Delivering the Spring 2026 Michael Lester Wendt Character Lecture for the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center, the institution's president Travis Frampton, PhD will speak on Heroes, Villains, & Leading Roles: How Stories Shape Character, this insightful program taking place in the John and Alice Butler Hall on February 9.

Lauded by St. Louis' STL.com for his "quick wit and fast thinking," and beloved for his YouTube channel on which he posts content and occasionally streams a show titled Dog Vlog, standup comedian Drew Lynch returns to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on January 30, his credits including a recurring role in the final season of IFC's hit series Maron and several appearances on TBS' Conan.

An award-winning hypnotist and mentalist who has become one of the most sought-after entertainers in United States, Brian Ambus brings Miracles of the Mind to Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center on January 24, inviting crowds to marvel as Imbus astounds with uncanny abilities to influence thoughts, predict the future, and create an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of the human psyche.

Delivering their first stage offering of the year, as well as the professional dance company's first Family Day at the Ballet for 2026, the talents of Rock Island's Ballet Quad Cities will present a special, free performance at Moline's Black Box Theatre on January 24, Dorothy Goes to Oz a delightful, half-hour tale of friendship and teamwork adapted by L. Frank Baum's storybook classic.