Alternating Currents’ kickoff events previously scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, in Rock Island’s Arts Alley are moving to Schwiebert Riverfront Park because of downtown road construction. But that won’t put a damper on this celebration of the four-day event’s kickoff, organizers say.
The Rock Island Downtown Alliance is hosting the kickoff of the relocated Alternating Currents, presented by the Quad Cities Cultural Trust (QCCT), on Thursday, according to an alliance news release.
The free event at the riverfront park at 101 17th St., will feature an array of entertainment and family-friendly activities provided by the QCCT organization’s non-profit Legacy Partners. It begins with kickoff events at the park.
The Alternating Currents (AC) festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now the event is powered by DDP and has expanded to include host downtowns – Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. The Quad Cities festival runs through Sunday, Aug. 18.
The Thursday kick-off events in Schwiebert Riverfront Park include:
5-7 p.m., Thursday
- Community painting of a piano led by Quad Cities artist Sarah Robb. It’s 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.
- 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 QC artist Altease Ramsey at 5:30 p.m. will help set the tone for the evening with a live performance followed by touring country blues/folk/Americana artist Justin Golden.
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Bent River Brewing Co. and Rock Island Parks & Recreation.
From 7-8:30 p.m.
- Live performances by Chicago-based touring indie rock artist Elizabeth Moen and her band, presented in partnership with Rock Island parks.
Parking is free and available in the city-leased lot at 101 17th St. 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.
Other Downtown RI events
A full entertainment lineup also is planned for Thursday night, including:
- 6 p.m. – Quad City Arts, 1715 Second Ave. Gallery opening featuring the works of artists Cathie Crawford and Whitney Sage.
- 8:30-10:30 p.m. – The Urban Reserve, 1711 Second Ave.; Silent Disco featuring DJs Shane Brown (Top 40); The Pseudoreality (Techno); Sean Tripp of The Tripp Brothers (House), sponsored by Quad City Arts (18+). Beverages available for purchase from The Urban Reserve rooftop bar.
- 9-10 p.m.: – Theo’s Java Café, 213 17th St., After-party set by Justin Golden. Food and beverages available for purchase from Theo’s Java Café. 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.
For more information, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com.
Check out the AC App
Those who want to customize their AC weekend and see what is happening and where across the Quad Cities downtowns, can download the free Alternating Currents app found here.
This year, AC’s major contributors include: Presenting Sponsors – Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort; and Major Partner – Rubberstamps.net. Programming support is provided by investments from Music Partner – GreenState Credit Union; and Arts Partner, TBK Bank.
Feature Stage Sponsors include: Estes Construction, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and Quad Cities Cultural Trust. Supporting sponsors include: MidAmerican Energy and Metronet.
Hive Event Consulting is a producing partner in the event. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch/Argus, Townsquare Media and Planet 93.9.
