Iowa City-based producer landethics’ release phantom tidepools appeared in the Reader’s pages back when it was released in May of 2020, and its lovely blend of post-video game OST melodicism and tonal choices, fused with a fine-tuned sense of beat programming, won my heart.

Whoa. Here’s a nice surprise from a Quad Cities-based project that until this point has been nowhere near my personal radar. A five-track EP of mostly instrumental hip-hop beats from the Davenport duo Pariah and Robscire, Idle Hands perfectly scratches a sweet spot between the kinetic, proto-trap drum patterns and throbbing basslines of Memphis hip-hop staples such as Three 6 Mafia, and a strain of more tripped-out modern-rap beatmaking closer to, say, Death Grips.

The talents of one of America's most revered and acclaimed blues musicians will be on display in no fewer than three virtual concert events hosted by Iowa City's Englert Theatre, with the legendary Taj Mahal featured alongside his Phantom Blues Band and guest artist Jon Cleary on March 13; hosting the Roots Rising Showcase on March 20; and performing with the artist Fantastic Negrito on March 27.

Continuing its presentation of virtual programming in the venue's annual PASS (Performing Arts Signature Series) program, Rock Island's Quad City Arts Center hosts a riveting March 11 concert event with genre-crossing jazz pianist Barron Ryan, the up-and-coming musical sensation recently recognized as one of Smithsonian magazine's “Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021.”