01 Aug Arts & culture celebration, family fun coming to Arts Alley Aug. 15 as part of Alternating Currents in Rock Island

Posted at 10:37h in Business, Culture, Events, Food, Music, News by

Crews are literally paving the way this week ahead of an exciting event on Thursday, Aug. 15 to celebrate the ongoing progress in Arts Alley, an outdoor pedestrian space in the heart of downtown Rock Island. 

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Thursday night kickoff to Alternating Currents hosted by the Rock Island Downtown Alliance will also celebrate the growing arts and culture sector in the Quad Cities. Presented by the Quad Cities Cultural Trust (QCCT), the free event will feature an array of entertainment and family-friendly activities provided by the organization’s nonprofit Legacy Partners: 

  • Community painting of a piano led by Quad Cities artist Sarah Robb, as part of Common Chord’s OneSound Piano Project in coordination with Quad City Arts 
  • Interactive learning exhibits on Quad City Botanical Center’s Plant Discovery Bus 
  • Instrument petting zoo hosted by Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Common Chord 
  • Arts Alley scavenger hunt with winnable prizes organized by Figge Art Museum and Putnam Museum and Science Center 
  • Balloon artistry and face painting provided by QCCT 

 

Spoken word artist Altease Ramsey of the Quad Cities will help set the tone for the evening with a live performance on the Arts Alley stage, followed by touring country blues/folk/Americana artist Justin Golden at 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from downtown favorites Icons Martini and Huckleberry’s Pizza & Calzones. At 6 p.m., Quad City Arts is hosting a gallery opening featuring the works of artists Cathie Crawford and Whitney Sage adjacent to Arts Alley.   

“QCCT is proud to co-host this kickoff to Alternating Currents in Arts Alley,” said Shea Doyle, Chair, QCCT Board of Directors. “We intend to be the regional leader of enriching arts and culture for all. The event on August 15 in downtown Rock Island is a great example of how QCCT serves not only as a funder of art and culture in the Quad Cities, but also as a convener.” 

Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, shared his gratitude to the QCCT and partners for collaborating with the Downtown Alliance to create a multi-faceted event. “When we started planning physical changes to Arts Alley more than three years ago, this is exactly the type of programming we envisioned providing for the community in this dynamic public space,” Cullen said. “Not all the improvements will be complete by the event, but guests will get a great taste of the vibe we’re going for in Arts Alley and beyond downtown. Don’t miss out on the fun!”  

Alternating Currents Parking and Event Map 8.15.24.

Following the live music and other action in Arts Alley, attendees are invited to enjoy an additional lineup of events Thursday night in downtown Rock Island as part of Alternating Currents: 

Parking is free and available in the City-leased lot at 101 17th Street between Arts Alley and Schwiebert Riverfront Park. Bicycle taxis known as pedicabs will be on site offering free rides to attendees between downtown businesses and participating venues. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy live music in Arts Alley and Schwiebert Riverfront Park.  

7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island  

 

8:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | The Urban Reserve, 1711 2nd Ave., Rock Island  

  • Silent Disco featuring DJs Shane Brown (Top 40); The Pseudoreality (Techno); Sean Tripp of The Tripp Brothers (Funk) sponsored by Quad City Arts (18+) 
  • Beverages available for purchase from The Urban Reserve rooftop bar 

 

9-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 | Theo’s Java Café, 213 17th St., Rock Island  

  • After-party set by Justin Golden 
  • Food and beverages available for purchase from Theo’s Java Café 

 

See the full lineup of Alternating Currents events Aug. 15-18, 2024, in downtown Rock Island.