With Americana Highways praising the artist for delivering a "sweet, steamy pot of serious country music and lyrics." singer/songwriter Stacy Antonel headlines an August 18 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, her debut album Always the Outsider hailed by Saving Country Music as "quite an exquisite collection of songs that gives Antonel a unique role in the country landscape."

Having already won 20 awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association and 23 from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America, the Grammy-nominated bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent – composed of guitarists, bassists, and vocalists Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent – will perform music that speaks to faith, family, hope, and the journey they have walked together when their "A Beautiful Life Tour" comes to the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on August 15.

An eagerly awaited day of outdoor fun culminating in an attempt to break a pair of Guinness World Records is set for August 15, when River Action hosts the 17th-annual celebration of paddle sports Floatzilla, with participants and spectators gathering at Rock Island's Sunset Park to see if the Quad Cities can boast the world's “Largest Raft of Canoes and Kayaks” and “Largest Simultaneous Kayak Launch.”

With the Midwest Writing Center's literary magazine THE ATLAS celebrating the publication of its 21st volume, a release party, open-mic night, and KAS concert honoring the Young Emerging Writers (YEW) program will be held at Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox on August 13, the evening boasting readings from YEW alumni and copies of new and back issues of THE ATLAS available for purchase.