Theatre
Eurydice
Galvin Fine Arts Center
Friday, February 22, through Sunday, February 24
It's the oldest of stories. Girl loves boy. Girl marries boy. Girl gets a letter from her late father and trips down the stairs and dies and takes an elevator to the underworld and lives in a room fashioned entirely of string and meets a trio of talking stones ... .
No, seriously, it's the oldest of stories. It's just being told in a new and strange and wonderful way.
The story in question is that of Eurydice, the deceased bride of Greek myth whom Orpheus famously traveled to the underworld to save, only to wind up losing her forever. Yet in playwright Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice - which is being staged at St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center February 22 through 24 - this classic tale of Orpheus is experienced from his wife's perspective, resulting in a romantic and fantastical comedy/drama that offers the pleasures of the familiar blended with the giddy thrill of the unexpected. Unless, of course, you're expecting a Greek tragedy featuring a character named "Nasty Interesting Man."
Boasting a student cast that includes recognizable St. Ambrose performers Molly Conrad, Cody Johnson, Tim Stompanato, and Brooke Schelly, director Daniel Rairdin-Hale's Eurydice will likely be filled with stunning and surprising visuals, especially considering that one of the few scenic specifications in Ruhl's script is her insistence on a lot of on-stage water. (Don't, for instance, expect Eurydice to remain altogether dry in that elevator.)
And whatever the dampness levels on the Galvin stage, you can certainly expect Eurydice to be filled with dazzling, imaginative storytelling courtesy of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Ruhl, whose play was described by the New York Times' Charles Isherwood as "a love letter to the world that deserves to be remembered for a good long time." He also wrote of the experience, "I fought off tears for half the play, not always successfully," so you may want to bring some tissues. Or, you know, maybe an umbrella.
Eurydice plays at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday, and more information and reservations are available by calling (563)333-6251 or visiting SAU.edu/theatre.
Exhibit
The Deacon's Seat
St. Ambrose University's Catich Gallery
Tuesday, February 26, through Friday, April 5
On February 26, St. Ambrose University's Catich Gallery opens a new exhibition of Fred Stonehouse paintings and drawings titled The Deacon's Seat, and on the gallery's Web site, we're told that the artist's work is ruled by the presences of good, evil, and "other paranormal phenomena." I thought, then, that I'd attach an image of Stonehouse's painting Vox to this article, so we can decide if that description indeed holds true. Let's find out ... .
Good: A friendly-looking (if sad) man's face, a grassy landscape, a deer, a butterfly, a hummingbird, and a bumblebee. Check.
Evil: A trio of creepy skeleton heads. Check.
Other paranormal phenomena: Hmm ... I dunno .... I guess I'm not seeing it. Unless, that is, "paranormal phenomena" would include the man's face being on the deer, and the skeleton heads being on the butterfly and hummingbird and bumblebee ... .
Just kidding around there. But humor - along with beauty, originality, and a healthy dose of the surreal - will be in abundance in St. Ambrose's The Deacon's Seat exhibit, which promises to be a fascinating showcase of vivid colors and unforgettable imagery courtesy of the Wisconsin-based Stonehouse.
Nationally recognized for his creations that combine influences from folk and outsider art, Stonehouse can boast exhibitions in dozens of museums and galleries across the country, has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and lists recording superstars Sheryl Crow and Madonna among his many private collectors. But if you want true insight the artist, the best way is no doubt through his works - those imaginative, evocative, frequently cartoon-like expressions of mythology, fable, and personal experience that Stonehouse previously assembled in exhibits with such playful titles as The Odor of Sanctity, Joy Farm, and Jibberish & Other Communications. That latter title, by the way, was what I was going to call my planned exhibit of What's Happenin' articles ... until my boss indelicately told me that no one would ever attend such a thing.
The Deacon's Seat will be on display at the Catich Gallery (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport) through April 5 - with an artist lecture and reception taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 1 - and more information on the exhibition is available by calling (563)333-6444 or visiting SAU.edu/catich.
Music
D.R.I.
Rock Island Brewing Company
Thursday, February 21, 8 p.m.
Last week, my boss asked me to compose a What's Happenin' article on Dirty Rotten Imbeciles. I did, I read it to my co-workers at a staff meeting, and then my boss demanded a new one, explaining that he meant the D.R.I. musicians playing RIBCO on February 21. I'm not going to tell you which dirty rotten imbeciles I thought he was talking about, but suffice it to say I'm pretty sure my office didn't trash itself.
A noted hardcore/metal group now entering its fourth decade of performing, D.R.I. originally formed in Houston in 1982, and reportedly acquired its band name from an admonishment given by vocalist Kurt Brecht's father. (As in, "Stop that freakin' racket, you dirty rotten imbeciles!") After playing their first gig that summer, the musicians recorded their debut release Dirty Rotten EP in the fall of 1982, and immediately displayed a gift for conciseness, somehow managing to squeeze 22 songs onto a seven-inch EP lasting a mere 18 minutes.
Their rise to underground fame actually didn't take much longer than that, because by 1983, the members of D.R.I. found themselves traveling with The Dead Kennedys on the "Rock Against Reagan" tour, and, by 1984, they participated on the anti-war benefit compilation P.E.A.C.E. alongside such famed punk bands as Crass, D.O.A., and MDC. In 1988, D.R.I. released 4 of a Kind, its first album to chart on the Billboard 200, and matched that feat in 1989 with the debut of Thrash Zone, the album that spawned popular music videos with the songs "Abduction" and "Beneath the Wheel."
Since then, D.R.I. has been touring continually and extensively throughout Europe and North and South America, and is sure to wow RIBCO's crowd with the blazing, hardcore intensity that has defined the group for more than 30 years. D.R.I., after all, could also stand for "Don't Rest - Inspire!" And if it did, my co-workers would be way less pissed at me right now.
D.R.I. performs its Rock Island concert with opening sets by Johnny Scum and Butt Lynt - acoustic folk guitarists, I'm presuming ... - and more information on the show is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
Maroon 5
i wireless Center
Friday, March 1, 8 p.m.
"What do you mean you love somebody else?"
"It's just a feeling, a secret infatuation with a fortune teller, and I have to figure it out, so I'm not coming home. Take what you want. I think it's better that we break."
"I think I'm losing my mind! I feel a shiver and it's getting harder to breathe!"
"I know you're sad. In misery, even. But I can't lie: I've been doin' dirt, and I can't stop. I must get out."
"But you're the air I breathe! The sun! My daylight! I won't go home without you!"
"Nothing lasts forever."
"All those wasted years ... ! It makes me wonder if I was the way I was only because of this love ... !"
"Wipe your eyes. Until you're over me, I don't want you to get back in my life."
"I just need a little of your time! If I never see your face again ... !"
"I'm through with you, so goodnight, goodnight ... ."
"Wait - don't be a runaway!"
"I'm out of goodbyes ... ."
"Give a little more time!"
"How?"
"A last chance! One more night! This is my wake-up call!"
"Here comes a tangled story ... ."
"What if I got us tickets to the Maroon 5 concert at the i wireless Center?"
" ... "
"Well?"
"Oh, you ladykiller! I'm your woman! Miss you! Love you!"
The Grammy Award-winning pop rockers of Maroon 5 play Moline's i wireless Center with opening sets by Neon Trees and Owl City, and for tickets to the Friday, March 1 concert - and the chance to hear at least a few of the band's 47 aforementioned songs - call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, February 21 - Greensky Bluegrass. Award-winning bluegrass musicians in concert, with an opening set by The Deadly Gentlemen. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, February 21 - Gospel Fest. Concert event featuring Quad Cities-based gospel choirs and soloists. St. Ambrose University's Christ the King Chapel (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)333-6023 or visit SAU.edu.
Thursday, February 21 - Mavis Staples. The Grammy Award-winning soul and gospel legend in concert, with an opening set by Lake Street Drive. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35-55. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, February 22 - Stephane Wrembel. French jazz guitarist in an Intimate at the Englert presentation. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $20-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Sunday, February 24 - Eye Empire. Rock musicians in their Revolution Tour, with opening sets by 3 Years Hollow and Surrender the Fall. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7:30 p.m. $10-12. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, March 2 - Luke Bryan. Concert with the chart-topping country-music star, featuring opening sets by Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $27.50-52.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, March 2 - Old Shoe. Folk-rock and psychedelic jam band in concert, with an opening set by Hollis Brown. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, March 2 - The Bad Plus. Jazz trio performs concerts in the Club Hancher series. The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Sunday, March 3 - Quad City Wind Ensemble Winter Concert. Seasonal concert with the area musicians. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $8-10, free to students in grades 12 and under. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit QCWindEnsemble.org.
Sunday, March 3 - Robert Earl Keen. Country and folk artist in concert, with a pre-show wine tasting hosted by Fireside Winery. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $30-32. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Thursday, February 21, through Saturday, February 23 - Mike Daisey: American Utopias. Monologues weaving autobiography, journalism, and unscripted performance in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $10-30. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 10 - Walking the Wire: TMI. Monologues of revelations, weirdness, and personal habits (that didn't need to be shared), directed by Jody Hovland. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $15-28. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2 - Hairspray. The Tony Award-winning musical-comedy smash, presented by the Orpheum and Monmouth College. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m. $10-30. For tickets and information, call (309)343-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Saturday, March 2 - Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries. Family musical featuring characters from one of television's longest-running animated series. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 2 p.m. $15-55. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
DANCE
Friday, February 22 - The Ugly Duckling. The fairytale classic performed by the dancers of Ballet Quad Cities, followed by a brief anti-bullying presentation by Jennifer Caudle. Davenport North High School's Holzworth Performing Arts Center (626 West 53rd Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com.
MOVIE
Tuesday, March 5 - Inside Ireland. Screenings in the museum's World Adventure Series, presented by filmmaker Clint Denn. Putnam Museum (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). 1 and 7 p.m. $5-7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
EXHIBITS
Saturday, February 23, through Sunday, May 5 - University of Iowa Faculty Biennial. Exhibition featuring works in graphic design, 3D design, sculpture, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and other media. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Saturday, March 2, through Sunday, June 16 - Marking Territories: Cartographic Treasures of the Mississippi River & the World Beyond. Exhibition featuring a selection of historic maps that range from early representations of the world to more detailed examinations of America's vast interior west of the Mississippi. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
EVENTS
Thursday, February 21 - The 2013 Martini Shake-Off. Annual fundraiser for the HAVLife Foundation, featuring martini samples from 25 bars and restaurants, celebrity judges, appetizers, live entertainment, a silent auction, and more. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 5:30 p.m. $50. For information and tickets, call (563)650-6555 or visit HAVLifeFoundation.org/events.
Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 3 - 2013 Spring Antique Spectacular. Annual sales event featuring more than 70 exhibitors with a wide selection of fine antiques and collectibles. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 admission for all three days. For information, call (712)326-9964 or visit AntiqueSpectacular.com.
