Event
Naughty Not Nice: A 7 Sins Christmas
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, December 13, 9 p.m.
'Tis the season for holiday-themed events, folks! Choral concerts! Wintertime art strolls! Young people walking on broken glass and pounding nails in their foreheads!
"Yeah, we have a tally going," says performer Nicole "Red" Adams of her 7 Sins Sideshow ensemble of fire-eaters, strongmen, and human pincushions. "So far, we've had two people who've fainted. But there's always a lot of reaction in the crowd. A lot of 'Oh my God, don't do that!'"
Unless, of course, those patrons are small children. In which case, says Adams, "they're so excited that they're just like, 'Do it! Do it!' That's the best. Doing it for people who've never seen anything like it before."
Performing alongside fellow brave artists in RIBCO's December 13 presentation Naughty Not Nice: A 7 Sins Sideshow, Adams says 7 Sins Sideshow "started out probably four years ago. A couple of us started out in burlesque, and then our friend Chad started getting into sideshow stuff. He had been knife-throwing for about a month, and then was able to go to Coney Island [USA's] Sideshow School. He's pretty gutsy." (As Adams was the person Chad threw knives at, I'd argue she's pretty gutsy, too.)
But Chad also turned out to be a convincing recruiter. "So when he came back," Adams continues, "he kind of taught us how to do a few things. The first act I performed was with fire, and I was really scared 'cause ... . Well, 'cause it's scary. Fire's scary. But Chad was just like, 'Oh, it'll be fine.'" Laughing, Adams says, "That's his motto. 'It'll be fine.' So we trusted him."
She does admit, "There's always a huge possibility that you could get hurt," as Adams did when she burned her stomach on one of her first playing-with-fire attempts. (She adds that there's always a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit on-hand at performances, "but that's about it.") Yet the 7 artist says, "But even though it hurts sometimes, you get over it. And it's worth it to be able to get together with your closest friends and produce a show like this, that the Quad Cities really hasn't seen before."
As for Naughty Not Nice, Adams promises an experience different from the one enjoyed at RIBCO this past spring. "We have new acts, a completely new script, new costumes, new set design - but it's all geared toward Christmas. But like a twisted, dark, and creepy Christmas. If I was somebody who wasn't a part of it, I'd definitely want to come see it."
7 Sins Sideshow performs locally alongside sets by Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur and Perreze Farm, and more information is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com and 7SinsSideshow.net.
Music
Into It. Over It.
Rozz-Tox
Monday, December 15, 8 p.m.
Daytrotter's Sean Moeller and Rozz-Tox proprietor Benjamin Fawks recently initiated an indie-artist concert series at the Rock Island venue called "Mr. Daytrotter Presents Moeller Mondays," and the series' guest on December 15 is Evan Thomas Weiss' one-man outfit Into It. Over It.
Wait. Let me explain that. I'm not saying the outfit is titled "Into It" and that I, for whatever reason, am over it. That's the name of Weiss' musical project: Into It. Over It.
Of course, as the periods are actually part of Weiss' band name, the correct punctuation at the end of that last sentence should really be "Over It.." With two periods. But then ... .
You know what? I'm just gonna drop this Abbott & Costello routine and go with IIOT, okay?
After his involvement with numerous rock, punk, and emo bands both in his Chicago stomping grounds and around his hometown of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Weiss debuted IIOT in 2009 with an adventurous and attention-getting concept album: 52 Weeks, the result of Weiss writing and recording a new song every week for an entire year. Two years later, after touring much of North America, he followed it with IIOT's Twelve Towns, a searching and poetic compilation created with the assistance of several other indie-rock groups ... and probably an atlas, considering the song titles range from "Portland, OR" to "Pontiac, MI" to "Orlando, FL."
But with the release of the studio albums Proper in 2011 and Intersections in 2013, and the significant critical praise that greeted them, it quickly became clear that IIOT was far more than a mere "concept" musician. AltPress.com, for instance, wrote that "Proper doesn't lack in energy, enthusiasm, passion, or hooks." And Intersections has not only been called "a catchy, melody-filled treat of Midwestern emo pop" by AbsolutePunk.net, but PunkNews.org labeled the album "full of heart, soul, and melody," and "raw and f---ing heartwarming." What a nice review for IIOT. Although my mentioning it now makes this article a little NSFW.
For more information on the "Moeller Mondays" concert with IIOT - a.k.a. Into It. Over It. - call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Theatre
Aesop's (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables
Augustana College
Thursday, December 11, through Sunday, December 14
When family audiences attend Aesop's (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables, running December 11 through 14 at Augustana College's Potter Theatre, they'll see something of an alumni reunion: The comedy boasts scenic design by Susan Holgersson, class of '76, direction by Jackie Wynes-McCall, class of '98, and a script by Kim Esop-Wylie, class of '88. (This article, meanwhile, is written by an Augie grad, class of '90.) But as the show's author explains, audiences won't be witness to Esop-Wylie's first attempt at the genre.
"I was working with a children's-theatre group in St. Louis," says the Missouri resident, "and I was having a really hard time finding good plays for the kids to do. And so I thought, 'Well, why don't you try to write one?' So I did, and I had a really good time with it, and the kids had a good time with it. And I wondered if anybody else would be interested in it, so I contacted some publishers ... and they all just laughed at me. They were like, 'This play sucks.' I mean, they didn't say that verbatim, but ... ."
Years later, though, "I wrote one that actually did end up being good," says Esop-Wylie, "and did end up being published, and that's the one that Augie's doing. Which is a relief."
The show she created, which she says "will always have a special place in my heart," is a comedic modernization of tales by the famed fabulist, featuring characters from six Aesop titles: "The Dog & the Bone," "The Tortoise & the Hare," "The Lion & the Mouse," "The Fox & the Grapes," "The Country Maid," and "The Miller, His Son, & the Donkey." Audiences, meanwhile, should perhaps expect updates less slight than Oh So Slightly.
"It's mostly a question of language," says Esop-Wylie of the changes, "and the stories kind of wind up being blended. But in this 'Tortoise & the Hare,' Miss Hare is an aerobics instructor. She's all about the cardio, which wasn't really in the original. And in 'The Fox & the Grapes,' it's actually hybrid, genetically engineered grapes ... ."
Designed, says Esop-Wylie, for fifth-graders and older, Aesop's (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables boasts 31 characters enacted, at Augie, by nine student talents: Olyvia Adkins, Debo Balogun, Rowan Crow, Raven Hoffman, Leslie Kane, Jacob Kilburg, Samuel Langellier, Aubrey Waddick, and Sarah Baker - the latter playing not only "Miss Hare," but also "Grapes." Yet with all this promised zaniness, why didn't the playwright just sneak her own name in and make it Esop's fables?
"This was kind of my destiny," she says with a laugh. "Of course, the real Egyptian was a slave in ancient Greece, so I don't think there's any family connection."
Aesop's (Oh So Slightly) Updated Fables runs December 11 through 14, and more tickets are available by calling (309)794-7306 or visiting Augustana.edu/arts.
Music, Comedy, and Events
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse and Circa '21 Speakeasy
Thursday, December 11, through Friday, January 9
"Hey there, Jeff!"
"Mike, what the h-?"
"No time to talk, Jeff! I want to get cracking on a What's Happenin' on all the concerts and special events taking place at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse and Circa '21 Speakeasy over the next 30 days!"
"Fine, but wh-?"
"The lineup starts with two members of the theatre's staff of Bootleggers, Marc Ciemiewicz and Brad Hauskins, bringing songs, comedy, and holiday cheer to the Speakeasy in December 11's Marc & Brad's Good Time Spectacular Holiday Variety Hour ... and 27 Minutes! And then, the very next night, the Speakeasy will deliver old-time holiday favorites with a 13-piece ensemble in December 12's The Manny Lopez Big Band Christmas Concert, before the musicians ring in the year year with another concert on January 9!"
"All right ... ."
"On December 14, the Speakeasy hosts a seasonal treat with an Iowa City favorite in Lynne Rothrock's Christmas Cabaret, while the improv comedians of The Blacklist take the stage on the Fridays of December 13, 20, and 27! More comics will entertain the Speakeasy crowd in December 19's stand-up showcase The Speakeasy Laugh Hard, and the year's end will find artists shedding 2014, and maybe a few articles of clothing, in December 31's Bottom's Up Quad City Burlesque: New Year's Spectacular!"
"Okay, then ... ."
"But that's only the Speakeasy schedule - wait'll you hear what's happenin' at the playhouse! After closing its current musicals Irving Berlin's White Christmas on December 28 and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on December 27, Circa '21 will serve up an exhilarating New Year's Eve party with songs by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and other legends in December 31's Good Rockin' Live: A Salute to Sun Records!"
"That is something ... ."
"Wait! A whole show devoted to Johnny Cash is right around the corner, with stage and recording artist Robert Shaw and his band bringing tunes to life in January 2's Man in Black: The Music of Johnny Cash! And Circa '21's 30-day whirlwind concludes with two concerts by Bootlegger powerhouse Sunshine Ramsey, performing new material in the January 3 and 9 versions of her annual sell-out A Night of Sunshine! This might just be the most exciting winter in Circa '21's history! No ... of all time!!!"
"That all sounds great, Mike, but I think you can dial down the hyperbole. You do know Circa's already cast Jean Valjean in the upcoming Les Misérables, right?"
"What?!? Well then what the hell am I wearing this Wolverine costume for?!?"
For more information on Circa '21's winter events, visit Circa21.com.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Friday, December 12 - Scott H. Biram. Blues, punk, and country musician in concert, with an opening set by Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10 advance tickets. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2012 interview with Biram, visit RCReader.com/y/biram.
Friday, December 12 - J.M. James. Concert with the pop, rock, and R&B performer, the latest Quad City Arts Visiting Artist. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org or QuadCityArts.com.
Friday, December 12 - Dave Fields and Bobby Messano. Blues rockers in a concert presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The Lodge Hotel & Conference Center (900 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $10-12. For information, call (563)359-7141 or visit MVBS.org.
Friday, December 12 - A Skaggs Family Christmas. Multi-instrumentalist Ricky Skaggs and his clan perform Christmas classics and brand-new holiday tunes. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $30-50. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Friday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13 - Christmas with the Quad City Singers. New arrangements of "Joy to the World," "In Dulci Jubilo," and other favorites with the area vocal ensemble under the direction of Lori Potts. Lavender Crest Winery (5401 US Highway 6, Colona). 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner and concert. $40. For tickets and information, call (309)764-2612 or visit QuadCitySingers.org.
Friday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13 - The Great Bluegrass Herons Christmas Concert. Sixth-anniversary presentation of acoustic classics and bluegrass favorites with the area musicians. Iowa Theatre Artists Company (4709 220th Trail, Amana). Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (319)622-3222 or visit IowaTheatreArtists.org.
Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14 - A Christmas Messiah. Annual presentation of Handel's holiday classic with the Handel Oratorio Society, featuring soloists Abigail Santos-Villalobos, Jessye Wright, Dann Coakwell, and Mark Walters. Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/arts.
Saturday, December 13 - Pieta Brown and The Pines. Folk and roots singers/songwriters in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $18-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Sunday, December 14 - Quad City Wind Ensemble. Holiday concert featuring a performance by the Big River Brass Band. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2010 Gaines Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. Free admission. For information, e-mail info@qcwindensemble.org or visit QCWindEnsemble.org.
Tuesday, December 16 - Counting Crows. Multi-platinum-selling rockers on their "Somewhere Under Wonderland" tour, with an opening set by Twin Forks. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $55-69.75. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Wednesday, December 17 - The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show. Holiday concert with the violinist and his family. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $25.50-39.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, December 18 - Lessons & Carols. Christmas stories and songs with the Augustana Chamber Singers, led by Jon Hurty. Augustana College's Ascension Chapel (3701 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 4 and 8 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/arts.
Friday, December 19 - Bucktown Revue. A celebration of Mississippi River Valley folk music and culture through music, storytelling, poetry, and humor, with emcee Scott Tunnicliff. Nighswander Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). 7 p.m. $12 at the door. For information, call (563)940-0508 or visit BucktownRevue.com.
Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20 - A Nova Christmas. Laura Lane directs the professional vocal ensemble's concert of Christmas favorites, featuring guests from the Galesburg High School Chamber Singers. Friday: St. Paul Lutheran Church of Davenport (2136 Brady Street, Davenport). Saturday: First Lutheran Church of Galesburg (364 East Water Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $10-15, students free. For tickets and information, call (309)341-7038 or visit NovaSingers.com.
Friday, December 19 - Eufórquestra: Home for the Holidays. Concert with the Afro-beat and jazz musicians, with opening sets by Cornmeal and the Diplomats of Solid Sound. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $15-20. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, December 20 - Natty Scratch. Holiday concert with the area musicians in their fifth decade of performance. Rusty Nail (2606 West Locust Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)386-1900 or visit NewRustyNail.com.
Saturday, December 20 - Déjà Vu Rendezvous featuring 10 of Soul. Soul, funk, and blues musicians in concert, with an opening set by Marbin. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $9.50. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, December 20 - Air Supply Christmas. Holiday concert with the chart-topping pop stars. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $32-52. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Sunday, December 21 - The Manny Lopez Septet. The Quad City native and his ensemble perform and educate in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Workshop and Matinée Series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. workshop - $5 for adults, free for students; 6 p.m. concert - $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.ning.com or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, December 27 - The Hot Club of Davenport. Gypsy-jazz ensemble in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $8. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Sunday, December 28 - Jim Brickman: On a Winter's Night. Holiday concert with the Grammy-nominated pianist. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $25-65. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Sunday, January 4 - The Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Christmas Attic. The famed rock- and classical-music ensemble's holiday opera. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 3 and 7:30 p.m. $34-64. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
THEATRE
Friday, December 12, through Sunday, December 21 - A Christmas Carol. Tristan Tapscott's and Danny White's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday tale, directed by Matt Mercer. District Theatre (1623 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Thursdays through Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheratre.com.
Friday, December 12, through Sunday, December 21 - A Year with Frog & Toad. City Circle Acting Company of Coralville's production of the family musical based on the books by Arnold Lobel, directed by Liz Tracey. 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.org.
Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21 - It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Frank Capra's holiday classic performed as a 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $6-15. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Sunday, December 21 - Sister Act: The Musical. Tony-nominated musical based on the Whoopi Goldberg film comedy, in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $39.50-62. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
DANCE
Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14 - Ballet Quad Cities: The Nutcracker. Annual presentations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, with accompaniment by Orchestra Iowa. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Saturday 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m. $10-35. For tickets and information, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com or AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, December 20 - Bolshoi Ballet: Pharaoh's Daughter. Broadcast of the Cesare Pugni ballet classic. 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.
SPORTS
Saturday, December 13 - 12-13-14. An MMA and kick-boxing event featuring Larie Bondz, Bob Breshers, Maritza Reyes, Shelby Boo Strong, Alex Vega, Luke Rodriguez, and 20 other competitors. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 7:30 p.m. $27.50-40. For tickets and information, call (309)755-5425 or visit CageTix.com.
Saturday, January 3 - The Original Harlem Globetrotters. Athleticism and physical comedy with the legendary basketball players. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $20-97. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
EVENTS
Friday, December 12 - Gallery Hop! Original art, demonstrations, carolers, and other holiday activities in a variety of downtown locales. District of Rock Island. 5-9 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Saturday, December 13 - Handmade City Holiday 2014. Annual craft show of handmade goods created by independent vendors. Freight House (421 West River Drive, Davenport). 2-7 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit Handmade-City.com.
Sunday, December 14 - Christmas Tea and Tour. The Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation hosts an event featuring teas, hors d'oeuvres, and a guided tour of the historic Quarters One mansion decorated for the holidays. Rock Island Arsenal Quarters One. $25. For tickets and information, call (309)786-5980 or visit DavenportHouse.org.
Sunday, December 21 - Rozz Talk: An Evening Interview. Andrew King leads a conversation with writer Jeff Tady. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
