Joshua Freedman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Six Seconds – the global non-profit dedicated to teaching people how to use emotional intelligence (EQ) – will deliver the Fall 2025 Michael Lester Wendt Character Lecture at the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center, his presentation "From Me to We: Developing Character for the Common Good" being presented free to the public on October 6.

An Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best Musical that also earned a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite New Broadway Musical, the stage adaptation of Mel Brooks' film classic Young Frankenstein takes over Moline's Spotlight Theatre October 3 through 12, this Tony-nominated riot lauded by the New York Post for its "bright and witty" lyrics and the book's "great job ... in transferring the original script to the stage."

With the arena band fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti and providing an unforgettable evening of dazzling visuals and intricate choreography, Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute brings its national tour to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on October 4, the group's repertoire ranging from Swift's heartfelt country ballads to her electrifying pop anthems that shook the world.

Hailed by AllMusic as musicians who "combine neck-snapping breakdowns, caustic yet catchy riffs, and unhinged vocals to forge their particularly punitive style of deathcore," the rockers of Signs of the Swam bring their tour to Davenport's Capitol Theatre on October 8, the group's 2025 album To Rid Myself of Truth lauded by Distorted Sound as "an all-out ride through the depths of hell and the high heavens."

Delivering a signature blend of folk, Americana, and baroque pop combined with elements of Celtic and world music, the acclaimed British/American trio Raynes brings their tour to Moline venue Rascals Live on October 4, the group's 2025 debut Bloom hailed by B-Side Guys as a work that "masterfully fuses chamber pop and folk, showcasing emotional depth and sophisticated arrangements that evolve from simplicity to intricate orchestration, portraying growth through music."

Touring in support of their September release Right Now!, and praised by AllMusic for delivering "a spontaneous mix of rock, blues, psychedelia, jazz, and improvisation," the indie talents of The Third Mind headline an October 8 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the group's latest recording, according to Rock & Blues Muse, a work that "more than earns its confident exclamation point."

Known around the world for its eclectic repertoire and dazzling virtuosity, the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, under the leadership of Music Director Tim Keeler, brings their tour to the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on October 5, the group hailed by the Boston Globe as "breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, of color and swagger of style."

Presented as part of the inauguration festivities for University of Dubuque President Travis L. Frampton, PhD, a special concert with the a cappella talents of The Newfangled Four will be held in the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on October 3, the gifted ensemble composed of tenor Joey Buss, lead Jackson Niebrugge, bass Jake Tickner, and baritone Marcus Carline.

Jim Edgar ran a brilliant campaign for governor in 1990. He set the template for every winning statewide race since then by focusing on the importance of independent suburban women. The Republican Edgar defeated a Catholic Democrat – Neil Hartigan – in that race, with a boost from the National Abortion Rights Action League’s endorsement. That endorsement most definitely helped him with suburban women, who were just starting to lean Democratic.