The new year is ramping up for a terrific start for Iowans who enjoy live music or standup comedy. All the fun in that regard is set to come courtesy of the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, which is gearing up to host two exciting, albeit very different, talents. The first act is booked for 23 January 2026, when the casino will host the iconic and trailblazing guitarist and rockstar, Lita Ford.
Later that month, on the 30th, the casino will also feature the very talented comedian and actor Drew Lynch to perform there. With both performers boasting some amazing career highlights, the shows are both expected to be major successes. Facing a ton of pressure from the widespread popularity of online casinos, shows like these have become a lifeline for venues like Rhythm City to stay competitive.
With modern online casinos now boasting the kind of convenience physical venues simply can’t match, other forms of entertainment have become the main way for traditional casinos to stay relevant and set themselves apart. Digital casinos now feature options like instant payouts and even crypto betting. As more and more people search for the next 1000x crypto, the growing adoption of digital assets by online casinos has been a large driver of growth for the industry. The allure of catching the next major crypto to boom before it blows up constantly drives new investors to find an edge. For many, that means spotting the right token and getting in early while they can.
With the crypto casino industry driving massive gains for digital options, physical casinos have begun relying on live entertainment a lot more. The resort side of these casinos has come to the fore a lot more since the gaming side of them can now be fully replicated online. For venues like Rhythm City, live shows like the ones planned in January form part of this key business strategy.
Both performers have some pretty divergent talents and quite an age gap in the audiences each is likely to appeal to. However, both have been very successful at what they do, and their respective shows are both expected to deliver on what their fans want to see the most. Lita Ford is widely known for her role as lead guitarist in The Runaways before establishing a solo career that gained major traction in the 1980s. Her work during that era helped define hard rock radio, and, even in her 60s, has remained an active rock star.
Ford’s live shows typically draw from both her early band history and her solo catalogue. Audiences can expect guitar-driven tracks, strong vocals, and the stage presence that has kept her touring decades after her breakthrough. Her appearance at Rhythm City fits into a broader schedule of performances that continue to attract long-time listeners as well as younger fans discovering her music through streaming platforms and live venues.
The Event Center at Rhythm City provides a seated indoor setting that allows concertgoers to focus fully on the performance. Doors open well ahead of showtime, giving guests the option to dine on site or spend time on the gaming floor before heading to the venue. For many in the area, the show offers a chance to see a well-known rock figure without travelling to a larger city.
In contrast, Lynch is best known for his appearance on America’s Got Talent, where his humour and delivery quickly made him a standout with viewers and judges alike. Since then, he has built a strong following through touring, online clips, and television appearances.
Lynch’s stand-up style mixes observational humour with animated storytelling, often drawing on personal experiences and everyday situations. His performances tend to appeal to a wide range of ages, making his shows popular in both traditional comedy clubs and casino theatres. Audiences familiar with his television work can expect the same energy in person, with material shaped for a live crowd.
The decision to schedule these two events on consecutive Fridays reflects a broader trend in regional casinos expanding their entertainment calendars. Live shows have become a key attraction alongside gaming, offering guests additional reasons to visit and stay longer.
Both events are held inside the Rhythm City Casino Event Center, which regularly hosts concerts, comedy acts, and special performances throughout the year. Seating configurations vary by show, with tickets available in multiple price ranges depending on location within the venue. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as casino security procedures and entry lines can take time during popular events.