Alternating Currents is August 15-18, 2024, and will take place across more than two dozen venues in downtown Davenport along with key performances in downtown Rock Island and Bettendorf. AC features over 200 musical performances, comedy sets, film screenings and local art displays.
Alternating Currents is where music lovers come to discover top rising musicians and film enthusiasts encounter pictures that spark meaningful conversations. It’s where admirers of art experience works that produce deep personal connections and comedians induce the big laughs that we all need every so often. Each performance takes place inside and out of treasured venues located on the idyllic Quad Cities riverfront, the perfect backdrop for showcasing the creative character of the QC region. It's where you’ll find dozens of unique restaurants, shops, bars and more to explore as you move from one venue to the next, just like the flow of alternating currents.
The Alternating Currents app is the go-to resource for discovering everything that the festival has to offer. The AC app will be continuously updated as artists are announced. Users can discover the acts that interest them and customize their personal festival schedule, enabling the creation of their own unique Alternating Currents experience. To download the free app, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com/acapp
Some highlights from the music lineup include festival newcomers:
Bermuda Search Party
Genre: indie pop Hometown: Boston, MA
Since their inception in early 2018, Bermuda Search Party have emerged as an energetic and vibrant act that continues to touch audience’s hearts while getting them up on their feet. Their smooth yet powerful sound is backed by the raw energy of rock and the coolness and colors of R&B and funk - with palpable grooves coated with savory, soul-inspired riffs, anthemic horns and meaningful lyrics.
FACS
Genre: art rock Hometown: Chicago, IL
FACS features musicians formerly of the band Disappears. Using minimalism and space, FACS make abstract and modern music.
The JuJu Exchange
Genre: jazz Hometown: Chicago, IL
The JuJu Exchange is a musical partnership of three childhood friends from Chicago. They create exploratory and nuanced music that call us all to wonder and trust. Their music, mostly instrumental, blends acoustic and digital instruments to further meaningful exchange among seemingly disparate cultures. They hope their music inspires the listener to participate in the kinds of exchange the world desperately needs.
Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves
Genre: folk / Americana Hometown: Nashville, TN
It would be near impossible to overstate the uniquely singular quality of Paul McDonald’s voice and stage presence. It’s immediately recognizable and impossible to ignore. Once you’ve heard him sing, you will always know whose voice you’re hearing. And once you’ve seen him perform, you will not easily forget him. Often compared to legends like Tom Petty as a songwriter, or a young Rod Stewart for his unique voice, his songs and delivery are instantly relatable and universal in their appeal. His poetic story-driven narratives and deep, thoughtful hooks are delivered with a raspy, yet refined voice reminiscent of another era, yet demanding to be heard right now. It’s rare for an artist to pull off the feat of being a poetic songwriter, visual artist, wildly engaging performer, and an exceptional and soulful vocalist.
Ultimate Fakebook
Genre: rock Hometown: Manhattan, KS
Melding the pop power of 70s groups like Cheap Trick with the snark of 80s garage bands like the Replacements, Ultimate Fakebook play a brand of emo power pop that resulted in some now cult-classic recordings.
A few of the favorite AC festival alums returning to the event include:
Diplomats of Solid Sound (funk/soul)
Hembree (indie/alternative)
Jaik Willis (blues Americana)
OTNES (indie pop)
Post Sex Nachos (indie rock / pop / funk)
Running Man (post punk / rock n’ roll)
Today’s announcement highlights 44 musical acts, with more bands to be added to the festival bill. The lineup for film, comedy and art will be released in the coming weeks, along with a schedule to plan your visit downtown. For the complete lineup, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com
ABOUT ALTERNATING CURRENTS
Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), a division of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now the event is powered by DDP and has expanded to include host downtowns Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. The event is successful because of the many creative partners and businesses who come together to create an amazing experience for all. This year, AC’s major contributors include Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort and Major Partner, Rubberstamps.net. Programming support is provided by investments from Music Partner, GreenState Credit Union and Arts Partner, TBK Bank. Feature Stage Sponsors include Estes Construction, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois and Palmer College of Chiropractic. Supporting sponsors include MidAmerican Energy and Metronet. Hive Event Consulting is a producing partner in the event. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch/Argus, Townsquare Media and Planet 93.9.
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