Music
The Oh Hellos
The Redstone Room
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Davenport's Redstone Room hosts a July 10 concert with the folk rockers of The Oh Hellos, and the duo's musicians, Tyler and Maggie Heath, are not only gifted singers/songwriters; they're brother and sister. You may know the pair from its 2012 album Through the Deep, Dark Valley, which finds the Heaths crooning together to songs such as "I Was Wrong," and "I Have Made Mistakes," and ... .
Wait a second. Are we sure they're brother and sister? 'Cause I've got one of each and they're never that nice to each other.
The Oh Hellos' road to acclaim actually began when Tyler initiated his solo career in 2007, eventually releasing three albums, one of them a pre-Frozen LP titled Let It Go. In 2011, however, he and Maggie collaborated on an original song for their mom's birthday, and the fun they had together - combined with their shared musical tastes and the perfect blend of their voices - convinced the sibs to record their own EP that fall. The rest, as they say, is history ... and proof positive that gifts that don't cost a dime are sometimes the most rewarding gifts of all.
Since then, The Oh Hellos, with their distinctive folk-rock sound influenced by Celtic and gospel stylings, have been praised by SputnikMusic.com for "churning out infectious, foot-stomping anthems destined to define long summer road trips and energetic live shows alike," and their track "Hello, My Old Heart" was featured on an episode of NBC's Parenthood. They also continue to draw new fans with the musical showmanship that led StereoFox.com to rave about the duo's "jubilant harmonies illustrating poetically heartfelt lyrics" - plus longtime fans who remember the Heaths from that 2011 EP debut The Oh Hello's.
And what, you may wonder, happened to that apostrophe? Well, as Tyler stated on the folk-music blog My Folking Heart, "Honestly, we weren't really expecting anyone to pay any attention to us when we released our EP ... which is why we didn't print physical copies ... and why we didn't care that we put an unnecessary apostrophe in our name." So that explains it! I mean, its not like a words apostrophe just vanishes - thats crazy!
The Oh Hellos' Redstone Room concert opens with a set by Judah & the Lion, and more information is available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Theatre
Shrek: The Musical
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 20
Bettendorf High School Auditorium
Last year, for its summertime presentation, Countryside Community Theatre staged Les Misérables, one of the grandest, most demanding musicals in the theatrical canon. So where does the Eldridge-based company go for its 2014 follow-up? The answer is simple: Ogre-the-top.
Ha ha! I mean over-the-top, because Countryside will be presenting the eagerly anticipated, Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Shrek: The Musical in Bettendorf High School's newly renovated auditorium July 11 through 20! It's a pun, you see? "Ogre"? "Over"? Get it?!? [Editor's note: We get it, Mike. We get it.]
If you're familiar with the Oscar-winning animated smash that the stage show is based on, you'll know that Shrek: The Musical concerns a not-so-jolly green giant and his adventures with a pipsqueak despot named Lord Farquaad, a loquacious donkey named Donkey, and a lovely maiden-with-a-secret named Fiona. And all are duly accounted for in this critically acclaimed outing that received Tony nominations for Best Musical, Original Score, Book, Actor, and Actress, plus a win for its eye-popping costumes that leave audiences ogre-joyed. Ha ha! [Editor's note: Seriously, we get it.]
But while Countryside's stellar cast features Brian Peterson (last year's Javert) as Shrek, Matthew Dirschel (last year's Enjolras) as Farquaad, Matthew McFate as Donkey, and Melissa Anderson Clark as Fiona, nearly three dozen additional acting talents appear in director Christina Myatt's presentation, portraying everyone from Pinocchio to Humpty Dumpty to Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. It's practically ogre-whelming!!! [Editor's note: Stop now. I mean it.]
And with its sure-to-be-splendid set, and its score that includes such joyous tunes as "Freak Flag," "I Think I Got You Beat," Donkey's and Shrek's "Travel Song," and the Monkees classic "I'm a Believer," audiences of all ages will no doubt delight in the fractured-fairytale charms of Shrek: The Musical - a show you'll want to see ogre and ogre again! [Editor's note: Last warning.]
Tickets are $12 for seniors, active military, and students, and $15 for ages 18 and ogre ... .
[Editor's note: Mike has officially been benched. For reservations and more information on Shrek: The Musical, call (563)285-6228 or visit CCTOnStage.org.]
Theatre
Doctor Faustus
QC Theatre Workshop
Friday, July 18, through Saturday, July 26
The Prenzie Players' summer presentation is Doctor Faustus, director Jake Walker's new adaptation of Christopher Marlowe's and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's classic Faust dramas. As you likely know, it's the tale of a scholar who trades his soul to the devil in exchange for 24 years of happiness and prosperity, and it's billed as a tragedy - but I'm not convinced. I mean, is selling your soul really so tragic if it means you get a full-time job in which you're actually paid to write movie reviews and theatre reviews and articles about upcoming local events and ... ?
But maybe I've said too much.
Running at Davenport's QC Theatre Workshop July 18 through 26, Walker's blending of Marlowe and Goethe texts will no doubt be filled with memorable stage magic and haunting visual and aural effects. The production also boasts a sterling team of actors, with Prenzie veterans Aaron E. Sullivan as Faustus, Kitty Israel as Mephistophilis, and Stephanie Moeller as Gretchen, plus additional cast members including Molly Wilkison, John Turner, Victoria House, Chase Suchy, and even the Reader's own graphic artist extraordinaire, Nathan Klaus. (Go, Nate!)
But I'm particularly excited to see Walker's handling of the play's Seven Deadly Sins, who take on human(-ish) form in Doctor Faustus. To acquaint yourself with the show's ensemble prior to its opening, try matching those sins with the actors portraying them.
1) Couvetousness
2) Envy
3) Gluttony
4) Lechery
5) Pride
6) Sloth
7) Wrath
A) Virginia Atwell
B) Payton Brasher
C) Jeremy Mahr
D) Lauren Moody
E) James Palagi
F) Jessica Nicol White
G) Denise Yoder
For more information on, and tickets to, Doctor Faustus, call (309)278-8426 or visit PrenziePlayers.com.
Answers: 1 - D, 2 - F, 3 - C, 4 - A, 5 - B, 6 - E, 7 - G. I'd end with a joke, but my dignity won't let me, because I'm pissed and jealous that all those great-looking people are in roles I want, so I'm just gonna sit with a quart of ice cream and not do anything. Think I'll get in trouble for it?
Music
Future Bass Fest
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19
"Hey, Jeff!"
"Hi, Mike. Got a vacation coming up?"
"What? Oh, no. I'm just gearing up - literally! - for the Rock Island Brewing Company's Future Bass Fest, which is taking place in the District of Rock Island July 18 and 19!"
"Uh huh."
"Let me tell you, this thing is going to be wild! It'll have musicians playing on three separate stages both inside and outside RIBCO, and is even being preceded by a Thursday-night pre-party on the 17th!"
"You don't say."
"I do! Friday's concert showcases sets by Meaux Green, the dance-music master from Miami, and Dani Deahl, the Chicago-based DJ, producer, and musician who's also a part-time journalist - so you know she's cool!"
"I'd imagine."
"And then on Saturday, there are bass-happy sets with Wick-It the Instigator, Zebo, Al Neon, and Kil Og ... !"
"Uh, Mike ... ?"
" ... and all those Future Bass Fest artists are just the tip of the iceberg! Just check out this list of guests: Adam Miller, Chronik Solutionz, Damn Juhl, Danny Groves, DJ O.M.S., DJ Real Juicy, Ghostscience, Greg D, Guymbz, Half Naked, Higgy, Hurricane Mike, Kazmeer, Megarad, Pink Atlas, Pleasure, The Pseudoreality ... !"
"Mike."
" ... and just think! They're all gathering to celebrate the amazing journey of a fish from larvae stage to fry stage to full-grown bass! It's so inspiring! Jacques Cousteau would be proud!"
"So that's why you're in waders and carrying a pole."
"Well, duh! What did you think the 'Bass' in 'Future Bass Fest' stood for?
For more information on events in the Future Bass Fest, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, July 10 - Eddie Turner. Concert with the Chicago-based blues artist. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 7 p.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Thursday, July 10 - Simple Diamond: A Neil Diamond Tribute. Impersonator Brian La Blanc and his ensemble in concert. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Noon-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show, $44.67. 6-7 p.m. buffet dinner, 7:15 p.m. show, $50.42. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, July 11 - Ben Kenney. Concert with the alternative rocker and Incubus musician. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $15-20. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2008 interview with Kenney, visit RCReader.com/y/benkenney.
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 13 - Slip 'N' Slide Music Festival. Annual outdoor celebration featuring a 300-foot slip 'n' slide, plus performances by Little Texas, the Giving Tree Band, Roscoe Bandana, Coyote Riot, Orangadang, and the Mississippi Misfits. Belshause Family Farm (3612 85th Avenue West, Milan). $20/day. For information, call (309)737-4501 or visit SlipNSlideMusicFest.com.
Friday, July 11 - The Goddamn Gallows. Bluegrass musicians in concert, with opening sets by Frank F. Sydney's Western Bandit Volunteers and Buzzard Wagon. 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.
Friday, July 11 - The Wailers. Jamaican reggae musicians in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, July 12 - Daiquiri Factory Anniversary Party featuring Hairbanger's Ball. All-ages outdoor celebration featuring the hard-rock and heavy-metal musicians. Daiquiri Factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)786-1016 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.
Sunday, July 13 - The If 7:14 Call Tour featuring Newsboys. Music and fellowship with the Christian recording artists and featured speakers. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)326-8500 or visit If714.com or AdlerTheatre.com.
Monday, July 14 - Bastille Day Celebration. Concert featuring Soda Gardocki, The Singles, and France's Jose & the Wastemen, with French cuisine served. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 6 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. concert. $5. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Tuesday, July 15 - Seun Kuti & Egypt 80. Concert with the son of the Nigerian afro-beat musician Fela Kuti and his ensemble. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, July 18 - Little River Band. Concert with the Australian rockers of "Reminiscing," "Cool Change," and "Lady" fame. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $30. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, July 19 - Quad City Rockfest. Night Ranger and Firehouse headline indoor- and outdoor-concert performances, with sets by the Hooks, Eleven Fifty Two, Divebomb, Cheap Thrill, and the winners of the "97Xposure" contest. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 3 p.m. $29.50-45. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, July 19 - Hot Tuna. Concert with bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane. 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.
THEATRE
Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 20 - The Odd Couple. Mismatched-roommate comedy by Neil Simon, directed by Mike Skiles. 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.
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 20 - Second Samuel. Pamela Parker comedy set in rural Georgia, directed by Patti Flaherty. Playcrafters Barn Theatre (4950 35th Avenue, Moline). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)762-0330 or visit Playcrafters.com.
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 20 - Legally Blonde: The Musical. Quad City Music Guild presents the Tony-nominated musical based on the screen comedy, directed by Tristan Tapscott. Prospect Park Auditorium (1584 34th Avenue, Moline). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $11-16. For tickets and information, call (309)762-6610 or visit QCMusicGuild.com.
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 13 - The Honky Tonk Angels. Ted Swindley's Nashville-based, three-woman musical revue, directed by Richard Hall. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $12-18. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Saturday, July 12, through Sunday, July 20 - Twelfth Night. Genesius Guild's presentation of Shakespeare's comedy. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). Saturdays and Sundays 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.
Saturday, July 12 - Treasure Island. Family adventure performed by area students and co-presented by the Missoula Children's Theatre caravan. Central Performing Arts Center (519 East 11th Street, DeWitt). 3 and 5:30 p.m. $5-10. For tickets and information, call (563)249-8541 or visit CentralPerformingArtsCenter.org.
Saturday, July 12 - Are You There, George? One-woman comedy/drama written and performed by Maria Vorhis. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 26 - Rumors. Neil Simon's Tony Award-winning slapstick farce, directed by Derek Bertelsen. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays 2 p.m. $17-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Thursday, July 17, through Sunday, August 10 - Snoopy! The Musical. Stage comedy based on the characters of Charles M. Schulz. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 2 p.m. $18.50-28. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20 - Guys & Dolls. Frank Loesser's musical-comedy classic in a Prairie Players Civic Theatre presentation. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $11.50-16.50. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20 - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Pearl City Players' stage production of Lewis Carroll's family adventure. Muscatine High School (2705 Cedar Street, Muscatine). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. For tickets and information, call (563)299-2131.
COMEDY
Friday, July 18 - Ron White. Bestselling author and Grammy-nominated Blue Collar comedian in concert. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $45-55. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
VISUAL ARTS
Thursday, July 10 - Metro Arts Summer Youth Employment Showcase. Program-ending celebration for 30 young artists and four professionals, featuring choreography by Ballet Quad Cities' Maggie Huling and artworks initiated by Megan Quinn and Sarah Robb. Quad City Arts Center (1715 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 5 p.m. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Saturday, July 12, through Sunday, November 2 - Two Americans in Paris: Stuart Davis & Grant Wood. Exhibition featuring paintings and works on paper from the Figge's Grant Wood Archive, as well as a selection of Davis lithographs from a private collection. 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.
EVENTS
Thursday, July 10, through Saturday, July 12 - Walcott Truckers Jamboree. 35th-annual event featuring more than 175 exhibits, the Super Truck Beauty Contest, the Iowa Pork Chop Cookout, carnival games, the Trucker Olympics, fireworks, and concerts with Chris Janson, John Anderson, and the Dani Lynn Howe Band. Iowa 80 Truck Stop (755 West Iowa 80 Road, Walcott). Thursday and Friday 10 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. For information, call (563)284-6961 or visit Iowa80TruckStop.com.
Friday, July 11, through Sunday, July 13 - Anime-zing! Annual celebration of the Japanese art featuring screenings, discussions, autograph signings, dealers, and more. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). $30-40 weekend pass. For information, call (563)326-8500 or visit RiverCtr.com.
Saturday, July 12 - Wells 4 Wellness Walk/Run. Fundraising event to support the building of wells for 30 communities in Niger, featuring an 8 a.m. 5K walk/run, 9 a.m. Kids4Water bucket relay, and 9:15 a.m. bucket relay. Moline Water Plant (30 18th Street, Moline). $30 registration. For information, call (309)236-1301 or visit Wells4Wellness.com.
Saturday, July 12 - Moonlight Chase. 30th-annual evening race with the four-mile course lined with luminaries, plus quarter-mile and one-mile runs for kids, free refreshments, and an after-party. Downtown LeClaire. 9 p.m. $15-30 registration. For information, call (563)285-9965 or visit MoonlightChase.com.
Sunday, July 13 - QC Planet Comic & Arts Convention. Event featuring comic books, toys and collectibles, local and Midwestern artists, costume contests, presentations by Jarrett Crippen and Dominic Velando, and more. Rock Island Holiday Inn (1 Plaza Square, Rock Island). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3. For information, call (309)794-1212.
Friday, July 18, through Saturday, July 26 - Bottom's Up Quad City Burlesque: Late Night TV. New stage show with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
