The storms that tore through Iowa and Illinois on March 31, 2023, left a path of destruction that took out several structures, damaged buildings and cars and caused numerous injuries and even left one person dead.

In the face of all this adversity, many would give up.  But the owners of the Apollo Theater in Belvidere Illinois, want to rebuild and do what they do best.

Storm Outbreak on March 31, 2023

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During the afternoon and evening of March 31, 2023, a path of storms raced its way across Iowa and Illinois.  The storm produced a confirmed 30 tornadoes.  The largest was an EF 4 Tornado in Iowa with 170 mph winds that was located in Johnson County.

As seen in the graphic below, it was a busy day for severe weather.

National Weather Service
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The Apollo Theater in Belvidere Illinois

The Apollo Theater was just starting up a concert that night when the powerful storm would hit the town of Belvidere.  The historic venue would sustain massive damage including the roof of the venue collapsing killing one person and injuring nearly 30 more.

Now, the Apollo is trying to rebuild but they need public help.  The theater has started a Go Fund Me campaign to try and raise $250,000.

The family has said they had several people reach out wanting to help restore the Apollo.  While they were hesitant to set up a fundraiser, with the insurance payout not being large enough to cover the repairs they are now asking for help.

Updated 4/18/23 at 12:00 p.m.

The Go Fund Me page has been updated as they are currently pausing the campaign:

Through individual and community outreach, we have been notified of additional disaster relief funding that we hope will assist with the Apollo's overwhelming reconstruction and restoration costs. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for your support and at the moment will be pausing the GoFundMe as we apply for these additional grants to rebuild our loved community center. Thank you, Apollo Ac

 

 

The Best Illinois Concert Venues

With concerts back in full swing, we give you the best venues for seeing live music in Illinois. Any missing? Send the name of the venue and some of your pictures to ryan.mccredden@townsquaremedia.com.
After looking at the Illinois venues, check out the Iowa venues here.

Quad Cities Live Music Venues That Aren't Live Music Venues Anymore

Nostalgia Alert!.

We've compiled a quick list (by no means comprehensive) of venues in the Quad Cities that are no longer music venues but to us will ALWAYS hold a special place were we saw some great shows and made some incredible memories.

To many of us the live music scene wasn't just a concert here & there. It was an every weekend affair. And it didn't matter if it was a touring band or your buddy's band. We were going to be there with a beer in hand and scream along with guitars that were way too loud in a room that was improperly treated acoustically and make some bad decisions.

 

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