Sports
Harlem Globetrotters
i wireless Center
Saturday, January 5, 7 p.m.
Welcome to the What's Happenin' edition of "Name That Tune"! For 100 points, what's the title of the famous ditty featuring this unforgettable refrain?
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-whee-e-e-e-wh-wh-whoo-o-o-o!"
Give up? Why it's "Sweet Georgia Brown," of course - the signature song for the Harlem Globetrotters! How embarrassing for you!
Okay, granted, your inability to name that tune may be due to my inability to adequately convey whistling in print. But I have no doubt you'd recognize the anthem if it were being amplified throughout the i wireless Center ... as it will be when the legendary athletes and comedians of the Harlem Globetrotters bring their world-renowned talents to the Moline venue on January 5.
Having played more than 20,000 exhibition games in more than 120 countries, the Globetrotters are universally beloved for their gravity-defying moves on the court and singular (and hilarious) bending of traditional b-ball rules. But while you're certainly acquainted with the team, how acquainted are you with the team's history? As you pooched "Name That Tune," try making up for lost points with this quiz on Harlem Globetrotters trivia.
1) Despite their team name, in which city were the Harlem Globetrotters founded?
A) Chicago
B) Detroit
C) New York City
2) Which future NBA Hall of Famer toured the Soviet Union as a Globetrotter in 1959?
A) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
B) Wilt Chamberlain
C) Bill Russell
3) Which of these famed baseball pitchers began his sports career as a Globetrotter?
A) Bob Gibson
B) Don Newcombe
C) Satchel Paige
4) Which of these people was not an official honorary member of the Globetrotters?
A) Bill Cosby
B) Bob Hope
C) Pope John Paul II
5) Which of the following was the title of a Saturday-morning program featuring the Globetrotters?
A) The Harlem Globetrotters & Friends
B) The Harlem Globetrotters Around the World
C) The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine
Tickets to the Harlem Globetrotter's Quad Cities engagement range from $19 to $99, and can be secured by calling (800)745-3000 or visiting iwirelessCenter.com.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - A, 4 - A, 5 - C. That show, which aired in 1974, isn't the same as the 1970-73 Saturday-morning series Harlem Globetrotters, or 1979's animated series The Super Globetrotters, and it certainly shouldn't be confused with the 1981 TV movie The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island, all of which I have clear memories of enjoying as a child ... . Man, I'm old.
Dance
The Nutcracker
Adler Theatre
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9
As I'm sure you've heard, there's a major change in store regarding this year's Adler Theatre presentations of Ballet Quad Cities' The Nutcracker, which will take place at the Davenport venue December 8 and 9. So I may as well get the news out of the way immediately:
I will not, as I did last December, be playing the role of Drosselmeyer.
Oh, yeah ... and the professional company, for the first time ever, will be performing Tchaikovsky's holiday classic to live accompaniment by the gifted musicians of Cedar Rapids' Orchestra Iowa. I guess that's kind of a big deal, too.
"It's a wonderful opportunity," says Ballet Quad Cities Executive Director Joedy Cook, whose organization also performed The Nutcracker at Cedar Rapids' Paramount Theatre earlier this month. "They're fabulous to work with, and they're as excited as we are to perform this."
Cook says that this is the first time Ballet Quad Cities' dancers will perform alongside a symphony in "four or five" seasons, "and what's so fabulous about dancing to live music is that every performance is just a little bit different; no two performances are exactly alike. Professional dance mixed with live music is just magical. It's really a natural marriage, and wonderful for everyone - the dancers, the musicians, and certainly the audience."
With new choreography courtesy of Artistic Director Courtney Lyon, and the sensational Emily Kate Long returning to the role of Clara - the young girl who enters The Nutcracker's world of holiday-themed fantasy - Cook has high expectations for this year's productions of the annual family treat. "Not only are the dancers, technically, really on their game this season, but they're quite the troupe of actors and actresses. There are so many people to watch on stage who are doing wonderful, funny things; it's an incredible experience." (Keep your eyes on Clara's Grandma, by the way, who Cook says "kind of falls in love with the Nutcracker in this production.")
And in case you were wondering who will be filling Drosselmeyer's shoes this year, Cook says he's "a wonderful DJ from Cedar Rapids who has a lot of theatre experience," a gentleman by the name of Scott Schulte. "I think it's quite enjoyable for the audience, every year, to see a brand-new Drosselmeyer." My six-year-old niece and three-year-old nephew might not agree, but you know, whatever ... no bitterness here ... .
The Nutcracker will be performed at 1 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday, and tickets are available by calling (800)745-3000 or visiting AdlerTheatre.com. For more information on Ballet Quad Cities' season, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com.
Music
Circa '21 Holiday Events
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Thursday, December 7, through Monday, December 31
Dear Circa '21 Bootleggers:
Greetings from across the river!
You know, I was just thinking about those years I spent with you as a member of the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's performing wait staff, and I remember how we were always both excited and apprehensive about the arrival of December. Excited because, with a holiday production performed in the evenings and a family musical performed in mornings and afternoons, we got to work a lot. And apprehensive because ... well ... we had to work a lot ... though at least there were occasional times when the theatre wasn't open for business.
So I presume we can officially refer to those years as "the good old days," because sweet Pete, are you guys busy this month!
In addition to working the theatre's performances of Miracle on 34th Street (running through December 30) and the children's show Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical (running through December 29), you'll be booked on New Year's Eve, when Circa '21 presents the return engagement of Good Rockin' Live: A Salute to Sun Records. With celebrated musicians Robert Shaw, Steve Grams, and others performing hits by such legendary artists as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, it's sure to be an exhilarating way for audiences to ring in 2013 ... with exhilaration of another sort taking place next door, when Circa '21's sister venue The Speakeasy houses a special New Year's Eve-ning with the cheeky dancers and comedians of Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque.
Those who like their comedy with generous helpings of county, gospel, and holiday music will be treated to performances of the touring sensation Branson on the Road: Christmas Style on December 13 and 14, while that second night brings with it the Speakeasy's holiday concert with the local talents of The Manny Lopez Big Band. Plus, if all this weren't enough, I see you Bootleggers will be doing even more singing than usual this year, performing alongside members of the Miracle cast in December 7's holiday cabaret Christmas at the Speakeasy.
So do your best to enjoy this crazy-busy work month, friends! And I'd take this opportunity to wish you all a "Merry Christmas!" and "Happy New Year!" ... but considering none of you will have time to read this before January, what's the point?
Much love,
Mike
For more information on Circa '21's holiday presentations, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Theatre
A Christmas Carol
District Theatre
Friday, December 14, through Sunday, December 23
"Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge!"
"What the ... ? Fred? What are you doing here?"
"It's time for our annual trip to the theatre, uncle!"
"Let me guess ... A Christmas Carol?"
"That's right, uncle - Charles Dickens' magical fable of a mean, bitter old miser who learns about the true meaning of the holidays through the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future!"
"You do so try to warm the cockles of my heart with that story ... ."
"Yes, uncle, but this won't just be any Christmas Carol! This is the District Theatre's world-premiere production of Dickens' classic - a musical version of the tale featuring all-new music and lyrics by Danny White and a debuting book by director Tristan Layne Tapscott!"
"Hmmm ... ."
"Yes! The lead role is being played by frequent Clinton Showboat actor Doug Kutzli, and included in the cast are a whole slew of familiar Quad Cities performers: James Fairchild, and Bryan Tank, and Sara King, and Wendy Czekalski, and Joseph Maubach, and Don Hazen, and Mark and Linda Ruebling ... !"
"Ah hah ... ."
"Plus, there will be new choreography by Kelly Lohrenz, and costumes by Lora Adams, and the whole production is sure to delight audience members of all ages, from youngsters like Tiny Tim to the more mature likes of Mr. Fezziwig! Please tell me you want to go, uncle!"
"Well, Fred ... you know what I have to say about all this, right?"
"Alas, I do. 'Bah, humbug!' Right?"
"Not at all! I was going to say that the District Theatre's A Christmas Carol runs from December 14 through 23 - with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. - and that tickets are available by calling (309)235-1654 or visiting DistrictTheatre.com!"
"What? So you're actually in the Christmas spirit this year?"
"Actually, I'm supplementing my considerable income this year by acting as the theatre's PR representative!"
"I should have guessed."
"God bless us, everyone!"
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, December 7 - Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here. Jazz, R&B, and holiday tunes performed by the latest guest in Hancher Auditorium's Visiting Artists Series. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 7:30 p.m. $10-40. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, December 7, and Saturday, December 8 - Christmas with the Quad City Singers. Area vocal ensemble performs under the direction of Lori Potts, accompanied by Marcia Renaud. Lavender Crest Winery (5401 U.S. Highway 6, Colona). 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner and concert. $40. For tickets and information, call (309)764-2612.
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9 - Handel's Messiah. Annual performance of the choral masterpiece performed by guest vocalists and a 250-member ensemble. 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/tickets.
Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9 - Wynonna's Rockin' Christmas. Holiday concert with country artist Wynonna Judd and her Big Noise ensemble. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). Saturday 9 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. $38-55. For tickets and information, call (319)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Thursday, December 13 - Lessons & Carols. The Augustana Chamber Singers and Campus Ministries present the story of Christ's birth in readings and song. 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.
Friday, December 14, and Saturday, December 15 - A Nova Christmas. Annual holiday concerts with the professional vocal ensemble the Nova 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. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (309)341-7038 or visit NovaSingers.com.
Friday, December 15 - Anthony Gomes. Chart-topping blues singer/guitarist in concert. Rascals Live (1414 15th Street, Moline). 9 p.m. $15-20. For tickets and information, call (309)797-9457 or visit RascalsMoline.com.
Saturday, December 15 - Jim McDonough & His Orchestra & Singers: Holiday Grande 2012. Seasonal tunes with "Iowa's Own Pianist" and backup musicians, with proceeds benefiting Camp Courageous of Iowa. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 2:30 p.m. $31-36. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, December 15 - The Lowe Family: Christmas Spectacular. Holiday concert featuring numerous classical, Broadway, Irish, jazz, bluegrass, and gospel favorites. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 2 and 7:30 p.m. $25-35. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Sunday, December 16 - Scottie Miller & the Reuptake Inhibitors. Concert with the blues, funk, soul, and jazz keyboardist and his ensemble, presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Martini's on the Rock (4619 34th Street, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $7-10. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Sunday, December 16 - The Corey Kendrick Quartet. Quad Cities native and his ensemble perform and educate in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Matinée & Workshop Series, with an evening concert titled "Kind of Red & Green: A Christmas Tribute to the Music of Miles Davis." The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. all-ages jazz workshop - $5/adults, children free; 6 p.m. concert - $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Wednesday, December 19 - The Lucky Peterson Band. Multi-instrumentalist performs with guitarist Shawn Kellerman, in a concert presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Rascals Live (1414 15th Street, Moline). 7 p.m. $7-10. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Saturday, January 5 - Samantha Fish. Concert with the Kansas City-based blues singer/songwriter. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Tuesday, January 8 - Emmylou Harris & Her Dirt Red Boys. The award-winning country singer/songwriter and her ensemble in concert, with an opening set by The Pines. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $45-75. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Friday, December 7, through Sunday, December 9 - Santaland Diaries. One-man holiday comedy based on David Sedaris' essay, performed by Tim Budd. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $15-28. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Friday, December 7, through Sunday, December 16 - Annie. Tony Award-winning musical comedy based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip. 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 tickets and information, call (319)338-0443 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.
Wednesday, December 12 - Miracle on 34th Street. Touring production of the stage musical based on the holiday film. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $10-35. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Friday, December 14, through Sunday, December 23 - A Christmas Carol. Stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, produced by the City Circle Acting Company of Coralville. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $12-27. For tickets and information, call (319)541-2980 or visit CityCircle.org.
DANCE
Friday, January 4 - The Russian National Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake. Tchaikovsky's ballet classic performed by the international touring ensemble. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $15-45. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
KIDS' STUFF
Thursday, December 13, through Sunday, December 16 - Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic. Skating spectacular featuring dozens of Disney characters. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday 1 and 5 p.m. $33-47. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
MOVIES
Saturday, December 8 - Lost Nation: The Ioway 2 & 3. Follow-ups to the documentary on the Native American tribe that inspired Iowa's name, by area filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle. University of Iowa's Museum of Natural History (10 Macbride Hall, Iowa City). 6:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (319)335-0480 or visit IowayMovie.com.
EVENTS
Friday, December 7 - Gallery Hop! Arts and crafts, vendors, demonstrations, entertainment, holiday specials, and more in numerous downtown locations. The District of Rock Island. 5-9 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)786-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Friday, December 7, through Sunday, December 9 - Christmas in LeClaire. Annual event held at numerous downtown locales in downtown LeClaire, with free carriage and wagon rides, sales, a live Nativity, a bazaar, crafts, a silent auction, live music, and more. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, visit LeClaireChamber.com.
Saturday, December 8 - Miss Iowa 2012 Live. Event featuring 2012 Miss Iowa Mariah Cary, a preview of the Miss America 2013 competition, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a holiday-shopping silent auction, and a visit from Santa. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 1 p.m. $10 at the door. For information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
