Visiting Artist Series
SINCE 1974, THE VISITING ARTIST SERIES Has MADE THE PERFORMING ARTS ACCESSIBLE BY BRINGING THE PROGRAM DIRECTLY TO SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SITES. THE PROGRAM HAS BROUGHT MORE THAN 600 ARTISTS TO THE QUAD CITIES, 424 RESIDENCIES, 10,000 SCHOOL VISITS, 400 CONCERTS, AND REACHED OVER 2.6 MILLION PEOPLE in our community.
About The VISITING ARTIST SERIES
Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. These unique outreaches serve students of all ages in both public and private schools and colleges, in urban, suburban, and rural districts in both eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
Visiting Artists can provide a variety of different performance formats and are listed below.
Visiting Artists can provide a variety of different performance formats and are listed below.
2025/2026 Visiting Artist Series Line-up
Sons of MystroClassical Crossover / Hip-Hop
EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: Sept. 22-26, 2025 
Born and raised in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcolm and Umoja honed their violin skills through South Florida’s public school system before attending Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Now performing as Sons of Mystro, they blend reggae classics, American pop hits, and original compositions with their signature violin sound, backed by a DJ and drummer. Mentored by the acclaimed duo Black Violin, they push the boundaries of violin performance and redefine the reggae experience.
Winners of the Emerging Artist Award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards, Sons of Mystro have earned acclaim for their ability to interpret songs instrumentally while preserving each track’s emotional integrity. They use their violins to mimic the human voice, creating connections that transcend cultures and languages. Their workshops guide students through the process of crafting original arrangements, balancing creativity with respect for the original composition. |
NOBUNTUTraditional & Contemporary Zimbabwean Rooted Music
EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: Nov. 12-14, 2025 
Nobuntu, the female a cappella ensemble from Zimbabwe, captivates audiences with performances that span traditional songs, Afro Jazz, and Gospel. Their shows feature pure harmonies, minimal percussion, traditional instruments such as the mbira (thumb piano), and authentic dance movements. The group’s name reflects an African concept of humility, love, unity, and family from a woman’s perspective, and their mission is rooted in the belief that music can transcend racial, tribal, religious, gender, and economic barriers.
Nominated for Best Musician of the Year at the Zimbabwe International Women Awards, and twice named Best Imbube Group at the Bulawayo Arts Awards, Nobuntu has toured extensively across Africa, Europe, and North America. In addition to their three acclaimed albums, they are dedicated to community work, including The Nobuntu Pad Bank, which provides sanitary products to young women in the arts. Their performances are a vibrant celebration of heritage and a testament to the power of music as a force for change. |
Barron RyanPianist and Composer / Classical Crossover
EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: Feb. 23-27, 2026 
Raised in a musical household in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barron Ryan grew up surrounded by a soundtrack that ranged from Chopin to Michael Jackson. Combining the classical training he received from an early age with his love for jazz, pop, and funk, Barron has developed a style that is both timeless and modern. His performances fuse technical mastery with engaging storytelling, leaving audiences inspired and entertained.
Barron’s career spans international tours, award-winning recordings, and acclaimed original compositions. His works include Classical with Attitude, The Masters’ Apprentice, and First of Its Kind, along with the historically inspired suite There Arises Light in the Darkness. Named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “Ten Innovators to Watch,” Barron also publishes his music in the public domain, encouraging global collaboration. In student programs, he combines jaw-dropping piano skill with humor, pop tunes, and motivational messages, inspiring audiences to pursue excellence in their own lives. |
Ballet Folklorico del Rio GrandeMexican Folklorico Dance
EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: May 11-15, 2026 
Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande, directed by Miguel Peña, is composed of alumni from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, home to the only folklórico dance major in the United States. With a repertoire that highlights the rich regional traditions of Mexico, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande has performed at prestigious venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and toured internationally to Canada, France, Italy, Argentina, and Mexico. They have also appeared alongside celebrated artists like Los Tigres del Norte and Aida Cuevas.
Known for their dazzling costumes, precise footwork, and dynamic staging, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande offers students an immersive introduction to folklórico dance. In educational settings, they teach basic steps, showcase traditional attire, and perform professional-level choreography. By sharing the cultural stories behind each dance, they foster appreciation for Mexico’s diverse heritage and the artistry that keeps these traditions alive. |
MORE About The VISITING ARTIST SERIES
∙All-school performances
Create a school-wide learning experience about arts and culture. Hillcrest Elementary School said of Mexico Beyond Mariachi’s visit, “We were very pleased that the students were able to enjoy a little bit of Mexico and the history of different music. This was a very great experience for our students and staff! They were very engaged and happy to participate with the performers. They also learned Spanish!!”
∙Lecture/demonstrations about careers in the arts
Explore real-world applications for the performing arts. West Liberty Middle School said about DJ Dan Quinn, “The organization and presentation of the information to the students was excellent. Dan brought in the career aspect of a DJ to the students and also presented the history. His study guide and materials were very beneficial in getting the students ready for his presentation.”
∙Hands-on workshops with students
Dive into arts skills and techniques with a professional artist. United Township High School students participated in a theatre workshop with Broadway’s Next H!t Musical. “My students had a great time. It is important for them to see adults model free thinking, quick thinking, trusting your gut and not overthinking things, and laughing,” they said.
∙Skills demonstrations for arts students
Discover advanced arts skills and practical knowledge. Pleasant Valley High School students were visited by a Canadian jazz quartet, “The Allison Au Quartet were all wonderful educators and musicians. They did an excellent job of relating to the students and not talking over their heads. In addition, they were outstanding musicians who stayed after to answer several questions from our students. Good musicians and even better people. Thank you for bringing them in.”
∙Performance opportunitieS
Collaborate with a professional artist on a performance. The Rock Island High School Orchestra reflected on their experience performing side-by-side with Grammy-winning ensemble Turtle Island String Quartet, “Thank you so much for the opportunity to play on the concert with the Turtle Island String Quartet. It was an unbelievable experience for us all.”
Funding Partners 2025-2026 Season
The 2025-2026 season of Visiting Artist Series is supported by Scott County Regional Authority, National Endowment of the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, and Quad City Arts' Annual Fund.
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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.
