This 51st season’s lineup includes a wide range of artists from various disciplines, including music, dance, and theater. Through in-school residencies and community outreach activities, these artists will provide educational and inspirational experiences for K-12 and college students.
From traditional Hawaiian music and dance to contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and children’s theater, this season offers students the unique opportunity to connect with cultural practitioners, mentors, and role models in a meaningful way. The Visiting Artist Series continues to enrich local schools by supporting their curriculum, student engagement, and wider community outreach efforts.

THE FULL ROSTER OF ARTISTS
This season includes a wide variety of professional performing artists, each providing educational activities that complement local school curriculums. Students will learn about the native culture of Hawaii through a performance with soaring vocals, breathtaking island harmonies, and a folk vibe, as the 51st season of Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series residencies begins Sept. 30 with a weeklong visit from Hawaiian dance and music ensemble Kulāiwi.

Kulāiwi brings together three of Hawai‘i’s most talented and revered musicians — Lehua Kalima, Shawn Pimental, and Kawika Kahiapo — alongside hula dancer Pono Fernandez. With a blend of soaring vocals, rich island harmonies, and folk-inspired guitar, they create a deeply engaging atmosphere rooted in the heart of Hawaiian culture.

Their debut collaboration earned them 4 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including the prestigious Group of the Year. Known for their captivating performances, Kulāiwi effortlessly weaves traditional Hawaiian storytelling through their music, which is as warm and welcoming as the islands themselves.

The name "Kulāiwi" translates to "land of my ancestors," and this connection to ancestry is central to their performances. While they sing the stories of Hawai‘i, their music also resonates with Indigenous communities worldwide, celebrating both cultural diversity and unity.
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​THE FULL LIST OF ARTISTS IS AS FOLLOWS:

• Kulāiwi, Indigenous Hawaiian performance, in residence Sept. 30 to Oct. 5
• Luciane Dom, Afro-Brazilian music, in residence Oct. 7-10
• WÖR, Belgian 18th-century folk crossover band, in residence Oct. 28 to Nov. 1
• Robin Spielberg, Concert pianist and speaker on music and health, in residence Nov. 4-8
• Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Soulful Southern Big Band, in residence Nov. 20-22
• Sunny Jain, Indian/jazz fusion, in residence Dec. 2-6
• Chicago Dance Crash, street dance fusion company, in residence Jan. 13-17
• “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch”, children’s puppet theater, in residence Jan. 27-31
• Goitse, traditional Irish music, in residence Feb. 18-21
• Darrah Carr Dance, Irish step dance, in residence March 10-14
• Twin Flames, Canadian Indigenous Folk, in residence March 24-28
• Jarabe Mexicano, Mexican folk-rock, in residence May 5-9

For more information on this residency program, visit www.quadcityarts.com/vas.  
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​PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
While not every artist will host a public performance as part of their residency, the "Quad City Arts Presents" series offers the community an opportunity to experience the artists who are bringing impactful arts experiences to local schools. Kulaiwi’s public performance will kick off the “Quad City Arts Presents” series on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Sound Conservatory in Moline. This season, patrons can select a ticket price ranging from $10 to $60, allowing more flexibility for attendees while supporting the production costs of each performance. Kulāiwi’s performances seek to inspire audiences to connect with their heritage, creating an unforgettable experience that honors the past while looking toward the future. Six artists will provide public performances in this roster, to learn more visit: quadcityarts.com/performances
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Quad City Arts: Continuing a Legacy of Artistic Engagement
Since 1974, the Visiting Artists Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. Artists of various disciplines present demonstrations, workshops, and masterclasses at pre-K sites, elementary, intermediate, and high schools as well as college campuses and community organizations. For more information about the Visiting Artists Series residency program, visit www.quadcityarts.com/vas.

Contact: Margot Day, performing arts director at Quad City Arts, [email protected] or 309-793-1213, ext. 106.  




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Accessible Tiered Ticketing Available for All Public Performances

Quad City Arts is excited to present the upcoming Quad City Arts Presents performance series, a carefully curated lineup of world-class artists representing a broad spectrum of music, dance, and cultural expression. This series is designed not only to showcase extraordinary talent but also to engage, inspire, and bring a diverse range of performances to the heart of the Quad Cities. From the soaring harmonies of Hawaiian music to the electrifying energy of contemporary dance and the soulful sounds of Mexican folk-rock, this series offers something for everyone!

Understanding the vital role that accessibility plays in fostering a strong and inclusive arts community, Quad City Arts is committed to making these performances available to as many people as possible through tiered ticket pricing. This subsidized ticketing approach ensures that all members of the community, regardless of financial situation, can experience these live performances. By offering tickets at different price points, Quad City Arts is breaking down the financial barriers that too often limit access to the arts. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of live performance, and tiered pricing helps make that vision a reality.

In addition to these electrifying performances, you’ll have the opportunity to hear the artists share their experiences of working with students in schools, discuss their backgrounds, techniques, and collaborations, and give insight into the inspirations behind their art. It’s an in-depth look at the creative minds bringing this extraordinary series to life.  This season, patrons can select a ticket price ranging from $10 to $60, allowing those who need it a lower price point and options for those who can support all costs associated with the performance they will see.

Quad City Arts Presents series is part of the larger Visiting Artist Series, a nationally recognized residency program that brings world-class artists from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds directly into local schools. Through outreach performances, more than 29,000 K-12 students annually have the opportunity to experience live performances that might otherwise be out of reach. Your attendance at this community-focused series benefits arts education in our community.

Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has been committed to enriching the lives of young students in the Quad Cities by providing access to GRAMMY Award-winning artists and globally renowned performers. All proceeds from the Quad City Arts Presents series will benefit the Visiting Artist Series, ensuring the continuation of this important educational program. This season brings 12 artist ensembles to the region, expanding the horizons of students and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
 
Public Performance Schedule:

• Kulāiwi – Indigenous Hawaiian Music & Dance
  Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 7:00 PM
  Venue: Sound Conservatory
• Chicago Dance Crash – Hip-Hop & Contemporary Dance
  Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 7:00 PM
  Venue: Galvin Fine Arts Center
• Goitse – Traditional Irish Music
  Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM
  Venue: TBD
• Darrah Carr Dance – Irish Step Dance
  Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025  | 7:00 PM
  Venue: TBD
• Jarabe Mexicano – Mexican Folk/Rock Quintet
  Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM
  Venue: Mercado on Fifth

 
About the Performances:
Kulāiwi kicks off the series on October 3, 2024, with a rich and soulful celebration of Hawaiian culture through traditional music and dance. The ensemble brings together some of Hawai‘i’s most talented musicians and hula performers, sharing stories of their island home and Indigenous heritage.

Chicago Dance Crash will grace the stage on January 16, 2025, at the Galvin Fine Arts Center with their innovative fusion of ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. This dynamic performance will feature new works curated by Artistic Director KC Bevis, blending street dance and acrobatics into an unforgettable night of movement and audience interaction.

On February 20, 2025, the Irish quintet Goitse will dazzle audiences with their distinctive blend of traditional folk and original compositions. Known for their energetic performances and modern take on Irish music, Goitse is sure to captivate the Quad Cities with their unique sound.

Darrah Carr Dance will follow on March 13, 2025, offering a contemporary twist on Irish step dance. The company’s ModERIN style seamlessly combines traditional Irish step with the fluidity of modern dance, creating performances that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.

Closing out the series on May 8, 2025, Jarabe Mexicano will perform at Mercado on Fifth. Their signature "Bordeño Soul" sound blends Mexican Folk with Rock & Roll, Norteño, Cumbia, and more. With bilingual vocals and vibrant storytelling, this concert will be an intimate celebration of border culture, family, and community.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.quadcityarts.com/performances or call 309-793-1213.