RittzMusic

Rittz

Rock Island Brewing Company

Saturday, April 18, 9 p.m.

 

If you're blue and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go to RIBCO? It's ... puttin' on the Rittz!

That intro's probably more clever if you sing it in rhythm to the Fred Astaire song. Please don't make me tell you which one.

The acclaimed rap and hip-hop musician known as Rittz will perform a special concert at the Rock Island Brewing Company on April 18. And if you responded to that information with "For Real!", "Say No More!", or "Amen!", you're likely already a fan, not only because of your obvious enthusiasm, but because those are three numbers that appear on Rittz's 2013 solo debut The Life & Times of Jonny Valiant. (Exclamation points in the titles mine - and probably yours, too.)

Born Jonathan McCullum in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Rittz moved to Atlanta at age eight, and had his first professional breakthrough when, at 29, his talents garnered the ear - and the financial backing - of the hip-hop artist Yelawolf. After being featured on Yelawolf's 2010 Box Chevy Pt. 3 and 2011 Growin' Up in the Gutter, Rittz went on to make guest appearances alongside such fellow rappers as Krizz Kaliko, Stevie Stone, and Tech N9ne. It's safe to assume that Tech N9ne, at least, was impressed, considering that he signed Rittz to his recording label Strange Music, for which Rittz released both Jonny Valiant (which debuted at number 25 on Billboard's charts) and 2014's Next to Nothing (which landed at number 14).

It's probably also safe to assume that music critics are grateful for Tech N9ne's foresight, considering that Rittz's two albums have garnered some of this decade's more enthusiastic notices. According to Spin magazine, Jonny Valiant is "one of the few truly inspiring 'next chapter's in the up-and-down story of Internet rap," and an album that demonstrates the artist's "wizened real talk, sharp humor, and first-class rapping ability."

As for Rittz's sophomore release, XXL.com called Next to Nothing "one of the better albums of 2014" and a work that "definitely has replay value and works sonically from beginning to end," while HotNewHipHop.com labeled it "one of 2014's most consistently enjoyable releases. If you like your hip-hop pure and uncut, it's a must-hear. Ya-uh yeah." That closer is the Web site's phrase, not mine. I'm the one who opened with the Fred Astaire reference, remember?

Rittz performs with opening sets by Kxng Crooked, Horse Shoe Gang, J. Hornay, and Skeez & T. Stubbz, and more information is available by calling (309)793-1999 or visiting RIBCO.com.

 

 

Irving RothEvent

Yom HaShoah

Temple Emmanuel

Sunday, April 19, 7 p.m.

 

On April 19, Davenport's Temple Emanuel will host Yom HaShoah, the 34th-annual Quad Cities Holocaust Remembrance. Serving as guest speaker for this year's event is Holocaust survivor Irving Roth, author of the World War II remembrance Bondi's Brother, director of the Holocaust Resource Center at the Temple Judea of Manhasset, New York, and the former education director of the Holocaust Memorial & Education Center of Nassau County.

Among the ceremony's highlights will be the presentation of the Richard A. Swanson Hope for Humanity Award - a citation previously given only seven times in our area's 34-year history of Yom HaShoah - to two longtime figures in regional Holocaust education: Marietta Castle and Deb Bowen.

As for the purpose of the celebration, I think it can best be summarized in this Prayer for Yom HaShoah (found at the liberation of the Ravensbrück concentration camp) with no further commentary on my part: "Lord, remember not only the men of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us. Remember rather the fruits we have brought, thanks to this suffering: our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of this. And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits we have bourne be their forgiveness."

The 34th-annual Quad Cities Holocaust Remembrance of Yom HaShoah begins at Temple Emanuel (1115 Mississippi Avenue, Davenport) at 7 p.m., and more information is available by calling (563)326-4419 or visiting QCTemple.org.

 

 

Tristan Tapscott in High FidelityTheatre

High Fidelity

District Theatre

Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, May 3

 

Opening April 16, the latest presentation at Rock Island's District Theatre is the Tony-nominated musical comedy High Fidelity. It's based on the beloved 1995 novel by British author Nick Hornby and not, as you may have presumed, on what Willie Nelson promised his wife when they renewed their wedding vows. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Sorry. Too obvious? Too stupid?

In either case, High Fidelity - a tale also told on-screen in 2000's cult favorite starring John Cusack and Jack Black - is the story of Rob, which rhymes with "snob," which is what the young record-store owner is in regard to the musical tastes (any tastes, really) of anyone other than himself. But as he shares his feelings on pop culture, career goals, past loves, current friends, and particularly Laura, a.k.a. The One Who Got Away, the snobby yet charismatic Rob proves anything but insufferable, and his journey in High Fidelity is a touching, thoughtful, soulful tribute to the delayed escape from adolescence. That, and it's really, really funny.

As those familiar with the material know, High Fidelity is also the book/movie/musical that finds Rob continually making and recounting personal top-five lists: Top Five Break-Ups, Top Five Things I Miss About Laura, et cetera. So in honor of its area debut, here's one of my own: Top Five Reasons to Catch High Fidelity at the District Theatre.

1) The District cast: Among the many talents recruited are the venue's Artistic Director Tristan Tapscott as Rob, the über-lovely Sara Tubbs as love-of-Rob's-life Laura, and such welcome and familiar area-theatre participants as Kailey Ackermann, Antoinette Holman, Joe Maubach, Anthony Natarelli, Brant Pietersen, Katie Ross, Nancy Teerlinck, and Tom Vaccaro.

2) The District director: Taking the reigns on High Fidelity is the prolific James Fairchild, whom I had the pleasure to act for in the QC Theatre Workshop's Bat Boy: The Musical, and whose wide-ranging directing résumé includes the District's A New Brain and Doubt, the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's Greater Tuna and Death of a Salesman, and the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's forthcoming Harvey.

3) The reviews: The New York Post wrote that the "razzle-dazzle lyrics have a style and grace that zing in the ear"; TalkinBroadway.com called the 2007 production "the best new musical comedy Braodway has seen this year"; and - my favorite - Entertainment Weekly decreed High Fidelity "the unique show that charms both your drinking buddy and your mother."

4) The creative team: Book writer David Lindsay-Abaire received Tony nominations for Good People and Shrek: The Musical and a Pulitzer Prize for Rabbit Hole; lyricist Amanda Green earned Tony nods for Hands on a Hardbody and Bring It On: The Musical; and composer Tom Kitt landed Tony nominations for If/Then, American Idiot, Everyday Rapture, and won Tonys and a Pulitzer for Next to Normal.

5) The lyrics: "I've got my daily crossword and there's coffee in the pot / I've got cable and a girlfriend who is pissed off, but she's hot / I've got records that it's taken me a lifetime to amass / And I play them on a system that will kick your system's ass." And those are just the show's first four lines.

High Fidelity runs April 16 through May 3 with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)235-1654 or visiting DistrictTheatre.com.

What Else Is Happenin' ...?

MUSIC

Thursday, April 16 - Shook Twins. Indie-folk and pop musicians and siblings in concert, with opening sets by Barstool Boogaloo and Victory & Penny. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $11.50-12. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For an interview with Katelyn Shook, visit RCReader.com/y/shook.

Thursday, April 16 - Christopher the Conquered. Independent singer/songwriter in concert. Rozz-Tox (2018 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Friday, April 17 - Bucktown Revue. A celebration of Mississippi River Valley culture through music, storytelling, poetry, and humor, with emcee Scott Tunnicliff and special guests. Nighswander Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). 7 p.m. $12 at the door. For information, call (563)940-0508 or visit BucktownRevue.com.

Friday, April 17 - Kopecky. Six-piece indie-rock ensemble in concert, with an opening set by John June Year. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $11.50-14. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2013 interview with the band's Gabe Simon, visit RCReader.com/y/kopecky.

Saturday, April 18 - Nnenna Freelon. Jazz vocalist performs in the Quad City Arts Visiting Artists series. Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center (3333 18th Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com. For an interview with Freelon, visit RCReader.com/y/freelon.

Saturday, April 18 - Roxi Copland. Blues, jazz, and pop singer in her "Radio Love Tour." Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $13-25. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

Sunday, April 19 - Sam Salome. The master of the Hammond B-3 organ presents a jazz workshop and concert in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. workshop: $5/adults, free for students. 6 p.m. concert: $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19 - Nova Singers: Lullabies & Folk Songs. Laura Lane directs the professional vocal ensemble, with guest musician Erin Freund on harp. Saturday - Knox College's Kresge Recital Hall (2 East South Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. Sunday - St. Paul Lutheran Church (2136 Brady Street, Davenport). 4 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)341-7038 or visit NovaSingers.com.

Tuesday, April 21 - Skye Steele. Concert with the violinist and singer/songwriter. Rozz-Tox (2018 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Wednesday, April 22 - An Evening with Todd Snider. Americana, alt-country, and folk musician in concert, with an opening set by Rorey Carroll. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2009 interview with Snider, visit RCReader.com/y/snider.

Wednesday, April 22 - Esmé Patterson. Folk and pop singer/songwriter in concert, with an opening set by Brooks Strause. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

Thursday, April 23 - Black Hawk College Jazz Festival. The 23rd-annual event featuring Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition winner Marquis Hill in concert. Black Hawk College Theatre (6600 34th Avenue, Room 306, Moline). 7:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)796-5479or visit BHC.edu.

Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24 - Dream Lover: A Salute to Bobby Darin. Concert of Darin favorites with national touring and recording artist Robert Shaw. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Thursday: 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. show, $52.50. Friday: noon-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1:15 p.m. show, $46.50. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.

Friday, April 24 - ABBA Fab. Concert with the nationally touring tribute artists. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $20. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.

Friday, April 24 - Daytrotter Communion Club Night. Concert with independent musicians Hey Rosetta!, Kevin Garrett, and The Bones of J.R. Jones. Rozz-Tox (2018 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $8-13. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Friday, April 24 - Todd Snider. Americana, alt-country, and folk musician in concert, with an opening set by Rorey Carroll. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

Saturday, April 25 - Rodney Atkins. Concert with the chart-topping country singer. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $30-60. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.

Saturday, April 25 - Quad City Singers: Sizzlin' Sounds. Spring concert with the area vocal ensemble under the direction of Lori Potts. The Establishment (220 19th Street, Rock Island). 3 p.m. $18 at the door. For information, call QuadCitySingers.org.

Saturday, April 25 - Family Groove Company. Groove-informed jam musicians in concert, with an opening set by The Dawn. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $11.50-14. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, April 25 - Utopiugly Presents. An all-ages evening with national and local hip-hop artists Ceschi Ramos, ECID, Tommy V, Errol Hem & Milky Way, Condor & Jaybird, She Is Lesc, Gubblebum, and DJ ZodiZAC. Rozz-Tox (2018 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 6:30 p.m. $7. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Monday, April 27 - Elvis Perkins. Folk-rock musician in a "Moeller Mondays" concert. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com. For a 2009 interview with Perkins, visit RCReader.com/y/perkins.

 

THEATRE

Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 26 - The Liar. David Ives' adaptation of the Parisian comedy by Pierre Corneille, directed by Eric Forsyth. University of Iowa's E.C. Mabie Theatre (200 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City). Wednesdays through Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $5-18. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Theatre.UIowa.edu.

Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18 - All Recipes Are Home. Working Group Theatre's drama incorporating interviews with Iowa farmers and local-food experts, with music by the Awful Purdies, in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. Johnson County Fairgrounds (4261 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $10-30. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Hancher.UIowa.edu.

Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19 - Commedia Dell'arte. Theatrical vignettes in the 16th Century performance style, directed by Daniel Rairdin-Hale. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $9-13. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/theatre.

Tuesday, April 21, through Sunday, April 26 - Jersey Boys. Tony-winning musical about Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday 2 and 7 p.m. $30-92. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.

Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26 - West Side Story. Student-performed Leonard Bernstein musical adapted from Romeo & Juliet. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)340-7816 or visit CenterForLivingArts.org.

Friday, April 24, through Sunday, May 3 - Into the Woods. City Circle Acting Company of Coralville's productions of Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's fairytale musical, directed by Christopher Okiishi. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $12-27. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit CoralvilleArts.com.

Friday, April 24, through Sunday, May 3 - Romance/Romance. Tony-nominated musical comedy, directed by Jaret Morlan. Iowa City Community Theatre (4261 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). $10-18. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (319)338-0443 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.

Tuesday, April 28 - The Adventures of Robin Hood. Family stage adventure written by Oliver Emanuel, directed by Douglas Irvine . Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 6:30 p.m. $5-10. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

 

DANCE

Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18 - Thesis II Candidate Performance: The Remedy - A MOVEment MoveMENT. Dance vignettes by University of Iowa MFA candidates featuring the work of Duane Lee Holland, Jr. and Maurice Watson. University of Iowa's Space/Place Theatre (20 Davenport Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $6-12. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Hancher. Uiowa.edu.

Saturday, April 18 - The Sleeping Beauty. Tchaikovsky's fairytale ballet performed by Ballet Quad Cities, with accompaniment by Orchestra Iowa. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. $10-35. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com or BalletQuadCities.com.

Saturday, April 18 - Augustana Dance Company. Spring concert featuring a performance by students of the Davenport Junior Theatre School of Dance clinic. Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $5-7. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/arts.

 

LITERATURE

Monday, April 27 - TaraShea Nesbit. The author of the historical novel Wives of Los Alamos gives a presentation in the "River Readings" series. Augustana College's Student Life Center (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu.

 

SPORTS

Saturday, April 25 - Quad City Rollers. Matches with the area's all-female flat-track roller-derby team. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, visit Facebook.com/quadcityrollers.

Tuesday, April 28 - WWE Smackdown. Matches with WWE superstars Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus, The Big Show, Kane, Mark Henry, and others. i wireless Center (1201 River Dive, Moline). 6:45 p.m. $18.50-108.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.

 

EXHIBITS

Thursday, April 16, through Friday, May 8 - 38th-Annual High School Art Invitational. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed media by area art students. Quad City Arts Center (1715 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.

Saturday, April 18, through Sunday, April 26 - Young Artists at the Figge: Davenport. Exhibit of works by elementary art students. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.

Wednesday, April 22, through Friday, May 8 - Senior Honors Exhibit. Works by students graduating with honors in painting and drawing, graduate design, and book arts. St. Ambrose University's Catich Gallery (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For information, call (563)333-6444 or visit SAU.edu/catich.

 

EVENTS

Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 25 - Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque: Fairy Tales. Fantasy-themed performances with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.

Saturday, April 18 - Quad Cities on Tap Beer Festival. Event featuring samples of more than 100 craft and specialty releases from more than 50 breweries, food, live music with the Candymakers, vendors, and more. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 3-6 p.m. $35 and up. For tickets and information, visit AmericaOnTap.com.

Saturday, April 18 - Gilda's Run for Laughs 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Annual fundraiser for Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities. District of Rock Island. 9 a.m. $25-30 registration. For information, call (563)326-7504 or visit GildasClubQC.org.

Saturday, April 18 - Astronomy Day. The Popular Astronomy Club presents an afternoon of indoor planetarium shows, speakers, displays, demonstrations, children's crafts, door prizes, refreshments, and more. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 2-5 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)797-3120 or (309)524-2480 or visit MolineLibrary.com.

Saturday, April 18 - Quad City Food Forest Fundraiser. Benefit for plants and supplies for Davenport's Blackhawk Gardens Community Food Forest, with food, drawings, an auction, plant sales, massages, and live music by Earth Ascending, The Tritones, MRG, Justin Morrissey, Obie Bishop, Karl Beatty, Esme Haferbier, and Zodizac. Fraternal Order of Eagles (4401 West Locust Street, Davenport). 5 p.m. For information, visit Facebook.com/QC.FoodForest.

Thursday, April 23 - Stylin' Against Breast Cancer. The 10th-annual fundraiser for breast-cancer awareness and prevention, preceded by an educational symposium moderated by Paula Sands. i wireless Center (1201 River Dive, Moline). 9:30 a.m. symposium: $10. Noon luncheon and fashion show: $35. For tickets and information, call (309)764-7610 or visit UnityPoint.org or iwirelessCenter.com.

Thursday, April 23 - A Lifesaver Celebration: Child Abuse Council Annual Fundraiser. Annual benefit for the Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities, featuring entertainment, live and silent auctions, hors d'ouvres, and more. i wireless Center (1201 River Dive, Moline). 5:30 p.m. For information, call (309)736-7170 or visit ChildAbuseQC.org.

Friday, April 24 - Fish & Fire Friendraiser. River Action's 13th-annual fundraiser and celebration of Earth Day, featuring a 5:30 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. catfish dinner, and the presentation of the Eddy Awards. Black Hawk State Historic Site (1510 46th Avenue, Rock Island). $12-40. For tickets and information, call (563)322-2969 or visit RiverAction.org.

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