Presented as the first program in the Rock Island Arsenal's ASC series Civil War History, the January 10 presentation 160th Anniversary of the Establishment of Rock Island Prison Barracks will find a representative from the Army Sustainment Command Historian’s office detailing how December of 1863 marked the opening of the barracks on what would be known as Arsenal Island, its rocky start serving only as a prelude to its time-holding prisoners.

The familiar sounds of “Peggy Sue,” “Maybe Baby,” “Oh Boy,” “Everyday,” and many other iconic '50s-rock hits will fill the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse on December 31 when the Rock Island venue presents New Year's Rockin' Reunion: A Tribute to Buddy Holly & Friends, a classic-rock celebration featuring headliner Todd Meredith, the star of Circa '21's 2008 musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and the touring smash That'll Be the Day: A Tribute to Buddy Holly & the Crickets.

Set to a backdrop of stunning multimedia and also boasting lively choreography, costume changes, witty banter, and even trivia, the female-driven Beatles tribute ensemble The Beatelles performs a New Year's Eve concert at Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Ats Center, their December 31 engagement showcasing four powerhouse female vocalists performing the songs of John, Paul, George, and Ringo with harmonious perfection.

Having entered their fifth decade of professional performance, the acclaimed punk rockers of The Queers headline a December 17 concert in conjunction with the closing weekend of beloved Rock Island venue RIBCO (the Rock Island Brewing Company), the group currently boasting a repertoire that includes 13 studio albums, nine live albums, four compilation albums, and 22 EPs.