With the virtual program boasting an interview with the bestselling author of six books including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life, the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries join Illinois Libraries Present in hosting Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig, this January 13 event finding the author in conversation with The Interview Show's Mark Bazer.

Exploring the transformative role immigrants played from 1880 to 1924 as the United States shifted from farmland to factory floors, Why We Need Immigrants and Why That Causes Conflict will be presented by Peter Kivisto at the German American Heritage Center, this fascinating January 11 talk the first 2026 event in the Davenport venue's popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series.

An Augustana College graduate, former Moline teacher/coach, and Superintendent of Rock Island-Milan Public Schools takes part in a conversation about his recent memoir From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond, a pair of January 15 "Community Connections" book talks with Dave Markward that finds the author, at the Bettendorf Public Library, sharing his personal journey of understanding racism in America.

With the event held in honor of the Roman Catholic priest, calligrapher, and longtime St. Ambrose University instructor born on January 4, 1906, the Davenport Public Library's Main Branch will host its Edward Catich Birthday Celebration on January 10, treating visitors to a presentation and art demonstration with Paul Herrera at 10 a.m., plus a calligraphy workshop with Amy Nielsen at 11 a.m.

Touring in support of their 2025 album Kill the Architect, a recording that Americana Highways said "works entertainingly and embodies their bold creativity," the indie rockers of Gasoline Lollipops return to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on January 13, the group also lauded by New Noise for their "a powerful mix of Americana, outlaw country, and just enough punk-rock swagger to appeal to those who won’t admit to liking those other two genres."

On January 9, three touring tribute acts will deliver one exhilarating night of country hits when East Moline venue The Rust Belt hosts its co-headlining concert with Tennessee Whiskey: A Tribute to Chris Stapleton, The Ultimate Eric Church Experience, and Bell Bottom Revival: Lainey Wilson Tribute, a celebration of the Nashville-based singer/songwriters and their chart-topping, award-winning, multi-platinum-selling discographies.

With the exhibition's trio of artists three hoping that viewers will take some time to look for joy in their work and enjoy a diversion from the tension happening around us, Mutschler, Quick, & Westphal will be on display at the Quad City Arts International Airport Gallery from January 6 through March 2, the showcase of Midwestern talent featuring photos by Pete Mutschler, folded paper by Rebecca Quick, and serigraphs by Keosha Westphal.

From January 3, 2026, through January 3, 2027, masterworks on loan from Wichita, Kansas will be presented throughout the Figge’s Art Museum's Linda and J. Randolph Lewis Wing, with the exhibition Art Bridges: Ulrich Museum of Art presented through the Art Bridges Partner Loan Network – an art-sharing initiative that connects museums across the country.

Known for creating collaborative, improvisation-driven performances that blend funk, soul, rock, and jazz influences into a fluid, ever-evolving live experience, Joe Marcinek and his band play Rock Island's recently re-opened RIBCO on January 3, his outfit bringing together elite musicians to explore groove-based music in real time, making every show unique.

An intimate evening of gorgeous classical music will be hosted by Davenport's First Presbyterian Church on January 10, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra showcasing its principal oboe player in Up Close with Andy Parker, a night of lilting and energetic compositions with Parker accompanied on piano by frequent QCSO guest performer Marian Lee.

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