Performing a singular assortment of whirling polkas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions, the gifted musicians of Skye Consort & Emma Björling serve as the first 2023 guests in Quad City Arts' Visiting Artists Series, delivering one full performance and three abbreviated ones – in addition to their numerous presentations for local students – between January 24 and 26.

Delivering a live performance of iconic country and folk favorites, a trio of Wisconsin musicians brings their tribute The Music of John Demnver featuring Layne Yost to Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center on January 21, presenting a salute to the Grammy-winning legend that will boast such unforgettable songs as “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “You Fill Up My Senses,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

A native of Zion, Illinois, whose touring act was deemed “Unbelievable!” by USA Today, master illusionist Bill Blagg brings his his astonishing and hilarious prestidigitation to the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center in January 13's The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!, delighting crowds with the sleight-of-hand and audience rapport that led the Chicago Tribune to call the show “a side-splitting spectacular.”

A gifted composer and pianist, longtime area-theatre reviewer, and staunch advocate of the local art scene will be the featured guest in the Community Connections series when the Bettendorf Public Library hosts a January 19 program with Jonathan Turner, who will be your knowledgeable, friendly guide as he discusses experiences worth sharing in his recently published book 100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die.