If you're in a band, you might know that things are getting serious when business overtakes music as your primary concern. "Lately, it's been all business," said Tom Swanson, singer and guitarist for Jim the Mule.
• After a small fire on June 22 caused Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse to temporarily close for an extensive clean-up, the Rock Island dinner theatre is pleased to announce its grand re-opening on Wednesday, July 20.

Living History

He helped create Southern rock music. He was instrumental in paving the way for today's jam bands. He is indisputably one of the greatest guitarists to ever live. His group was one of the inspirations for Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous.
• The Quad City Parrotheads Club recently donated $3,500 to Bethany for Children & Families. Children in the Therapeutic Recreation Program will receive life-skills training and will participate in educational outings and a variety of recreational opportunities thanks to this gift.
"Some people think that art should shock, provoke strong emotion, but I don't do that," said Rock Island artist Akiko Koiso. "In art, I want something that I enjoy, that I find relaxing, and that brings me peace.
• The Iowa Homeland Security & Management Division has received $520,612 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance protection efforts at key sites and deter threats of terrorism aimed at those facilities.
On June 6, Davenport Mayor Charlie Brooke vetoed a resolution that used the city's power of eminent domain to grant an easement for a sanitary sewer. The city council had decided by a 6-4 vote to condemn the property in question to assist a condominium project developed by longtime city-government critic Niky Bowles.
• The Mississippi Hotel is currently being emptied in preparation for construction of the expanded Adler Theatre stage. All refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, and furniture is being removed from the hotel rooms that will be impacted by the stage-expansion project.
• The Rock Island Beautification Commission is looking for the most beautiful yards in the city. The 31st annual "Tell on Your Neighbor" residential-beautification awards contest has opened nominations for the most attractive and best-kept lawns in Rock Island.
A.J. Wacaser is fond of a slogan by activist Jeremy Rifkin: "Eating is the ultimate political act." There's certainly a political component to the new Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, which Wacaser is helping to coordinate.

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