A lauded comedian who was a semi-finalist on the eighth season of NBC's competition series Last Comic Standing, touring sensation Tommy Ryman will be showcased in a virtual performance for the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center, his March 12 online engagement granting viewers access to the comedian singular blend of observational comedy, absurdism, sarcasm, and satire.

Appearing in a special co-presentation by the Davenport and Rock Island Public Libraries, award-winning young-adult author Tiffany D. Jackson will be showcased in a virtual author visit on March 9, with the Brooklyn-based talent speaking on her writing process, and five lauded novels, and her successful career that has extended far beyond literature.

On March 7, Army Sustainment Command Historian Kevin Braafladt will host a special virtual program for the German American Heritage Center, with his presentation The Fall of Berlin detailing the strategic fighting that led to the last days of the World War II, and the surrender negotiations between the Allies and the German government that officially ended the war in Europe.

Based on the essential writings of perhaps the most iconic civil-rights champion in American history, the virtual performance piece The Norm of Greatness: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be presented by the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on March 8, with its playwright and star Darryl Van Leer described byVariety magazine as “an actor gifted not only with exceptional range and depth, but with clear-eyed passion and intelligence.”

Making an eagerly anticipated stop at the Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center in support of his chart-topping album Get Em Out, comedian and singer/songwriter Rodney Carrington shares his standup and vocal talents in two performances on March 5, demonstrating the country-themed gifts that have made him an internationally touring crowd favorite and platinum-selling recording artist.

A special presentation in the 3rd Thursdays at Hoover's Presidential Library & Museum series – this one taking place on the 4th Thursday of the month – the Davenport Public Library hosts the virtual program Behind the Scenes at 'Firing Line' on February 25, with Herbert Hoover's great-grandchild Margaret Hoover detailing how she was able to reboot the popular PBS series and pull in amazing guests to interview.

Hosting an original exhibition displayed in conjunction with the Figge Art Museum's For America: 200 Years of Painting from the National Academy of Design, Davenport's Putnam Museum & Science Center will, through September 4, offer a fascinating exploration into historic portraiture with the homegrown exhibit Faces of the Past.

A special presentation on the famed member of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, the virtual program Everett Dirksen: His Humble Upbringing & Lasting Legacy will be hosted by the German American Heritage Center on February 28, with presenter Tiffany White speaking on Dirksen's life, accomplishments, and crucial work in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1969.

If you know the River Cities' Reader, you know Amy Alkon. Or at least you think you do.

A virtual dramatization educational in focus, historical in content, and hosted by Moline's Black Hawk College, I Have a Dream: A King’s Journey will be presented on February 17 by Marcus Gentry, founder and president of Marcus Gentry & Associates, and will cover the timeline from 1929 to the present day, emphasizing the three dominant principles that embody the spirit of Dr. King’s life and legacy. The conclusion of this presentation will consequently bring clarity to the overwhelming relevance of the historical events of the past in relation to the present.

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