From press release

Downtown Rockford venues will unite to present their February installment of First Friday events from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Feb. 4. The following venues will participate:

→ Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St.—Rockford Sketch Comedy Troupe (RSCT) presents another night full of laughter. This month, expect some twists and turns as the RSCT evolves into a cutting-edge comedy force. Tickets are $5 at Kryptonite or at the door the night of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m., curtain at 8:30 p.m.

→ Kryptonite Bar, 308 W. State St.—Emerging Visual Artists Project group artist show, 6:30-9 p.m. Free craft beer sampling at 9 p.m. hosted by Cicerone Aaron Sleger. Music by Strange Arrangement, on stage at 9:30 p.m. Visit kryptonitebar.com ^[1].

→ Tom Littrell Design, 317 Market St.—Painting, printmaking, glass, sculpture,  photography and permanent botanicals as sculpture. A little wine, a little food and great conversation. All fabrics and wall coverings 20 percent bonus for attending. 5-9 p.m.

→ Irish Rose Saloon, 519 E. State St.—Marbin the band, performing live. Sometimes you know a band by the places they’ve played: Andy’s, Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, Fitzgerald’s, Evanston Space, Underground Wonder Bar and now Rockford’s Irish Rose. Find a YouTube link for Marbin on firstfridaysrockford.com ^[2]. Free. 9 p.m.-midnight. Visit irishrosesaloon.net ^[3].

→ Octane Interlounge, 124 N. Main St.—Mike Donze, a First Fridays favorite, comes to Octane for another fine night of singer/songwriter favorites. Free. 10 p.m.-midnight. Visit octane.net ^[4].

→ Wired Café, 414 E. State St.—First Fridays Special: Coffees, soups and desserts until 8 p.m. (kitchen closes at 5 p.m.) Art by Jeremy Klonicki of MainFraiM: Roots of Rockford—A looking glass into the inner-city streets of Rockford from 1880-1920, plus a bio and historic documents featuring the life of LaVerne T. Ryder. All photographs are beautifully framed with unique materials and ready for your wall. Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Rockford’s valuable history. Music by James Maples and Michael Allen. Visit wiredcaferockford.com ^[5] for details.

→ JR Kortman Center for Design & Gallery, 107 N. Main St.—Rockford artist Jennifer Mullin looks through magazines and is inspired by the home furnishings she sees. The found images become elements in her delicate and comfortable interiors she creates in her small-scale works opening Friday, Feb. 4, in the Kortman Gallery. The exhibition titled “In My Place” features mixed-media new works by Mullin created with collage and pencil drawings resulting in colorful and seductive images of interior spaces. The opening reception for “In My Place” will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4. For more information, call (815) 968-0123 or visit jrkortman.com ^[6].

→ Restoration Café, 625 W. State St.—Featured artist and sculptor Cody Janes. Print a coupon found on www.firstfridaysrockford.com ^[7] or on the fliers at each venue for 10 percent off your dinner purchase. Open 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

→ Brio Bar & Restaurant, 515 E. State St.—From 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., Brio Bar and Restaurant will host an exhibition of photographic works by Milwaukee photographer Zachary Seib.

→ Mary’s Place, 602 N. Madison St.—Matter of Fact takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. A reggae pop infusion of good tunes and positive vibes, these boys are sure to get your toes tappin’ and your butt a shaking! Very Sublime-ish; check these guys out! Call (815) 962-7944.

For more info, a schedule or links to these venues, visit firstfridaysrockford.com ^[2].