Morning Rockford! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
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1. Rockford library launches free music literacy series (rrstar.com) — Families in Rockford can now bring young children to the free Kids' Musical Storytime series at Rockford Public Library branches, running through May 2027. Monthly sessions use music, rhythm and rhyme to build early reading skills, with hands-on activities led by Music Academy of Rockford educators and Rockford Symphony Orchestra musicians, plus occasional take-home instruments and concert ticket giveaways.
2. City leaders discuss additional hotel-owners proposed tax on hotel stays (mystateline.com) — Rockford officials are weighing a new 2% tax on hotel rooms at larger properties, expected to raise about $1.38 million a year for tourism marketing. Supporters say it would draw more tournaments and visitors, while critics worry it's unnecessary and could burden Rockford families hosting relatives for reunions, weddings, or hospital visits.
3. Rockford Area Arts Council hosts digital media roundtable for local creators (mystateline.com) — Local creators in Rockford just gained a new space to network, troubleshoot projects, and learn about small grants through the Rockford Area Arts Council's digital media roundtable. The council also offers quarterly Action Grants and larger Regional Arts Partner grants, and residents are invited to Thursday's free State of Culture event at City Stage Studios to hear updates on arts progress.
4. Kansas brings five decades of hits to Hard Rock Live Rockford this February (mystateline.com) — Rockford music fans will have a chance to see classic rock band Kansas at Hard Rock Live Rockford this February, with tickets going on sale Sept. 18. The show will feature hits like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," performed by the band's current lineup while original drummer Phil Ehart continues recovering from a heart attack.
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Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
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