Music
Liz Longley
The Redstone Room
Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
Davenport's Redstone Room will host a very special concert event on April 15, and I know what you're thinking: Ugh - April 15. That annual day of dread, knowing the obligation you have to attend to before midnight that, as usual, you're almost criminally - perhaps literally criminally - unprepared for.
I'm referring, of course, to April 15 being my dad's birthday. How does this date keep sneaking up on me? I mean, I had a whole year to pick out the perfect tie!
Happily, though, this year's April 15 will be made much sweeter via the Redstone Room concert with songwriting chanteuse Liz Longley, whose album-release tour makes a local stop in support of her new, self-titled offering.
A 2010 graduate of the Berklee College of Music with musical leanings toward pop, folk, and Americana, the 27-year-old Longley had been the beneficiary of accolades and praise long before reviewers listened to her 11-track Liz Longley album. According to a March interview in The Huffington Post, acclaim for Longley's smooth, soulful vocal stylings and lyrical honesty actually began as early as ninth grade, when the nascent artist received a standing ovation for performing her first composition, "Bye Bye Baby."
Since then, however, admiration for the Pennsylvania native has only grown, and on a national scale, to boot. Prior to her Berklee graduation, Longley was the recipient of the 2009 Rocky Mountain Folk Festival's songwriting showcase and the 2010 BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition, and also scored a songwriting citation from the International Acoustic Music Awards.
But it's with her first album for Sugar Hill Records, and the plaudits accompanying it, that Longley has officially joined the ranks of her generation's most gifted singer/songwriters. American Songwriter magazine, for instance, praises the artist's "sweet, clear, sensitive voice, strong sense of melody, and introspective lyrics," and states that "every track boasts a memorable musical or lyrical hook that feels natural and organic." Philadelphia Weekly writes, "Liz Longley hits that scintillating sweet spot for female singer-songwriters: not quite country, a little folksy, far from schmaltzy, and patently gutsy."
And PopDose.com raves, "Liz Longley's self-titled debut on the legendary Sugar Hill label is a thing of beauty," and adds that "her songs, which are lyric-smart and melody-rich, immediately hit all the right notes and heights." So reserve tickets for this phenomenal talent's concert on April 15. It starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be over before midnight, so there'll still be time to get my dad a gift.
Liz Longley's Redstone Room concert features an opening set by Brian Wright, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Weedeater
Rock Island Brewing Company
Thursday, April 9, 8 p.m.
The grunge-, sludge-, and stoner-metal musicians of Weedeater will play a sure-to-be-electrifying concert at the Rock Island Brewing Company on April 8, and I could easily spend my space here talking about the North Carolina outfit's incredible 17-year touring history, or the group's four successful albums, or that time frontman Dave "Dixie" Collins accidentally shot off his toe with a shotgun.
I could also dedicate my word count to snippets from some of Weedeater's more ecstatic reviews. Such as SputnikMusic.com's rave about Collins' "teeth-rattling bass and throat-searing vocals" and the band's "atmospheric and progressive styles." Or this one from Pitchfork.com: "Bassist and frontman Dave 'Dixie' Collins howls as if the bong resin covering his larynx were scraped clean with razor blades soaked in brown whiskey, and guitarist Dave 'Shep' Shepherd saturates the space between Collins' meat-hook bass melodies with ample fuzz." (That's a compliment, right?)
But in all honesty, I can't think of a better way to promote Weedeater's upcoming RIBCO concert than by letting the band's online biography from Weedeater.com do it for me. So:
"Their unfiltered and unrefined energy surges uncontrollably through the band and anyone who bears witness to their live show. Spite and deep resentment somehow fuse with comedy and maximum volume to produce an indignant, vomitous (both figuratively and sometimes literally) performance that is forced upon the willing yet hapless crowd. You are instantly swallowed whole by both Dixie and Shep's nearly indistinguishable monster bass and guitar tones, and you are absolutely beaten to a bloody pulp and scared for your life by Keko [Kirkum]'s crazed yet amazingly potent bashing of his kit, with sticks that look like tree trunks turning into a splintered mess by the end of every song. If you had any sense, you might actually take a step back and contemplate your safety for a moment, but then you come to your senses (sort of, anyway) and realize you're at a f---ing Weedeater show, and this is why you came here, and there is no way to deny what you are witnessing. Pure, unabashed, musical violence in every form."
Any questions?
Weedeater performs with opening sets by King Parrot and Crater, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-1999 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
The Ghost Wolves
Rozz-Tox
Saturday, April 11, 9 p.m.
The married musicians of The Ghost Wolves, Carley and Jonny Wolf, will be performing at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox on April 11, and according WanderingSound.com's Lenny Kaye, the artists' "feral take on transgressive rock 'n' roll" finds them "showing a joy in the turn-it-up that evokes the visceral virtues of rock at its most raw and elemental." So plan on having a blast. Kaye goes on to write that during a recent SXSW concert, one of Carley's particular slide solos "scratched me behind the ears, wagged my tail, and made me chase a ball." So plan on also bringing some kibble to nosh on.
Pictured here with their dog Winter who accompanies them on tour (although there's no word on whether he helps pay for gas), Carley and Jonny followed vastly different musical paths prior to The Ghost Wolves' 2011 debut. Carley toured as a mandolin player with San Francisco's old-time bluegrass band The Crooked Jades, and Jonny performed on two tours with country sensation Junior Brown.
But as an Austin, Texas-based two-piece, the spouses have been exhilarating music fans and critics with their self-described "stomp and roll" that blends elements of garage rock, punk, and the blues, and that led SpectrumCulture.com to call the Ghost Wolves "an energetic rock outfit at a time when there seems to be less energy in rock every day."
Not if Carley and Jonny have anything to say about it! And on their two albums to date - 2011's In Ya Neck! and 2014's Man, Woman, Beast - they do. So how well-acquainted with their output are you? Try filling in the blanks on the following six tunes found in The Ghost Wolves' discography.
1) "I'm Yo ____"
2) "____ Fang Thang"
3) "Big ____"
4) "Broke ____"
5) "First ____"
6) "Ride the ____"
A) Baby
B) Joke
C) Love
D) Mudda
E) Star
F) Wolf
The Ghost Wolves' Rock Island concert opens with a set by Pop Goes the Evil, and more information is available by calling (309)200-0978 or visiting RozzTox.com.
Answers: 1 - D, 2 - A, 3 - E, 4 - B, 5 - C, 6 - F. That last number is certainly catchy, but for Heaven's sake, don't ever try it. I hear wolves don't like that.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, April 2 - ZZ Top. Concert with the chart-topping musicians and members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $55-75. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, April 2 - Daphne Willis. Alternative-country, rock, and folk musician in concert, with an opening set by Gina Venier. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $9.50-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, April 2 - Real Estate. Independent rockers in a Mission Creek Festival concert, featuring an opening set by Ryley Walker. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $20-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, April 3 - Ricky Nelson Remembered. Tribute concert to the pop star with Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. For information, call (800)724-5828 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, April 3 - Shovels & Rope. A Mission Creek Festival concert with the independent rock outfit, featuring opening sets by The Inlaws, Brian Johannesen, and Ryan Joseph Anderson. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, April 3 - Darlingside. Indie-folk musicians in concert, with an opening set by Tall Heights. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $9.50-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2014 interview with Darlingside's Don Mitchell, visit RCReader.com/y/darlingside.
Friday, April 3 - Sara Rachele. Concert with the New York-based singer/songwriter, with an opening set by Erin Moore. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4 - Natty Scratch. A 43rd-anniversary weekend featuring all the band's original members. Friday: The Rusty Nail (2606 West Locust Street, Davenport); 8:30 p.m.; for information, call (563)386-1900. Saturday: Main Event (3819 State Street, Bettendorf); 8:30 p.m.; for information, call (563)359-3938.
Saturday, April 4 - Harper & Midwest Kind. Australian singer/songwriter Peter D. Harper and his ensemble in concert, with an opening set by Dan Hubbard. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $12-15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, April 4 - Har-di-Har. Spouses and "freak pop" musicians Julie and Andrew Thoreen in concert, with opening sets by Condor & Jaybird and Tambourine. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com. For a 2013 interview with Julie Thoreen, visit RCReader.com/y/hardihar.
Sunday, April 5 - Iowa All-Star Tour. Concert with the Midwestern musicians Brooks Strause, Dana T, Dylan Sires & Neighbors, Curt Oren, and Extravision. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Sunday, April 5 - Father John Misty. A Mission Creek Festival concert with the singer/songwriter, featuring an opening set by King Tuff. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $20-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12 - The Rivals. The University of Iowa School of Music's presentation of Kirke Mechem's comic opera, directed by Bill Theisen. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Thursdays through Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $5-20. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit CoralvilleArts.org.
Friday, April 10 - Howard Fishman. The folk singer/songwriter's "Basement Tapes Project" concerts, in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 7 and 9:30 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, April 10 - The Schwag. Grateful Dead tribute musicians in concert. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, April 10 - Mason Jennings. Concert with the folk-pop singer/songwriter. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $27.50-32.50. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Mark Russell Smith conducts a world premiere by James Stephenson, Schoenberg's Friede auf Erden, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, featuring guests from Quad City Choral Arts and the Handel Oratorio Society under the direction of Mark Hurty. Saturday: Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport), 8 p.m. Sunday: Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island), 2 p.m. $13.50-66.35. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Saturday, April 11 - Galactic Cowboy Orchestra. Jazz, classical, bluegrass, and Southern-rock musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $9.50-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Tuesday, April 14 - Abraham Lincoln in Song. Chris Vallillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into a performance commemorating the 150th anniversary of the president's death. Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street, Moline). 7 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.
Wednesday, April 15 - Shana Falana. Concert with the Brooklyn-based pop artist. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Wednesday, April 15 - Black Violin. Hip-hop, modern classical, and rock musicians in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $10-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Saturday, April 4, through Saturday, April 18 - The Secret Garden. April-Dawn Gladu's adaptation of the beloved Frances Hodgson Burnett novel, directed by Sean McCall. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Saturdays 1 p.m.; April 18 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $9. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 19 - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). A slapstick blend of the Bard's works by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, directed by Tom Morrow. Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit RHPlayers.com.
Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 26 - Billy Bishop Goes to War. John Gray's and Eric Peterson's tale of a Canadian World War I fighter pilot, directed by Sean McCall (Old Creamery Studio Theatre, 3023 220th Trail, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays 2 p.m. $18.50-28. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, April 10 - Cinderella. Des Moines Metro Opera presents an English-language version of Rossini's comic opera. Central Performing Arts Center (519 East 11th Street, DeWitt). 7 p.m. $10-28. For tickets and information, call 563-249-8541 or visit CentralPerformingArtsCenter.org.
Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 26 - Housebroken. One-woman comedy written and performed by Megan Gogerty, directed by Alexis Chamow. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $18-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Friday, April 10, through Saturday, April 18 - God of Carnage. Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning dark comedy about warring married couples, directed by Kevin Babbitt. Scott Community College Student Life Center (Room 2400 through Door 5, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf). Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. $7 at the door. For information, call (563)441-4339 or e-mail kdbabbitt@eicc.edu.
Monday, April 13 - Molly Brown: More Than Unsinkable. Barbara Kay presents a one-woman show on the Titanic survivor and social reformer. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 6:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)524-2470 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
Tuesday, April 14, through Friday, May 15 - Fancy Nancy: The Musical. Family show based on Jane O'Connor's children's book, directed by Andrea Moore. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 10 a.m. and/or 1 p.m. performances on select Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. $8.50 For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
DANCE
Thursday, April 2, through Saturday, April 4 - Thesis I Candidate Performance: Moving Fire & Water. Dance vignettes by University of Iowa MFA candidates Alex Bush and Paula Lamamié de Clairac. 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.
Sunday, April 12 - The Bolshoi Ballet: Swan Lake. An HD screening of the Piotr Tchaikovsky ballet. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 2 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
COMEDY
Saturday, April 4, and Saturday, April 11 - Rock City Live. Sean Leary and My Verona Productions present a sketch-comedy show in the vein of Saturday Night Live. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, April 10 - Ben Kronberg. An evening of stand-up with the nationally touring comedian and star of the Web series Ted & Gracie. The Backroom Comedy Theater (1510 Harrison Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)781-9617 or visit BlacklistComedy.com.
MOVIES
Tuesday, April 14 - Discovering the Dutch. A World Adventure Series screening presented by filmmaker Sandy Mortimer. Putnam Museum (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). 1 and 7 p.m. $6.50-8.50. For tickets and information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
SPORTS
Saturday, April 11 - Quad City Rollers. Matches with the 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.
EXHIBITS
Friday, April 3, through Friday, May 15 - Gender: A Printmaking Portfolio Exchange. Printmaking exhibit in the university's "Exploring Gender" series. St. Ambrose University's Morrissey Gallery (2010 Gaines Street, Davenport). Mondays through Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For information, call (563)333-6444 or visit SAU.edu/morrissey.
Saturday, April 4, through Sunday, April 12 - Young Artists at the Figge: North Scott. 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.
Saturday, April 4, through Sunday, May 31 - University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition. Recent works curated by University of Iowa Museum of Art director Dr. Sean O'Harrow. 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.
Saturday, April 4, through Sunday, May 31 - 10th Anniversary Exhibition. Works by Rose Frantzen, Tom Uttech, Kara Walker, Larry Rivers, David Plowden, and Ann Hamilton, plus new additions to the museum's collection of Haitian art . 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.
Sunday, April 12, through Sunday, July 26 - From Woof to Wolf: The Dogs of Deutschland. Exhibit showcasing German dogs through photos and written material. German American Heritage Center (712 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays noon-4 p.m. Free with $3-5 museum admission. For information, call (563)322-8844 or visit GAHC.org.
EVENTS
Saturday, April 4 - Jad Abumrad. A Mission Creek Festival event with the host and creator of Radiolab. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $30-75. For tickets and information, call (319)-688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, April 11 - Bacon & Beer Festival. Event featuring presentations and samples from the region's top eateries, pork purveyors, and craft breweries. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 4:30-8:30 p.m. $25-50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit RiverCtr.com.
Saturday, April 11 - 5K Run/Walk for Epilepsy. Fundraiser featuring family activities and an after-party, with proceeds helping to fund the Epilepsy Foundation's "camPossible!" camp for youths with epilepsy. Augustana College's PepsiCo Recreation Center (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 9 a.m-noon. $17-30 registration. For information and to register, call (309)373-0377 or e-mail efqc@efncil.org.
Saturday, April 11 - QC Annual Father/Daughter Dance. Formal event hosted by Timrek3 Productions. Golden Leaf Banquet & Convention Center (2902 East Kimberly Road, Davenport). 6 p.m. $30 plus $20 for each additional daughter. For information and to reserve, call (470)231-4748 or visit Timrek3Productions.com.
