ALTERNATING CURRENTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2025 COMEDY LINEUP

Festival introduces new pop-up comedy club at The Phoenix; Andrew King’s comedic game show adds playful twist to August 14–17 schedule 

Alternating Currents returns August 14–17, 2025, transforming Downtown Davenport into a multi-venue celebration of music, comedy, film and art. This year’s comedy lineup features a curated mix of touring comics, Midwest favorites and original formats that push beyond traditional stand-up. 

Performances will take place at venues throughout downtown, with nearly all shows free and open to the public. 

The 2025 comedy slate includes: 

Aaron Scarbrough • Aloe Mean • Andrew King • Aubree Plant • Austin Black • Bernard Bell • Chris Schlichting • Damon Tucker • Donny Townsend • James Draper • Jeanie Doogan • Josh Plant • KB Marion • Kristen Toomey • Lauren Vino • Matt Lamb • Mel Mackey • Michael Meyers • Mike Baldwin • Mike Lucas • Nate Abshire • Sohrab Forouzesh 

This year’s lineup brings bold energy and fresh perspectives to the stage. Austin Black, now based in Denver, returns to the festival nearly a decade after graduating from Davenport West, where he was once taught by one of this year’s curators. Kristen Toomey, a Chicago powerhouse who recently dropped a Don’t Tell Comedy special, brings her trademark grit, fresh off appearances at Just for Laughs. Mike Baldwin, a 20-year veteran and winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition, joins Jeanie Doogan, who will also appear at the Adler Theatre this fall as part of the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour. 

Other performers include Lauren Vino, Nate Abshire, Mike Lucas, Aaron Scarbrough and Matt Lamb. Festival favorite, Donny Townsend returns with his debut comedy album slated for release this summer. Also appearing are real-life comedy couples Josh and Aubree Plant and Damon Tucker and Mel Mackey, who perform regularly at Tomfoolery on Tremont in Davenport.  

Adding something entirely new to the mix is Andrew King’s The FAQ!?, a chaotic, trivia-inspired comedy game show described as “antagonistic Jeopardy.” The FAQ!? invites audiences into a world of absurd questions, low-stakes challenges and unpredictable laughs, offering an unexpected twist on traditional comedy formats. 

Also new this year, is a pop-up comedy club upstairs at The Phoenix Restaurant & Martini Bar, a space rarely open to the public. The room’s layout and historic character make it a natural fit for stand-up sets and late-night laughs. 

“Comedy has always been a core part of Alternating Currents and part of what makes it really special is how the festival transforms underutilized spaces into memorable cultural experiences,” said Alisha Espey, Director, Programs & Events, DDP.  

“The Phoenix is one of those tucked-away rooms that feels made for comedy. And adding something like The FAQ!? just keeps it fresh. We want people to explore the app, discover these performers, and see how we’re continuing to stretch what this festival can look like,” she added.  

Attendees are encouraged to download the free Alternating Currents app now to start exploring artist bios and venue maps. While showtimes will be released closer to the festival, the app already offers a first look at the comedy lineup, new venues and more. 

Comedy programming is curated by longtime festival performer and local comedian Chris Schlichting.  

For updates and full festival info, visit alternatingcurrentsqc.com 

ABOUT ALTERNATING CURRENTS 

Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now powered by DDP and expanded through placemaking partnerships with Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, the festival thrives thanks to the many partners and businesses who collaborate to deliver a dynamic and inclusive experience. 

With more than 200 performances and events across music, film, comedy, and visual art, Alternating Currents transforms downtown spaces into stages, galleries, and gathering places. Nearly all programming is open to the public with no ticket required, inviting audiences to discover a wide range of creative experiences throughout the weekend. 

This year’s leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort, Major Partners Rubberstamps.net and Scott County Regional Authority, as well as Accessibility Sponsor Bechtel Trust. Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Estes Construction, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, The Last Picture House, MidAmerican Energy and Express Employment Professionals. Hive Event Consulting serves as a producing partner. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch-Argus, Townsquare Media, Planet 93.9 and WQPT.