VISITING ARTIST SERIES Scheduling for Schools

Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series is so excited to present over a dozen artists from across the U.S. and around the world for in-person engagement activities for your students! Feel free to share this information with your colleagues and administration and help our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities region through the arts.

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​Steps for scheduling

• Visiting artist engagements are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Scroll down to see the roster of artists for the 2024-2025 season, their residency dates, a brief description, and link to their website for more information.
• Then scroll further to review and complete the scheduling form. Read the entire scheduling form carefully, and ensure you understand all instructions before submitting.
• You may request visits from multiple artists to your school during the season.
• After the scheduling form is submitted, the “Preferred Scheduling Contact” will be emailed with a confirmation for the school.
• Prior to the scheduled performance, the contact person will receive a final confirmation email with details of the visit and how to prepare for the performance.
• We will send a post-performance survey afterward to gather details like attendance, artist preparation and quality, plus comments about the artist.
• Invoices will be sent following the engagement. Payment is due 30 days from the receipt of invoice.
• If you have questions about invoicing, payment, or the fee, contact Performing Arts Director Margot Day at [email protected] to discuss options. We try to make these visits as accessible as we can.

​Information about our performances

• We do charge a subsidized fee of $250 for each performance; we work very hard to keep this cost as low as possible.
• Artists are generally flexible and able to collaborate with you on the best outreach for your students, whether that’s an all-school performance, a workshop, a masterclass, or Q&A.
• Artists can perform in a variety of settings, such as a classroom, a gym, or an auditorium.
• Performances last about 45 minutes to an hour
• Artists will travel to your school and may require equipment (chairs, music stands, microphone and a PA system, etc). We ask that you provide a volunteer to greet them and help them set up.

See below for a list of our artists for Fall 2024-Spring 2025, listed in order of residency dates.
The Scheduling Request Form can be found below the artist listings.

2024/2025 Visiting Artist Series Line-up

To See These Artists Live, view our Events Page

Kulaiwi​

Indigenous Hawaiian performance
IN RESIDENCE SEPT 30-Oct 5

Kulāiwi is three of Hawai‘i’s most delightful performers --Lehua Kalima (of Na Leo), Shawn Pimental, and Kawika Kahiapo – who have come together with hula dancer Pono Fernandez to share exceptional songwriting and cultural talents. Soaring vocals, island harmonies, superb guitar with a folk vibe, and fun “talk-story” won them 4 Nā Hōku Awards (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy’s”) for their first CD together, including top honors as Group of the Year. Kulāiwi means “land of my ancestors” and reflects their passionate commitment to their islands as they celebrate Hawai‘i today.
While Kulāiwi sings songs for Hawai‘i, they tell stories for all Indigenous peoples and all ‘āina (lands). Their goal is to pay tribute to the people and ‘āina they visit, to spread the wider message of aloha ‘āina for Hawai‘i and all lands, with the hope that by telling the stories of their people and their land, they encourage communities to engage with their own stories--to sit at the feet of their ancestors and empower their voices to be heard and woven into the aho (rope) that binds us all together.

kulaiwimusic.com

Luciane Dom​

Afro-Brazilian music   
IN RESIDENCE OCT 7-10, 2024

Luciane Dom, multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, is part of the new generation of contemporary artists from Rio de Janeiro who bring poetic themes such as Black diaspora, feminism, empowerment, and social reflections that impact the construction of her emotions. Luciane´s performances incorporate various musical influences: from traditional Afro-Brazilian musical genres, Afrobeat, urban jazz, reggae, and ijexá, and are calls to social action. She has been featured at venues such as Brasil Summerfest at Lincoln Center, and was named Rising Star of the Year by the 2022 African Entertainment Awards.
In addition to songwriting workshops, Luciane´s multilingual educational work primarily revolves around masterclasses with a focus on the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé and interactive classes covering traditional Brazilian rhythms including samba, bossa nova, forró, axé, and maracatu.

luciane-dom.com

WÖR 

Belgian 1780s/folk crossover band   
IN RESIDENCE OCT 28-NOV 1, 2024

WÖR (pronounced ‘were’) is a band of five musicians whose curiosity, passion and talent has led to a niche goldmine of 18th-century melodies from the Flanders region of Belgium melodies to be recreated in stunning contemporary arrangements. 
In the 1780s, the role of the radio was a carillon. Religious music inspired by popular melodies was what we now call the pop music. Minstrels gathered the melodies and wrote them down in books, often with some variations to mark their own interpretation or because of an error. The minstrels and books traveled and that’s why we sometimes find the same melodies in different countries. We could call it the DJs of the past. 
Just like the carillonneurs, WÖR collects banging original tunes from the 18th century and ‘remixes’ them in their own arrangements. They may not be as inescapably loud as the carillon, but you might find that these catchy tunes stay with you, no matter how far you travel.
Their concerts/workshops focus on getting to know unusual instruments like lute and Flemish bagpipes: how they work, how they sound, and their backstory as well as stories and traditions of the Low Countries, the region where they come from. 
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wearewor.com

Robin
​Spielberg​

Speaker on music and mental health 
IN RESIDENCE NOV 4-8, 2024

Overcoming Performance Anxiety: "Performance Anxiety" or "Stage Fright" is a common phenomenon experiences by both pro and amateur musicians, athletes, actors, speakers and students. It is rarely discussed in the classroom, but its presence greatly diminishes our ability to do our best in public.
In this workshop, Robin helps students identify the underlying issues that create the physical, emotional and mental symptoms associated with PA and works with each individual using specific techniques that result in an uninhibited relaxed performance that keeps the artist focused, calm and ultimately, anxiety free. 
Music & Mental Health: Scientific data supports that music has an impact on our health: it can elevate mood, improve focus, sleep and enhance both our physical and mental health. During this 50-minute program, Robin explains the science of music and the brain, and provides strategies for implementing music to reduce stress and anxiety.
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robinspielberg.com

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra 

Soulful Southern big band 
IN RESIDENCE NOV 20-22, 2024

Meet your next two best friends–Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, along with their fabulous big band! Born and raised in the heart of the Louisiana Delta, now thriving in their new home of Savannah, Georgia, Jeremy and Clay have grown from childhood best friends into sophisticated Southern gentlemen who have created a high-energy show like no other featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Inspired both by Rat Pack swagger and Highwaymen spirit, Davis & Johnson are making their own revisions to America's songbook, including all the favorite melodies from more recent history. 
For elementary and beginner students, this program meets the following national standards and benchmarks for music education: listening to, analyzing and describing Jazz music; identifying various instruments; evaluating music and music performances; understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts; and understanding music, particularly Jazz, in relation to history and culture
For advanced music students, the program includes these important lessons: learning the business of making music, identifying the essential necessities for success in the arts, and understanding the universal nature of these positive disciplines for all careers. 
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equinoxorchestra.com

Sunny
​Jain  

Indian-jazz fusion music    
IN RESIDENCE DEC 2-6, 2024

The career of Sunny Jain is a celebration of cultural diaspora: deep-rooted tradition that ripples outward, changing – and being changed by – the cultures that it touches. He is a composer, drummer, dhol player and thought leader. In 2022, Jain joined Planet Drum for their first show in 15 years, playing alongside drumming legends Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
In 2021, Jain released Phoenix Rise, a collaborative effort featuring over 50 artists such as Arooj Aftab, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas), Endea Owens (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) and Joe Russo (jam band darling).
Called the “Hendrix of dhol” by Manchester Salon (UK), Jain is most known for founding the pioneering band Red Baraat, a frenzied fusion of bhangra, hip-hop, jazz, rock, and sheer, unbridled energy that NPR has called “the best party band in years.” The band has performed across the globe including stops at the White House (Obama), London Olympics, TED, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Luxembourg Philharmonic, Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD festivals (Australia, New Zealand, Spain, UK) and Padma Lakshmi’s Blossom Ball. 
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sunnyjain.com

Chicago
​Dance Crash

Hip-hop/contemporary dance 
IN RESIDENCE JAN 13-17, 2025

The Crash residency is a multi-faceted engagement event including dance instruction, interactive discovery, and performances dedicated to the growth of art and self through cultural understanding. The origins of ballet in Italy, and modern, jazz, and hip hop in the U.S. are as influential to their own movement vocabularies as they are to the lifestyles embraced by their practitioners. In relating the origins of these forms to others we can better understand the importance of diversity in our lives and community. This performance encourages the students to take influence from the world around them and create their own means of self-expression.
The heart of Crash lies in its eight-member Performance Ensemble and dedicated Artistic Associates, whose professional training spans from New York and Los Angeles to Chicago’s Southside. With degrees in dance and a commitment to teaching K-8 students, these artists serve as ambassadors of street dance throughout the Midwest.
Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director KC Bevis, Crash has emerged as the leading street dance fusion company in the Midwest. Known for its diverse repertoire, Crash’s performances feature choreography and freestyles by some of the nation’s top dance practitioners and tours annually across the U.S.
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chicagodancecrash.com

“Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” 

Children’s puppet theatre
IN RESIDENCE JAN 27-31, 2025

“Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” is set in a friendly and quaint town in the 1940’s. Mr. Hatch is a tall, thin, lonely man who works a simple but important job attaching the aglets to shoelaces at a factory. He often spends time alone and doesn’t have the confidence or desire to make or keep friends.
One day his life turns around when he receives a package on Valentine’s Day with a pink bow that has a message that reads, “Somebody loves you.” Mr. Hatch’s world is turned upside down and he begins to make friends, enjoy all sorts of nice foods, and the fun parts of life that he once ignored.  After receiving the letter, Mr. Hatch goes on a hunt to find out who sent him the mysterious package. Mr. Hatch is loved after all! 
This heartwarming puppet play examines the effect that kindness can have on a lonely existence. Join washerwomen Betsy, Edna, and Molly as they bring Mr. Hatch’s story to life and help him search for his secret admirer!
“Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” has been adapted for the stage by Axis Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chris McGregor from the children’s novel by Eileen Spinelli. Run time: 35 minutes  

axistheatre.com

​Goitse

Traditional Irish music    
IN RESIDENCE FEB 18-21, 2025

The popular and multi-award-winning quintet Goitse was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year” and Chicago Irish American News’ “Group of the Year”, Goitse have become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. 
Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with age-old traditional tunes. Laying the foundations are World and All-Ireland Bodhrán champion Colm Phelan and Conal O’Kane, who is fast becoming one of the finest guitarists of his generation. The rhythm section sets a drive for the music while the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine McGeeney draws audiences into their songs. Multi-instrumentalist Alan Reid features mainly on banjo and bouzouki, drawing from an extensive knowledge of Irish music. Danny Collins is an All-Ireland piano champion, and is known for his distinctively intricate bass work on accordion. Together, the quintet Goitse makes what Irish Music Magazine calls “music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal.”
The band members are collectively and individually leading teachers in the realm of traditional Irish folk music. They regularly give workshops not only on this type of music, but also on the related instruments, history, and culture. 

goitse.ie

Darrah carr Dance

Irish step dance
IN RESIDENCE MARCH 10-14, 2025

Since 1998, the Bessie Award nominated company Darrah Carr Dance has created a sensational and unique blend of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. The company draws from Irish music, step dance footwork, and spatial patterns to create high-energy, rhythmically based work that is accessible to a broad audience. Artistic Director Darrah Carr calls her style ModERIN: a playful combination of the words modern (dance) and ERIN (an Irish American reference to Ireland).
Recent New York City performance highlights include: NBC's “The Today Show,“ a guest performance with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, the company's annual season at The Irish Arts Center, “The Yeats Project“ at the Irish Repertory Theatre, The Duke Theater on 42nd Street, Celebrate Brooklyn, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the annual NYC Irish Dance Festival, “Stam-pede“ Percussive Dance Festival at Symphony Space and a guest appearance with Mick Moloney at the Skirball Center.
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darrahcarrdance.com

Twin Flames

Canadian Indigenous folk 
IN RESIDENCE MARCH 24-28, 2025

Jaaji, hailing from Nunavik and Kahnawake (Inuk, Mohawk) and Chelsey June Settler, with Algonquin, Métis, and Cree heritage, deliver their songs in a blend of English, French, and Inuttitut. Together, they craft captivating sonic soundscapes by incorporating Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and Western instruments. Their genuine passion for songwriting shines through their lyrics and melodies, fascinating audiences worldwide.
They hope to help students understand the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada, through an interactive, thought-provoking musical experience, to share an appreciation, of life in the Arctic and living off the land, and to also give an inside view of what it is like to be a full-time musician touring the world. 
Twin Flames have garnered immense recognition and acclaim in the realm of Canadian folk music. Their exceptional talent and artistry have earned them the prestigious title of four-time Canadian Folk Music Award winners, solidifying their position as the 2022 Vocal Group of the Year.
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twinflamesmusic.com

Jarabe Mexicano 

Mexican folk/rock quintet
IN RESIDENCE MAY 5-9, 2025

 Jarabe Mexicano has cultivated a signature nostalgic sound they call "Bordeño Soul" that highlights their border roots in San Diego, CA and Nogales, AZ. Their ‘Mexican mixture’ combines musical genres from different eras including Mexican Folk, American Rock & Roll, Norteño/Tex-Mex, Caribbean-style Trío Romántico, Rock En Español, and popular Cumbia. 
Performing on traditional folk instruments with a modern attitude, Jarabe’s dynamic storytelling and powerful bilingual vocals leave audiences singing, dancing, and cheering for more! As music educators and advocates for the arts, the Vilar Performing Arts Center raves that Jarabe Mexicano is “thought-provoking, heartfelt, and engaging." 
Jarabe Mexicano's “Fiesta En Familia” program explores border culture while also creating a deeper and more inclusive sense of family and community. Audiences will also learn about the band's folk instruments as well as how global influences have helped to shape traditional and popular Mexican genres of music.
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marianliebowitz.com

FUNDING Partners

Significant support for the Visiting Artist Series is provided by: Scott County Regional Authority, National Endowment for the Arts, Bechtel Charitable Trust, Regional Development Authority, Quad Cities Cultural Trust, Iowa Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Arts Midwest GIG Fund, Rock Island Community Foundation, Rauch Family Foundation I, Moline Kiwanis, Kiwanis Club of Davenport, Moline Rotary, Rock Island Rotary, and the Mary Iva Gittens Knouse Trust. 

Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series is the winner of the 1999 William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence awarded by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. For 50 years, this nationally recognized performing arts residency program has brought distinguished artists and ensembles to Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine counties in Iowa, and Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island county in Illinois.

Visiting Artist Series Archive

Questions? Contact us!

Interested in learning more about our traditional Visiting Artist Series residency activities? Contact us. We welcome your ideas and suggestions for artists and collaborations.  ​

margot g. day

Performing Arts Director
309.793.1213 ext. 106

Email

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To purchase tickets to attend a public performance of featured artists in residence or to learn more, visit our concerts page.

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