His credits including touring events with the likes of the Impractical Jokers, comedian Greg Hahn, and two-time Emmy Award winner Jennifer Coolidge, standup hypnotist Doug Thompson brings his touring sensation The DougT Hypnosis Show to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on May 9. Potential stage participants, however, shouldn't worry about doing anything they'll regret in the morning, as Thompson prides himself on delivering a raucously fun evening that doesn’t come at the cost of compromised dignity.

The recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship who, in 2016, was also named one of Politico's “50 people across the country who are most influencing the national political debate," a Pulitzer Prize winner engages in virtual conversation with a Chicago-based journalist in Poverty – A Discussion with Matthew Desmond, the May 13 event with Desmond and Natalie Moore presented by Illinois Libraries Present and the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries.

Lauded by the Los Angeles Times as “a new breed of comic who's making magic cool again for grown-ups,” and by Time Out as an act that “must be seen to be disbelieved,” comedian, TV personality, and famed prestidigitator Justin Willman brings his “Illusionati Tour” to Davenport's Adler Theatre on May 2, Decider adding that the artist will “amaze, delight, and shock you in a way that's sure to have your face sore from smiling.”

An online May 3 program presented by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the Virtual Illinois Libraries Present offering Art & Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat will treat viewers to the intelligence, creativity, and humor of the New York Times bestselling author, joined in this special conversation about books and art with friend and collaborator Minh Lê.