Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Library will present two live performance events in April in conjunction with Quad Cities Live Month, April 1 to 30.
On Saturday, April 9, the Library brings the Mid-USA Falun Dafa Association in to present "A Taste of China." The 2:00 pm presentation at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, introduces traditional Chinese music and arts just in time for the Shen Yun dance and music performance show at the Adler. Professor Feng from the University of Illinois will present a traditional Chinese instrument performance, demonstrate Chinese calligraphy, and provide tastings of Chinese tea and snacks. Participants can also learn how to write their name in Chinese.
West Peoria singer, storyteller and historian Barry Cloyd brings his "The River's Song: Midwestern Waterways" live music show to the Rock Island Main Library at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, April 13. Midwestern rivers, such as the Mississippi, The Illinois, The Ohio and The Missouri, were the original highways of the Midwest. Says Cloyd, "Rivers are time machines, and they will take us back in our history if we merely listen to their songs."
The musical performance traces Midwestern history in story and song, with tunes that take participants from the river's song of original peoples all the way to industrial and modern times. Cloyd is a West Peoria musician, storyteller and historian, specializing in roots, blues, originals and Celtic music traditions. He performs more than 200 shows per year, including shows with The Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concerts, and is a co-founder of Prairie Folklore Theater.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Sponsored by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, Quad Cites Live Month is designed to showcase the live entertainment scene across the Quad Cities. More than 90 performances in music, comedy, theatre and dance will be featured during the first annual Quad Cities Live Month, April 1-30, 2016. www.quadcitieslive.com
For more information about Rock Island Library hours, services and programs, visit the library's new website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.
