Music
The 4onthefloor
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, April 19, 9:30 p.m.
On April 19, the Rock Island Brewing Company hosts an evening with The 4onthefloor, the Minneapolis-based blues-rock outfit noted for all of its songs being written in 4/4 time, and for each of the group's musicians playing a bass drum. Band member James Gould has called this format "limiting in a way that really forces you to be more creative." Which is exactly how I describe my writing talents ... but usually without that "creative" part.
Considering, though, the raves that The 4onthefloor has amassed - with IndieMediaMag.com calling the group's CD debut 4 X 4 "one of the best rock-and-rock records of 2011, by far" - the band's creativity appears to far outweigh its limits. Formed in 2009 and composed of musicians Gould, Gabriel Douglas, Chris Holm, and Mark Larson, the ensemble spent its early years playing and touring the upper Midwest prior to the release of 4 X 4. Since then, however - and since the group's March, 2011 winning of the "Are You Local?" new-band contest hosted by Vita.mn (my new favorite Web address) - The 4onthefloor's popularity has skyrocketed.
Touring the United States and playing Austin's annual SXSW festival, the band has electrified crowds with driving blues-rock anthems heard in opening sets for artists as diverse as Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland, Drive-by Truckers, and even Steve Martin. And with their music featured on such TV shows as Nashville and A&E's Duck Dynasty, The 4onthefloor's fame continues to rise, especially considering the plaudits it's earning from both fans and music critics. GratefulWeb.com, for instance, praises the band's "powerful explosion of talent" and "versatile sound that can transcend regions and genres."
The band's SoundCloud.com profile, meanwhile, notes Douglas' "gritty baritone vocals" and the ensemble's "gutsy Delta-blues and Americana" stylings, and says the group's classic-rock output "makes the listener both nostalgic and ready to drink .. or maybe even fight." So I hope RIBCO plans on a fiery night come April 19. And, I dunno, maybe waters down the drinks a tad.
The 4onthefloor performs with opening sets by Weight and Satellite Heart, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
The Devil Makes Three
The Redstone Room
Sunday, April 28, 8 p.m.
An exhilarating blend of country, blues, folk, rockabilly, and ragtime music will be in the air on April 28, when Davenport's Redstone Room presents an evening with the lauded musicians of The Devil Makes Three, described on the venue's Web site as "quite possibly the best band that you have never heard of."
Of course, just by writing that, I guess I've ensured that you have now heard of the band. Sorry 'bout that, Redstone Room.
In any event, if you hadn't heard of The Devil Makes Three before now, their increasing populaity suggests that you'll soon be hearing much, much more from them. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the trio has been acclaimed for its somewhat punk-fueled perspective on vintage Americana stylings, its unique takes on classic covers, and its pulsating original numbers all performed without the aid of a drummer.
For their part, music critics have been ecstatic about the ensemble's signature sound. San Francisco Weekly states, "Cooper McBean's percussive banjo accents and Lucia Turino's forceful slaps on her bass supply more than enough rhythm," and "guitarist and lead singer Peter Bernhard completes the trio with a bluesy vocal style that's part Louis Prima, part Merle Haggard." Hybrid Magazine raves about the band's "nimble lyricality and braggadocio that put most rap acts to shame." The East Bay Express writes, "When The Devil Makes Three rips into a tune, it tears it apart with a sweat-drenched energy that jerks people out of their seats and makes drinks jitter across the table and crash to the floor." (You've been warned, Redstone Room cleanup crew.)
And while the group may have been flying under your radar, you're likely to be made a fan by sampling songs on TheDevilMakesThree.com, which boasts electrifying tunes from five of the group's albums, including Do Wrong Right, A Little Bit Faster & a Little Bit Worse, and Longjohns, Boots, & a Belt. All of which, by the way, are directives given to us by our boss at the Reader's weekly staff meetings! (That last one is because, for years, I staunchly refused to wear the longjohns, but I've since come around.)
The Devil Makes Three's Redstone Room gig opens with a set by Jonny Fritz, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Theatre
subUrbia
Augustana College's Potter Theatre
Friday, April 26, through Sunday, May 5
Remember the glory days of 1994? When the airwaves were filled with tunes by Radiohead and Blind Melon? When the cinpelex debuted fare such as Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction? When you were four years out of college and unable to find significant employment with your English/theatre degree and praying that some upstart independent newspaper was looking for a movie reviewer ... ?
Okay, that last question might've been a bit specific.
In any case, those of you who do remember those glory days - or are eager to learn about 'em - should be psyched about their revival in Augustana College's forthcoming production of the scabrous drama subUrbia, running in the school's Potter Theatre April 26 through May 5.
Written by screen actor, performance artist, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and Guggenheim Fellow Eric Bogosian, subUrbia concerns a group of young-adult slackers who routinely meet to while away their time in front of a local convenience store, much to the dismay of the venue's vocally abused owners. But although, as in life, not much would seem to be happening during the youths' hang-outs, there are actually worlds of fear and dissatisfaction and aggression explored in this caustic, bitterly funny tale of suburban ennui, particularly with the return of a former clique member who's now a beloved pop star.
Directed by Jennifer Popple (of whom, after being directed by her in last year's How I Learned to Drive, I am an unadulterated fan), Bogosian's subUrbia showcases the quick-witted dialogue and ferocious intensity that its author is famed for, and is graced with a gifted student cast that includes Bill Cahill, John D'Aversa, Josh Malone, Calvin Vo, Datshan Hullon, Christina Harb, Elyssa LeMay, Aubrey Waddick, and my lovely Drive co-star Jo Vasquez.
And while director Richard Linklater earned raves for his 1997 screen adaptation of the play, the stage version of subUrbia has earned notices that are just as dazzling. CurtianUp.com calls Bogosian's work "strong, relevant, and an arresting and compact view of desperate lives trapped within a despairing world." The New York Times, meanwhile, describes it as "Chekhov high on speed and Twinkies." If that were ever true of Chekhov, Uncle Vanya and The Three Sisters would've been half-hour one-acts tops.
Performances of subUrbia begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)794-7306 or visiting Augustana.edu.
Music
Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Ted Nugent
i wireless Center
Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m.
A night of thrilling rock spectacle is sure to result when the combined, chart-topping talents of music legends Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Ted Nugent take over Moline's i wireless Center stage on April 20. Really, is there anything left to say?
Probably not, but let me at least share this e-mail missive that I received from my editor when discussing the possibility of covering the concert in this issue's What's Happenin' pages: "I'm wondering if you couldn't dig up the obscurest of the obscure trivia for a really hard quiz. I want you to do a quiz where there would be a prize for getting any of them right."
Challenge accepted, Jeff!
Try your best at these stumpers, two of each for Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Ted Nugent. Get even one of 'em right, and your prize will be revealed following the answers!
1) When Styx reunited for 1990's Edge of the Century, which member was replaced by Glen Burtnik?
A) John Panozzo
B) James Young
C) Tommy Shaw
2) In which city was REO Speedwagon formed?
A) Champaign, Illinois
B) Bloomington, Illinois
C) Bloomington, Indiana
3) What did the cowboys wear in a track from Nugent's self-titled 1975 album?
A) Dusty leather and six-guns
B) Snakeskin and high-heeled boots
C) Leather vests and blue jeans
4) The cover of Cyclorama was designed by the same designer as which other Styx album?
A) Equinox
B) Grand Illusion
C) Pieces of Eight
5) Which REO Speedwagon song has an introduction by "The Little Rascals"?
A) "Keep Pushin'"
B) "Only the Strong Survive"
C) "Tough Guys"
6) Which two instrumental hits became staples during Nugent's live concerts?
A) "Hibernation" and "Homebound"
B) "Superstitious" and "Spellbound"
C) "Revolutions" and "Revelations"
Tickets to the Styx/REO Speedwagon/Ted Nugent concert range from $29 to $59 and can be reserved by calling (800)745-3000 or visiting iwirelessCenter.com.
Answers: 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - C, 5 - C, 6 - A. Did you get even one right? Really?! Congratulations! And the next time you're picking up a print edition of the Reader ... don't pay for it! Seriously! It's on us! Hell, take two of 'em!
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, April 18 - The Return: A Tribute to the Beatles. The touring Fab Four imitators in concert. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $27.50-32.50. For information and tickets, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, April 19 - Stayin' Alive. Concert of disco-era hits with the Bee Gees tribute band. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, April 19 - Quad City Flutes Unlimited. Springtime concert featuring flutist and composer Phyllis Avidan Louke's Fanfare & Celebration, a flute-choir composition commissioned in honor of the group's 30th anniversary. St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit QCFlutesUnlimited.YolaSite.com.
Friday, April 19 - Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul. Concert with the nine-time winner of the All-Ireland Fiddle Championship and her Grammy-winning ensemble. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $30-32. For information and tickets, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, April 20 - Ragged Records' Record Store Day Event. Featuring the release of Hello Quad Cities, Volume Two, and performances by Idpyramid, Speaking of Secrets, Busted Chandeliers, Puddle Jumper, and The Post Mortems. Ragged Records (418 East Second Street, Davenport). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)324-3579 or visit RaggedRecords.org.
Sunday, April 21 - Victor Wooten. Five-time Grammy Award-winner educates and performs in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 5:30 p.m. workshop, $5-7; 7:30 p.m. concert, $25. For information and tickets, call (309)373-0790 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org and Polyrhythms.Ning.org. For an interview with Victor Wooten, visit RCReader.com/y/wooten.
Tuesday, April 23, and Friday, April 26 - Gary Allegretto. The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents a concert with the blues harmonica player and visiting Blues in the Schools educator. Tuesday - Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline), 7 p.m. Friday - The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf), 9 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Friday, April 26, and Sunday, April 28 - Quad City Singers. Reserve by April 19 for the ensemble's "Sizzlin' Sounds" concerts under the direction of, and accompanied by, Marcia Renaud. Friday - Lavender Crest Winery (5401 U.S. Highway 6, Colona), 6 p.m. appetizers, 7 p.m. concert. Sunday - Tanglewood Hills Pavilion (4250 Middle Road, Bettendorf), 3 p.m. appetizers, 3:45 p.m. concert. $25. For information and tickets, call (309)764-2612 or visit QuadCitySingers.org.
Saturday, April 27 - Lucero. Soul, rock, and country with the touring musicians, featuring an opening set by Langhorne Slim. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8:30 p.m. $17-20. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2012 interview with Lucero's John C. Stubblefield, visit RCReader.com/y/lucero.
Saturday, April 27 - The Steepwater Band. Rock and Delta-blues musicians in concert, with opening sets by Jim the Mule and Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $10. For information and tickets, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, April 27 - Three Dog Night. Legendary music icons in their fourth decade of performance. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 9 p.m. $27-45. For information and tickets, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Sunday, April 28 - Quad City Wind Ensemble. Annual springtime concert with the area musicians. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $8-10. For information and tickets, call (563)333-6251 or visit QCWindEnsemble.org.
Tuesday, April 30 - Gordon Lightfoot. Concert celebrating 50 years of songwriting, multi-platinum albums, and international hit songs with the legendary balladeer. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $44-59. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
THEATRE
Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 21 - Chicago. The legendary Bob Fosse dance musical, directed by Corinne Johnson. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $7-11. For information and tickets, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/theatre.
Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 28 - New Ground Theatre's Playwrights Festival. Eight one-act plays performed in repertory, with four staged on April 19, 21, and 27, and four others on April 20, 26, and 28. Village Theatre (2113 East 11th Street, Davenport). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $15-18 admission to all eight plays. For information and tickets, call (563)326-7529 or visit NewGroundTheatre.org.
Wednesday, April 24 - Rock of Ages. The long-running musical smash featuring '80s-hair-band classics, in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $39.50-59.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, May 26 - The Last Romance. Romantic comedy by Joe DiPietro. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. $18-27.50. For information and tickets, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, April 26, through Sunday, May 5 - Oklahoma! Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical classic. Iowa City Community Theatre (4265 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-18. For information and tickets, call (319)688-2653 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.
Saturday, April 27, through Sunday, May 5 - The Jungle Book. Student-performed adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's adventure classic, directed by Jessica Sheridan. Davenport Junior Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). Saturday 1 and 4 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $5 for ages three and older. For information, call (563)326-7862 or visit DavenportJuniorTheatre.com.
DANCE
Saturday, April 20 - Cinderella. Prokofiev's fairytale classic performed by the dancers of Ballet Quad Cities, with live music by Orchestra Iowa. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 1 and 7:30 p.m. $12-35. For information and tickets, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com.
Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26 - AXIS Dance Company. Productions with the contemporary dance company of performers with and without disabilities, in a Hancher Auditorium presentation. University of Iowa's Space/Place Theatre (E114 Halsey Hall, Madison and Jefferson streets, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $10-25. For information and tickets, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
COMEDY
Friday, April 26 - The Cast of Impractical Jokers Live. Interactive show featuring never-before-seen videos, a Q&A, and stand-up comedy with the TV stars. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $34.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Friday, April 26 - That Time of the Month. An evening of comedy with an all-female lineup from the Blacklist improv troupe, hosted by Heather Nobiling. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information and tickets, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, April 27 - Bill Cosby. The legendary comedian and best-selling author in concert. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $46-71. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
LITERATURE
Thursday, April 25 - Donald Ray Pollock. The author of Knockemstiff and The Devil All the Time in a River Readings at Augustana presentation. Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall (3520 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)794-7603 or visit Augustana.edu. For an interview with Pollock, visit RCReader.com/y/pollock.
EVENTS
Friday, April 19 - Fish & Fire Friendraiser & Fundraiser. Eleventh-annual event hosted by River Action, featuring a social hour, catfish dinner, and the presentation of the 14th Annual Eddy Awards recognizing individuals and organizations that accomplished well-designed, environmentally responsible riverfront activity or development. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). 5:30 p.m. $12-40. For information and tickets, call (563)322-2969 or visit RiverAction.org.
Saturday, April 20 - Celebrate Astronomy Day. Event hosted by the Popular Astronomy Club; featuring a presentation by guest speaker Craig Kletzing, artifacts from NASA, children's activities, make-and-take crafts, door prizes, refreshments, and more. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 2-5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)524-2440 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday, April 25 - Stylin' Against Breast Cancer. Annual awareness events and fundraisers hosted by Trinity Regional Health System. Wednesday wine-and-cheese party - The Stern Center (1713 Third Avenue, Rock Island), 6 p.m., $35-45. Thursday style show and luncheon - Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway), 11:30 a.m., $45. $75 for both events. For information and tickets, call (309)764-7063 or visit TrinityQC.com.
Saturday, April 27 - Handmade City's Spring Craft Show. Springtime event hosted by the independent arts-and-crafts collective, featuring more than 30 vendors selling handmade goods and food, a Mother's Day-themed make-and-take craft, a charity raffle, free giveaways, and more. Davenport SkyBridge (Second Street between Brady and Main streets, Davenport). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. For information, e-mail handmadecityinfo@gmail.com or visit Handmade-City.com.
Saturday, April 27 - Scott County Relay for Life. Annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, designed to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those whose fight against cancer is over, educate and spread awareness, and raise money for cancer research, education, and patient services. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 10 a.m. $10-20. For information and to register, call (319)430-9648 or visit RelayForLife.org/scottcountyia.
Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28 - Monster Jam. Touring monster-truck rallies. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $12.50-27.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
