Moline's TaxSlayer Center opens its 2018 schedule in magical fashion with the January 6 arrival of nationally touring illusionist Mike Super, the only magician in U.S. history to win a live magic competition on prime-time network television.

Named in honor of the program's beloved founder who passed away last December, the River Music Experience's Ellis Kell Winter Blues Jam, taking place on December 30, will showcase the burgeoning talents of students who completed the venue's week-long Winter Blues Camp for area musicians ages eight to 18.

Performing in support of his new album Flickering Light, singer/songwriter Benjamin Cartel headlines a December 30 Rozz-Tox concert with songs from his latest release, his acclaimed EP Money & Love, and his 2015 album Gothenburg, which Rust magazine deemed “a great collection of contemporary Americana-style songs with subtle songwriting and very personal instrumentation.”

The Iowa-based indie rockers of The Penny Serfs will play a Moeller Nights concert on December 18, treating audiences to the genre-hopping sound that lead vocalist Michael Loy described to the Prelude Press thusly: “Take The Beatles out for a drink or five; introduce them to Kurt Cobain (preferably under the influence); give them a few topics to discuss (i.e. politics, fear, past, present, and future); convince Paul and John to let Kurt sit in for a few sessions; hit the record button.”