Praised by Downbeat magazine as a trio that "expresses both its melodic rigor and appetite for adventure" and by Radio New Zealand as an outfit that makes "melodies and rhythms move like single primitive organisms," the Chicago-based musicians of Twin Talk play Rock Island's Rozz-Tox on April 2 in support of their September 27 release Twin Talk Live, their previous recording Weaver hailed by PopMatters as "inventive and exhilarating, combining unique arrangements and arresting melodies."

Touring in support of their September release Something Is Working Up Above My Head, which Glide magazine lauded as "a dynamic collection" and "a taut, energized set," married singer/songwriters Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearts bring their musical project Shovels & Rope to Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn on September 28, sharing the indie-folk talents that led Rolling Stone to praise the duo's “inimitable vocal harmonies” and combined ability “to find joy in unexpected places.”

Celebrating the extraordinary compositions of Henry Mancini on the 100-year anniversary of his birth, the stage spectacular The Music of Mancini will delight audiences at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, its September 28 presentation taking patrons on a musical journey that travels from Mancini's early days with the Glenn Miller Orchestra to the timeless melodies of classics including Peter Gunn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Charade.

Boasting an array of stunning tunes that capture the spirit and brilliance of one of the all-time-great American composers, Gershwin: A Birthday Celebration Performance will be presented at Moline's Sound Conservatory on September 28, the special encore performance (of the September 14 concert) dedicated to the genius responsible for timeless works including 1924's Rhapsody in Blue, 1928's An American in Paris, the songs "Embraceable You" and "Fascinating Rhythm," and the opera Porgy and Bess.