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.
2024/2025 Visiting Artist Series Line-up
Kulaiwi
Indigenous Hawaiian performance
IN RESIDENCE SEPT 30-OCT 5, 2024 
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. |
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Robin
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Chicago
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Somebody Loves You, Mr. HatchChildren’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 |
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Darrah Carr DanceIrish step dance
IN RESIDENCE MAR 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. |
Twin FlamesCanadian Indigenous folk
IN RESIDENCE MAR 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. |
Jarabe MexicanoMexican 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. |
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
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.
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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.
