Author: director

  • 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH LUKE REPASS ON JULY 11

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues. Luke Repass will take the stage at 5:30pm on Friday, July 11 in Washington Park. Repass is a professional musician who strives to wow audiences with every show. Whether a small bar on the south side, an extravagant Blues club on the northside, or music festivals throughout the nation, Luke never fails to give his all, along with his band mates.  

    “This third concert in the Blues In The District series brings back a musician who played with a band last year,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “I’m truly excited to have Luke headlining this concert.” In addition to Blessing Health System in partnership with Quincy Children’s Museum children’s activities families will enjoy food from two local food trucks—Big Bro’s BBQ and Your Mama’s and TCBY will be back with frozen yogurt treats. 

    “Started in 1998, 2025 marks the 28th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents and glass containers are not allowed. 

    Blues In The District takes place the second and fourth Friday of June, July, and August. Additional performers in the 2025 Blues In The District lineup include Dottie Kelly – July 25, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys, featuring Westside Andy – August 8, and Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials – August 22. For more information about food vendors, and entertainment for children visit thedistrictquincy.com

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors,” stated Rivera. “The sponsors for this concert include: Knapheide, V&R Accounting, and Tower on Maine. A very special thanks goes out to our merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, The Atrium; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Blues In The District, along with Band merchandise, will be available in The District’s red tent near the stage.

    More Info: 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH LUKE REPASS ON JULY 11
  • 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH MIKE WHEELER BAND ON JUNE 27

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    QUINCY, IL — Blues In The District, a beloved outdoor concert tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues. Mike Wheeler Band will take the stage at 5:30pm on Friday, June 27 in Washington Park.  Wheeler, a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community, has a vast knowledge of music, and a voice that’s reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. 

    “This second concert in the Blues In The District series takes place at the same time and location as the Midsummer Arts Faire,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “In addition to Blessing Health System in partnership with Quincy Children’s Museum children’s activities, and vendors at the Midsummer Arts Faire will be available.” The lineup of vendors includes not only a variety of arts and artists, but also a variety of food will be available for purchase during the concert. 

    “Started in 1998, 2025 marks the 28th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents are not allowed.

    Blues In The District takes place the second and fourth Friday of June, July, and August. Additional performers in the 2025 Blues In The District lineup include Luke Repass – July 11, Dottie Kelly – July 25, Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys, featuring Westside Andy – August 8, and Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials – August 22. For more information about food vendors, and entertainment for children visit thedistrictquincy.com

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors,” stated Rivera. “The sponsors for this concert include: Craig Industries, GatesAir, Davis & Associates, Realtors, HomeBank, and Quincy Audiology A very special thanks to our merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, The Atrium; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Blues In The District, along with Band merchandise, will be available in The District’s red tent near the stage.

    More Info: 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH MIKE WHEELER BAND ON JUNE 27
  • 2025 Blues In The District Lineup Announced

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, presented by Blessing Health System, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues.

    This year’s concert dates and headliners are:
    June 13 – BagLunch Blues Band
    June 27 – Mike Wheeler Band
    July 11 – Luke Repass
    July 25 – Dottie Kelly
    August 11 – Reverend Raven and The Chain Smoking Altar Boys, featuring Westside Andy
    August 22 – Lil’ Ed’s and the Blues Imperials

    5:30-9:30pm • Washington Park, Quincy, IL

    “Started in 1998, 2025 marks the 28th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents are not allowed. On-site food vendors/trucks will vary each concert. Free kids activities–sponsored by Blessing Health System in partnership with Quincy Children’s Museum–will take place in the southwest corner of the park until 8 pm.

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors and volunteers,” stated Rivera. “We extend a very special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Blessing Health System, merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, The Atrium; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Anyone who would like to volunteer to help at any of the concerts can fill out a volunteer form found on the website. 

    For more information about this and other Blues In The District series concerts visit The District’s Facebook page.

    Additional details regarding food trucks will be announced soon.

    More Info: 2025 Blues In The District Lineup Announced
  • 2025 QUINCY FARMERS MARKET RETURNS FOR 43RD YEAR

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    QUINCY, IL — Make plans to attend the Quincy Farmers Markets held each Saturday 8am-1pm May through October in Washington Park. The District’s downtown Farmers Market began in 1982, and has kept growing strong ever since. Each week local growers, producers, and artisans sell their goods, art, and services. Additionally, each Market will include music from local buskers, and market goers will enjoy various coffee/food trucks throughout the season. Due to the various growing seasons, each week can be very different when it comes to produce and products for sale. Be sure to follow Quincy Farmers Market on Facebook and click ‘going or interested’ on all of the Facebook events. This is where Market goers will find up-to-date information about what vendors will be bringing to the Market.  

    QMG Foundation will be back again this year offering free children’s activities the first Saturday of each month, starting in June.

    As a way of giving back to the community—and specifically to non-profit organizations—The District is bringing back its FREE non-profit booth space opportunity. “Local non-profits are encouraged to visit thedistrictquincy.com/farmers-market to request a complimentary booth space where the mission/purpose of the non-profit can be promoted. ”Last year was our first year to include this in our Farmers Market,” stated The District Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “Helping other local non-profit organizations is important.”

    Presenting sponsors again this year are Quincy Medical Group along with Quincy Medical Group Foundation. Additional 2025 sponsors include Harvest Level Sponsors: SeeQuincy, The Adams County Health Department, and Renewal By Anderson. QMG Foundation will be back again this year offering free children’s activities the first Saturday of each month, starting in June.  “We hope to have additional children’s activities,” stated Rivera. “As The Markets get closer, we will be sure to update everyone regarding these activities.” For more details about each Saturday’s Market, please visit the Facebook event pages.

    Once again, this year Quincy Farmers Market is honored to have the technology to offer IL SNAP Tokens. “These tokens allow customers to use their SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items at the market,” stated Rivera. IL SNAP tokens can be used to purchase any SNAP-eligible food items at the market, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, dairy, etc. “Market attendees simply swipe their Illinois Link card (which is the state’s name for SNAP benefits) at a centralized POS terminal located at The District booth, and in exchange, they receive tokens or scrip worth the amount of their SNAP benefits.” 

    Market attendees are encouraged to also visit The District table to buy District merch and market tote bags, for cash exchanges, and answers to questions.

    More Info: 2025 QUINCY FARMERS MARKET RETURNS FOR 43RD YEAR
  • 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES MISTY BLUES ON JUNE 26

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues. Misty Blues will take the stage at 5:30pm on Friday, June 26  in Washington Park. Misty Blues was a finalist in the 2019 International Blues Challenge and has toured across the U.S., Canada, and the UK since forming in 1999. 

    “Started in 1998, 2026 marks the 29th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents are not allowed. 

    Blues In The District takes place the second and fourth Friday of June, July, and August. Additional performers in the 2026 Blues In The District lineup include Kara Grainger – July 10, Matt Roberts Blues Band – July 24, Brandon Santini – August 14, and Ray Long & The Highway 61 Band – August 28. For more information about food vendors, and entertainment for children visit thedistrictquincy.com

    The District and State Street Theater, 434 S 8th Street, have once again teamed up to keep the music going with After Blues concerts. These special concerts will take place immediately following each Blues In The District concert. The act performing after this concert will be Gem City Divas. 

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors,” stated Rivera. “The sponsors for this concert include: Illinois Arts Council/Arts Quincy, Poage Auto Plaza, O’Donnell’s Termite and Pest Control Inc., and Muddy River News. A very special thanks to our merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, DoubleTree by Hilton/The Atrium on Third; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Blues In The District, along with band merchandise, will be available in The District’s red tent near the stage.

    More Info: 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES MISTY BLUES ON JUNE 26
  • 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH MATT ROBERTS BLUES BAND ON JULY 24

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues. Matt Roberts Blues Band will take the stage at 5:30pm on Friday, July 24 in Washington Park. The Matt Roberts Blues Band has been a staple of the regional blues scene for more than 20 years, making it one of Quincy’s longest-running blues bands. 

    “Started in 1998, 2026 marks the 29th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents are not allowed. 

    Blues In The District takes place the second and fourth Friday of June, July, and August. Additional performers in the 2026 Blues In The District lineup include Brandon Santini – August 14, and Ray Long & The Highway 61 Band – August 28. For more information about food vendors, and entertainment for children visit thedistrictquincy.com

    The District and State Street Theater, 434 S 8th Street, have once again teamed up to keep the music going with After Blues concerts. These special concerts will take place immediately following each Blues In The District concert. The band performing after this concert will be Esther Moore. 

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors,” stated Rivera. “The sponsors for this concert include: STARadio, Adams Fiber, Quincy Audiology, and Refreshment Services Pepsi. A very special thanks to our merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, The Atrium; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Blues In The District, along with band merchandise, will be available in The District’s red tent near the stage.

    More Info: 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH MATT ROBERTS BLUES BAND ON JULY 24
  • 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT LINEUP ANNOUNCED

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, presented by Blessing Health System, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues.

    This year’s concert dates and headliners are:
    June 12 – Blues Highway
    June 26 – Misty Blues
    July 10 – Kara Grainger
    July 24 – Matt Roberts Blues Band
    August 14 – Brandon Santini
    August 28 – Ray Long & The Highway 61 Band

    5:30-9:30pm • Washington Park, Quincy, IL

    “Started in 1998, 2026 marks the 29th series of Blues In The District,” stated Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “This year’s line up is once again top notch. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this beloved tradition. We invite everyone to bring food and drinks, lawn chairs and friends for a great time in Washington Park.” The District reminds attendees that tents are not allowed. On-site food vendors/trucks will vary each concert. Free kids activities–sponsored by Blessing Health System will take place in the southwest corner of the park until 8 pm. Following each of the concerts, State Street Theater will once again be hosting its After Blues Concerts. Details regarding the bands will be released soon.

    “We couldn’t host these concerts without our sponsors and volunteers,” stated Rivera. “We extend a very special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Blessing Health System, merch sponsor, Expressions by Christine; our stay sponsor, The Atrium; and our media sponsor, Townsquare Media.” Anyone who would like to volunteer to help at any of the concerts can fill out a volunteer form found on the website. 

    For more information about this and other Blues In The District series concerts visit The District’s Facebook page.

    Additional details regarding food trucks will be announced soon.

    More Info: 2026 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT LINEUP ANNOUNCED
  • 2026 THE DISTRICT QUINCY FARMERS MARKET RETURNS FOR 44th YEAR

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Make plans to attend the Quincy Farmers Markets held each Saturday 8am-1pm May through October in Washington Park–except for May 9 and the last Saturday of each month. These Markets will be held on 6th Street between Maine and Hampshire. The District’s downtown Farmers Market began in 1982, and has kept growing. Each week local growers, producers, and artisans sell their goods, art, and services. Additionally, each Market will include music from local buskers, and market goers will enjoy various coffee/food trucks throughout the season. Due to the various growing seasons, each week can be very different when it comes to produce and products for sale. Be sure to follow Quincy Farmers Market on Facebook and click ‘going or interested’ on all of the Facebook events. This is where Market goers will find up-to-date information about what vendors will be bringing to the Market.  

    As a way of giving back to the community—and specifically to non-profit organizations—The District is bringing back its non-profit booth space opportunity. “Local non-profits are encouraged to visit thedistrictquincy.com/farmers-market to request a complimentary booth space where the mission/purpose of the non-profit can be promoted. “2024 was our first year to include this in our Farmers Market,” stated The District Executive Director Brianna Rivera. “Helping local non-profit organizations is important.”

    Local producers, artists, and growers are encouraged to be a part of these well-known and well-attended Farmers Markets. Applications can be submitted via the link on the webpage: thedistrictquincy.com/farmers-market. “Having a variety of high-quality vendors is important,” stated Rivera. “There is a reason we are in our 44th year.” 

    Presenting sponsor again this year is Quincy Medical Group. Additional 2026 sponsors include Harvest Level Sponsors: SeeQuincy and Adams County Health Department. Friend Level Sponsors are Bank of Springfield and Adams County Farm Bureau. QMG Foundation will be back again this year offering free children’s activities the first Saturday of each month, starting in June. For more details about each Saturday’s Market, please visit the Quincy Farmers Market Facebook event pages.

    Once again, this year Quincy Farmers Market is honored to have the technology to offer IL SNAP Tokens. “These tokens allow customers to use their SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items at the market,” stated Rivera. IL SNAP tokens can be used to purchase any SNAP-eligible food items at the market, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, dairy, etc. “Market attendees simply swipe their Illinois Link card (which is the state’s name for SNAP benefits) at a centralized POS terminal located at The District booth, and in exchange, they receive tokens or scrip worth the amount of their SNAP benefits.” 

    Market attendees are encouraged to also visit The District table to buy District merch and Market tote bags, for cash exchanges, and answers to questions.

    More Info: 2026 THE DISTRICT QUINCY FARMERS MARKET RETURNS FOR 44th YEAR
  • A Dream Come True…but with a Shift

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    For years, Doug Tenhouse, owner of Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles had thought about owning a small antiques and collectibles store. With retirement in 2020 came the ability to start collecting again and from there, everything just fell into place. He noticed the storefront at 504 Hampshire was empty and available for rent. This gave him the motivation to take the plunge. “The biggest challenge was that I started at the end of the COVID Shutdown, so getting some inventory was a challenge initially,” stated Tenhouse. “People were still cautious about getting out, but were ready to get back to some normalcy too.”

    Originally, Doug’s plan was to simply be an antique and collectibles store. But after speaking with the former business at the location he found out the customers enjoyed the new gift items, snarky merchandise, and greeting cards as well. Knowing this information, Doug knew adding items that past customers enjoyed would be a good business decision so he shifted his business plan. Loyd’s carries a variety of gifts and collectibles from vintage to new, and is now known for its funny greeting cards and crazy socks. “But we have a variety of other gifts for babies up to any age,” stated Tenhouse. “There’s always something new to discover at Loyd’s.”

    When it comes to advice for entrepreneurs, Doug has given us his top three pointers. 

    1. Be patient! It takes a while to take off. 
    2. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. 
    3. Treat customers as you would like to be treated.  

    “There’s always something new to discover at Loyd’s.”

    —Doug Tenhouse

    Doug’s goal for his business–has always been and continues to be–a destination for fun and unusual items at a reasonable price. “I have many customers that enjoy coming in and reading the funny cards and love the variety of merchandise.” Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles will soon celebrate four years in business. “I think there were doubters when I first opened, but I’m still here,” stated Tenhouse. Knowing Doug has put his heart and soul into his business, it isn’t a surprise that Loyd’s is still open and helping shoppers find just the right gift or item for their home or collection. 

    loydsgifts.com
    Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles is located at 504 Hampshire.
    Tuesday – Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-3
    Closed Sunday and Monday.
    Connect with Doug
    217-214-5693  
    Facebook

    More Info: A Dream Come True…but with a Shift
  • BAGLUNCH BLUES BAND TO KICK OFF THE 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES JUNE 13

    Hours Today: By appointment only


    Blues In The District, a beloved tradition in Quincy, IL, draws music lovers together to celebrate the soulful, emotional, and electrifying sounds of the Blues. This year, BagLunch Blues Band is set to take the stage in Washington Park as the inaugural band for the 2025 concert series. On Friday, June 13 the band will be bringing their unique style and energy to the Heart of Quincy. 

    Family Entertainment will be available 5:30-8:30pm under the Blessing Tent. Activities sponsored by Blessing Health System in partnership with Quincy Children’s Museum.

    FOOD TRUCKS
    In addition to great Blues, enjoy great BBQ from Platt Daddy & Big Bros. TCBY will be back this year serving up sweet/cool treats!

    Thank you to our sponsors!
    June 13 concert sponsor, QHS Alumni Association along with corporate sponsors, Traeder’s TNT Golf Car & Motorsports, and Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell LLP

    Merchandise sponsor: Expressions by Christine

    Media Sponsor: Townsquare Media

    Stay Sponsor: The Atrium Hotel on Third

    Looking for after-Blues festivities? Stop by State Street Theater!

    More Info: BAGLUNCH BLUES BAND TO KICK OFF THE 2025 BLUES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERT SERIES JUNE 13