Common Chord will host the Great River Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Credit Island Park, Davenport, to benefit music education and enrichment programming in the Quad Cities. The event, which celebrates Common Chord’s 21st year, begins at 6:30 p.m.
Participants can adopt a rubber duck for $10 each at www.commonchordqc.org for a chance to win prizes, including $1,000 cash, $500 cash, or a year of free concerts for two at the Redstone Room. Proceeds will support Common Chord’s inclusive and accessible music education programs for children across the Quad Cities.
Businesses and organizations also can form teams, with the team adopting the most ducks by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, winning a free party with live music at the Redstone Room.
Following the derby, a free concert will take place at 7 p.m. featuring “Steely Dane,” a Steely Dan tribute band, and the QC Rock Academy. This is the final concert of The Big 9 Summer Concert Series, a partnership between the City of Davenport and Common Chord. The series, with support from the Regional Development Authority, offers free, family-friendly concerts along Davenport’s nine miles of riverfront.
Steely Dane, an award-winning tribute band, consists of 14 jazz and rock musicians dedicated to faithfully reproducing Steely Dan and Donald Fagen’s music. Their energetic live shows feature hits, deep cuts, and sometimes entire albums, including a four-piece horn section and three background singers.
QC Rock Academy, located in Davenport, has been teaching music since December 2011. It offers lessons, group classes, and rock camps for ages 7 to adult, led by experienced instructors. More information is available at www.qcrockacademy.com.
The Friday night concert is a free, family-friendly event. Food trucks will be on-site, and attendees can bring their own drinks and coolers (no glass containers). Blankets and chairs are encouraged. Tents, pop-ups, umbrellas, and other tall items are allowed but must be placed behind the designated “tent area” further from the stage.
Parking will be available on Credit Island; attendees are asked to follow traffic directions upon arrival. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. The event will take place on the northeast end of Credit Island, near the boat ramp and lodge.
Special thanks to Living Lands & Waters for its assistance in corralling the ducks and ensuring river cleanliness.
For more information about the Great River Ducky Derby and concert, visit www.commonchordqc.org.
