Best Local Library
1. Moline Public Library
2. Bettendorf Public Library
3. Davenport Public Library
Best Local Newscast
1. KWQC TV6
2. WQAD TV8
3. WHBF TV4
Most Reliable Weather Forecast
1. WQAD TV8
2. KWQC TV6
3. The Weather Channel
Best Local Media Personality
1. Danielle Howe (WLLR FM103.7)
2. Paula Sands (KWQC TV6)
3. Jessica Tighe (KWQC TV6)
This person won three of our "Best of the Quad Cities" categories - "Best Local Media Personality," "Best Local Country Artist," and "Best Local Rock Artist" - and also topped the nomination lists for the "Singer" and "Musician" categories in the "Best Kept Secrets" section. Her name is Danielle Lynn Howe. The opening line to her band's bio on its Web site (http://www.dlhband.com) states: "This is where country and rock collide." You might be wondering if these words aren't leading you down a road that isn't worth the hype, but the group's song list includes a broad repertoire spanning genres, genders, and decades, showing that they truly own the musical versatility implied. They also perform songs written by Dani herself, and the band is slated to release its first record of original material in March. Dani Lynn is also a local media personality in the morning on WLLR, a gig that complements her love for music. When asked why she chose the Quad Cities to pursue the dream of creating music, she said that even though it's corny, it's because she loves the people. Growing up not far from here in the much smaller town of Jaynesville, Iowa, Howe said the Quad Cities provide a feeling that is just enough like home. "There is still the feeling that everybody knows everybody, but there are always new people to meet," she said. "We are big like Chicago, without being as big as Chicago. You don't have to be bored, but you don't have be busy." Check out their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/danilynnhowe) for upcoming shows.
- Stephanie Burrough
Best Quad Cities-Focused Web Site
1. qconline.com
2. rcreader.com
3. qctimes.com
