Laura’s Legacy is returning for its 8th annual event to Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island on June 8th. The event, hosted by Rock Island Parks and Recreation in partnership with Lissie, has raised $90,000 over the last seven years. Attendees of all ages can enjoy music, food, and family fun on the waterfront, all to support a great cause! All proceeds will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Chicago (serving Central Illinois, Greater Chicagoland, and Northern Illinois) and ALS Research University of North Carolina in support of raising awareness of ALS, patient support and research.

Musician Lissie Maurus, originally from Rock Island, created this event with her family to honor her late Aunt Laura Swedberg Schoonover Bartel's memory. Reflecting on the origins of Laura’s Legacy, Lissie explains, “In 2010, my aunt Laura passed away from ALS, a terrible disease for which there is no known cause or cure. As a way to celebrate Laura's life, my family and I decided to create an annual event of music, in a family friendly environment on the Mississippi River in our hometown!”

At 2:30 pm get ready for music by Charlotte Boyer followed by Ashley Groves at 3:00 pm with a fold-indie sound heavily infused with jazz and R&B. The Dawn will take the stage with their cutting edge rock/jam at 4:00 pm.

American folk rock artist, Lissie will perform with her band at 5:00 pm to finish off the event. Lissie is in the midst of promoting her new album, When I’m Alone: The Piano Retrospective and touring across America and Europe. This album is a collection of Lissie’s past works reimagined as piano/vocal pieces and really shows the raw-talent of her voice.

Food will be available for purchase and Bent River Brewing Company will be selling wine, beer and liquor. Gates open at 2:00 pm, with admission of $10 for adults (cash only) and free for children 12 and under with paid adult. Free parking is available in the City’s parking ramp, as well as street parking. Bring lawn chairs for seating and also an ID for alcoholic beverages. Outside alcohol and tents are not allowed. In case inclement weather is forecast, call the Rock Island Parks & Recreation rain line at (309) 732-RAIN (7246). For more information call the Parks office at (309)732-7275.