we have reached our fundraising goal to help us buy the building we've occupied for the last 13 years! thank you all who donated and shared-- it really is a beautiful thing to see people come together to make something happen.
we are so lucky, and humbled by the support. updates will be posted here and on the socials re: the building acquisition and the inevitable party.
we are so lucky, and humbled by the support. updates will be posted here and on the socials re: the building acquisition and the inevitable party.
enjoy a set from YAMAGUCHI RADIO while you read:
Yamaguchi Radio is a Rozz-Tox production of deejay sets that happen live in both our Rock Island & Guangzhou locations.
HOURS
wednesday 5pm-12am
thursday 5pm-12am
friday 5pm-12am
saturday 10am-12am
sunday 10am-3pm
CLOSED MONDAY+TUESDAY
wednesday 5pm-12am
thursday 5pm-12am
friday 5pm-12am
saturday 10am-12am
sunday 10am-3pm
CLOSED MONDAY+TUESDAY
PROGRAMME
friday 06 december
OPENING RECEPTION: WATERCOLORS BY SHANNON TRIMBLE
OPENING RECEPTION: WATERCOLORS BY SHANNON TRIMBLE
opening reception 5-7pm
dj set from SAMUEL P. 6pm-?
free & open
exhibition will be up through sunday 29 december
dj set from SAMUEL P. 6pm-?
free & open
exhibition will be up through sunday 29 december
saturday 07 december
MIDWEST WRITING CENTER PRESENTS: SPECTRA READING SERIES
MIDWEST WRITING CENTER PRESENTS: SPECTRA READING SERIES
SPECTRA Lives! The Quad Cities longest-running reading series returns for its last event of the year, featuring award-winning poet Jacob Saenz and local writers from Narratives QC. Saenz, whose book Throwing the Crown, won the 2018 APR/Honickman First Book Prize, will also lead a free community write-in at 6:00 p.m.; there will be short reading, followed by a prompt written by Saenz. Copies of the reading will be available at no cost, and there will be time for participants to write and briefly discuss their work, followed by an open mic. Then at 8:00 p.m., three writers from Narratives QC will read from their work – Lynn Carsten, Tanner Jordan, and Nathan Wirth – with Poet and Creative Arts Specialist for Narratives QC Chris Britton introducing. A feature reading from Jacob Saenz will close out the evening.
The community write-in starts at 6:00 p.m., open mic at 7:00 p.m. (spaces are limited, 5-minute sets, first come first serve), and the featured readings at 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; books by Jacob Saenz and MWC Press will be available for purchase.
Donations to MWC are welcome and go to support youth writing programs in the QC.
Please contact Ryan Collins at MWC with questions and media inquiries: [email protected] | 309-732-7330.
Bios:
Jacob Saenz is the author of Throwing the Crown, winner of the APR/Honickman First Book Prize. His poetry has appeared in The Boiler, Memorious, Poetry, RHINO, and other journals. A CantoMundo fellow, he's been the recipient of a Letras Latinas Residency, a Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship and a Latinx Scholarship from the Frost Place. He currently serves as a Poetry Editorial Board Member for Haymarket Books.
Lynn Carsten is a passionate beginner poet whose love for writing began the moment she could hold a pen. From early childhood, she found solace and expression in the written word, using poetry to explore the world around her. As she honed her craft, Lynn developed a unique voice, particularly in her lyrics, which captivate her audience and inspire a deep emotional connection. Her work often resonates with themes of resilience, self-discovery, and hope, leaving readers and listeners eager for more. Despite being new to the poetry scene, Lynn’s raw talent and dedication promise a bright future in the world of creative writing.
Tanner Jordan, aka AyeTJ, is a spoken word artist and musician known for blending jazz, hip-hop, and gospel influences into a unique style that resonates with depth and authenticity. From his Denver roots to his current work in Rock Island, AyeTJ shares his journey of faith, struggles, and growth, challenging audiences to reflect and connect. Whether through spoken word or music, he crafts honest, relatable pieces that inspire listeners to find purpose in their own stories. Nathan Wirth is a 22 year old aspiring writer and poet residing in the Quad Cities. Writing became his calling and true passion in life since his days in high school, and he hopes to inspire those around him with his creative works. In his spare time he enjoys writing, catching up on his backlog
of books, drawing digital artwork and listening to his record collection.
The SPECTRA Reading Series is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts
Midwest that is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Illinois Arts Council.
The community write-in starts at 6:00 p.m., open mic at 7:00 p.m. (spaces are limited, 5-minute sets, first come first serve), and the featured readings at 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; books by Jacob Saenz and MWC Press will be available for purchase.
Donations to MWC are welcome and go to support youth writing programs in the QC.
Please contact Ryan Collins at MWC with questions and media inquiries: [email protected] | 309-732-7330.
Bios:
Jacob Saenz is the author of Throwing the Crown, winner of the APR/Honickman First Book Prize. His poetry has appeared in The Boiler, Memorious, Poetry, RHINO, and other journals. A CantoMundo fellow, he's been the recipient of a Letras Latinas Residency, a Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship and a Latinx Scholarship from the Frost Place. He currently serves as a Poetry Editorial Board Member for Haymarket Books.
Lynn Carsten is a passionate beginner poet whose love for writing began the moment she could hold a pen. From early childhood, she found solace and expression in the written word, using poetry to explore the world around her. As she honed her craft, Lynn developed a unique voice, particularly in her lyrics, which captivate her audience and inspire a deep emotional connection. Her work often resonates with themes of resilience, self-discovery, and hope, leaving readers and listeners eager for more. Despite being new to the poetry scene, Lynn’s raw talent and dedication promise a bright future in the world of creative writing.
Tanner Jordan, aka AyeTJ, is a spoken word artist and musician known for blending jazz, hip-hop, and gospel influences into a unique style that resonates with depth and authenticity. From his Denver roots to his current work in Rock Island, AyeTJ shares his journey of faith, struggles, and growth, challenging audiences to reflect and connect. Whether through spoken word or music, he crafts honest, relatable pieces that inspire listeners to find purpose in their own stories. Nathan Wirth is a 22 year old aspiring writer and poet residing in the Quad Cities. Writing became his calling and true passion in life since his days in high school, and he hopes to inspire those around him with his creative works. In his spare time he enjoys writing, catching up on his backlog
of books, drawing digital artwork and listening to his record collection.
The SPECTRA Reading Series is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts
Midwest that is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Illinois Arts Council.
friday 13 december
TIME TRAVELER VHS CINEMA: BLACK CHRISTMAS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY
TIME TRAVELER VHS CINEMA: BLACK CHRISTMAS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY
BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)
dir. Bob Clark
runtime: 1h 38m
format: VHS
Often hailed as the first modern slasher movie, this Canadian gem directed by the same man who directed A Chirstmas Story, brings a very creepy tale of home invasion, and slasher tropes that would go on to define the subgenre. Together, paired with an abortion sub-plot, this film was no doubt ahead of its time. Released in America in December 50 years ago, it still holds up as one of the best holiday horror films out there.
free admission
17+ ages
7pm screening
dir. Bob Clark
runtime: 1h 38m
format: VHS
Often hailed as the first modern slasher movie, this Canadian gem directed by the same man who directed A Chirstmas Story, brings a very creepy tale of home invasion, and slasher tropes that would go on to define the subgenre. Together, paired with an abortion sub-plot, this film was no doubt ahead of its time. Released in America in December 50 years ago, it still holds up as one of the best holiday horror films out there.
free admission
17+ ages
7pm screening
saturday 14 december
AMATEUR SELECTORS SERIES
AMATEUR SELECTORS SERIES
SAD GIRL SONGS | MAD GIRL SONGS W/ MAYHEM & JOSIE
[club pop] [coven core] [brat] [feminine rage]
DJs Mayhem and Josie return for another round of songs by and for women. they packed the place last year with POP GIRL SUMMER. this year they're here to rage post-election.
free admission
all ages
8-1130pm
[club pop] [coven core] [brat] [feminine rage]
DJs Mayhem and Josie return for another round of songs by and for women. they packed the place last year with POP GIRL SUMMER. this year they're here to rage post-election.
free admission
all ages
8-1130pm
wednesday 18 december
FILMOSOFIA: PHILOSOPHY READING + FILM SCREENING SERIES
FILMOSOFIA: PHILOSOPHY READING + FILM SCREENING SERIES
the film: The Dark Knight (2008)
dir. Christopher Nolan
runtime: 2h32m
reading: Pettit, "The Prisoner's Dilemma and Social Theory" (1985)
free print copies available in the cafe
hosted by Dr. Gould (Augustana College)
free admission
film starts at 7:00pm
discussion to follow (9:30pm to 10:30pm)
dir. Christopher Nolan
runtime: 2h32m
reading: Pettit, "The Prisoner's Dilemma and Social Theory" (1985)
free print copies available in the cafe
hosted by Dr. Gould (Augustana College)
free admission
film starts at 7:00pm
discussion to follow (9:30pm to 10:30pm)
friday 20 december
FILM SCREENING: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
FILM SCREENING: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
dir. Frank Capra
runtime: 2h 10m
b&w
every year we screen this beautiful film in honor of our mother, missy. this was one of her favorite movies, and she watched it every year. we started doing these screenings when she was still alive, and we carry on for her.
free admission
all ages
7pm screening
dir. Frank Capra
runtime: 2h 10m
b&w
every year we screen this beautiful film in honor of our mother, missy. this was one of her favorite movies, and she watched it every year. we started doing these screenings when she was still alive, and we carry on for her.
free admission
all ages
7pm screening
saturday 21 december
WINTER SOLSTICE SPECTACULAR II
WINTER SOLSTICE SPECTACULAR II
featuring Christmas music by QC artists Liv Carrow and Chad Gooch (Tambourine, Running Man) and Nice List (they dress up as elves;), Corbin Booth spinning holiday vinyl, a screening of Jon Burns’ “Christmas in Rock Island”, art and antics by The Adventure Orange, and spontaneous pagan rituals to summon a visit from naughty Krampus and other holiday cryptids. Wholesome and avant garde holiday entertainment for your whole weird family.
you'll want to secure a ticket for this one.
$10 - TICKETS ON SALE TODAY AT 10AM
all ages
6pm doors, 7pm entertainment
you'll want to secure a ticket for this one.
$10 - TICKETS ON SALE TODAY AT 10AM
all ages
6pm doors, 7pm entertainment
wednesday 25 december - CLOSED
