared!, long-form Bard-ian improv comedy, with the furniture chain with 189 stores across… Bob’s Discount Furniture,
audience supplying the title… The Spotlight Theatre, 9:30pm Sat Community Connections: Fourth Wall Films, view “Moved 9am Fri Feb 14
Auditions: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mar 8 by Waters,” as well as Fourth Wall Films’… Bettendorf Public Library,
seeking performers for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s 1:30pm Thu Feb 20 Davenport Alumnae Chapter Annual Red and White Ball:
biblical… Quad City Music Guild - Prospect Park Auditorium, Sat
Feb 15 thru Sat Feb 22 MUSEUMS Thelma, a screening of the June Squibb action comedy with the…
A Night at the Museum, meals will be prepared by Chef D’Andre

Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 1pm Thu Feb 20

Die Hoffung der Pflanzen: The Hope of Plants, exhibit of
Continued On Page 14
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 13
including the Manny Lopez Big Band, saxophonist Bunn will be joined by
MUSIC
Blueshift Big Band, Ten of Soul, Cala- Meghan Stagl on piano, Evan Levine
Karli Bunn Quartet veras LD, the Isaiah Spencer Quintet,
The Honey Jackets (in the Marriott’s
on bass, and Henry Ptacek on drums.
Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz
Sunday, February 16, 5 p.m. @ Unitarian Universalist Congregation production of the musical Beehive), Series is made possible with major
of the Quad Cities, 3707 Eastern Avenue, Davenport IA and her own ensembles. Bunn focuses support of the SCRA, the RDA, the
her efforts on incorporating the aural Singh Family Foundation, as well as
tradition into modern innovation Visionary Arts Photography & Media
while fostering diversity and inclusiv- Center, Bowman Accounting, Peeples
ity within her community. She cur- Heating & Air Conditioning, Cribbs
rently teaches at Schaumburg High Landscaping, Davis Entertainment
School and privately through her Network, radio station KALA, and DJ
own studio. Bunn is also proficient in Mixxin Mel.
woodwind doubling and music tech- The Karli Bunn Quartet performs
nology while focusing her efforts on their Third Sunday matinee concert
incorporating the aural tradition into at Davenport’s Unitarian Universalist
modern innovation. Congregation of the Quad Cities on
Those with a long history of attend- February 16, admission to the 5 p.m.
ing the Third Sunday Jazz workshops event is $20 (no reserved seating), and
will always remember Bunn as a children K-12 and college students
young girl getting up and playing (ID required) will be admitted free.
her sax with the great pianist Willie The venue’s front doors will open at
Pickens. Even as a youth, she per- 3 p.m. for the Karli Bunn-led jazz
Presented as the first 2025 concert workshop proteges who will also lead formed with the ease and confidence workshop, with participants invited
event in Polyrhythms’ popular Third a 3 p.m. jazz workshop in advance of of a seasoned performer, and on Sep- to bring their own instruments, and a
Sunday Jazz Series, the exhilarat- the evening’s 5 p.m. performance. tember 19, 2021, while the artist was social hour will begin at 4 p.m., with
ing artists of the Karli Bunn Quartet Karli Bunn is a Chicago-based earning her master’s in jazz studies doors for the 5 p.m. performance
take the stage at Davenport’s Unitar- saxophonist, composer, and educator. at DePaul University, the Karli Bunn opening at 4:30 p.m. For more infor-
ian Universalist Congregation of the As a Quad City native with degrees Sextet was the featured band for Poly- mation, visit [Link].
Quad Cities on February 16, the head- from Northern Illinois and DePaul rhythms Third Sunday Jazz Work-
liner one of the organization’s special University, she has performed a broad shop and Matinee Concert Series. For
context of music with ensembles her Polyrhythms return this month,

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by taking a whole-person
approach to our sexual health.
?
Get screened for HIV at least once in your lifetime, and request HIV screening any
time you are getting tested for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

Talk openly with your provider about your sex life, so they can help you figure out which
tests are best for you. There’s not a single test for all STIs — each STI has its own test.

STIs can cause long-term health issues when left untreated. They can also increase
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Learn more at
[Link]
14 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

CONTINUED
to Mississippi and uncovers startling,… Rock Island Public Library -
Other Events Downtown Library, 2pm Tue Feb 11

The Humor of Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Bill Hampes, Black Hawk

College Professor Emeritus of Psychology… Robert R. Jones Public
featured on the… Putnam Museum & Science Center, 9pm Sat Library, 6pm Tue Feb 11
Feb 15
1784-1860: A New Nation, A New Army, part of a lecture series
Sweetheart Tea Party, tea for two for all ages; sip on tea in… commemorating the 250th anniversary of the… Rock Island Public
Mississippi Spoon Gallery, 3pm Sat Feb 15 Library - Downtown Library, 2pm Wed Feb 12

Melissa the Medium, an evening with the psychic born and 1784-1860: A New Nation, A New Army, part of a lecture series
raised in Dubuque;… Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 7pm Sat Feb 15 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the… Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6pm Wed Feb 12
FAFSA Completion Night, let Black Hawk College’s financial
aid professionals assist you in… Black Hawk College - Quad City Tree Identification and Health Assessment, a virtual
Campus, 4pm Wed Feb 19 program in the Community Tree Care Series; participants include…
University of Illinois Extension - Milan, 9am Wed Feb 12
Cozy Mystery Night, join us for a night of fun and sleuthing as…
East Moline Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 20 Local Black History, celebrate Black History Month by learning
about local black history;… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
English Language Learners Conversation Club, English Street Branch, 6:30pm Thu Feb 13
language learners and ESL students of all ages can… Bettendorf
Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 20 Black Hawk and the Black Hawk War: April and May 1832,
everyone knows about the Trail of Tears and the Jacksonian… Rock
BockBockFest, join us in celebrating this German tradition as we Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 2pm Tue Feb 18
mark… Great River Brewery, 5pm Fri Feb 21
Putnam Museum Egypt Travelogue, Putnam Museum Curator
Taylor Swift Trivia, test your knowledge of the singer/songwriter; of History and Anthropology Christina Kastell and… Robert R. Jones
free… Great River Brewery, 7pm Fri Feb 21 Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 20

47th Annual Robert Burns Night, presented by the Scottish- Virtual Event – A Spirituality Named Compassion: Uniting
American Society of the Quad Cities; the… Isle Casino Hotel Mystical Awareness with Social Justice, led by Rev. Matthew
Bettendorf, 5:30pm Sat Feb 22 Fox, PhD.; this book establishes a… Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat,
6pm Thu Feb 20
Flea Market, featuring antiques, jewelry, and collectibles; $3-5;
8am-2pm; building heated and air-conditioned; for information, 2025 Legislative Event Series: Quad Cities Mayors
contact Michael Salter at 563-340-2550; Mississippi Valley Breakfast, find out what the QC mayors have to say about current
Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport IA, Sun Feb 23 initiatives, projects and hot issues in their communities; you’ll
hear about each city individually and how, together, the cities
English Learner’s Group, join with other people who are are unifying to move our region forward, increasing our capacity
working on learning English… East Moline Public Library, 5:30pm and impacting economic opportunities; 7:30am breakfast, 8am
Mon Feb 24 program; $20-35; Rhythm City Casino Resort, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA, [Link], 7:30am Fri Feb 21
Memory Circle, jjoin us for crafts, games, activities, conversation,
and more; free;… Bettendorf Public Library, 10:30am Tue Feb 25 Understanding Grief Workshop, an End of Life Doula will lead
us in exploring… Silvis Public Library, 3pm Fri Feb 21
Iowa Elite Talent Show Fundraiser, the Iowa Elite Ms. Heart of
the USA Activity Scholarship… The Redstone Room, 1pm Sat Mar 1 Pathways to Peace: Body, Mind and Spirit, led by Dianne
Willging; discover strategies for improving your physical… Our Lady
English Language Learners Conversation Club, English of the Prairie Retreat, 1pm Sat Feb 22
language learners and ESL students of all ages can… Bettendorf
Public Library, 6pm Thu Mar 6 Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening, the 26th Annual
Gardening Symposium hosted by University of Illinois Extension
Viva La Divas, the premiere drag show in the area showcasing the and… Vibrant Arena at the MARK, 8am Sat Feb 22
best… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Mar 7
Stop the Bleed Training with Under The Helmet Riders
Antique Spectacular Vintage Market, this annual Spring Foundation, join the Under the Helmet Riders foundation to learn
antique and vintage market in its 31st year features an outstanding important… East Moline Public Library, 10am Sat Feb 22
line-up of 70 antique vendors with antiques and vintage items
galore; featuring great furniture, art, art pottery, country, stoneware, Caring for Our Aging Parents, presented in partnership with
books, prints, primitives, jewelry, silver, antique glassware, American the Quad Cities Women’s Outdoor Club… Rock Island Public Library
Indian items, china, postcards, coins, quilts, dolls, toys, Paper - Watts-Midtown Branch, 5:30pm Mon Feb 24
Ephemera, advertising, marbles, vintage clothing, textiles and
period pieces; Fri. 4-8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-4pm; $10 Vegetable Gardening Series: Where Will You Garden?, free;
weekend admission; free parking; for information, call 712-326-9964 presented in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension…
and e-mail [Link]@[Link]; QCCA Expo Center, 2621 Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, 11am Mon
Fourth Ave., Rock Island IL, [Link], Fri Mar 7 thru Feb 24
Sun Mar 9
A Special Journey as a Refugee to the U.S., with presenters
OWLT & About: Freight House Farmers’ Market, cool off Niyera Ninette of World Relief of Moline and… Bettendorf Public
in the shade of our awning, check out… Freight House Farmer’s Library, 7pm Tue Feb 25
Market, 8am Sat Mar 8
Abiotic and Biotic Stressors, a virtual program in the

LECTURES Community Tree Care Series; participants include… University of

Illinois Extension - Milan, 9am Wed Feb 26

Historic Voices: Lucy Pettengill, Station Operator on the Family & Friends Seminar w/ NAMI, a seminar to inform people
Underground Railroad, learn about Peoria, IL resident and who have loved ones with… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-
Underground Railroad Station Operator,… Bettendorf Public Midtown Branch, 6pm Thu Feb 27
Library, 6:30pm Thu Feb 6
The Three Faces of God, led by Rev. Robert Miller and Dr. Mark
Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/ Nimo; come… Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, 9am Thu Feb 27
Goodwill of the Heartland, on Thursdays; receive one-on-one
assistance from a representative from Goodwill… Rock Island Public QC Flood Preparedness Workshop, for city/county/village
Library - Downtown Library, 4pm thru Thu Feb 27 leaders and administrators; emergency management personnel;
floodplain managers;… Modern Woodmen Park, 10am Sat Mar 1
Goodbye, But Not Forgotten: Processing the Loss of a Partner,
join Jill Finn, Certified Grief Educator, Certified Grief Specialist; and… Setting Yourself Up for Success: Organizational Tools and
Moline Public Library, 11am Sat Feb 8 Tips to Break Down Brick Walls, presented by by Rhonda R.
McClure; the Scott County Iowa… Davenport Public Library - Main
Introduction to Spanish, join Catalina for some basics in Branch, 1pm Sat Mar 1
speaking Spanish; free; for… East Moline Public Library, 11am Mon
Feb 10 Social Security and Medicare Basics, we will cover: filing
strategies, factors to consider when producing… Davenport Public
E-Content Workshop, learn how you can access our various Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6pm Mon Mar 3
e-materials, such as… East Moline Public Library, 6pm Tue Feb 11
Drop-in Computer Skills & Job Search Assistance w/
Remembering Black History – The Lost Story of Emmett Goodwill of the Heartland, on Thursdays; receive one-on-one
Till: Then & Now, investigative journalist Marion Brooks travels assistance from a representative from Goodwill… Rock Island Public
Library - Downtown Library, 4pm Thu Mar 6
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 15
Writing Your Business Plan, join us for this workshop and learn Silvis City Council Meeting, held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of QC Chamber Business Exchange, speed dating for business Davenport City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting,
how to write… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, each month;… Silvis City Hall, 6:30pm Tue Feb 18 connections; a unique and fun way… DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the Davenport City Council meets on the first and third…
noon Thu Mar 6 8:15am Wed Feb 26 Davenport City Hall, 5:30pm Wed Mar 5
Coal Valley City Council Meeting, held on the first and third
QCMade: Wilton Candy Kitchen, the Hawkeye state was only Wednesdays of each month;… Coal Valley Village Hall, 6pm Wed Bettendorf City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting, QC Chamber Coffee Meetup, this is a casual morning event
20 years old when a… Wilton Candy Kitchen, 6pm Thu Mar 6 Feb 19 recorded meetings can be seen at [Link] or City’s Cable… where you can meet, mingle… Rise Neighborhood Cafe, 7:30am
Bettendorf City Hall, 5pm Mon Mar 3 Fri Mar 7
Introduction to Chakras: Their Role in Health and Healing, Davenport City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting,

SENIORS
led by Rachael Looney; learn about energy healing and the… Our the Davenport City Council meets on the first and third… East Moline City Council Regular Meeting / Committee of
Lady of the Prairie Retreat, 9am Fri Mar 7 Davenport City Hall, 5:30pm Wed Feb 19 the Whole Meeting, meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every
month;… East Moline Council Chambers at City Hall, 6:30pm Mon
Cultural Responsive Exploration and Reflection, led by Dr. Death Cafe, gather to eat treats, drink coffee, and discuss death; Mar 3 Chair Yoga, on Thursdays; achieve increased mobility without
Sarah Rissler; explore the ways in which… Our Lady of the Prairie our… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 5:30pm getting down on the… Moline Public Library, 10:30am thru Thu
Retreat, 1pm Sat Mar 8 Wed Feb 19 Bend of the River Quad Cities Pilot Club, on the 1st Tue. of the Feb 27
month; Pilot International transforms… Hickory Gardens Family
Silent Sabbath Lenten Afternoon Retreat, March 9, 23, and Friends of the East Moline Library Monthly Meeting, free; for Restaurant, Tue Mar 4 Bob Gaston New Horizons Band Practice, on Thursdays; $2/
Apr. 6; led by Laurie Harris… Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, noon information, call 309-755-9614… East Moline Public Library, 10am member, membership is $160 a year or $15… CASI (Center for Active
Sun Mar 9 Thu Feb 20 Bettendorf City Council Meeting, recorded meetings can be Seniors), 12:30pm thru Thu Mar 6
seen at [Link] or City’s Cable… Bettendorf City Hall, 7pm

MEETINGS QC Chamber Minority Business Meetup, this event is Tue Mar 4 Card Embroidery, on Thursdays; learn how to create fun
designed to foster a strong sense of… Hyatt Place, 4pm Thu Feb 20 embroidery greeting cards; $2-4,… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
Midwest Corvettes Club Monthly Meeting, join us to discuss 9am thru Thu Mar 6
QC Chamber Coffee Meetup, this is a casual morning event QC Flood Resiliency Alliance Meeting, for city/county/village Corvettes, friends, and community … Eriksen Chevrolet - Milan,
where you can meet, mingle… Family Museum, 7:30am Fri Feb 7 leaders, administrators, emergency management personnel, 6:30pm Tue Mar 4 Chess, on Thursdays; $1/session; for information, call 563-386-
floodplain managers, public… Riverdale City Hall Community 7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2pm thru Thu Mar 6
Quad Cities Mississippi Valley Ski and Social Club Room, 3pm Thu Feb 20 Silvis City Council Meeting, held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of
(QCMVSC) Meeting, held on the second Monday of the month; each month;… Silvis City Hall, 6:30pm Tue Mar 4 Line Dancing, on Thursdays; $3-6; for information, call 563-386-
most meetings… Columbus Club, 7pm Mon Feb 10 Quad Cities Mayors Breakfast, the QC Chamber’s Legislative 7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am thru Thu Mar 6
Events Series is focused on advocacy priorities and conversations Coal Valley City Hall Meeting, held on the first and third
Rock Island City Council Meeting, Public Comment is held at with federal, state and local policymakers; Rhythm City Casino Wednesdays of each month;… Coal Valley Village Hall, 6pm Wed Zumba, on Thursdays; aerobic fitness based on Latin American
the beginning of City Council… Rock Island City Hall, 6:45pm Mon Resort, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA, [Link], Mar 5 dance rhythms;… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 8:45am thru
Feb 10 thru Mon Feb 24 8am Fri Feb 21 Thu Mar 6
Continued On Page 26
Moline City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting /
Regular Meeting, meets in Council Chambers; the formal City
Council meeting is… Moline City Hall, 6pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue
Feb 25

Riverdale City Council Meeting, held on the 2nd and 4th Window & Door
Tuesday of the month;… Riverdale City Hall, 7pm Tue Feb 11 thru
Tue Feb 25 Replacement
of Davenport
Scott County Board of Supervisors Committee of the
Whole Meeting, the board will review legislative actions,
administrative items, and contracts; for… Scott County
Administrative Center, 8pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Feb 25

Historical Society Meeting, meeting upstairs, all welcome; free;

for information, call 309-523-3440… River Valley District Library,
7pm Wed Feb 12

Rock Island Committee of the Whole Meeting, held on the

2nd Wednesday of the month (subject to… Rock Island County
Office Building, 5:30pm Wed Feb 12

Davenport City Council Meeting, the Davenport City Council

meets on the first and third… Davenport City Hall, 5:30pm Wed Feb
12 thru Wed Feb 26

Bettendorf Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting, free;

for information, call 563-344-4175… Bettendorf Public Library, 5pm
Thu Feb 13

Moline Public Library Board Meeting, agendas are available

prior to the meetings, minutes are available… Moline Public Library,
noon Thu Feb 13

QC Chamber 12@12, members are invited to join a Chamber

Board member for… Twin State Technical Services, noon Thu Feb
13

Scott County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting,

activities may include voting on actions and conducting public
hearings;… Scott County Administrative Center, 5pm Thu Feb 13
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East Moline City Council Regular Meeting / Committee of and lifestyle. You're choosing a team dedicated to delivering not just a product, but a solution
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month;… East Moline Council Chambers at City Hall, 6:30pm Mon
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Bettendorf City Council Meeting, recorded meetings can be

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Tue Feb 18

Rock Island County Board Regular Meeting, all meetings

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16 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

DANCE By Mike Schulz

Ballet Quad Cities’ Love Stories

Saturday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 23, 2 p.m.
St. Ambrose University’s Galvin Fine Arts Center,
2101 North Gaines Street, Davenport IA

R
eturning to Davenport’s Galvin Fine and Marcus Pei, Rubio’s choreographer
Arts Center with their first full St. notes state: “The origins of tango dancing
Ambrose University presentation in were performed in brothels between men
more than six years, the gifted professional showing rivalry, dominance, and competi-
dancers of Ballet Quad Cities stage their tion, along with camaraderie and bonding
latest, Valentine’s-themed iteration of Love among friends, through the passion of
Stories on February 22 and 23. music.”
As always, this program of vignettes will “It’s a tango duet between the two men,”
boast varying meditations on its theme: says Lyon, the dancers having previously
romantic love, platonic love, unrequited shared a memorable pas de debux in last
love. The repertoire will also deliver, in its fall’s production of The Twisted Tales of
second half, a one-act version of Bizet’s Poe. “It’s not about romantic love, neces-
legendary Carmen, which Ballet Quad sarily – it’s about rivalry and friendship
Cities’ Artistic Director and choreogra- and companionship.”
pher Courtney Lyon, with a laugh, calls “a A second guest choreographer joins
great love story … with a horrible ending.” Love Stories’ creative team for the Act I
(Presumably, she means “horrible” in modern-dance closer Lust, Loss, Love,
regard to its tragedy, not its quality.) which finds the full company moving to
Opening Love Stories 2025 is Like I songs including “I Want a Little Sugar in
Love You, a solo for company member My Bowl,” “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways,”
Kira Roberts that Lyon has set to “Some- “Lilac Wine,” “Seems I’m Never Tired
thin’ Stupid,” the timeless romantic tune Lovin’ You,” and “The Glory of Love.”
popularized by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. Visiting choreographer Donald J. Laney is
“It’s just a couple minutes of light, the- the Assistant Professor of Dance & Head
atrical dancing about young love,” Lyon of Dance at Western Illinois University.
says. “Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Kira is Having graduated from the University of
dressed like a little valentine, and ‘Some- California, Irvine with an MFA in dance,
thin’ Stupid’ is such a cute little ditty. It’s a Laney spent 15 years as the Producing
crowd-warmer.” (Suggesting that it’s like Artistic Director of the West Virginia
the dance menu’s amuse-bouche, Lyon Dance Company, performing the works of
agrees. “Yes! It’s just a little bite.”) Doug Varone, Daniel Nagrin, Gerri Hou- by Madeline Kreszenz); hot-tempered parts from before,” she adds, “because we
Another Lyon piece follows in Frederic lihan danah bella and Toneta Akers-Toler, young soldier Don Jose (Christian haven’t had a lot of dancer turnover for a
Chopin’s Nocturne in E-Flat Major, an as well as creating his own choreography. Knopp); the narrator Prosper Mérimeé while – our amazing dancers are just really
original, three-person dance for BQC’s “Lust, Loss, Love explores the various (Madeleine Rhode); Mérimeé’s dancers happy! So it’s cool to be able to build on
Eleanor Ambler, Madeleine Rhode, and stages of human relationships,” says Laney (Eleanor Ambler and Mahalia Zellmer); what we did at the Outing Club, consider-
Jillian Van Cura. in his choreographer notes. “Through the bull fighter Escamillo (Marcus Pei); ing that the dancers are several years more
“When I think about ‘What do I want to the lens of traditional jazz standards, the and a group of cigarette-factory workers mature than what they were.
add with my take on love?’, I’m very pas- dance journeys through these emotions, (Sierra DeYoung, Caitlin Sendlenski, Kira “They also love that Carmen is very
sionate about ballet being my first love,” inviting the audience to connect and Roberts, Jillian Van Cura, Julia Ellis, and story-oriented,” says Lyon, “which I think
says Lyon. “Specifically pointe work. That’s experience them.” He adds, “I have truly Ave Kruse). they like because they get to behave in
what I miss the most about performing. cherished my time working with the BQC. “Although I’ve never danced [the role ways that, traditionally, practical ballets
Because pointe work is so specific to ballet The talent, creativity, and intelligence of of] Carmen before,” Lyon says, “I’ve been don’t allow dancers to. In Carmen, they
– no other art form has people wearing each dancer have been integral to bringing in multiple productions of it, and I made a are women who work in a cigarette factory
pointe shoes for eight hours a day. So I this piece to life. Each performer has had one-act Carmen for Love Stories a couple in Spain, and they get into fights – with
wanted to do a piece where I showcased the opportunity to infuse their own per- years ago when we were still at the Outing knives! – and they cheat and steal … .
pointe. It’s just the three women, and it’s sonality into the work, making it uniquely Club. We were recovering, artistically, They’re very forward with their bodies
set to Chopin, which is the most soothing their own on stage.” from the pandemic, so that Carmen was and their intentions. It’s nice to get a break
music. And I use the music as my focus. Following the Love Stories intermission, created to be like a dinner-theatre-type from playing flowers or snowflakes or
There’s no story – it’s just the music and the entire BQC company will regroup experience on two panels of marley ... princesses.”
pointe work, and it has turned out lovely.” for Lyon’s one-act staging of Carmen, its which is about 12 feet.” Ballet Quad Cities’ 2025 Love Stories
Popular guest choreographer Domingo music by Rodion Shchedrin (modeled after Laughing, Lyon says, “It was very mini- will be staged in the Galvin Fine Arts
Rubio, beloved for his frequent per- the Bizet compositions) and Lyon’s cho- mal, but it served its purpose. But I was Center of St. Ambrose University on
formances in Ballet Quad Cities’ The reography indebted to Prosper Mérimeé’s thrilled to get it back out and flesh it out February 22 and 23, with the Saturday
Nutcracker and Halloween-themed 1845 novella of the same title. further and put it on a proscenium stage. performance at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s
presentations (particularly the Draculas) Mérimeé was inspired to write his work It’s just such a great story about love and performance at 2 p.m. Admission is $15-
returns to the area from Mexico to stage by a story he was told on a trip to Spain in loss and betrayal and jealousy, and it has 30, and more information and tickets are
Love Stories’ Act I vignette Confronta- 1830 – the tale of a ruffian who murders such great music – it deserves to be done available by visiting
tion. With the two-person work set on his mistress. Appearing in the ballet are: more fully. [Link].
company members Christian Knopp the feisty and rebellious Carmen (danced “Most of my dancers are still in the same
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 17
COMEDY

Kathleen Madigan
Thursday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 330 East Third Street, Davenport IA

W
inner of both the American Madigan has appeared on are Last Comic
Comedy Award and the Phyl- Standing, I Love the 90s: Part Deux, I Love
lis Diller Award for “Best Female the ‘80s 3-D, and Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Comedian,” and the star of popular streaming She also starred in her own HBO Half-Hour
specials Bothering Jesus and Hunting Bigfoot, Comedy special and a Comedy Central
standup sensation and podcaster Kathleen Presents special, with Kathleen Madigan:
Madigan brings “The Day Drinking Tour” Bothering Jesus debuting on Netflix and the
to Davenport’s Capitol Theatre on February recent Kathleen Madigan: Hunting Bigfoot
20, her lauded talents inspiring the Chicago premiering on Amazon Prime Video. She is
Tribune to rave, “She has all but perfected the a veteran of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,
art of crafting and delivering a perfect joke.” Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Late Show
Having earned a 1988 B.A. in journalism with David Letterman, and Jerry Seinfeld’s
from Southern Illinois University Edwards- Web series Comedians in Cars Getting
ville, Missouri native Madigan began work- Coffee, and launched her comedy podcast
ing for the St. Louis-area Suburban Journals Madigan’s Pubcast in August of 2020. Madi-
newspapers as well as the publications gan has also participated in USO shows in
department of the Missouri Athletic Club. support of American troops, touring both
At the same time, she performed stand-up Iraq and Afghanistan. “The USO shows
during open-mic nights at St. Louis area are the best,” says Madigan. “Trust me, no
comedy clubs. She credits her father, Jack, crowd is as appreciative and fired up to see
with encouraging her to try a comedy career, any entertainer. I’m glad I have the chance
and her growing popularity at these soon because God knows I don’t wanna have to do
led to the offer of a paying job in stand-up their job!”
from The Funny Bone, a nationwide chain Kathleen Madigan brings “The Day
of comedy clubs. With a 30-week booking of Drinking Tour” to Davenport on February
guaranteed dates, Madigan gave up her jobs 20, admission to the 7:30 p.m. show is $45-
in Missouri, citing Ron White, Richard Jeni, 65, and more information and tickets are
and Lewis Black among her influences in her available by visiting [Link]/
early comedy-club days. first-fleet-venues/capitol-theatre.
Among the TV shows and specials
18 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

Say, “ Yes!”
to Drinking
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is considered too much.
When you say “no thanks” to heavy
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Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 19
where he saw vast skies
VISUAL ARTS of every color and mood.
Holz, Kluever, & Ryan His observations, along
with a natural love of
Through Monday, March 3 @ Quad City Arts International drawing and design led
Airport Gallery, 2200 69th Avenue, Moline IL him to explore acrylic
painting.
Holz, landscape paint- Michelle Ryan, of
ings by Kevin Kluever, Springfield, Illinois,
and blown-glass art by incorporates blown and
Michelle Ryan. hand-formed glass into
Cheryl Holz, of sculptures of natural
Aurora, Illinois, and familiar objects. Her
says that her nature series Plants and Rocks
inspired mixed media and Things captures
artwork is a homage an ephemeral moment
to nature’s strength, in nature, in life, or in
beauty, and her desire human experience. The
to impart her love of common thread through
nature to others. She her work is the life and
often emulates natural energy they portray.
aging processes in the The Quad City Arts
studio with paint and International Airport
other materials, build- Gallery is located oppo-
ing up and wearing site the airport’s gift shop
Kevin Kluever's House Next Door away like water on and restaurant, there is

A
rock. Holz incorpo- a $1 fee for parking, and
trio of gifted Midwestern artists
rates techniques such as Ecoprints, digi- more information on the
find inspiration from the natu-
tal prints, silkscreen, transfers, digitally Holz, Kluever, & Ryan
ral world around them in the
cut silhouettes, and archivally printed exhibit on display Cheryl Holz's Burnt Umber Nature Study
first 2025 exhibition at Moline’s Quad photographs in her work. through March 2 is
City Arts International Airport Gal- Kevin Kluever is a self-taught land- available by calling
lery, with the arresting collection Holz, scape painter from Eldridge, Iowa. He (309)793-1213 and visiting
Kluever, & Ryan, through March 3, boast- grew up on a dairy farm east of town [Link].
ing mixed-media assemblages by Cheryl

The Bend Event Center | East Moline, IL

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20 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

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Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 21

Movie Reviews By Mike Schulz • mike@[Link]

Sex Machina
a blond who looks startlingly similar to the
brunette Iris. As demonstrated through
the sharp editing rhythms and joke-fueled
banter (with Guillén more acerbic but just
COMPANION as wonderful as he was on What We Do in

B
the Shadows), Hancock’s comic timing is
ecause it takes nearly a half-hour for stellar. Yet his work might be even more
Drew Hancock’s Companion to reveal impressive in its astutely rationed delivery
its central conceit, that’s probably of unanticipated narrative turns. It felt like
long enough for the film’s very premise to be my jaw was dropping, either before or after
considered a spoiler. So if you’re interested a round of giggles, at least once every five
in seeing the comedy thriller yet have man- minutes.
aged to avoid its trailers, and even its poster, As the film partly concerns a man who
please return to this article at a later time – is literally controlling every aspect of a
there’s no way I can do justice to Hancock’s (faux) woman’s life, right down to when
stunner without giving away at least some of she’s allowed to be conscious, there are
the goods. Besides which, if you’re not privy obviously all sorts of current political and
to the particulars, I envy you. I absolutely sociological themes to dive into here, and
adored this funny, nasty, intensely satisfying Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in Companion some viewers may be disappointed that
shiv to the gut knowing its hook in advance. have to be a debilitating fee, customers can film’s brisk 97 minutes: how Iris and her Hancock doesn’t do a deeper dive into
The mind boggles at how much fun I might’ve order these seemingly sentient androids fellow ‘bots have been programmed not to the ethical and moral waters. Yet while I
had going in unprepared. and program every facet to their liking: lie or act violently toward humans (unless personally think that Companion might
Even though the movie starts with the vocal timbre, eye color, level of intelligence. a dipstick such as Josh tinkers with the be the strongest offering in its genre since
cutest of Meet Cutes – a supermarket The ‘bots are even pre-programmed with settings); how their speech modules can be Get Out, it’s not, unlike the Peele, a work
flashback suggesting every rom-com intro memories, such as Iris’ charming grocery- altered to effectively mimic the voices of of justifiable anger or outrage; if Hancock
you’ve ever seen – Hancock isn’t exactly shy store encounter with Josh, available others. Sophie Thatcher, meanwhile, is flat- has opinions about where our dependence
about teasing what’s to come. Gazing at the through a drop-down menu. Unfortunately out amazing. Not three months after her on AI is leading us, or where we’re lead-
dimpled, lovestruck face of her beau-to- for the AI, though, they don’t know they’re knockout turn as an increasingly freaked ing it, he keeps them to himself. That’s not
be Josh (Jack Quaid), our pretty, throaty not human, and it’s a rude awakening for Mormon missionary in Heretic, she returns a demerit. What he’s given us may not be
heroine Iris (Sophie Thatcher) reveals in Iris when she’s instructed by Josh to wake with an even juicier comedy-thriller especially trenchant, but it’s almost flab-
voice-over that “the two happiest moments up, and finds herself tied to a chair as the portrayal, Thatcher’s role allowing for a bergastingly enjoyable – a bewitching blend
in my life were the day I met Josh … and love of her life reveals that their relation- full run of the emotional gamut while also of Ex Machina, The Stepford Wives, West-
the day I killed him.” That’s an awfully ship – Iris’ entire sense of being – is a lie. requiring her to fluently speak several for- world, and like-minded titles that handily
grabby opener, to say nothing of a ballsy I’d mention that she doesn’t take the news eign languages – and be funny while doing stands toe-to-toe with them when it’s not
one, and we’ve barely had time for Sophie’s well, but given the bomb Iris dropped when so. Quaid, with his aw-shucks likability, is routinely towering above them.
admission to sink in before we’re accompa- revealing those two happiest moments in ideally cast as an entitled, mealymouthed
nying the young lovers on a weekend trip to beta-male who whines about his lack of For reviews of Dog Man, The Brutalist,
the woods – more accurately, the posh lake Flight Risk, One of Them Days, Wolf Man,
Yet while I personally think respect and crappy one-bedroom apart-
Nickel Boys, You’re Cordially Invited,
house belonging to Russian millionaire ment. (Maybe Josh could afford a better
Sergey (Rupert Friend, with a deliciously that Companion might be the one if he weren’t spending his disposable Presence, and other recent releases, visit
overripe accent). Along for the good time strongest offering in its genre income on self-driving cars and glorified [Link]/movies.
are Sergey’s partner Kat (Megan Suri), who since Get Out, it’s not, unlike sex robots.) But this is Thatcher’s movie
instinctively disliked Sophie upon their the Peele, a work of justifiable all the way – or would be if the constantly
prior meeting, and the demonstrably affec- unpredictable, wickedly clever plotting January 14 Crossword Answers
tionate boyfriends Eli and Patrick (Harvey anger or outrage; if Hancock didn’t more expressly make it Hancock’s
Guillén and Lukas Gage), who are far more has opinions about where our movie.
considerate. The first day goes reasonably dependence on AI is leading Unlike, say, last year’s fright flick Abigail,
well. The second not so much, given that us, or where we’re leading it, in which the sole, ruined-by-the-trailers
Sophie, following an attack, has become twist was that the titular ballerina was a
a blood-soaked killer before lunchtime. he keeps them to himself. vampire, Companion keeps the surprises
Trembling in panic, she tells her shocked coming long after Iris’ android reveal. Even
housemates that she doesn’t know what her life, you already gleaned that, right? the reason behind the couples’ weekend
happened. That’s when Josh says, “Iris, go Were Iris’ true identity Companion’s only getaway is its own surprise, as is the iden-
to sleep.” And she does. By which I mean narrative switcheroo, Hancock’s feature tity of one of the other house guests, and
she powers off. debut would likely still be a hoot. The Hancock’s sparsely populated nail-biter is
Iris, you see, isn’t human, but rather writer/director has clearly thought deeply given added jolts of comic frisson when-
an “emotional support robot” sold – or, about the specifics regarding Empathix’s ever an unexpected arrival turns up: an
in Josh’s case, leased – by the electron- invention, and he smartly, carefully doles understandably confused sheriff’s deputy;
ics wizards at Empathix. For what would out informational nuggets throughout his a pair of seen-it-all Empathix servicemen;
22 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

He had worked as a paraprofessional people and just making sounds,” Parker

MUSIC By Jonathan Turner
educator at Eisenhower Elementary in said, noting that his dad led the adult

A Young, Brassy, Singing Davenport (in special ed), and would go

to Common Chord after school to mentor
choir. His mom is a singer who loves
Broadway, and CJ was exposed to a wide

Music Mentor Stays Busy

students. variety of music at home.
“It started small, but it’s getting bigger,” “Growing up in church, I grew up with
Parker said, due to significant funding two very musical parents,” Parker said.
CJ Parker at the Sound from the city of Davenport, as well as
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
“Tuba came very naturally to me.” He
started on the big brass instrument after
Conservatory, February 23 Development, Davenport Kiwanis, seeing his father play it.

C
Davenport Rotary, TEGNA Foundation, “I loved it; I loved every second of play-
J Parker is just 24, but he’s been “Whenever he’s in front of a group, he Morning Optimists, and the Moline ing tuba,” CJ said. “That is my favorite
playing music since he was three, can immediately win them over and get Foundation. instrument.”
and feels lucky to make the art his them excited about music,” Schwind said. “You learn by doing,” he said of stu- He’s a veteran of the world-class Colts
full-time career. “I think, for more than a few of the kids dents. “How do we spark the mind of a Drum & Bugle Corps, based in Dubuque,
The friendly multi-instrumentalist is he works with on a regular basis, he’s two-year-old, a 10-year-old?” in which he played and marched tuba
a Davenport Central High School alum, become someone they really look up to.” The programs are free to students, across the country from 2018 to 2022. “It’s
coordinator for Common Chord’s InTune “As a performer, CJ’s charisma and instruments are provided, and InTune crazy difficult,” Parker said, noting his
Mentorship Program, prolific singer/ talent onstage are undeniable,” Common has three other staff mentors who rotate dad also performed with the Corps.
songwriter, and performer who is a regu- Ground executive director Tyson Danner among the different locations. The 154-person drum corps, its mem-
lar in two popular Quad Cities bands. said. “He is a great representation of the Parker said the coolest part of the pro- bers coming from around the world,
Parker’s next main gig is as a soloist, incredible talent we have right here in our gram is helping kids to write and record helped him learn responsibility and
singing and playing piano at the Sound own community.” their own songs. He’s also helped teach teamwork. He applies that knowledge to
Conservatory on February 23. For InTune, Danner added, “His pas- the annual Common Chord Winter Blues InTune activities.
That’s the first in the new Library sion for education shines, and his enthu- Camp and summer Kidstock programs. “I implement that into everything I
Sessions series – in the former Carnegie do, and it’s helped me grow as a teacher,”
Library – coordinated by Lewis Knudsen, Parker said. “I’ve learned a lot.”
who is also on the program alongside Although he never finished college after
Lainey Jean Lewis. attending Black Hawk for a semester,
“I’ve always wanted to play there,” Parker plans on earning a degree by the
Parker said recently, noting that Knudsen time he’s 30. At 21, after submitting an
reached out to him. “I think it’s gonna be original song, Parker was spotlighted on
a really cool show.” MTV Music News as a “Rising Star Due
Parker also plays keyboard with Fair for Take Off.” MTV called him “a name
Warning and sings with 10 of Soul. you should probably start remembering.”
InTune is a music mentorship program “What’s cool about it is, I’ve had so
providing student-led music experiences much experience in the field,” Parker
in partnership with community centers said of teaching, writing, recording and
and after-school programs throughout performing.
the QC. For InTune, he developed music-
Each week, artist mentors use music related games where students can win
to encourage students to get in tune with prizes – from candy to a guitar. He’s also
their identities, build confidence, and introduced tuba at InTune activities, and
envision a positive path forward in life. said it’s “super easy” for kids to learn and
The program provides relevant education make sounds.
CJ Parker singing the National Anthem at Iowa City's Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
and long-term mentoring relationships. “As much as I love making music, I
InTune is currently provided at Project like to create that spark for young kids,”
Renewal (Davenport), the Martin Luther siasm is contagious. He is a rare example Parker said.
King Center (Rock Island), and Boys & of a musician with great talent who also InTune starts for participants as young
Girls Clubs (Moline and Davenport), has the educational know-how to not only as two, and can help inspire a child, New Journeys
and recently expanded to Friendly manage a group of students, but keep Parker said. “If I give a kid an instrument Parker was asked by Quad City Sym-
House, Lincoln Center, YMCA and them engaged and excited. It’s a joy to see or a kazoo and tell them about music, it’s phony executive director Brian Baxter to
the St. Ambrose Children’s Campus in him share his passion for music with the gonna change their life.” sing the national anthem at Omar’s Jour-
Davenport. next generation and spark that same pas- ney on February 1 at the Adler Theatre.
“It’s been great to see CJ’s strengths sion in our young students.” Inspired at a Young Age In the 110-season history of the QCSO,
really come forward when he’s working Parker joined the InTune program in CJ started playing drums at age three. it was the first time someone sang the
with a group of kids,” said Ben Schwind, summer 2023. “Music enrichment is not He played at his family church (Life anthem, which the orchestra performs at
Common Chord’s education manager. as prominent as it should be before sixth Church in East Moline, where his father the start of each concert.
“Along with his work coordinating our grade,” he said. “There are fourth graders is pastor) by five. He was singing in the “He is an excellent musician, multi-
InTune program, he’s also been involved who’ve never seen a trumpet before. We’re adult choir by 10, and was inspired by his instrumentalist, and singer who is deeply
in our RiverCurrents Tour along with able to expose those students to instru- dad to make music his own career. engaged with some many groups and
both Kidstock and the Ellis Kell Winter ments at a young age, and spark that “It was seeing my dad – he had such organizations all over the Quad Cities,”
Blues Camp. interest.” passion and energy for being in front of QCSO executive director Brian Baxter
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 23
GUEST COMMENTARY By Cami Koons COMEDY
Ernst, Feenstra Introduce Bills to Curb SNAP George Lopez
Payment Errors Saturday, February 15, 8 p.m. @ Rhythm City Casino
Local Food-Security Advocates Say It Would Complicate Resort Event Center, 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport IA
Application Process

S
enator Joni Ernst and Representative Randy “If states are being told that literally, $1 is going
Feenstra, both Republicans from Iowa, intro- to increase that error rate, they are going to be
duced matching bills aimed at reducing over- scrutinizing every single thing,” Elzinga said.
payments made to recipients of the Supplemental “We’re going to be spending way more time on
Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, but Iowa applications … and we’re going to fall out of com-
advocates say the bills won’t be effective at reducing pliance on application processing timeliness.”
payment errors. Recipients must be able to participate in the
The bills, titled the Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP program within 30 days of submitting a typical
Payments Act, state they would “improve the cal- application in order to meet the U.S. Department
culation and reduce the taxpayer cost of payment of Agriculture’s timeliness requirements. Cur-
errors” for SNAP. rently, Iowa’s timeliness rate is 77 percent.
A press release from Ernst said the act could Elzinga stressed that SNAP payment errors can
reduce spending by nearly $91 billion over the occur for a number of reasons and are inadver-
next decade by requiring all payment errors tent errors from either the person applying or
be reported and holding states and recipients the agency processing the application. The error
accountable for overpayments. rate is affected by both underpayments and
According to a report from the U.S. Govern- overpayments.
ment Accountability Office, or GAO, improper “The payment error rate is not fraud,” Elzinga
SNAP payments totaled approximately $10.5 said.
billion nationwide in 2023. Across all govern- According to the GAO report, most of these
ment agencies, the report estimates $238 billion of errors in 2023 occurred because agencies failed to
improper payments were made in 2023. (<< Pull verify certain criteria, such as income, household

A
quote) size, education, or employment.
SNAP was singled out in a report because its Benefit recipients are also required to reim- n artist who has broken ground third season of his NBC sitcom Lopez
rate of improper payments, at 11.7 percent in 2023, burse the state for any overpayments they receive,
exceeded 10 percent. and likewise the state reimburses recipients for for Latino comics by embracing vs Lopez, which was created by its star
Ernst said errors such as this are contributing to underpayments. his ethnicity, confronting racial alongside Mayan Lopez and Debby
the nation’s $36 trillion debt. In 2023, Iowa’s error rate was 5 percent, putting stereotypes, and fighting for his com- Wolfe. The series boasts Lopez and his
“SNAP plays an essential role in helping feed it at less than half the national average. munity on and off the stage, Grammy- real-life daughter Mayan as fictional-
families, that’s why we need to strengthen its That’s an improvement for the state, which was
integrity by holding states accountable for grow- issued a $1.8 million USDA fine in 2019for its high nominated comedian George Lopez ized versions of themselves. Among
ing error rates, implementing a zero-tolerance payment error rate of 10 percent in 2018. brings his national tour to Davenport’s the noted Hispanic performers who
policy, and snapping back overpayments,” Ernst Following the fine, the Iowa Department of R hy thm City Casino Resort Event have guested on the comedy over the
said in a statement. Health and Human Services focused on increas- Center on February 15, the famed funn- years are Mario Lopez, Harvey Guil-
The act would require states to pay back what ing efficiency and accuracy in the application
they owe from payment errors and it would process through a business process redesign. yman beloved for six seasons as the star len, Justina Machado, Danny Trejo,
require all errors to be reported, as opposed to the Alex Murphy, the director of communications of his eponymous ABC sitcom, which Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. Beyond his
current rule which only requires reports on pay- for Iowa HHS said in an emailed statement the currently ranks as one of the top-rated television work, Lopez has enjoyed a
ment errors in excess of $54. department is “proud” of the work it has done to shows on Nick at Nite. thriving film career. His HBO Films
This figure was increased in 2022 when officials “drastically reduce” the SNAP payment error rate.
undertook a serious update to the Thrifty Food “Iowa HHS closely monitors both processing Born in Los Angeles in 1961, Lopez drama Real Women Have Curves,
Plan, which sets the purchasing power of SNAP, timeliness and accuracy of SNAP applications to spent a number of years perform- starring America Ferrera, premiered
and increased overall SNAP benefits by 21 percent. ensure we are providing benefits as quickly and ing stand-up comedy before being at the Sundance Film Festival, where
Feenstra said there was “no time to waste” accurately as possible,” Murphy said. “Iowa HHS approached by Sandra Bullock, in it received the 2002 Audience Award.
to save taxpayer dollars and “hold bureaucrats is also committed to ensuring the integrity of
accountable.” SNAP benefits, while also improving efficiencies
2000, to produce and star in a TV He also appeared in Robert Rodri-
Feenstra and Ernst both serve on their respec- and providing the nutritional assistance to those comedy. Bullock was concerned about guez’s The Adventures of Sharkboy
tive Department of Government Efficiency, or in need.” the lack of Hispanic-oriented sitcoms and Lavagirl in 3D, voiced the titular
DOGE, caucuses. Feenstra said in a statement on An Iowa Hunger Coalition report from on American television, and pushed to Papi Cortez in Disney’s Beverly Hills
the bill that President Donald Trump and Repub- July 2024 applauded the department’s work in
lican majorities were “elected to cut waste from the significantly lowering the rate. Elzinga said Iowa’s
get a sitcom on television that starred Chihuahua, co-starred opposite Jackie
government.” improvements over the past several years show Hispanics without being exclusively Chan in 2010’s The Spy Next Door, and
“One sector that needs serious reform is the the effectiveness of the current quality control about the Hispanic American com- recently played Uncle Rudy Reyes in
SNAP program,” Feenstra said. “That’s why programs. munity. Long criticized by Hispanic 2023’s DC Extended Universe super-
Senator Ernst and I introduced legislation to “I would rather see investments in workforce
American groups for lack of Latinos hero film Blue Beetle. And in addition,
strengthen the integrity of the SNAP program and technology that are going to address some of
by establishing a zero-tolerance policy on benefit these structural issues that might be causing pay- on their television shows, ABC quickly Lopez has enjoyed literary success, his
overpayments.” ment errors,” Elzinga said. “If Ernst and Feenstra picked up the television series, and autobiography Why You Crying (co-
Both members of Congress introduced bills of wanted to hold up Iowa as an example of a state in 2002, Lopez became one of the few written by Armen Keteyian) having
the same title in 2023. that was doing poorly and turned it around, they
Latinos to star in a television comedy placed in the New York Times Bestsell-
Luke Elzinga, policy and advocacy director for should be doing that.”
Des Moines Area Religious Council and chair of Elzinga, and the Iowa Hunger Coalition report, series, following in the footsteps of ers top 20.
Iowa Hunger Coalition, said the bills from Ernst noted that updated technology and expanded Desi Arnaz, Freddie Prinze, and John George Lopez brings his national
and Feenstra, if passed, would increase Iowa’s workforce would help to improve both accuracy Leguizamo. With Lopez the co-cre- tour to Davenport’s Event Center on
error rate and slow down application processing and timeliness of processing SNAP applications. ator, writer, producer, and star George February 15, admission to the 8 p.m.
timelines.
“Reducing the error rate is a good thing that This article was originally published at Iowa- Lopez aired on ABC from 2002 to 2007, show is $51-101, and more informa-
everything wants, but I think the bills introduced [Link]/2025/01/31/ernst-feenstra- and was added to the Nick at Nite tion and tickets are available by calling
by Senator Ernst and Representative Feenstra are introduce-bills-to-curb-snap-payment-errors/ lineup in September of 2007, the show (563)328-8000 and visiting
the wrong way to go about it,” Elzinga said. Author Cami Koons is an Iowa Capital Dispatch also becoming a considerable success [Link].
Elzinga said the states have a balancing act reporter covering agriculture and the environ-
between getting SNAP applications processed ment. She previously worked at publications in in syndication.
quickly, and processing them accurately. Kansas and Missouri, covering rural affairs. Currently, the comedian is in the
24 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

Crossword Tropidelic
MUSIC

GO FUND ME • February 11, 2025 January 14 Answers: Page 21

Sunday, February 16, 8 p.m.
The Redstone Room, 129 Main Street, Davenport IA

D
elivering an exhilarating blend of With subsequent hits including 2019’s
reggae rock, hip-hop, and high- Here in the Heights, 2020’s Of Illusion,
energy funk, the Cleveland, Ohio and 2022’s All the Colors, the group also
natives of Tropidelic headline a February delivered a pair of EPs in 2019’s Flyover
16 concert event at Davenport’s Redstone Renaissance and 2020’s Live at Sugar-
Room in support of their most recent shack Sessions. Tropidelic can currently
studio album Royal Grove, a recording be found spreading their soulful sound
in which, according to Daily Reggae, across the country, taking stages in
“smooth grooves, lyrical domination and both intimate venues and at music fes-
coherent storylines add further depth to tivals, They have shared the stage with,
the enjoyment across all tracks.” and supported such acts as, 311, Slightly
ACROSS fins 6. Leggy creature 62. French painter
1. Prophesier 71. Spot on a card 7. Cash advance 63. Slangy refusal Tropidelic was formed by found- Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, Michael
5. Regions 72. Plexus 8. Decorate 65. Pisa's river ing members Matthew Roads and Kyle Franti and the Spreadhead, Pepper, The
10. POTUS 18 born _ 76. Fruit of oak 9. Tropical tree: 2 wds. 66. More pristine
Ulysses Grant 77. Dangerous woman 10. "Here's _!" 67. Tendon “Chevontez” Cheuvront while jamming Flobots, and Wookiefoot. Previously,
15. Smartphone programs 78. Corn bread 11. Overgrown with 68. _ and lot together in the dorms at Kent State Tropidelic has been featured at Electric
19. Otherwise 79. _ Romana greenery 69. Fried snack: 2 wds. University in 2005. After collaborating Forest, the California Roots Music &
20. Old marketplace 80. Part 3 of quip: 5 wds. 12. Perlman and DeSantis 70. Video recorder brand
21. Convex molding 83. Seedlike body 13. Overhead 71. Prodded with rapper Skillzz (Erick Steckel), the Art Festival, Reggae Rise Up, Warped
22. Fingerboard ridge 85. Type style: Abbr. 14. Tourist court: 2 wds. 73. Lyric poem two recruited him as their hype man, Tour, and 311 Caribbean Cruise, and
23. Muddle 86. Love god 15. Astern 74. "_ Bulba"
24. "Skyfall" actor Daniel _ 87. Again 16. Periodicals: 2 wds. 75. Put forth effort as well as adding guitarist Andrew the musicians also host of their own
25. _ Grigio 88. Wood for chests 17. Intrinsically: 2 wds. 76. Cuckoo Mastrian to the band. In 2006, they annual EVERWILD Music Festival.
26. Retread 89. Freshwater duck 18. Place 77. Actor _ Elliott found bassist Neal Badolato and drum- To date, Tropidelic has amassed more
27. Start of a quip by 91. Desiccated 28. White poplar 78. Glass piece
Michael Keaton: 4 wds. 93. Check 29. Johann Wolfgang _ 81. Revered mer Rob Paternite on MySpace, and than 40 million streams of Spotify, and
31. Intel org. 94. Ardent supporter Goethe 82. Custom-made with the original iteration of the band the artists continue to release a series
32. Aid and _ 97. Ground grain 30. Routine 83. Theater drop
33. Body of still water 98. End-of-week ' 35. Pirate: 2 wds. 84. By necessity now complete, Tropidelic self-produced of impressive singles featuring noted
34. Reliable exclamation 36. Numerical prefix 90. Source of cash their first raw album Funk Love that guest appearances, with Royal Grove’s
36. Tried 99. Name for a bystander 37. Old anesthetic 91. Make potable
39. Plucked string sound 100. End of the quip: 38. Surprise 92. British military
same year. After several lineup changes, lead single “Floating” boasting the
41. Particular 4 wds. 39. Lake on the California branch: Abbr. the band enjoyed its first full-length silky-smooth voices of Micah Pueschel
42. Actress _ Barrymore 107. Tennis great Arthur _ border 93. Emissaries major-release album All Heads Unite in and Jackson Wetherbee of reggae rock
43. Noble 109. Comedian _ Sykes 40. Bird 94. Gather
44. "_ the Man" Musial 110. Noodles 43. Composition for piano 95. Important Turk 2012, with 2015’s Police State followup bands Iration and The Elovaters, and
47. Start for dynamic 111. Hold sway 44. Disconnect 96. Sidestep boasting their first big singles: “Alco- additional collaborators including The
50. "_ Were the Days" 112. Leg part 45. Kind of salmon 97. Sorceress in
51. Part 2 of quip: 4 wds. 113. Failed Ford of the '50s 46. Islet Greek myth holic” featuring Brandon Hardesty of Pharcyde, The Palmer Squares, Rittz,
55. Chronicle: Abbr. 114. Overthrow 48. Philosopher _ 98. "Till _ Was You" Bumpin Uglies, and “If I Die Tomor- and Tobyraps.
56. Elementary particle 115. Talon Descartes 101. Research org. row” with Zach Fowler of Sun-Dried Tropidelic plays their Redstone Room
57. Fasten firmly 116. Weakens 49. Assn. 102. Sitarist _ Shankar
58. Bouncing 117. Coup _ 52. Wild marjoram 103. Agents: Hyph. Vibes. Tropidelic’s third recording Go engagement on February 16 alongside
spring sound 118. Has food and drink 53. Butler in "The Nanny" 104. Lacking legal force Down with the Ship followed in 2016, the guest artists of Bikini Trill, admis-
59. Boats 119. Building 54. Greek weight 105. Israeli carrier: Hyph.
61. Pindaric afterthoughts 56. Double agent 106. Evergreens and fourth album Heavy Is the Head sion to the 8 p.m. concert is $22-25,
62. Free-for-all 60. Alarms 108. Letters became the group’s biggest hit yet, and more information and tickets are
63. Stars that flare DOWN reaching number three on the Billboard available by calling (563)326-1333 and
64. Narrative 1. Tractor-trailer
66. Beeping device 2. Hgt. New Crossword Puzzles charts and winning Reggae 360’s inau- visiting [Link].
67. Only 3. _ est percipi and Answer Keys gural contest for Album of the Year in
68. Lean 4. Says in other words posted EVERY week at
70. Fishes with yellowish 5. Supported [Link]/lifestyle 2017.
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 25

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY New Columns Weekly at [Link] By Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The world’s ivory and bird bone, they still produce clear notes influences in his art came from alchemy, the psy- blood. But one species, the icefish of the Antarctic
largest mirror isn’t an actual mirror. It’s with perfect pitch. They were located in a cave that chological philosophy of Carl Jung, and Indige- seas, lacks hemoglobin. They evolved other ways to
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flat, a vast contains ancient examples of figurative art. Some nous Australian rituals. His life was living proof obtain and circulate enough oxygen in the frozen
area that’s almost perfectly flat. After a genius way back then regarded art and music as a that mystical exploration and mundane work depths, including larger hearts and blood vessels.
rain, a thin layer of calm water transforms the sur- pleasurable pairing! I propose we make these could coexist. I’m hoping he might serve you as an The system they’ve developed works well. So they
face into a perfect reflector that can be used to cali- instruments your power symbols for the coming inspirational role model. You are in a phase when are examples of how to adjust to an apparent prob-
brate observation satellites. In these conditions, it weeks, Cancerian. May they inspire you to resus- you have the power to blend and synergize seem- lem in ways that lead to fine evolutionary innova-
may be almost impossible to tell where the earth citate the value of your past accomplishments. May ingly opposing aspects of your world. You would tions. I suspect you’re now in the midst of your
begins and the sky ends. I foresee metaphorically you call on the help of melodies and memories that be wise to meditate on how to find common own personal version of a comparable adaptation.
similar developments for you during the coming still resonate – and that can inspire your future ground between practical necessity and spiritual Keep up the good work!
weeks. Boundaries between different aspects of adventures! Your words of power are regeneration, aspiration. Are there ways you can unite the
your world – professional and personal, spiritual revival, and reanimation. desires of your head and heart? Of your need for AQUARIUS (January 20-February
and practical – might blur in interesting ways. A safety and your longing for adventure? Of your 18): Born under the sign of Aquarius,
temporary dissolution of the usual limits may offer LEO (July 23-August 22): It’s your craving for beauty and your fondness for Clyde Tombaugh discovered the heav-
you surprising insights and unexpected opportu- unbirthday season, Leo – the holiday usefulness? enly body known as Pluto in 1930. This was years
nities for realignment. Be alert for helpful clues that’s halfway between your last birthday before he earned advanced degrees in astronomy.
about how to adjust the way you see things. and your next. During this interlude, you SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): His early education was primarily self-directed.
could benefit from clarifying what you don’t want, The first emperor of China, Qin Shi The telescopes he used to learn the sky were built
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): From day don’t believe, and don’t like. You may generate Huang, arranged for himself to be buried from tractor parts and old car components from
to day, glaciers appear static. But they are good fortune for yourself by going on a quest to after death with an army of 8,000 soldiers his father’s farm. During the coming months, I
actually slow-moving rivers of ice that discover rich potentials and stirring possibilities made from terracotta, which is a clay ceramic. surmise there will be elements of your life resem-
have tremendous creative power. They that are as-yet hidden or unexpressed. I hope you Joining the gang below the earth’s surface were 770 bling Tombaugh’s story. Your intuition and
can make or reshape valleys, moving tons of dirt will be bold enough to scan the frontiers for horses and 130 chariots. For over 2,000 years, this instincts will bring you insights that may seem
and rock. They pulverize, grind, and topple trees, sources of beauty and truth that you have been assemblage was lost and forgotten. But in 1974, unearned or premature. (They’re not!) You will
hills, and even mountains. New lakes may emerge missing. During your unbirthday season, you will farmers digging a new well found it accidentally. In garner breakthroughs that seem to be arriving
in the course of their activity. I invite you to imag- be wise to gather the rest of the information you this spirit, I am predicting that sometime in the from the future.
ine yourself as a glacier in the coming months, will need to make a smart gamble or daring next five months, you will make interesting discov-
Taurus. Exult in your steady transformative power. change. eries while looking for something other than what PISCES (February 19-March 20):
Notice and keep track of your slow but sure prog- you find. They won’t be as spectacular as the ter- One of the world’s deepest caves is Very-
ress. Trust that your persistence will ultimately VIRGO (August 23-September 22): racotta army, but I bet they will be fun and life ovkina in the nation of Georgia. At its
accomplish wonders and marvels. Austrian playwright Elfriede Jelinek won changing. lowest, it’s 7,257 feet down. There are creatures
the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2004, living there that are found nowhere else on earth.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In recent and Romanian-German author Herta SAGI T TA R I US:(November I propose we make it your symbolic power spot for
weeks, have you stirred up any dynamic Müller earned it in 2009. But garnering the world’s 22-December 21): Author Zora Neale now. In my astrological opinion, you will be wise
fantasies about exotic sanctuaries or far- most prestigious award for writers did not provide Hurston said, “There are years that ask to dive further into the unknown depths than you
away places or mercurial wild cards? a big boost to their book sales. In some markets, questions and years that answer.” I will have in quite some time. Fascinating mysteries and
Have you delivered enticing messages to inspiring their famous works are now out of print. In 2025, I adjust that counsel for your use, Sagittarius. useful secrets await you. Your motto: “Go deeper
beauties or brave freedom-fighters or vibrant net- hope you Virgos do in your own spheres what they According to my astrological analysis, the first half and deeper and deeper.”
workers? Have you been monitoring the activities only half-accomplished in theirs. I would love for of 2025 will ask questions, and the second half will
of longshots or future helpers or unification adepts you to gather more appreciation and attention answer them. For best results, I invite you to gather Homework: Find all your long-term, big-picture
who might be useful to you sooner than you imag- while simultaneously raising your income. and polish your best questions in the next five horoscopes for 2025 at
ine? Finally, Gemini, have you noticed I’m suggest- According to my reading of the astrological omens, months, carefully defining and refining them. [Link]/YourDestiny2025.
ing that everything important will arise in threes this is a reasonable expectation. When July begins, tell life you are ready to receive Visit [Link].
– except when they come in twos. In which case, replies to your carefully wrought inquiries.
you should hunt for the missing third? P.S.: When LIBRA (September 23-October 22): Go to [Link] to check out Rob Brezsny’s
the wild things call to you, respond promptly. By day, Libra-born Forrest Bess (1911- CAPRICORN (December 22-January EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES
1977) worked as a commercial fisherman 19): Hemoglobin is an iron-bearing pro- & DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Archaeolo- in Texas. By night, he created visionary tein that’s crucial to most life. It enables The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at
gists found two 43,000-year-old flutes in paintings inspired by symbols that appeared to the transportation of oxygen in the 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-77
Germany. Constructed of mammoth him in states between sleeping and waking. Other
26 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly Weight-Loss Support Lapsit Storytime, on Thursdays; a special storytime for babies Lego Club, enjoy a morning of free building; free; for information,
CONTINUED

Group), on Wednesdays; 10:30am weigh-in, 11am meeting; $1 per who are not yet… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue call… Bettendorf Public Library, 11:30am Sat Feb 8
Seniors meeting plus… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10:30am Wed Feb Branch, 10am thru Thu Mar 6
12 thru Wed Mar 5 Homeschool Creator Club, join us for fun art and science
Little Movers Storytime, on Mon. & Thu.; kids ages 0 to 3 and… adventures on the… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am Mon Feb 10
Billiards, Mon.-Fri.; membership is $160 a year or $15 every T’ai Chi Ch’un, on Wednesdays; $24-48; for information, call 563- Moline Public Library, 9:30am thru Thu Mar 6
month;… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 8am thru Fri Mar 7 386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10:15am Wed Feb 12 Make Believe Monday: Reading Pet Vet Clinic, bring
thru Wed Mar 5 Preschool Storytime, on Wednesdays & Thursdays; ages 3-5 are your new Reading Pet to the Make Believe Monday Vet Clinic;…
Low Impact Exercise, Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9-10am, Tue. & Thu. 11am- invited to attend… Bettendorf Public Library, 10am thru Thu Mar 6 Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 4pm Mon
noon; $3-6;… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), thru Fri Mar 7 Community Resources for Seniors Panel Discussion, Feb 10
informational session for seniors led by a panel of community… Teen Role Playing Games, on Thursdays; play your favorite role-
Milestones AAA Meal Site, Mon.-Fri; meals must be reserved Bettendorf Public Library, 10am Thu Feb 13 playing games; free; for information,… Bettendorf Public Library, PJ Party Storytime: Creepy Crawlies, put on your PJ’s and join
24 to 48 hours in… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 11:30am thru 3:30pm thru Thu Mar 6 us in the Children’s… Moline Public Library, 6pm Mon Feb 10
Fri Mar 7 Coffee & Conversations, every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the
month; meet neighbors… Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Winter Toddler Playgroup, on Thursdays; relaxing and casual Pre-K Prep Storytime, designed especially to give children
Adult Coloring, on Fridays; $2-4; for information, call 563-386- Branch, 10am Thu Feb 13 thru Thu Feb 27 fun for kids 5 and… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, access to opportunities that promote… Davenport Public Library -
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri 10am thru Thu Mar 6 Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Mon Feb 10
Mar 7 Grief Support Group, on the 4th Wed. of the month; for
information, call… Family Restaurant, 9:30am Wed Feb 26 Seeking Applications: River Action’s Eddy Scholarships, in Little Movers Storytime, on Mondays; kids ages 0 to 3 and their
Afternoon Bingo, on Fridays; with 25 and 50 cent cards; for partnership with BITCO Insurance Companies, River… River Action, grownup… Moline Public Library, 10:45am Mon Feb 10 thru Mon
information, call… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Fri Feb 7 Blarney Bash, a Grand Old Gaelic Get-together with an important thru Sun Mar 9 Mar 3
thru Fri Mar 7 purpose! Join… Front Street Brewery, 5:30pm Thu Feb 27
Seeking Applicants: Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scott Tales for Tots, on Mondays; an enriching activity time for children
Bridge, on Mondays & Fridays; $2-4; for information, call 563-386- Coffee & Conversations, senior citizens of retirement ages are County Democrats Scholarship, this scholarship honors the ages birth… Bettendorf Public Library, 10am Mon Feb 10 thru
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 11:30am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri invited to stop in… Bettendorf Public Library, 9am Tue Mar 4 lives of two… thru Sun Mar 9 Mon Mar 3
Mar 7
Red Hat Ladies Club, meeting locations vary; for information, call Interactive Movie Kits, on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month; DIY Snowflakes, make your own unique snowflakes; this is for
Euchre, on Wed. & Fri.; $4-8; for information, call 563-386-7477… 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 11am Tue Mar 4 enjoy… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 10am Fri Feb 7 kids in… East Moline Public Library, 4pm Tue Feb 11
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 12:45pm Fri Feb 7 thru Fri Mar 7 thru Fri Mar 7
CASI Advisory Council, on the 1st Wed. of the month; help the Family Storytime: Monster Love, we’re exploring Valentine’s
Golden Tones Chorus Practice, on Fridays; sing along to some Day with Love Monster stories, songs, and… LeClaire Community
classical memories; $2-4; for information,… CASI (Center for Active Library, 6pm Tue Feb 11
Seniors), 9am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri Mar 7
Sensitive Playtime, a drop-in playtime especially for children and
Second Avenue Players Senior Theatre, on Fridays; bring your families who are… Moline Public Library, 5pm Tue Feb 11
theatrical side to CASI’s senior theater… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 10:30am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri Mar 7 Teddy Bear Valen-Tea Time, bring your teddy (or other favorite
friend), and join Ms… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Zumba, Mon.-Wed. & Fri.; aerobic fitness based on Latin American Branch, 4pm Tue Feb 11
dance… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10:15am Fri Feb 7 thru
Fri Mar 7 Teen Advisory Board, hang out with other teens, share your
ideas, and make… Silvis Public Library, 6pm Tue Feb 11
Zumba Gold, on Fridays; $3/class; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10:15am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri Teen Advisory Board Meeting, TAB Members volunteer,
Mar 7 organize, and participate in teen programming, and give their…
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Tue
Chess: Come to Play, on Mondays; $1-2; for information, call Feb 11
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2pm Mon Feb 10
thru Mon Mar 3 Elementary After School Activity @ Watts-Midtown, on
Thursdays; after school-activities every week on Tuesday (Watts-
Shuffleboard, on Mondays; $2-4; for information, call 563-386- Midtown) and… Rock Island Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch,
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Mon Feb 10 thru Mon 3:30pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4
Mar 3
Kitchen Science, on Tuesdays; learn about food science with
Silver Linings Bell Choir, on Mondays; $2-4; for information, call everyday items found… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am Mon Feb 10 Branch, 4pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4
thru Mon Mar 3 Cirque du Soleil: Crystal @ Vibrant Arena at the MARK -- February 13 - 16
Take and Make Tuesday, on Tuesdays at all Davenport public
Ugly Quilts, on Mondays; volunteer group; no sewing experience libraries; pick up a fun… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch,
necessary; for information,… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am 3pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4
Mon Feb 10 thru Mon Mar 3 management… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am Wed Mar 5 Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch, on Fridays; ages 0-5
and their caregivers are invited to… Rock Island Public Library - Toddler Tales @ Watts-Midtown Branch, on Tuesdays; ages
Senior Social Hour, seniors in the LeClaire area are invited for Open House at the Village Co-Op of Crow Creek, take a tour Watts-Midtown Branch, 10:30am Fri Feb 7 thru Fri Feb 21 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to… Rock Island Public Library -
socializing, activities,… LeClaire Community Library, 10am Tue of the Quad Cities’ most affordable Plus… Village Co-Op of Crow Watts-Midtown Branch, 10:30am Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4
Feb 11 Creek, 1pm Wed Mar 5 LEAD Fridays @ Watts-Midtown Branch, we welcome the
LEAD Friday groups from Eugene Field Elementary… Rock Island Virtual Event: Weekly Teen Book Talk, on Tuesdays; check

KIDS’ STUFF
Canasta, on Tuesdays; $2-4; for information, call 563-386-7477… Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, noon Fri Feb 7 thru Fri out this week’s book talk from Emily,… Rock Island Public Library -
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4 Mar 7 Downtown Library, 3:45pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4

Chair Yoga, on Tuesdays; $3-6; for information, call 563-386-7477… Monster Society Presents: Faeries, an elite secret group whose Stories @ Main, on Fridays; jump, shake, and shimmy the sillies Walkers and Wigglers Storytime, on Tuesdays; we’ll sing
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4 goal is to educate about… Davenport Public Library - Eastern out; we’ll… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 10am Fri Feb songs,dance, and read fun stories; all… Davenport Public Library -
Avenue Branch, 4:30pm Thu Feb 6 7 thru Fri Mar 7 Eastern Avenue Branch, 10am Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4
Chair-Based Exercise, on Tuesdays; $3-6; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am Tue Feb 11 PNG Salamander Dissection, grades 5-12 learn about animals Birds: Ages 10-13, your child will have the opportunity to learn After School Kids Lab: Origami Jellyfish, using basic origami
thru Tue Mar 4 through the dissection of a… Moline Public Library, 6:30pm Thu about a… Niabi Zoo, 2:30pm Sat Feb 8 folds, create a paper jellyfish; decorate your… Bettendorf Public
Feb 6 Library, 3pm Wed Feb 12
Cribbage, on Tuesdays; $1-2; for information, call 563-386-7477… Birds: Ages 4-5, your child will have the opportunity to learn
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2pm Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4 Reading Assistance Dogs, children have the opportunity to read about a… Niabi Zoo, 10am Sat Feb 8 D&D Roleplay Club, a beginner-friendly ongoing campaign
aloud to dogs from… Bettendorf Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 6 where all new players are welcome;… LeClaire Community Library,
Crocheting & Knitting, on Tuesdays; volunteer Donna Curtis will Birds: Ages 6-9, your child will have the opportunity to learn 4pm Wed Feb 12
help you make hats,… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 12:30pm Tue Teen Advisory Board, share ideas to help improve the library, about a… Niabi Zoo, noon Sat Feb 8
Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4 including books to… LeClaire Community Library, 5pm Thu Feb 6 Face 2 Face Game Night, it’s board game night; learn a new
Book Buddies: Imagination, recommended for children ages game or play… Moline Public Library, 5:30pm Wed Feb 12
Line Dancing, on Tuesdays; $3-6; for information, call 563-386- Teen Potions Lab, join us for a fun-filled afternoon of mixing 0-5; a super fun time filled… Silvis Public Library, 10am Sat Feb 8
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am Tue Feb 11 thru Tue magical potions;… East Moline Public Library, 4pm Thu Feb 6 Paws to Read with QCCAN, boost your reading skills by sharing
Mar 4 Inside Out Party, enjoy a showing of “Inside Out 2,” crafts, and stories with the therapy-certified… Moline Public Library, 5pm
Tween Minecraft Club, play Minecraft on a library laptop or games;… East Moline Public Library, noon Sat Feb 8 Wed Feb 12
Senior Technology Clinic, on Tuesdays; with expert Mike Nintendo switch, check… East Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Thu
Shinbori; bring your Apple and… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), Feb 6 Krafty Kids: Paper Weaving Hearts, recommended for Petite Picassos @ Southwest Branch, toddlers can use
noon Tue Feb 11 thru Tue Mar 4 children ages 6-11; join us at the library… Silvis Public Library, 2pm all of their senses with hands on… Rock Island Public Library -
Teen Winter Reading Bingo Challenge, grades 6-12 can win Sat Feb 8 Southwest Branch, 11am Wed Feb 12
Step into Balance, on Tuesdays; $3-6; for information, call 563- prizes for reading… Moline Public Library, thru Sat Feb 15
386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Feb 11 thru Read to a Dog, QC CAN’s Reading Assistance Dogs are specially Teen Fandom Club: Fantasy Book Nooks, create your very
Tue Mar 4 Wild About Reading Children’s Winter Reading Program, trained, along with… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street own fantasy book nooks for your favorite… Silvis Public Library,
for children from birth to 6th grade;… Moline Public Library, thru Branch, 3pm Sat Feb 8 6pm Wed Feb 12
Bunco, on Wednesdays; $2-4; for information, call 563-386-7477… Sat Feb 15
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2pm Wed Feb 12 thru Wed Mar 5 Child’s Play | Create : Explore : Experience, on Saturdays; Teen Time Plus: Sewing, while you do not have to arrive right
Elementary After School Activity @ Southwest, on a 15-minute storytime complete with books rhymes and… at 3:30… Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Wed Feb 12
Evening Bingo, on Wednesdays; 5pm doors, 6pm bingo, $10 card Thursdays; after school-activities every week on Tuesday (Watts- Bettendorf Public Library, 10am Sat Feb 8 thru Sat Mar 8
pack minimum… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 5pm Wed Feb 12 Midtown) and… Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch,
thru Wed Mar 5 3:30pm thru Thu Mar 6
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 27
Teen Winter Paint Night, follow a step-by-step tutorial PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure, brand-new stage Carnivores: Ages 10-13, your child will have the Crafts Around the World: Mardi Gras Masks, learn
and create your very own masterpiece;… East Moline Public spectacular featuring favorite characters… Vibrant Arena at opportunity to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, 2:30pm Sat Feb 22 about the French holiday “Fat Tuesday,” also known as…
Library, 4pm Wed Feb 12 the MARK, 6pm Tue Feb 18 and Wed Feb 19 LeClaire Community Library, 4pm Wed Feb 26
Carnivores: Ages 4-5, your child will have the opportunity
Teen Gaming, on Wednesdays; stop in for gaming on the After School Kids Lab: Strawbees, construct three- to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, 10am Sat Feb 22 Spring Brook and Spring Valley Outreach, staff from
Switch, playing… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street dimensional shapes and objects using straws and special the Moline Public Library will be at Spring… Moline Public
Branch, 4pm Wed Feb 12 thru Wed Mar 5 connective… Bettendorf Public Library, 3pm Wed Feb 19 Carnivores: Ages 6-9, your child will have the opportunity Library, 2pm Wed Feb 26
to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, noon Sat Feb 22
Teen Open Gaming, on Wednesdays; head to the library on Family Storytime @ Watts-Midtown Branch, families Teen Cocoa and Crafts, join us for some hot cocoa and fun
your early out… Bettendorf Public Library, 1:30pm Wed Feb are invited to enjoy story time full of books,… Rock Island Lego Club, enjoy a morning of free building; free; for crafts; free;… East Moline Public Library, 4pm Wed Feb 26
12 thru Wed Mar 5 Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, 6pm Wed Feb 19 information, call… Bettendorf Public Library, 11:30am Sat
Feb 22 Teen Time Plus: Arts and Crafts, while you do not have
Teen Time, on Wednesdays; teens and tweens in Grades Kids Anime Club, for grades 3-5; fun program where you to arrive right at 3:30… Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Wed
5-12 - join… Moline Public Library, 2:30pm Wed Feb 12 thru don’t have to… Moline Public Library, 5pm Wed Feb 19 Full STEAM Ahead: Marshmallow Igloos, hop on Feb 26
Wed Mar 5 the train of learning, because we’re going Full… LeClaire
Kids Craft Series: Slime!, hang out and learn to make Community Library, 11am Sat Feb 22 Family Storytime: Paper Windmills, for ages 6-11; ome
Walkers & Wigglers Storytime, on Wednesdays; we’ll something new; best suited… Davenport Public Library - learn about seasons and make a… Silvis Public Library, 6pm
sing songs, dance, and read fun stories;… Davenport Public Eastern Avenue Branch, 3:30pm Wed Feb 19 Hug-a-Book Dance Party, dance and sing with Bluey Thu Feb 27
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Wed Feb 12 thru music, pick out your free… Rock Island Public Library -
Wed Mar 5 Multiplayer Madness: Mario Smash Bros, play with Downtown Library, 11am Sat Feb 22 Pokémon Day Party, celebrate International Pokémon
new and old friends with some multiplayer video… LeClaire Day at the library; we’ll have Pokémon-themed… LeClaire
CreaTEEN Crafts: No-Sew Heart Pillows, pre-registration Community Library, 4pm Wed Feb 19 Lego Club: Zip Line Challenge, for ages 6-11; join us at the Community Library, 5pm Thu Feb 27
is required; take part in this month’s fun, teen-centered… library for LEGO… Silvis Public Library, 2pm Sat Feb 22
LeClaire Community Library, 5pm Thu Feb 13 Teen Time Plus: Gaming, play PS4, Wii, Xbox, Switch, and Teen Art Committee, we’re beautifying the quad and we
tabletop games in the… Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Wed Teen Book Club: The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. need your help to… Bettendorf Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb
Creativity Lab: Constellation Coffee Filter, bring the Feb 19 Jackson, discuss the nominee for the 2024-2025 Iowa High 27
night sky inside with these constellation coffee filters;… School Book… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Moline Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 13 Toddler Tales @ Southwest Branch, on Wednesdays; Branch, 3pm Sat Feb 22 Tales for Tots, an enriching activity time for children ages
ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to… Rock Island birth through three… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu
Family Game Night, join us for game night at the library; Public Library - Southwest Branch, 11am Wed Feb 19 thru Homeschool Hangout, ids of all ages are welcome to Feb 27
free; for… Silvis Public Library, 2pm Thu Feb 13
Toddler Kanopy Playtime, ages 0-PreK will watch
PNG Photography, learn how to take the best possible animated stories and other educational TV… LeClaire
photos using a… Moline Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 13 Community Library, 11:30am Fri Feb 28

Self-Care Valentine’s Party, celebrate you this Valentine’s Preschool Fair, a unique opportunity to meet with and talk
Day with crafts, snacks, and friends;… Bettendorf Public to staff… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch,
Library, 5pm Thu Feb 13 10am Sat Mar 1

Tales for Tots, an enriching activity time for children ages Teen Leadership Committee Meeting, TLC is a group of
birth through three… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu enthusiastic teenagers who collaborate with… Bettendorf
Feb 13 Public Library, 2pm Sat Mar 1

Stuffed Animal Yoga, bring your favorite plushie and The Muggle Club, Muggle kids (ages 7-11) can join us on
a yoga mat or towel… Davenport Public Library - Eastern the first… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch,
Avenue Branch, 1pm Fri Feb 14 4:30pm Mon Mar 3

Teen DIY: Puppy Chow, make a crunchy, chocolatey, Kids’ Advisory Board, for ages 7-10; KAB members will
peanut-buttery, sugary snack with a cute… Davenport Public meet once a month… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 3pm Fri Feb 14 Street Branch, 5pm Tue Mar 4

Toddler Time, storytime for ages 0-PreK, with Valentine’s After School Kids Lab: Oobleck, using just cornstarch and
Day stories, songs, and… LeClaire Community Library, water, create a non-Newtonian fluid; observe… Bettendorf
11:30am Fri Feb 14 Public Library, 3pm Wed Mar 5

Book Buddies: Sing-Along Books, recommended for Roberto Diaz in QCSO Masterworks V: Echoes of Exploration -- March 1 and 2 Kids Craft Series: Mason Jar Banks, hang out and learn to
children ages 0-5; a super fun time filled… Silvis Public make something new; best suited… Davenport Public Library
Library, 10am Sat Feb 15 - Eastern Avenue Branch, 3:30pm Wed Mar 5

Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Styrofoam Print Making, for ages Wed Mar 5 socialize at this… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am Mon Feb Teen Time Plus: Coding, tweens and Teens in grades 5
6-11; create stunning prints using Styrofoam; free; for… Silvis 24 though 12 can design,… Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Wed
Public Library, 2pm Sat Feb 15 Da Vinci Kids, design mosaic greeting cards as we explore Mar 5
Alma Thomas and… Moline Public Library, 5pm Thu Feb 20 Introduction to 3-D Printing, learn about our new 3-D
Kids Book Club, discuss a new book and do activities printers; you can also take… Rock Island Public Library - Monster Society Presents: Merfolk, an elite secret group
related to the… Bettendorf Public Library, 3:30pm Sat Feb 15 Dissection Event, a unique evening of learning about Watts-Midtown Branch, 5pm Mon Feb 24 whose goal is to educate about… Davenport Public Library -
animal biology with science… Rock Island Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 4:30pm Thu Mar 6
Lego Club, on Saturdays; enjoy a morning of free building; Downtown Library, 5:30pm Thu Feb 20 Pre-K Prep Storytime, on Mondays; designed especially
free; for… Bettendorf Public Library, 11:30am Sat Feb 15 to give children access to opportunities… Davenport Public Reading Assistance Dogs, children have the opportunity
Family Storytime with Allen McCaulley and Legacy Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Mon Feb 24 to read aloud to dogs from… Bettendorf Public Library, 6pm
Teen Advisory Board Meeting, learn about volunteering Therapy Dogs, for ages 6-11; join us at the library for a… Thu Mar 6
at the library. You’ll help us plan… Rock Island Public Library - Silvis Public Library, 6pm Thu Feb 20 Teen Anime and Ramen Night, teens and tweens in
Watts-Midtown Branch, 11:30am Sat Feb 15 grades 6-12, stop in to watch… Moline Public Library, 6pm Tales for Tots, an enriching activity time for children ages
I’m Board Game Club, bring yourself and a friend to the Mon Feb 24 birth through three… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu
Teen Book Club: Fantasy, teens are welcome to join us library to play… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Mar 6
for a lively discussion… Bettendorf Public Library, 3pm Sat Branch, 4pm Thu Feb 20 Teen DIY: Folding Star Origami, hang out with Miss
Feb 15 Amber and learn how to make… Davenport Public Library - Herbivores: Ages 10-13, your child will have the
Lazy Crafternoons: Folded Book Hearts, pre- Eastern Avenue Branch, 4:30pm Mon Feb 24 opportunity to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, 2:30pm Sat Mar 8
Teen Leadership Committee Meeting, on Saturdays; TLC registration is required; celebrate our love for books with a…
is a group of enthusiastic teenagers who… Bettendorf Public LeClaire Community Library, 5pm Thu Feb 20 Young Adventurer’s Club, if you made your own character Herbivores: Ages 4-5, your child will have the opportunity
Library, 2pm Sat Feb 15 during our character building session,… Moline Public to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, 10am Sat Mar 8
Read to a Dog, QC CAN’s Reading Assistance Dogs are Library, 5pm Mon Feb 24
Victory, Stand! Raising My Fist For Justice, a discussion specially trained, along with… Davenport Public Library - Herbivores: Ages 6-9, your child will have the opportunity
of the book by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes,… Rock Island Eastern Avenue Branch, 5:30pm Thu Feb 20 Anime Takeover, join us as we watch Japanese Animation, to learn about a… Niabi Zoo, noon Sat Mar 8
Public Library - Watts-Midtown Branch, 11am Sat Feb 15 have snacks, and… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Teen Library Council, students in grades 6-12 are needed Avenue Branch, 6pm Tue Feb 25 Lego Club, enjoy a morning of free building; free; for
Teen Trivia, test your knowledge at this teen-only event; to give advice and… Moline Public Library, 3:30pm Thu Feb information, call… Bettendorf Public Library, 11:30am Sat
free; for information,… Bettendorf Public Library, noon Mon 20 Family Storytime: Narwhal, we’re exploring the narwhals Mar 8
Feb 17 with stories, songs, and a fun… LeClaire Community Library,
Yoga and Stories, experience your favorite stories, told 6pm Tue Feb 25 Pokémon Club, an opportunity for Pokémon enthusiasts
Read-Aloud Stories with Mr. Haack, stop by the library along with yoga poses! Bring… Bettendorf Public Library, (ages 6-12) to battle, share,… Davenport Public Library -
for an evening Storytime unlike any… LeClaire Community 6:30pm Thu Feb 20 Stretchy Storytime, explore the magic of storytime Eastern Avenue Branch, 10am Sat Mar 8
Library, 6pm Tue Feb 18 through movement and music; for… Moline Public Library,
Teen Movie Night: Narnia, join us for a screening of “The 5pm Tue Feb 25 Read to a Dog, QC CAN’s Reading Assistance Dogs are
Teen Tuesday: Mandala Stones, we’ll use cool tools and Lion, the Witch,… East Moline Public Library, 4pm Fri Feb 21 specially trained, along with… Davenport Public Library -
unique techniques to craft your… Silvis Public Library, 7pm Teen Tuesday: Plate Decorating, whether you’re into Fairmount Street Branch, 3pm Sat Mar 8
Tue Feb 18 Bluey Bash, make fabulous crafts and play all sorts of fun bold designs or subtle patterns, it’s a… Silvis Public Library,
games… Moline Public Library, 2pm Sat Feb 22 7pm Tue Feb 25
Tween Sip and Solve, enjoy puzzles and hot cocoa; we will
have a variety… East Moline Public Library, 4pm Tue Feb 18 Book Buddies (Sensory Session): Nature, After School Kids Lab: I Spy Activities, test your
recommended for children ages 0-5; a super fun time filled… finding skills with different types of look-and-find games,…
Silvis Public Library, 10am Sat Feb 22 Bettendorf Public Library, 3pm Wed Feb 26
28 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

“And they love The Nutcracker,” Rosen-

Adler Ushers bolm said. “Especially the snowfall scene.”
Continued from page 9 Cox said the Adler could always use
more friendly, extroverted volunteer
and Hedy picked comedian John Mulaney, ushers, who also get free concessions.
who was at the Adler for two shows on July Including concessions, operations, box
24, 2022. office, and backstage, it takes upward of
“He was so good and had such interac- 200 staffers to put on an event. And with
tion with the audience,” she said. Because events that have a late seating policy, such
he was filming that date for a Netflix spe- as the QCSO’s, patrons who miss the start
cial, patrons had to give up their phones at must wait for applause in the program to be
the start of the show. seated (or after the National Anthem at the
“Different acts draw different crowds,” opening). As Cox said, “That is where my
Michael said, noting the country-western ushers really come in handy.”
audiences to whom the Adler sells a lot Upcoming events at the Adler Theatre
more beer. “And people act accordingly.” and adjoining Davenport RiverCenter
Audiences for The Nutcracker and the include:
QCSO movies are primarily families, and Pretty Woman: The Musical: Wednes-
Volunteer ushers Michael and Hedy Hustedde (photo by Jonathan Turner).
the ushers enjoy seeing people happy and day, February 12, 8 p.m.. (Adler)
having a good time. Havlife Martini Shake Off: Thursday,
“Kids are amazingly well behaved,” could do together,” Schweer said of her Vibrant, on top of the other shows. The
husband Jay, who’s also an usher. “I just Adler isn’t as busy over the summer, Cox February 20, 7 p.m. (RiverCenter Great
Michael said. “It’s a very pleasant thing to Hall)
do – you’re helping people, you know your really love it. I like getting together with said.
people.” Rosenbohm’s favorites at the MARK QCSO Masterworks V: Echoes of Explo-
station, your area.” ration: Saturday, Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m. (Adler)
Jan Schweer of Davenport has been an Bev Rosenbohm of Davenport has ush- were James Taylor and Bette Midler. She
ered since 1989 and stays on the main floor, enjoyed Big Head Todd and the Monsters Saturday Night Fights: Saturday, March
usher for 12 years. Linda Vandeventer of 8, 8 p.m. (RiverCenter Great Hall)
Bettendorf has ushered since 1977 and has as she’s afraid of heights. Her aisle (three) is at the Adler, especially their opening act
the busiest in the Adler. – Hootie and the Blowfish, who weren’t a Shamrock Tenors: Wednesday, March
been house manager (which is paid) 12 12, 7:30 p.m. (Adler)
years. “I have a friend who was in choir with big deal when the headliners played. The
me at church, and she was doing it,” same thing happened at the MARK, said Mean Girls: Thursday, March 13, 7:30
There are 800 Broadway season-ticket p.m. (Adler)
holders, including for all five shows or a Rosenbohm said of ushering. “My daughter Rosenbolm, when she ushered as 20-year-
was a senior in high school, so it was time old Taylor Swift opened in 2010. The Jimmys and the Avey Grouws
Broadway Balcony Club – which is three Band: Saturday, March 22, 8 p.m. (River-
shows for $99, in the second balcony, with a to start doing something.” She has also “We have a little bit of everybody,” Cox
worked at the Vibrant Arena at The MARK said of the Adler. Center Mississippi Hall)
free drink voucher for each. Normally, each
touring show costs $44 to $88. (as a minimum-wage-paid usher) since the “I’m eclectic, I like everything,” said
venue’s 1993 opening. Schweer, who added that she loves seeing For more information on ushering oppor-
“The lovely thing about our theatre is, tunities, visit
no matter where you are, it’s a great view,” Between the Davenport theatre the expression of kids who’ve never been to
and Moline arena, Rosenbohm has a the Adler before. “I think the neatest thing [Link]/the-adler-theatre.
Cox said.
“We retired and it was something we busy winter, given the dance competi- is when these children come in and go,
tions at the Adler and hockey games at ‘Ahhhhh!’ It’s amazing.”

before other Iowa home games. “I didn’t Moline, and he’s working on writing a “If you love it, it’s just another pas-
CJ Parker know they were going to retire Caitlin follow-up to record in about a month. time,” Parker said. “I just like making
Continued from page 22 Clark’s jersey that night … . That’ll be The debut disc was seven songs and 22 music.”
said before the concert. “He has a tre- cool.” minutes long. In January, he wrote 36 new “I’m just writing while I’m doing some-
mendous reputation for his singing of the Parker’s first record, The I Album, was songs, with the goal to write a new one thing else. I have ADHD, so I can’t just sit
anthem for the Iowa Hawkeye basketball recorded in 2023 at E$ Sounds in East every day. there,” he said. “I’ve been writing a lot.”
games. We are thrilled to have him sing.” For his first album, Parker penned 20
Parker was honored to be part of the songs and chose “quality over quantity”
program highlighting the Pulitzer- to ultimately record, given that he had
winning Michael Abels, another Afri- limited recording time. He hopes to
can-American composer. “People don’t release the new one in early fall.
understand the power of that, to have He enjoys playing solo for the freedom
something like that come to the Quad and control he can exert, and the band
Cities.” setup more to fill out sounds and try out
He couldn’t, however; perform the things in his head.
anthem before the concert’s February “With just me and piano,” Parker said,
2 presentation at Augustana College, “there’s more intention behind it, and I
because Parker was instead singing it at can focus more on my vocals.”
the University of Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye
Arena, where former Iowa superstar Cait- CJ Parker performs in the Library Ses-
lin Clark returned to have her number-22 sions at the Sound Conservatory (504 17th
jersey retired before the Hawkeyes played Street, Moline) on February 23 at 5 p.m.
USC. Admission is $8-18, and more informa-
“It’s crazy,” Parker said in our January tion and tickets are available by visiting
25 interview, noting he’s sung the anthem [Link].
CJ Parker
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 29
VISUAL ARTS
Melting Point: Improvisations in the State of Clay
Megan Quinn at St. Ambrose University’s Catich Gallery
through February 28 - Q&A/Reception: Friday, February 7, 5 – 7 p.m.

L
ongtime arts educator at Augustana Washington, D.C., in both Silver Spring and

Protect
College and successful ceramicist/ Bowie, Maryland. I was really fascinated
sculptor Megan Quinn has 35 ceramic by clay in high school, possibly because of
sculptures on display at the Catich Gallery on haunting a wonderful English couple who

Your Loved Ones

the campus of St. Ambrose University. Below ran the Annapolis Pottery as a kid. Still, I
are her artist statement and biography. didn’t take art classes in high school because

from RSV
of playing flute in the band.
Artist Statement “I attended the University of Maryland
“My process often starts with building a and studied botany and taxonomy, where
paper or wooden mold which I wrap with I learned to draw while working on plant
clay. As the base of the form dries, I alter it classifications. From here, I took the drawing
and build on it, cutting away, folding, and and design classes that were prerequisites for
rebuilding. I address the instability and ceramics. After this, I focused my studies on
fragility or sturdiness of both clay and life. art, crafts, and design with a smattering of
The mold form I build is the beginning of the
process which ends with improvisation. This
English and philosophy.
“Upon graduation, I apprenticed with RSV is a common respiratory
virus, which peaks in the
way of working requires a well-conceived a potter in the D.C. area until attending
idea to begin the mold making process, but graduate school at the University of Notre
there is search and surprise in the beginning Dame. I was hired by Augustana College
stages and in the latter stage of building from
the mold, that working in this way allows.
directly after graduate school in 1980, where
I taught ceramics, sculpture, and design for
winter months.
“Generally, once the form is partially dry, 44 years. I have exhibited ceramic vessels
I begin to paint with colored clay slips. I use throughout the Midwest and with shows
color to articulate the form and to add cohe-
sion and interest. Often, I cut paper stencils
curated by the National Ceramic Educators
Conference (NCECA). Teaching has allowed
RSV can be dangerous for
to start the painting process based on various
prompts from my experience. I use glaze to
me to branch out and try things I might not
have had the luxury to try as a studio artist. infants and older adults.
add another layer of color and texture once
These age groups are more
I’ve been able to focus on the art of firing
the piece is dried. kilns with wood as fuel and to develop glaze
“A variety of clays were used in the forms formulas. I have also spent two summers
included here, including stoneware, porce-
lain, and earthenware. Firing techniques
working with Quad City Arts Metro Arts
and Augustana students on the mosaic por- likely to be hospitalized
from RSV.
vary from electric fueled kilns to gas and tion of a public sculpture in Schwiebert Park,
wood fired kilns. Although it’s labor inten- titled Lloyd’s Trek.”
sive, I’ve been using wood for fuel for the past A Melting Point: Improvisations in the
forty years in kilns that Augustana College State of Clay reception and Q&A with Megan
allowed me to design and build. This has Quinn will be held in the Catich Gallery
been my preference because of the spontane- of St. Ambrose University’s Galvin Fine Ask your family’s
ous color and textures the ashy atmosphere
provides.”
Arts Center on February 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., healthcare providers
and the exhibition itself will be on display
through February 28. For more information,
about RSV prevention.
Biography visit [Link]/CatichGallerySAU.
“I was born in Baltimore, Maryland,
and grew up in between Annapolis and
30 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.

LIVE MUSIC
Get Your Local Licks On
Through March 9, 2024
March Print Edition Deadline:
March 2: calendar@[Link]

(6)
The Cewtippers – Riverside Casino and Golf Jordan Beem – Kilkenny’s, 300 W. 3rd St., & More (3pm) – Raccoon Motel, 315 E. Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
THURSDAY
Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA Davenport IA Second St., Davenport IA (6:30pm) – First Congregational Church -
Chris Avey (6pm) – Twin Span Brewing, 6776 Drama Major – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State St.,
SATURDAY (8) Mo Carter (6pm) – Green Tree Brewery, 309 N. Moline, 2201 7th Avenue, Moline IL
Championship Dr., Bettendorf IA
Jordan Danielsen (6:30pm) – The Gypsy
Bettendorf IA
Funktastic 5 – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Grill, Alborn – Discrepancies – Emperors &
Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
Revel in Red – Facecarver – Mental Riot – MONDAY (10) Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special – First
Congregational Church - Moline, 2201 7th
Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA Angels – NonGrata – The Redstone Room, The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline IL The Crossing – Shared Solo Recital, Voxman Avenue, Moline IL
Davenport IA John Cole Borne (6pm) – The Tangled Wood, 129 Main St, Davenport IA Richard Roberts Jr. – Bootleg Hill Honey Music Building, 93 East Burlington [Link] Cyrille Aimée (7 & 9pm) – Hancher
Open Jam Night (6pm) – Denny O’s, 307 10th 3636 Tanglewood Rd., Bettendorf IA Brooke Byam – Dustin Weiss – Riverside Means, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA City Auditorium, 141 East Park Rd., Iowa City IA
Ave, Fulton IL John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party (6pm) – Casino and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Ryan Bizzari – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Grill, The Electric Cars: Cars Tribute – Raccoon
Open Mic Night w/ Antone Burton – Bootleg
Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport
Capitol Theatre, 330 W. 3rd St., Davenport
IA
Riverside IA
Crooked Cactus – Rhythm City Casino
4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA
Ryan Smith (6pm) – Jennie’s Boxcar LLC, 545 TUESDAY (11) Motel, 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA
Final Mix – Rhythm City Casino Resort
IA The Jordan Danielsen Band – Whiskey Stop, Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., 12th Ave., East Moline IL Love Songs with Jim & Marcia (1pm) – Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Open Mic w/ David & Paul (5:30pm) – 726 15th Ave., East Moline IL Davenport IA Velvet Suns – Melissa Lynn Lanpher – The Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St., Moline Davenport IA
Tuggers Burger Bar & Ale House, 201 N. Lewis Knudsen – Bootleg Hill Honey Means, Dogcatcher – Daisy Glue – Raccoon Motel, Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust IL Great River Show Choir International
Main St., Port Byron IL 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA St., Davenport IA Morning in May – Chasing Satellites – – Davenport RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St,
Palomino – Rhythm City Casino Resort Emanuel Ax and Anthony McGill – Hancher Eugene Levy – On Hiatus – Gabe’s, 330 E. Davenport IA

FRIDAY (7)
Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
Auditorium, 141 East Park Rd., Iowa City IA
Emo Nite – Capitol Theatre, 330 W. 3rd St., SUNDAY (9) Washington St., Iowa City IA
Open Mic Jam – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Hap Hazard – Denny O’s, 307 10th Ave, Fulton
IL
3 on the Tree – Denny O’s, 307 10th Ave, The Matt Fuller Band – The Gypsy Highway Davenport IA Active Adult & Senior Winter Dance (4pm) Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA Jordan Danielsen – The Grape Life Wine
Fulton IL Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA Far Out 283 – Whiskey Stop, 726 15th Ave., – Geneseo Community Center, 541 E. North Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave.,
Angela Meyer – Obie’s Bar & Restaurant, 3610
173rd Ave., Maquoketa IA
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra – Josh &
Alice Butler Hall - University of Dubuque
East Moline IL
James Tutson – Englert Theatre, 221 East
St., Geneseo IL
Duke Oursler – Bishop Hill Creative WEDNESDAY (12) Davenport IA
Kellen Myers (6:30pm) – Jennie’s Boxcar LLC,
Bell & Field – The V’ue, 137 5th Ave. S., Clinton Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett St., Washington St., Iowa City IA Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop Donovan Gustofson (6:30pm) – The Gypsy 545 12th Ave., East Moline IL
IA Dubuque IA Jim Ryan – The Market at the Tap, 105 W. First Hill IL Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Lojo Russo – Bootleg Hill Honey Means, 321 E.
Victor Dean – The Grape Life Wine Store & St., Monticello IA Tropical Super Bowl w/ Angela Meyer Davenport IA 2nd St., Davenport IA
Open Mic w/ Donovan Gustofson – Whiskey Paul & Sara (6pm) – Green Tree Brewery, 309
Stop, 726 15th Ave., East Moline IL N. Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
Vivaldi’s Gloria – John & Alice Butler Hall, Rambunctious – Whiskey Stop, 726 15th Ave.,
2255 Bennett St., Dubuque IA East Moline IL
Wild Horses – Marques Morel (6pm) Rosie & the Rivets – Riverside Casino and Golf
– Raccoon Motel, 315 E. Second St., Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
Davenport IA Smooth Groove – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA

THURSDAY (13)
Angela Meyer – UP Skybar & Lounge, 215 N.
SUNDAY (16)
Main St., Moline IL Get the Led Out – Capitol Theatre, 330 W. 3rd
Brahms and His Admirers – Cornell College, St., Davenport IA
600 1st St SW, Mt. Vernon IA Glyders – Lys Allen (6pm) – Raccoon Motel,
The Crossing – Hancher Auditorium, 141 East 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA
Park Rd., Iowa City IA The Night Life Band (2pm) – Harley’s Pub &
Lewis Knudsen (6pm) – Twin Span Brewing, Reception Hall, 2243 Grand Ave., Galesburg
6776 Championship Dr., Bettendorf IA IL
Not Petty: Tom Petty Tribute (6:30pm) – Polyrhythms’ Third Sunday Jazz Series:
The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Karli Bunn Quartet (5pm) – Unitarian
Locust St., Davenport IA Universalist Congregation of the Quad
Open Jam Night (6pm) – Denny O’s, 307 10th Cities, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA
Ave, Fulton IL Schumann Quartet – Hancher Auditorium,
Open Mic Night w/ Antone Burton – Bootleg 141 East Park Rd., Iowa City IA
Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport Soulful Sundays (1pm) – Wake Brewing, 2529
IA Fifth Ave., Rock Island IL
Tropidelic – Bikini Trill – The Redstone

FRIDAY (14) Room, 129 Main St, Davenport IA

Whiskey Business (3pm) – The Gypsy
Alex Fischbach (6pm) – The Tangled Wood, Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
3636 Tanglewood Rd., Bettendorf IA Davenport IA
Bowman, Pickney, & Evans – The V’ue, 137
5th Ave. S., Clinton IA
Brian Skow Love Songs – The Grape Life
TUESDAY (18)
Wine Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave., Goitse (11am) – Bettendorf Public Library,
Davenport IA 2950 Learning Campus Dr., Bettendorf IA
Dimensions of Disco presents: The Love Keenan O’Meara (6pm) – Raccoon Motel, 315
Dimension – Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third Ave., E. Second St., Davenport IA
Rock Island IL Open Mic Jam – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Final Mix – Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA Schumann Quartet plays Beethoven (1pm)
Flatland Ridge – Riverside Casino and Golf – Hancher Auditorium, 141 East Park Rd.,
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA Iowa City IA
Hairball – The Pork Tornadoes – The Rust
Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline IL
James & Michael – The Rusty Fox Wine & WEDNESDAY (19)
Alehouse, 1 E 3rd St., Sterling IL Corsicana – Nicole Dean (6pm) – Raccoon
Jeni Grouws Band – The Gypsy Highway Bar Motel, 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA
& Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA Good Habits – New Neighbors – Slow
Jim Ryan (1pm) – Moline Activity Center, 620 Retreat – Gunk Lung – Gabe’s, 330 E.
18th St., Moline IL Washington St., Iowa City IA
John Born – Bootleg Hill Honey Means, 321 E. Open Mic w/ Donovan Gustofson – Whiskey
2nd St., Davenport IA Stop, 726 15th Ave., East Moline IL
Let Me Be Frank – Orpheum Theatre, 57 S.
Kellogg St., Galesburg IL
Rosie & the Rivets – Rhythm City Casino THURSDAY (20)
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., Brenner Bushman (6pm) – The Rusty Fox
Davenport IA Wine & Alehouse, 1 E 3rd St., Sterling IL
Valentine’s Day w/ Funktastic Five – Rascals The Chris & Wes Show – Whiskey Stop, 726
Live, 1414 15th St., Moline IL 15th Ave., East Moline IL
Fishbait – KL!NG – Second Half – Anti–Cash

SATURDAY (15) – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City IA

Goitse – The Sound Conservatory - Moline,
Angela Meyer (5:30pm) – The Lucky Frog Bar 504 17th St., Moline IL
& Grill, 313 N. Salina St, McCausland IA Jason Carl & Bret Dale (6:30pm) – The Gypsy
Belmont – Young Culture – New Neighbors Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
– Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City IA Davenport IA
Big Hair Mafia – Mercury’s Crown – The Rust Jordan Danielsen (6pm) – Twin Span
Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline IL Brewing, 6776 Championship Dr.,
Bowman, Pickney, & Evans – The V’ue, 137 Bettendorf IA
5th Ave. S., Clinton IA Michael Cera Palin – Combat (6pm)
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. [Link]/Support. LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 31
(25)
Oriska – Maul of America – THGDC –
TUESDAY
– Raccoon Motel, 315 E. Second St.,
Davenport IA Acoustic Guillotine – Diastolic Pressure
Morgan Myles – Bishop Hill Creative Open Mic Jam – The Gypsy Highway Bar & (6pm) – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa
Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA City IA
Hill IL Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Open Jam Night (6pm) – Denny O’s, 307 10th Masterworks V: Echoes of Exploration
Ave, Fulton IL WEDNESDAY (26) (2pm) – Centennial Hall, Augustana
Open Mic Night w/ Antone Burton – Bootleg Open Mic w/ Donovan Gustofson – Whiskey College, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island IL
Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport Stop, 726 15th Ave., East Moline IL Ryanhood – Bishop Hill Creative Commons,
IA Shake Hands with Danger (6:30pm) – The 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill IL
Open Mic w/ David & Paul (5:30pm) – Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust
Tuggers Burger Bar & Ale House, 201 N.
Main St., Port Byron IL
St., Davenport IA TUESDAY (4)
(27)
Open Mic Jam – The Gypsy Highway Bar &

FRIDAY (21) THURSDAY Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA

Cigarettes for Breakfast – Stoney Point – Quad City Ukulele Band (noon) – Rock Island
Ben Schwind (noon) – Bettendorf Public Cough N Flop (6pm) – Raccoon Motel, 315 Public Library - Downtown Library, 401
Library, 2950 Learning Campus Dr., E. Second St., Davenport IA 19th St., Rock Island IL
Bettendorf IA Open Jam Night (6pm) – Denny O’s, 307 10th
Eli Traum – Denny O’s, 307 10th Ave, Fulton IL
Flatland Ridge – Riverside Casino and Golf
Ave, Fulton IL
Open Mic Night – The Rusty Fox Wine &
WEDNESDAY (5)
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA Alehouse, 1 E 3rd St., Sterling IL Gaelic Storm – Englert Theatre, 221 East
I–Rock 93.5 Cabin Fever w/ Josey Scott of Open Mic Night w/ Antone Burton – Bootleg Washington St., Iowa City IA
Saliva – The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport Open Mic w/ Donovan Gustofson – Whiskey
Moline IL IA Stop, 726 15th Ave., East Moline IL
John Mueller + Tom Lecky: All Colors Part One Tribe – Rude Punch – Ro Hempel – Swisher Sweet – Black’ N’ Mild (6L:30pm)
Present – Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa City IA – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W.
Island IL Pat Foley (6:30pm) – The Gypsy Highway Bar Locust St., Davenport IA
John Resch & Doggin’ Out Band (6pm) – & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
Firehouse Bar & Grill, 2006 Hickory Grove
Rd., Davenport IA
Stillhouse Junkies – Englert Theatre, 221 East
Washington St., Iowa City IA
THURSDAY (6)
Jordan Danielsen (6pm) – The Tangled Drew & Allie Holcomb – Englert Theatre, 221
Wood, 3636 Tanglewood Rd., Bettendorf IA
FRIDAY (28)
East Washington St., Iowa City IA
Karl Beatty – Bootleg Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. Hunter Peebles & the Moonlighters –
2nd St., Davenport IA Angela Meyer – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State St., Brandon Good (6pm) – Raccoon Motel,
Matthew McNeal – Ten Tigers AC – Bettendorf IA 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA
Jinnouchi Power – Raccoon Motel, 315 E. Barefoot Free for All – Caleb Talbott – The The Jeremiahs – Bishop Hill Creative
Second St., Davenport IA Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop
Modern Mythology – Whiskey Stop, 726 15th St., Davenport IA Hill IL
Ave., East Moline IL Chantilly Lace (7:30pm) – Panther Creek Neil McReynolds (6pm) – Twin Span Brewing,
Peterson Farm Brothers – Bishop Hill (9:30pm) – Riverside Casino and Golf 6776 Championship Dr., Bettendorf IA
Creative Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA Open Jam Night (6pm) – Denny O’s, 307 10th
Bishop Hill IL Chris Avey Band – Whiskey Stop, 726 15th Ave, Fulton IL
Semi Charmed – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Ave., East Moline IL Open Mic Night w/ Antone Burton – Bootleg
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA The Cowtippers – Rhythm City Casino Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport
Sincere Engineer – Tightwire – Rational Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., IA
Anthem – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Davenport IA Open Mic w/ David & Paul (5:30pm) –
Iowa City IA Karaoke and DJ Night – Denny O’s, 307 10th Tuggers Burger Bar & Ale House, 201 N.
The Tailfins – Rhythm City Casino Resort Ave, Fulton IL Main St., Port Byron IL
Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves Vic Roberts – Logan McDanks (6:30pm)
Davenport IA – Rianna Marie – Raccoon Motel, 315 E. – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W.
The Uniphonics – Alyx Rush – Colo Channel Second St., Davenport IA Locust St., Davenport IA
– Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Rob and Gary of The Night People – Bootleg Willis – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa
Iowa City IA Hill Honey Means, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport City IA
IA
SATURDAY (22) Tab Benoit – Englert Theatre, 221 East
Washington St., Iowa City IA
FRIDAY (7)
Basset Hound Bash (1pm) – Green Tree Funktastic 5 – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill,
Brewery, 309 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
SATURDAY (1)
2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
Ben LaMar Gay Ensemble and Isaiah Collier Hearsay – Tea? Yes, Yay! – Rozz-Tox, 2108
& The Chosen Few featuring Jimetta Blues Deluxe – Chris Stevens (6:30pm) – Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Rose (6pm) – Hancher Auditorium, 141 The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. The Marshall Tucker Band – Rhythm City
East Park Rd., Iowa City IA Locust St., Davenport IA Casino Resort Event Center, 7077 Elmore
Cardiacs: an evening of listening – Rozz- Chloe Kimes – Tobin Kirk – Bishop Hill Ave., Davenport IA
Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock Island IL Creative Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Jason & John Experience (6pm) – Firehouse
Crooked Cactus – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Bishop Hill IL Bar & Grill, 2006 Hickory Grove Rd.,
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA Code 415 – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State St., Davenport IA
Daft Punk Night – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington Bettendorf IA Seth David – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.,
St., Iowa City IA F. Chopin: A Birthday Celebration Iowa City IA
Doug Brundies – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Performance – The Sound Conservatory, Songwriter Sessions: David G Smith – Mark
Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA 504 17th St., Moline IL Ridolfi – Carol Montag – The Redstone
Jim Ryan (1pm) – Snowstar Ski Resort, 9500 For Those About to Yacht – Pick Your Room, 129 Main St, Davenport IA
126th St. W, Andalusia IL Poison – The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Tony Logue & the 184 – Josh Merritt –
Jim Ryan (7pm) – Geneseo Brewing Moline IL Addison Johnson – Raccoon Motel, 315 E.
Company, 102 S. State St., Geneseo IL Halfloves – Dearborn – Hambone – The Second St., Davenport IA
The Knox–Galesburg Symphony’s Maple Babies – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington
Celebrating Black Voices in Classical
Music: A Conversation & Concert
St., Iowa City IA
John Cole Born – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N
SATURDAY (8)
– Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA 28 Days Later – Soulcage – Worst
Galesburg IL Orchestra Iowa Masterworks IV: A Lyrical Impressions – Dirty Blonde – Gabe’s, 330
Lex Leto x Makebelief – Stnic – Englert Journey – Paramount Theatre, 123 3rd E. Washington St., Iowa City IA
Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa [Link], Cedar Rapids IA Dave Killinger – Bootleg Hill Honey Means,
City IA Quad City Symphony Orchestra 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
Matt Hamilton (6pm) – Jennie’s Boxcar LLC, Masterworks V: Echoes of Exploration – Finom – Brother Bird – Raccoon Motel, 315 E.
545 12th Ave., East Moline IL Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport IA Second St., Davenport IA
Monica Austin – Riverside Casino and Golf Rascal Flatts – Vibrant Arena at the MARK, Funktastic Five – 7 Ark – The Rust Belt, 533
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA 1201 River Dr, Moline IL 12th Ave., East Moline IL
The Night People – Rhythm City Casino Sam Prekop – Idpyramid – Rozz-Tox, 2108 Jheri Curl Grease – Zeb Brooks – Rozz-Tox,
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., Third Ave., Rock Island IL 2108 Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Davenport IA Tall Tall Trees – Raccoon Motel, 315 E. Second LicKwid Red – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Grill,
Patrick Moore – Bootleg Hill Honey Means, St., Davenport IA 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA
321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA True Day – Bootleg Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. North Mississippi Allstars – The Redstone
Todd Striley & the Noize – Denny O’s, 307 2nd St., Davenport IA Room, 129 Main St, Davenport IA
10th Ave, Fulton IL Retro Active: Poison Tribute – Def Leppard
Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls – Nonetheless
(2)
Tribute – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill,
– The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline IL SUNDAY 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
F. Chopin: A Birthday Celebration
SUNDAY (23) Performance (6pm) – The Sound
Conservatory, 504 17th St., Moline IL
SUNDAY (9)
Dan Maguire – Bishop Hill Creative The Manny Lopez Big Band (2pm) – The Active Adult & Senior Winter Dance (4pm)
Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 1818 Third Ave., Rock – Geneseo Community Center, 541 E. North
Hill IL Island IL St., Geneseo IL
The Library Sessions: CJ Parker – Lainey The Night Life Band (2pm) – Smokin’ Willies Gallivant – Jerm Theory – Bishop Hill
Jean Lewis – Lewis Knudsen (5pm) – The BBQ, 161 N Cherry St., Galesburg IL Creative Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St.,
Sound Conservatory, 504 17th St., Moline IL Orchestra Iowa Masterworks IV: A Lyrical Bishop Hill IL
Maria Klein (4pm) – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Journey (2pm) – Coralville Center for the Rambunctious (4pm) – The Gypsy Highway
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA Performing Arts, 1301 5th St., Coralville IA Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
32 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 32 No. 1030 • February 2025 LOCAL & STATE HEADLINES @ [Link] Know More. Do More. [Link]/Calendar.