One-man band Rick Kelley will start the annual Music on the Lawn – a free Quad Cities family summer tradition – at Deere-Wiman House in Moline on Wednesday, July 19.
The singer-songwriter has performed more than 4,000 concerts nationally to audiences from pre-school to senior adult. Wherever Mr. Kelley performs, including at elementary school assemblies, festival stages, fine arts theaters, corporate settings, or senior centers, he gets audiences to interact as they sing along, dance, and laugh, according to a Deere-Wiman House news release.
Mr. Kelly will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. at the historic John Deere family home at 817 11th Ave., Moline, with a performance filled with humor and original songs, the release said.
Prior to Mr. Kelley’s concert, beginning at 5 p.m., families can take part in a variety of old-fashioned hands- on games and activities, such as graces and hoop & stick. In addition, TJ Regul, balloon artist, will make special balloon creations for kids to take home, while the Painted Dragon will create custom face designs with paint. WQPT Quad Cities Public Television also will bring their own family fun activities.
Music on the Lawn Concertgoers are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating on the Deere-Wiman House lawn, as well as a picnic supper to enjoy outdoors. Lagomarcino’s also will be on hand selling favorite flavors of its famous ice cream treats.
In case of inclement weather, the Music on the Lawn concert will relocate to the Deere-Wiman Carriage House located on the same property.
The free event is funded by the William Butterworth Foundation, manager of both Butterworth Center, 1105 Eighth St., Moline, IL 61265, and Deere-Wiman House. For more information about the event or the effort to raise money to help restore and preserve Deere-Wiman House call (309) 743-2701, or go to www.butterworthcenter.com.
