ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (September 9, 2021) — To celebrate the end of a lively summer of outdoor events in the Quad Cities, River Music Experience (RME), Downtown Rock Island, and Bix Jazz Society are teaming up to present the NOLA Block Party, 6-10PM, Saturday, September 18, featuring nationally-recognized New Orleans-based jazz band Tuba Skinny.
In addition to the brick-and-mortar bars and restaurants in Downtown Rock Island, Pee Wee’s Restaurant and Tacos Al Vapor will be serving food at the event. Gate and food vendors open at 6PM; music starts at 7PM.
The event on the Great River Plaza (2nd Avenue pedestrian mall) is free and open to all ages. Donations will be accepted to raise funds for the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Hurricane Ida Disaster Fund. The event is sponsored by Illinois Casualty Company, Holiday Inn Rock Island, Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO), Daiquiri Factory, and The Arena.
“It’s rare the Quad Cities has a chance to present a jazz band of this caliber, especially outside of the summer Bix Jazz Fest. It’s even more exciting to be able to present the show for free, thanks to all the sponsors,” said Tyson Danner, RME’s Executive Director. “Working with the Quad Cities Chamber through its partnership with the City of Rock Island and downtown businesses has made this possible. It’s a perfect example of the kind of great experiences we can create in the Quad Cities when we build partnerships and work together.”
“As we work to revitalize Downtown Rock Island, this is a prime opportunity to activate the Great River Plaza with world-class entertainment, draw people to hard-hit downtown businesses and celebrate the closing days of summer in the Quad Cities,” said Jack Cullen, the Chamber’s Downtown Rock Island Director. “I’m grateful to RME for their partnership and support as well as our downtown businesses for teaming up to make this happen.”
About Tuba Skinny
Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences — from spirituals to Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz — their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances.
WHAT: NOLA Block Party with Tuba Skinny
WHEN: 6-10PM, Saturday, September 18
WHERE: Great River Plaza (2nd Avenue pedestrian mall), Downtown Rock Island
DETAILS: Admission is free; donations will be accepted at the gate to support the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Hurricane Ida Disaster Fund.
*No outside food or beverages permitted*
*Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs*
About River Music Experience
Founded in 2004, the RME is a community music organization in the Quad Cities. The non-profit provides music education and live music programs throughout the region, and advocates for our local music scene.
For more information: www.rivermusicexperience.org
About Downtown Rock Island
The Quad Cities Chamber and the City of Rock Island partnered earlier this year to explore creating a new organization with a sustainable funding model to provide downtown place management services. Follow Downtown Rock Island on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings and updates.
The Echo features stories, interviews, photos, and podcasts about all the things that make our music scene great. The comprehensive music-event calendar, created in collaboration with Visit Quad Cities, is your one-stop shop for live music events.
To learn more about the QC music scene and the people that make it happen, visit www.TheEchoQC.com.
