Jenna Paulette1 is a country star who writes …country songs for the cowboygirls at heart…2. Paulette was CMT Next Women of Country honoree in 2022, made her Grand Ole Opry debut and signed with independent label Leo333. “Paulette, a Lewisville, Texas native who grew up moving cattle on her family’s ranch in Thackerville, Oklahoma, found her voice singing in church and during long, hot summers… “My granddad and uncle always expected me to be able to get the job done,” Paulette says. After college in Savannah, she settled in Nashville, where Ashley Gorley became her songwriting mentor, leading to collaborations with other songwriters and a publishing deal”4. Paulette commands the stage with confidence and professional presence. She will certainly see mainstream success with her radio friendly songwriting. Liv McNair5 is an up and coming country singer/songwriter from Southern Iowa. …[P]erforming high-energy acoustic shows for corporate events, private parties, weddings, and special events across the Midwest and nationwide.”6 She writes sad songs that make cowgirls cry. Her live show is certainly entertaining and her interaction with the crowd puts the audience at ease. That is a good skill when you are a solo singer/songwriter on stage. Her choice of covers compliments her songwriting style, specifically, Taylor Swifts7 “Mean.” “‘I grew up always wanting to sing and pulled a lot of inspiration from Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin and Loretta Lynn,’ said McNair.”8 Liv might get major label interest soon because of her solid songwriting and stage presence.
Dickie, the stage name of Iowa songwriter Dick Prall, is mainstream indie rock that is imminently radio friendly. Dickie is certainly on the verge of mainstream success. “Prall had been close to mainstream success before. …His band…[t]he Starch Martins were on the doorstep in ’01, and Prall was signed by Reid Hunter, who was also representing John Mayer at the time and had similar ideas for Prall’s career. So when the “Dickie” album turned into a critical darling but landed just short of commercial success, it wasn’t new for him. But with material this deeply personal and unabashedly good, it felt crushing.”9 Regarding his songwriting process Dickie says “…I write songs based on relationships, but not necessarily relationships between two people; relationships people…experience…within society.”10. Dickie might soon realize the mainstream success that has thus far eluded him. Caley Conway is a songwriter who is rooted in gospel and folk, however, that is not necessarily an accurate description of her style. Caley employs electronic beats and loops that gives her a sound that can’t readily be defined. You might draw vague comparisons with PJ Harvey. However, Caley Conway develops a sound that is all her own. You might consider “…her sound through the lens of Lomelda, Sharon Van Etten, Aldous Harding and David Bowie. Each artist called back to the intricacies within the phrasing, harmonies and metaphor of Conway’s music.”11. Keep your ears peeled because both Dickie and Caley Conway are radio friendly songwriters that are on the verge of mainstream success.
Jason Scott & the High Heat are a cool band from Oklahoma City. The sound is a mix of Americana and Southern-ish rock. The performance at the Raccoon Motel was certainly festival worthy. You can hear why the band earns praise from the likes of Rolling Stone12 and NPR. Jason grew up Pentecostal and was once a youth and worship pastor. Now as a musician, he is writing songs while his bandmates joke about him once never having heard songs like “Stairway to Heaven.”‘13 Jason Scott & the High Heat are on the verge of becoming main stream and you can hear how close they are with their cover of Pink Floyds14 “Money.” Keep your ears peeled because Jason Scott & the High Heat are certainly up and coming talents you will soon hear on mainstream radio stations. American Jackals15 are a new band from St. Louis signed with Nashville’s Harbor Records. The sound is countryfied Americana with hints of Southern Rock. They never put a full band on stage yet, however, they are entertaining. The band has lots of potential and a full band would really help.
The Golden Fleece16 are a tight indie rock band from Peoria, Illinois. The band is certainly underground, however, the fan base and excitement at local Quad Cities performances is palpable. The Golden Fleece develop tight grooves that audiences love and you can hear the hoots and hollers from the crowd. The IQCF preserved their performance at Ragged Records in August 2025 and the future is bright with the Golden Fleece. Their debut album “…Mind Mirror was recorded to tape at Future Apple Tree Studio and engineered by Pat Stolley, original Daytrotter engineer.”17 We highly recommend giving the Golden Fleece a listen. Lark’s Tongue18 was the first band on the bill. The band name comes from the King Crimson album. The band is heavy and the songwriting is almost prog rock. The clever employment of a theremin gives the band a signature sound. These bands are both good live bands.
Glixen1 is a young band with brilliant stage presence. Aislinn Ritchie is one of the best lead singers of the genre. The alternative sound is a mix of grunge with hints of My Bloody Valentine, however, Glixen is developing a sound that is certainly Glixen. “Ritchie founded Glixen in 2020 and later added the talents of lead guitarist Esteban Santana, drummer Keire Johnson, and bassist Sonia Garcia. Glixen released their debut EP She Only Said via Julias War Records on August 11th, 2023.”2 Future bands of the genre might describe themselves as Glixen-esque. The future is certainly bright with Glixen on the new music scene.
“Starling is an…alternative band…from…Los Angeles, CA…blending elements of new grunge…. (T)he band’s…genre is…elusive…. Combining bedroom warped production with angular leads and rich vocal melodies, Starling offers a uniquely vulnerable and enthralling style of rock.
Lead singer and guitarist Kasha Souter Willett started the project in 2023. In May 2024, Starling officially formed with three more integral members – Erik Sathrum Johnson, Grace Rolek and Gitai Vinshtok. Their first EP 2324 was released in September 2024.”3
Wheatus is an American rock band from Northport, New York, formed in 1995. They are known principally for their 2000 single, “Teenage Dirtbag“. They also experienced success with their 2001 cover version of Erasure‘s “A Little Respect“, and their self-titled album was certified platinum in the United Kingdom. (www.wikipedia.com). “I’d had the riff in my head since college. I wrote Teenage Dirtbag lying on a futon staring at the ceiling in a rented apartment on Long Island, New York. The song is fictional, but has…a little… scenery from my childhood.”4 Wheatus was the top billing and the performance was stellar. His backup singers were superb and the set was professional.
Elizabeth Moen’s voice is big, beautiful, and…can’t be ignored – it’s an instrument of raw power that can just as easily pull you in with a whisper. But it’s not just the voice that…draws you in, it’s the way she wields…her vocal prowess. Her songwriting is equal parts confessional and self-aware, like catching up with a friend who makes you laugh while laying bare her unfiltered narrative.”5 Elizabeth Moen is one of the best band leaders in the world. She can put the best backing band on stage and commands with brilliant aplomb.
“The Buttertones are a rock band formed in Los Angeles. Bassist Sean Redman met lead vocalist Richard Araiza and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Modeste “Cobi” Cobián at music school in 2011. The three officially formed the band in 2012. …(L)ead guitarist Dakota Böttcher…joined the band in 2014, then saxophonist/keyboardist London Guzmån in 2015. The band also note that their sound is influenced by movies, …and…describe their albums with genres…like…horror, thriller, and drama, …rather than…traditional music genres.”.6 The Buttertones were pure entertainment with endless energy. Lead vocalist Richard Araiza even entered the crowd from the stage and danced with the audience. If you ever see the Buttertones in a town near you, then certainly see the band. New Misphoria is a female duo from Tucson, Arizona. The band is tight and the sound is one of a kind alternative rock.
“Hello Mary is a three-piece rock band from Brooklyn, NY comprised of guitarist/vocalist Helena Straight, drummer/vocalist Stella Wave and bassist Mikaela Oppenheimer.”7 The band is one of the best indie bands on the club circuit. You might see Hello Mary on large festival stages like Lollapalooza soon. “Bleary Eyed was formed in 2015 by Nathaniel Salfi (guitar & vocals), now joined by Margot Whipps (bass & vocals), Pax Martyn (guitar), & Charlie Libby Watt (drums). The songs teeter from more pleasant pop songs to heavier fuzz tracks sometimes blending elements from both styles.”8
Mei Semones9 is an American jazz musician and Berklee School of Music alumni. Berklee School of Music10 produces some of the best talent in the world. Her performance at the Raccoon Motel11 was one of the best this year. She is a musical genius and will soon be on stages like Carnegie Hall. Pokey LaFarge12 is a prolific country star with a classic sound. The concert at a the Redstone Room13 featured top talent. He released several albums on some of the best record labels in the country including Rounder Records14 and Third Man Records15.
“Color Green has shared stages with a range of groups that reflect both the sophistication and the wild malleability of their sound, including Fuzz, Kikagaku Moyo, Circles Around the Sun, Hiss Golden Messenger, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Yet, because they see boundless possibilities from one note to the next, they anchor their music in the urgent present rather than the distant past.”16 The sound is somewhat retro ’60s and ’70s and meanders from rock, surf and alt rock. Founded in Chicago in 2014 by partners Joshua Condon and Eliza Weber, Glyders have been playing their mystery sound at shows around town and country ever since. Color Green & Glyders put on a stunning performance that was preserved at the IQCF.
“Bad Bad Hats is an indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge met in college and formed the band in 2012. They have toured the country many times in their trusty minivan, sampling the best local cuisine along the way. BBH has toured with The Beths, Margaret Glaspy, The Front Bottoms, Hippo Campus, and Michelle Branch, among many others.”17 …Party Nails is Elana Carroll…from Chatham, NY. …She…was the tween-dream-open-mic-queen of Chatham. She operates Top Coat recording studio in Los Angeles, where she records, produces and mixes for Party Nails and others.”18 Bad Bad Hats and Party Nails was one of the best of the year. The stage presence of both was full of energy and featured top talent.
“The evolution of Los Angeles new romantic icon Riki is as dynamic as it is undeniable. Her early formative years playing in Bay Area goth-punk unit Crimson Scarlet…helped her…develop the synth-pop solo alias…Riki in 2017. Riki’s music has steadily flowered with finesse, feeling, and vision. 2020 saw the release of her widely acclaimed self-titled debut for Dais Records. …Reimagining the moody new wave synthetics across a vibrant palette of melancholia prompted…rapturously received tours and festival appearances.”19 That was clearly evident at the Raccoon Motel stage. Her backing tracks, wardrobe and dance moves are signatures of her stage prowess. Magnolia is a post-hardcore, electronic two-piece band from the Quad-Cities. Riki and Magnolia compliment each other well.
Sean Tillmann-Hauser is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He has performed and released studio albums as Sean Na Na and as a member of hardcore band Calvin Krime, but is best known for his performances under the name Har Mar Superstar20. Har Mar is a showman and his performance at the Raccoon Motel was a raucous party. You could call his recent tour a comeback, however, that might not be accurate because he never really left. “Liza Anne melds empowered, self-aware lyrics with a range of sonic dynamics – indie pop… choruses…, atmospheric builds, charging guitars, and explosive drums….”21 Liza is a good band leader with the confidence of Steve Nicks. Her band is one of the best in the world and they deliver a performance that is on par with artists like PJ Harvey.
Sophia Corinne, Angela Autumn & Tommy Prine @ the IQCF 2025
“Sophia Corinne harvests poetry for the lines of each song from her life, one lived paying attention. Her songs offer the companionship of…beautiful…songwriting, lyrics and vocals…. Since 2021 she has been tending a garden of folk songs and…intimate performances, releasing multiple EPs and touring extensively across North America.”22 “Angela Autumn is a country folk artist from the Appalachia region of Pennsylvania. Blending her sound from roots of her small hometown, she soon brought her childhood stories and upbringing to the city of Nashville.”23 Tommy Prine is a country singer-songwriter…who delivers emotionally raw…and spellbinding live performances. Prine’s music…carve(s)…a niche…beyond the shadow of legacy.”24 Sophia, Angela and Tommy were all stellar and were a good blend of singer-songwriter, folk, and country.
“The Wildmans come from the hills of Floyd, Virginia, in the heart of the Appalachian mountain music tradition. Campsite jamming at festivals and fiddler’s conventions and a college level music education comes the foundation for musical exploration that sets this group apart. The audience…is given a…musical journey that reflects the growth and passion of these talented musicians. The Wildmans have appeared on stages large and small, including an extensive list of festivals along the east coast and Colorado. …The band has appeared…on stages with artists such as, Bela Fleck, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Grisman Project, Oliver Wood, Sierra Ferrell, Aoife O’Donovan, The Steel Wheels, Sammy Shelor, Sierra Hull, Billy Strings, and more.”25 “The Jenkins Twins (aka Trevor and Trenton Jenkins) have…developed a…sound that seats them squarely on the cutting edge of modern country. They pioneer a sort of cosmic Americana that nods to contemporary indie…while giving…golden-age talents like Springsteen and Roy Orbison…their proper respect.”26
Squirrel Flower1 is the stage name of Ella O’Connor Williams and she develops her sound with brilliant songwriting and lyrics. Hailing from Grinnell, Iowa she is well versed in Midwest etiquette. The crowd at the Raccoon Motel was alert and her set was wonderful, specifically a solo performance describing the house where she grew up. “Williams is 27, and started recording music when she was 18…Williams’ new record Tomorrows Fire…is a searing record and Williams channels listlessness and desperation into sweltering explosive rock songs.2 Hurray for the Riff Raff was the headliner and the audience was mesmerized. Every song was professionally written and performed flawlessly. Alynda Segarra is from the Bronx, New York and formed the band in 2007. “Hurray for the Riff Raff stakes claims to American myths while inherently critiquing them. Segarras first great song was 2008s, “Daniella” “a feminist anthem about protecting your friend from an abuser.”3. Hurray for the Riff Raff4 is a band worth admiration from every music genre and the IQCF encourages you give Alynda a listen.
Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds & the Righteous Babes @ the IQCF 2024
Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds3 was one of the headliners at the 2023 Alternating Currents4 festival. The Raccoon Motel was full and Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds entertained the audience with aplomb. “Mike didn’t start playing music until he was 27, and it appears to have been a fairly intense slavic experience for him….”5. The crowd certainly liked the performance. The sound might not be mainstream top 40, however, you can hear influences that come from chart toppers. “The Righteous Babes are a supergroup of powerhouse female artists, banded together under Ani DiFranco’s legacy label, Righteous Babe Records.”6. Gracie and Rachel, Holly Miranda, Jocelyn Mackenzie were jovial and lively on stage and always smiling. You could see and hear the skill of the musicians and the cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Maps” was a highlight of the set. The Righteous Babes carved a niche in modern music that can’t be denied.
Todd Day Wait7is a Nashville musical artist with a peculiar country western style and deep baritone voice. The songs are all well written and his band provided superb support. “Todd is a Missouri native with an easy-going, good humored nature that will have you singing along faster than you know the words. “8
Just a Mess9 is a rock band from Chicago with tight songs that are alternative chart friendly. Listeners can get a good idea of band from viewing the official Just a Mess documentary on their youtube channel. The band was a good opener that helped the Orwells10 continue their comeback following controversial allegations from female fans that derailed their career back in 2018. The crowd was certainly almost all 20-30 year old males that most likely started following the band in their youth. Musically speaking the band is tight and the songs, like Just a Mess, are alternative chart worthy.
Warmtapes11 is the music project of David Upp. He is a singer songwriter with strong acoustic guitar skills that at times become percussive. “Warmtapes is my project for the past two years but I’ve played music since I was a teen.”12 Sarah Walk13 is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music. Her songwriting skills are professional. “I grew up listening to a lot of different music and I just try to incorporate the things that I love from music into mine in an honest way.”14 Each artist possesses unique perspectives that come alive on stage.
Mountain Swallower & Nova Sunshine @ the IQCF 2024
Mountain Swallower15 is a local Quad Cities band with a large following. The sound is alternative rock with hints of psych. The sound isn’t necessarily mainstream alternative charts, however, the instrumentation is marvelous. Each band member commands their instrument and they can really entertain a crowd. You might see Mountain Swallower as a festival band ala Chillicothe. Whatever the genre, Mountain Swallower are largely entertaining. Nova Sunshine16 is a psych rock band from Peoria, Illinois. The lush guitar arrangements are classic psych rock. The crowd at the Raccoon Motel was entranced and the light show provided an experience that fans of psych rock like. The scene is underground, however, the venue was very full.
Mike Viola17 is an alternative pop rock singer songwriter. His music industry experience is legendary. He is the voice of the theme song from the Tom Hanks movie “That Thing You Do.” “With eight full-length albums over the past two decades, Viola re-established his music on his own terms. Paul McCarthy, his latest endeavor, is a sort of personal renaissance.”18 His set at the Raccoon Motel was chock full of his best material. His backing band are all the best music industry professionals. You could hear the enthusiasm from the audience and Mike Viola and band delivered a marvelous set. Dusk19 is a rock n’ roll band from Appleton, Wisconsin. The band consists of six members and you can hear the large sound of six instruments. “Dusk offers just a really straight-up rock ‘n’ roll — or maybe pop in an older sense — sensibilities, where it’s just trying to write really good songs,” said Julia Blair, who sings and plays keys. “It’s really fun to write country rock ‘n’ roll songs because it’s a really satisfying genre, especially with the arrangements we have with the keys and the pedal steel.”20 The crowd at the Raccoon Motel was receptive of the bands rollicking set.
Ariel McReynolds21 is a Quad Cities native residing in Nashville with exceptional singer songwriter skills. Her set at the Raccoon Motel was full of local supporters. The country songs are mainstream top 40 and her set was cool. Her backing band helped give her sound a huge lift and you could hear the potential of her becoming a country music radio star. “They play a mix of Pop and Country covers along with Ariel McReynolds originals. Ariel McReynolds Band adds a unique flare to your favorite songs from artists like Paramore and Miley Cyrus to The Killers.”22 Erin Rae23 is a folk singer songwriter with a sweet whispy singing style. Her set at the Raccoon Motel was wonderful and her backing band was tight. “…Rae has written countless songs, and they’ve taken her to many more stages, from Newport Folk Festival to Red Rocks and the Ryman Auditorium.”24 You can’t readily identify her influences, however, her sound is imminently familiar. Erin Rae is a folk star and her career will stand the test of time.
The McCharmlys25 is an awesome surf pop band from California. The sound isn’t traditional surf ala Dick Dale, rather a hybrid sound that is at once modern yet throwback rock n’ roll and doo wop. “…The McCharmlys make music charming and nostalgic…oldies and everything 60s is…evident in their album art and sonic palette finding themselves on that bridge in music between doo-wop and right before the British invasion revamped popular music.”26 Lead singer Angie Monroy is a powerful band leader and stage presence. The band is well rehearsed and completely entertaining. Surf Zombies27 is very much traditional instrumental surf music that delves into bubble gum punk and garage rock. The Iowa based four piece from Fort Dodge “…were recognized by the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a Spirit Award in 2017.”28 The pairing of Surf Zombies with the McCharmlys was a brilliantly planned bill.
TsuShimaMire29 is an all female art punk rock band mixed with eclectic rhythms that veer in several directions of noise rock. “Their blasts of guitar distortion sync up with the bass and drums like a sledgehammer. Beyond that, there are myriad subtle touches that distinguish them from other screaming punk purists.”30 The crowd at the Raccoon Motel was enthralled cheering with enthusiasm. Truly unique, well rehearsed and reflects their long career spanning back to 1999. TsuShimaMire is a band you must give a listen. Kate Clover31 is a rock n’ roll bandleader like Debbie Harry with a guitar. The sound is huge with lyrics that express her world view. “Growing up within the fringe cultures of skating and surfing, Clover has always been attracted to the otherness of west coast counter-culture– the gritty innocence of the saintly barbarians and dissatisfied kids around her.”32 Her new album “The Apocalypse Dream” features one of her best songs “Here Comes the Love Bomb” that is an example of the Kate Clover “sound.” The IQCF encourages giving Kate Clover a listen. TsuShiMaMire and Kate clover are bands that command the stage and each with large fan support.
Mom Rock is a rock n’ roll band from Nashville, TN with a singular panache and stage presence. The band members are alumni of the prestigious Berklee School of Music and you can see the skill of the musicians and songwriters at the live concerts. “…The group…uploaded songs on streaming services…they recorded with help from…other Berklee students.”33 Mom Rock is a cool band with a large following of genuine fans. “…The musicians bonded over a shared obsession with The Cars and Weezer and quietly buzzed in the local scene. The group performed at the kind of house parties you’d see in turn-of-the-century R-rated comedies….”34 Waltzer is a cool band from Chicago, IL. The lead singer Sophie Sputnik is a marvelous singer songwriter with brilliant guitar skills. “…Sputnik…emerged with Waltzer’s debut album, Time Traveler, that…bundles together 50s doo-wop melodies, weathered blues riffs, and surging rock climaxes….”35 The bands are huge on talent and never lack the enthusiasm that is the sign of all the best rock n’ roll bands. You will most likely see these bands on tour entertaining their large fan bases.
Road Soda is a local QC punk band with a rabid following. The sound is fast, loud and imminently punk. Road Soda is like the Ramones and D.R.I. enjoying brunch at Perkins. “…The overall angle is one of fund, not brutality. Clearly the band enjoy the humour and poke fun at punk traditions as much as honoring them.1 Further, Road Soda are huge crowd pleasers on the local music scene. You will see members of Road Soda at lots of local concerts in the Quad Cities supporting other bands.
The Many-Colored Death rocked the stage when Road Soda finished their set. The three piece is hard and tight prog grunge like Rush and Soundgarden grew up with each other at a board school in Wales. [Brent] “…Moore, bassist Preston Rodgers and, drummer Shea Spence complement each other, pulling their share of the rock n’ roll load and produce a sound that honors rock gods like Rush, Pink Floyd and, Soundgarden while establishing a distinct personality.2 The band is really tight and all the songs are well rehearsed. The gear is professionally designed, and the sounds is one of a kind.
Headliners, Radkey, were truly rad. The power punk trio of the brothers Radkey, Isaiah, Solomon, and Dee [bass, drums, guitar] are a punk rock band with chops. You can hear the Ramones and Green Day, however, Radkey crafts a unique punk rock sound that is their own. “Whatever their influences, Radkey evade the mistake of dipping into the empty…[riffage]…of acts like Greta Van Fleet. But I…won’t call them ‘modern.’ Radkey play rock (or in their words, “delicious rock noise”). The timeless elements heard throughout Green Room…see Radkey poised…for future growth, and you can bet that Radkey will rise and meet the challenge….3 The IQCF volunteers observed the Radkey stage presence could be at large festivals ala Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc. Keep your ears peeled.
South Carolina band Whitehall is cool indie emo, like the early Shins. The band is tight, and despite the departure of the original saxophone player, Whitehall continues making new music and touring4. The sound is like Houndmouth and Weezer made a band with Petey. Whitehall is certainly a crowd favorite at the Raccoon Motel. Whitehall is certainly making waves.
Carver Commodore was the headliner, and this is a cool band, perhaps your new favorite band. “After releasing their debut album in 2017, Florence-based band has consistently won over audiences with their style of rock and roll that blends the sound of the early 21st century garage rock bands (think the Strokes and the White Stripes) with the soulful voice of lead singer Payton Pruitt that pulls listeners into their music headfirst.”5 The new Carver Commodore album “Welcome to the Modern World,” is way cool. The band nails every track on the album and is one of the best live bands. Carver Commodore are worth a listen and the raucous live show of the new band from the Florence side of Muscle Shoals, Alabama is on the verge of superstardom.
Elizabeth Moen, and Iowa native from Vinton is a self-taught guitarist and singer songwriter. Her voice is like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone joined a club with Bonnie Raitt. The sound is almost bluesy, but veers away from cliche’. The Quad Cities really supports Elizabeth Moen. Elizabeth “…emerge[d] within the…[Iowa City]…musical scene while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. …[T]he transition to writing her own songs and lyrics, and how intimate and locally owned music venues are essential to newly developed artists….6 is clear when Elizabeth Moen is on stage here in the Quad Cities.
The war on poverty is ancient. The moments and significance of LBJ’s “War on Poverty” and “Guns & Butter” are gone from modern memories. However, that is the foundations of our modern welfare systems. New individuals researching urban & regional planning are intelligently designing modern complex systems aimed at ending the wealth gap, cycle of poverty and systemic racism. Complex systems are continually being refined and changed. The kinder, gentler society is indeed within the reach of new generations. Examining the intriguing dynamics of complex systems, identifying perceived social problems, and designing the best community plans is the desire of every urban & regional planning department. The superior systems of democracy and free enterprise are themes we will research from the world at large. The purpose of my thesis is presenting research in an educational and intentionally entertaining manner. Edutainment is the word. Learning is the language everyone speaks and my sincere desire is you enjoy reading my thesis.
Ending the cycle of poverty is one of the main elements of the “American Dream.” We advertised the American dream in Europe since the earliest moments of our nation. Gilberts Town [modern Bettendorf, Iowa] advertised in Europe the wonderful farm soil that can raise “…crops of all types….”[i] The Quad Cities witnessed the arrival of thousands of German and Irish immigrants in a pre-Civil War Quad Cities. The Blackhawk, Fox and several other local tribes were present in large numbers. African Americans who found freedom with the underground railroad in southern Iowa were helping change the laws of the nation and intermarrying with the local tribes in the QC region. The German and Irish immigrants were experiencing the cycle of poverty when they arrived in the QC. The fighting between the Irish and Germans caused new laws, specifically labor laws, and public education laws.
Learning from the fierce fighting between the Irish and Germans because of the language barrier are lessons we can apply with our modern Quad Cities region. New immigrants arrive in the Quad Cities every moment because we are the world model of the American Dream. The German, Irish, African American, Mexican American, local tribes and every race and nationality of immigrants in the Quad Cities at that moment built the Quad Cities with blood, sweat and tears and became pillars of the Quad Cities, our nation, and the world. The famine in Ireland was the primary cause of the Irish immigration surge at Ellis Island in New York. The Irish then migrated west. The Quad Cities, like New York, became and Irish American region.
The Irish and Germans built separate businesses, schools, and churches because of the language barrier. The Irish immigrants fought the German immigrants because the language barrier and when our public schools codified English language instruction in our public schools, the fiercest fighting between Irish and German immigrants ended. Our modern Quad Cities immigrants from every nation on Earth enjoy the Quad Cities multicultural atmosphere developed through generations of cultural integration. Regarding speaking the English language, the English spoken in the Quad Cities is called “accent free” English and English language learners learn best from “accent free” English. The Quad Cities Midwest region produces lots of TV news reporters and schoolteachers who obtain employment in regions of the nation with strong regional dialects and large immigrant populations because English language learners learn English best from accent free English.
Cash crops and the Mississippi River is why we are all here, however, accent free English speakers are of value in all kinds of international business. The local tribes are significant specifically Chief Blackhawks’ agreements with the US government following the French and Indian wars and skirmishes with the local US garrisons stationed in the Quad Cities region. The early Quad Cities African American experience is joined with the Blackhawk, Fox, and other local tribes through marriage in the pre-Civil War Quad Cities. The first house in Bettendorf is the dwelling of man name Dred Scott. Scott County, Iowa is arguably the best county in Iowa. The Quad Cities was a hub on the underground railroad with other Iowa towns like Stanton, Grinnell, Yetter, Parnell and Port Gibson and Edgington in Illinois.
The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was built in Davenport and Westward expansion became realized in earnest. Who built that bridge? Local legend says Irish immigrant labor built that bridge. The Irish laborers and their families camped on the Mississippi River between modern Iowa Ave. and Federal St. in an area dubbed “the Patch.” The name came from the gardens each family grew. Most likely the labor was a mix of all races present in the Quad Cities at that moment. However, the fighting between the Irish and German immigrants was fierce regarding who could obtain employment from the railroad company. Irish and Germans were building separate businesses, schools, and churches because the language barrier. The arguments, agreements and early labor laws adopted became the foundations of our modern labor laws. Fighting between the Irish and Germans continued in the 20th century. Specifically, German American immigrants experienced mistrust and persecution during the World Wars. German American businesses suffered especially German breweries. German American businesses changed their German names that the wartime public would continue purchasing their products. New immigrants in the Quad Cities can learn from the early Quad Cities immigrant experience and likewise achieve the American Dream.
The early Quad Cities town planners advertised in European newspapers the rich farm soil of the Quad Cities region. The truth in advertising of our region is the fact that the Mississippi River Valley soil is the richest farm soil on planet Earth. The Mississippi River Valley soil is the richest because glaciation. The end of the last Ice Age left the richest topsoil right in the center of the Mississippi River Valley. Every Midwest resident observes the ice melting each Spring and observes the sediment that remains when the ice melts. That is from mere inches of ice. The glaciers of the last Ice Age were miles thick and graced the Mississippi River Valley with a magnificent fertile crescent of nitrogen-rich topsoil.
The pre-Civil War, pre-Industrial revolution Quad Cities was very much farming. The first railroad spanning the Mississippi River in Davenport hauled every bushel of produce the Quad Cities region could muster. The legendary cattle drives of the 19th and early 20th Centuries from the southern U.S. ending in Chicago slaughter yards developed huge industries on Lake Michigan with hundreds of thousands of laborers and their families. The fresh produce of the early Quad Cities farming industry helped feed the growing metropolis of Chicago. Modern residents near the Mississippi River in the QC urban center observe the railcars full of corn syrup every day. The corn syrup is employed in the manufacture of hundreds of food products.
The lessons of the early Quad Cities immigrant experience are of value when designing our modern urban & regional planning complex systems. The Quad Cities urban regions are seeing a Renaissance of redevelopment from a series of Urban Revitalization laws being codified in Des Moines and in the local Quad Cities. Empty buildings in our urban center are being redeveloped, filled with residents, and property values are being raised because the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption [URTE] laws. If businesses and individuals redevelop property and raise the assessed property value in designated URTE zones, then the business and/or individual is legally exempt from ten years of property tax. The property tax exemption gives developers an incentive. The “urban sprawl” models of the 1950s are being replaced with new “urban revitalization and redevelopment” models with the help of new URTE laws.
Property tax is the vehicle of building every town in our nation. The Quad Cities tax base is growing from the manufacture of farm equipment, the production of cash crops and the local education industry is enjoying major increases in education clients earning degrees of every kind.[ii] The manufacture of farm equipment will continue and grow, although the identity of the Quad Cities is changing because of the influx of new education clients earning degrees. Further, the burgeoning music scene is putting the QC region on the map.
The education industry is exciting and continually changing. The education industry within our complex system helps build a recession proof community. Recession proof communities are the best environments in which we can design the kinder, gentler society. Research from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce suggests 45% of new education clients earning degrees in the Quad Cities are from other regions. The wealth from other regions helps our local businesses. Education clients like the Quad Cities education industry because degrees won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Further, the Quad Cities Midwest region is one of the best advertising markets. Marketing and advertising executives realized long ago the Midwest audience is one of the best test audiences in the nation. The saying “…if the housewife in Iowa likes the product…” is a remnant from the Eisenhower and Betty Friedan generation that is considered valid and based on real marketing research. In fact, several major marketing, advertising, and entertainment industry firms test market products in the Quad Cities. Certainly, lots of law changes occurred since then regarding the dynamics of race, class, and gender and the Quad Cities Midwest region remains one of the best test markets and audiences in the nation. We will examine the interconnections the Quad Cities is developing with other nations and our identity as an international model of commerce and vacation destination.
The IQCF 2024 [DEI] Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Research
The IQCF mission is developing a diverse, inclusive Quint Cities region. The IQCF volunteers researched live concerts in the Quint Cities region since 2014. The IQCF precursor and business plan, the International Tastemaker Fest Thesis, documented hundreds of live performances in the QC since 2014. The purpose of researching the live music scene is learning how audiences interact with talent from other regions of the nation and the world. The observations of the live music scene are then applied in developing diversity, equity, inclusion, talent attraction, and arts & cultural sustainability. The emerging multiethnic majority audience in the QC is what will be a foundation of the future urban & regional planning development of the QC region.
Morgan Wade & Matt Roy @ the Raccoon Motel August 17th, 2022
Morgan Wade is a rare talent with brilliant lyrics and music composition skills. Her new studio album release on Sony Nashville is produced with Nashvilles’ best music industry talent. She is becoming a female headliner with large festival draws and a loyal fan base. Her attraction is the somewhat raw lyrics the crowd memorized and her professional guitar skills. “Intriguingly, alongside artists like Joy Oladokun, Sierra Ferrell and others…Morgan Wade is changing the image and sound of women in country music….”[iii] Now she is becoming a leading voice in new country music and while her sound isn’t strictly country western, alt-country or Americana per se, Morgan Wade is a country music star. Matt Roy[iv] is an accomplished musician and helped develop the vibe with his sound until headliner Morgan Wade delivered her beautiful performance.
Full of Hell & Blood Incantation @ the Raccoon Motel September 28th, 2022
Full of Hell is an “…extreme, grind and death metal…” band. The music is heavy and loud. The …anti-religious lyrical themes…of lead singer Dylan Walker…helps explain why lead single ‘Industrial Messiah Complex’ grinds organized religion to a pulp in under 90 seconds. Walker wrote the lyrics about the commodification of spirituality seen in America’s vast network of garish mega-churches and how those practices are at odds with true spirituality….”[v] The anti-religious themes aren’t necessarily a sign of an atheist leading the band. Dylan Walker might be a spiritualist. The band name “Full of Hell” suggests the belief in Hell and thus a belief in Heaven. The devil always wants humans believing the devil doesn’t exist. Whatever spiritual belief fans of Full of Hell espouse is a personal choice. The draw at the Raccoon Motel was full of fans.
Blood Incantation is a death metal band.[vi] The music is heavy, loud, and fast. The vocals are undecipherable and sound like growling, barking canines. That is the grind-core, death metal motif, and the fans could decipher every grunt, growl, scream and bark. The Raccoon Motel was full of fans with all the death metal gear, t-shirts, patches and the like. The death metal scene is certainly underground, however, the legions of fans at the Raccoon Motel saw the largest draw of 2022. Morgan Wade and Matt Roy was a full house. Full of Hell and Blood Incantation was overflowing. The IQCF volunteers onsite observe that the heavy, grind-core, death metal underground scene in the QC is real, albeit hidden from the mainstream Billboard charts. However, that, like all indie scenes, might be an element of the underground death metal culture. Metallica was an underground indie band from the early 1980s until the early 1990s when they became a mainstream Billboard charting artist. Full of Hell and Blood Incantation are much heavier with undecipherable lyrics, however, the fan base is large and devoted. Billboard chart toppers are centrist in nature. If you like heavy metal, then Full of Hell and Blood Incantation deserve a listen.
Whitney & Squirrel Flower @ the Raccoon Motel November 7th, 2022
Squirrel Flower[vii] is an emerging indie pop artist on Polyvinyl Records.[viii] RIYL Of Montreal and Liz Phair. The music and lyrics are really cool, and her audience is large. Squirrel Flowers’ cover of Caroline Polacheks’[ix] “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings,” helped Squirrel Flower emerge from obscurity and enter the mainstream indie pop realm. Squirrel Flower is a strong band leader with a beautiful voice and guitar sound. Further, Squirrel Flower is a role model of women in the music industry who can compose original music & lyrics and lead a band.
Whitney[x] was the headliner at the Raccoon Motel and the audience was attentive and familiar with all the songs and lyrics. Indie pop is close when describing the sound, however, you can hear dance rhythms and grooves that give Whitney a niche’ they can claim separate from the “indie pop” tag you see on music streaming playlists. The band is tight, and their following is like a dance indie pop Widespread Panic. We encourage you give Whitney a listen. The IQCF volunteers believe the Squirrel Flower and Whitney bill helped each band build their similar audiences.
Lissie & Cat Clyde @ the Raccoon Motel December 3rd, 2022
Lissie[xi] is a local musician from the Quad Cities who accomplished world fame with her brilliant musical compositions and lyrics. RIYL Fleetwood Mac, Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Sarah MacLachlan and if you like Danzig you will enjoy her cover of “Mother.” Lissie is the band leader and describes the sound like “…We’re pretty much a rock band…we don’t have any beats or computers…[just] drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, and live vocals….”[xii] The local Quad Cities audience gives Lissie huge support and encouragement. She is the most famous artist since Bix. Lissie helped put the Quad Cities on the map. Her local performances are always full of local fans who helped Lissie accomplish her wildest dreams. Personally, Lissie is my favorite artist ever.
Cat Clyde[xiii] is becoming a modern Bright Eyes with similar acoustic guitar sounds. Cat Clyde helped develop the vibe with the audience until Lissie emerged on stage at the Raccoon Motel. “Mystic Light” is one of Cat Clydes’ best pieces. Says Cat Clyde, “…It’s a song about wanting to understand my journey and purpose. I’m exploring feelings of adriftness, asking for the mystery or magic of life to show her face so I can see what it’s all for.”[xiv] The IQCF volunteers really enjoyed the ambiance at the Raccoon Motel. Lissie and Cat Clyde are strong women band leaders. The IQCF volunteers encourage you support these artists.
J.E. Sunde @ the Raccoon Motel December 16th, 2022
J.E. Sunde[xv] is an original music composer from Minneapolis, MN. The regional dialect in his voice is certainly an element of his sound. “Lauded by Daytrotter as ‘one of the greatest indie-folk singer/songwriters around…’ J.E. Sunde writes beautiful, poetic lyrics on top of his folk-rock instrumentals.”[xvi] The songs are original, and the lyrics are clear. J.E. Sunde draws the audience in with each song and is certainly a large presence on the Quad Cities scene.
Ellie Turner @ the Raccoon Motel January 17th, 2023
Ellie Turner[xvii] is a professional folk artist. Her song “…’One More Day’ acts an…introduction…on her new album ‘When the Trouble is all Done.’ The songs…reflective undertone, …tinged with…peace and melancholy…is a pitch-perfect…sound of estranged lovers thinking over the times they had with each other….”[xviii] Ellie Turner is a talent who must be heard live on stage.
Rookie of the Year & Cedars @ RIBCO February 10th, 2023
Cedars[xix] is an electronic band from central Texas with a strong female lead singer. The band is professional, and the sound is like Evanescence-lite with a twist of lime. The songs are certainly Billboard chart ready. The IQCF volunteers are happy we discovered Cedars, and they might enjoy mainstream fame and success.
Rookie of the Year[xx] was the headliner and the fans remembered every word of every song. Rookie of the Year is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. “…Their second full length album ‘Sweet Attention’…reached the U.S. Billboard Heatseekers’ #21 and #9 on Billboards’ Alternative New Artist chart in its first week…with over 30,000 album sales….”[xxi] Rookie of the Year entertained the RIBCO audience like professionals and the vibe was cool.
Sunny Sweeney & Angela Meyer @ the Raccoon Motel February 22nd, 2023
Angela Meyer[xxii] is a famous professional country music star from Davenport, IA. The IQCF are huge fans of Angela Meyer, and she is accomplishing her dreams with the support of her local fan base in the Quad Cities.[xxiii] We encourage you support Angela Meyer because she is a strong woman role model of women in the music industry. Angela helped build the vibe on stage at the Raccoon Motel until Sunny Sweeney performed her songs.
Sunny Sweeney[xxiv] is a professional country music singer-songwriter. Her voice and guitar skills are her signature, and she enjoys a large fan base of devoted fans. The Raccoon Motel audience encouraged Sunny Sweeney on stage whilst she described her personal life between songs. Her confessional approach on stage describing the inspirations behind her lyrics helped the audience understand her joys and her emotions regarding her past relationships.[xxv] Country music is full of similar experiences and Sunny Sweeney carved a niche in the country music scene with her authentic songwriting, lyrical and guitar skills.
Dessa & Subatlantic @ the Raccoon Motel & RIBCO April 14th, 2023
Dessa[xxvi] is an American rap artist, singer, writer, record executive and member of indie hip hop collective Doomtree.[xxvii] Dessa developed her early skills writing poetry and entered the music world “…when a member of the Minnesota hip-hop community saw one of [her] poetry slam performances and asked if [she] might be interested in [rhyming] with a beat…. She became a founding member of the Minneapolis-based hip-hop…record label Doomtree. In 2016 Dessa…contributed to the Hamilton Mixtape, where she appeared alongside the Roots, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Queen Latifah, Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Nas, Busta Ryhmes and other music luminaries. [xxviii] Dessa and her band entertained the Raccoon Motel audience with a fervor that is her hip-hop signature. You can hear her spoken word poetry becoming lyrical rap genius with her backing band providing the beats.
“Subatlantic[xxix], an indie rock band based in the Quad Cities, features Becca Rice-lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Adam Kaul-guitar; Phil Pracht-drums; and Sean Chapman-bass and cello.”[xxx] The sound is like modern 1990s and 2000s grunge pop with strong female vocals. RIYL Belly. Subatlantic enjoys huge local support in the Quad Cities and the audience at RIBCO helped develop the ambiance and vibe. The IQCF encourages you support Subatlantic and the local music scene in the Quad Cities.
Jess Williamson @ the Raccoon Motel June 17th, 2023
Jess Williamson[xxxi] is one of the best indie Americana singer songwriters and band leaders in the world. Her album “Sorceress” is full of brilliant songwriting and lyrics. “When Williamsons’ relationship…with her “Sorceress” songwriting partner…ended, she focused on her personal growth. ‘My music, my singing, my songwriting got better because I did not want to be small anymore. I stepped into my fullness as a woman and a singer.’”[xxxii] Jess’ collaborations with Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) spawned a band called Plains. Jess Williamson is an inspiration and new generations of women singer songwriters will enjoy learning from Jess’ skills.
Matthew James Cepican International Quint Cities Festival Nonprofit Corporation Founder 