Rhythm on the River at Schwiebert Riverfront Park -- June 18.
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m.
Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th Street, Rock Island IL
Presented by the Lincoln Center, Friends of MLK, and Davenport's Common Chord, the Black-music heritage festival Rhythm on the River will deliver music on the Mississippi on June 18, the event in Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park designed to celebrate the contributions of Black musicians and highlight Black voices in the Quad Cities' music scene.
Taking place in partnership with Rock Island Parks & Recreation and the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, and with MidAmerican Energy and Royal Neighbors of America serving as in-kind sponsors, Rhythm on the River will open with a performance by the Jerry Johnson Choir before the evening's set with local latent CJ Parker.
With Parker a Davenport native whom MTV Music News called a “rising star” and “a name you should probably start remembering," the outlet added of the young artis, "Blending the genres of R&B, funk, soul, gospel, and even jazz, this kid has something to show the world," Parker headlined a March concert at Common Chord in support of his debut album I, which the Quad-City Times called "an amalgamation of the genres that have shaped his sound today - gospel, 80s pop, jazz, blues, R&B, folk and soul." As Parker told the newspaper, "There's so much in this one album, which is seven songs, and it really encapsulates how I feel as an artist. And it puts in perspective my journey as a musician from a young age and just learning harmony to being a 22-year-old dude that has been through a lot, musically and in general."
Parker's June 18 Rhythm on the River set will be followed by an evening-ended performance by QAuad Cities favorites 10 of Soul, the high-energy, 11-piece band that plays classic tunes from the soul, funk, and blues genres, as well as a few funky arrangements of their own. Sharuing their talents with the 10 of Soul collective are Cherie Berry (vocals), Don Gustofson (bass), Matt Hartmann (trumpet), Dwayne Hodges (vocals), Nina Little (vocals) , Mike McMann (trombone/arranger), Tyler "Booter" Roberson (guitar/vocals), Rusty Ruggles (reeds), Joey Schnoebelen (trumpet), Nick Vasquez (keys), and Brian Zeglis (drums).
Held as a component of the QC Juneteenth festivities led by the Lincoln Center and Friends of MLK, the June 18 Rhythm on the River will feature food and beverages available for purchase (no outside food or beverages allowed), and blankets and chairs are encouraged and recommended. Admission is $5, with ages 12 and under free; gates open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. concerts sets; and more information is available by calling (563)326-1333 and visiting CommonChordQC.org.
