Theatre
Coriolanus
Lincoln Park
Saturday, July 13, through Sunday, July 21, 8 p.m.
In the Cole Porter stage classic Kiss Me, Kate, a musical largely based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, a pair of goofy mobsters sing a comedic ditty titled "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." The song offers a how-to guide on the wooing of women through knowledge of the Bard's works, and one set of lyrics transpires thusly:
"If she fights when her clothes you are mussing,
What are clothes? Much Ado About Nussing.
If she says your behavior is heinous,
Kick her right in the Coriolanus."
Just thought I'd get that gag out of the way early, because it would be impossible to discuss Genesius Guild's forthcoming production seriously if you spent this whole piece thinking, "Hee hee hee ... anus ... ."
And Coriolanus, which Genesius Guild performs in Rock Island's Lincoln Park July 13 through 21, is serious business indeed. Based on the life of legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus, the play is believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. Yet as reinforced by Ralph Fiennes' modern-dress film version from 2011, the material itself proves timeless - an epic tale of revenge, military action, political hypocrisy, mob rule, and the ever-grinding war machine that's as relevant and terrifying now as it was in the 17th Century.
Directed by Genesius Guild founder Don Wooten, Coriolanus boasts a gifted ensemble featuring numerous Guild veterans, with Tyler Henning in the title role, Rae Mary as his mother Volumnia, Earl Strupp as his ally Menenius, Bob Hanske as sworn enemy Tollus Aufidius, and such familiar talents as Michael Carron, Doug Adkins, Neil Friberg, Melanie Radkiewicz, Andy Curtiss, Michael Miller, Andrea Braddy, and Scott Tunnicliff helping round out the cast.
And with Shakespeare's Language author Frank Kermode calling Coriolanus "probably the most fiercely and ingeniously planned and expressed of all the tragedies," you can plan on being wowed by the play's exquisite verbiage. I'm thinking of lines such as "Action is eloquence." Or "Nature teaches beasts to know their friends." Or "More of your conversation would infect my brain." Which is actually something my boss tells me on a daily basis. Who knew he was a Shakespeare fan ... ?
Coriolanus performances are free of charge (although donations are encouraged and welcomed), performances begin at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and more information on Genesius Guild is available by visiting Genesius.org.
Event
QCAIR Festival d'été
Schwiebert Riverfront Park
Saturday, July 13, 2-8 p.m.
Author Jules Verne famously sent characters around the world in 80 days. On July 13, those attending the outdoor event at Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park will be sent around the world in a mere six hours. Oh, that Verne. Always aiming so low.
A high old time, however, is sure to be had when the Quad City Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR) hosts its inaugural Festival d'été, a celebration of cultural diversity - and a veritable trip around the globe - by the organization dedicated to connecting refugee and immigrant families with longtime Americans living within the greater Quad Cities region.
Beginning at 2 p.m., the festival will open with blues music by the River Music Experience's Ellis Kell and African musician Morten Wa Byaombe, who will join forces for a joyous blend of American and African stylings. Their performance will then be followed by a New Orleans-style second-line parade complete with twirling parasols, hand-percussion instruments, and a procession of international flags, an awesome spectacle underscored by a group sing-along to the legendary Richie Havens song "Freedom."
But don't think the transcontinental fun ends with the parade's climax, because until 8 p.m., you and your family will also be treated to a great many additional delights. There'll be an introduction to the art of Vietnamese dragon dancing. Scottish bagpipers and drummers and an Irish band. Belly- and bamboo-dance instruction. Reggae in the air. Ethnic foods and raffle items from a number of area vendors. Multicultural storytellers and children's entertainers.
And after you've enjoyed this sure-to-be-sensational day spent at Schwiebert Riverfront Park, feel free to continue your 'round-the-world experience by walking a few blocks to my apartment. I'm pretty sure I've got some old English muffins and Russian dressing left in the fridge.
Admission to QCAIR's Festival d'été is $5 per person and $10 per family, and more information on the event is available by contacting Gail Brooks at (309)269-1120 or e-mailing GailBrooks0627@gmail.com.
Music
Heartland Jam
Centennial Park
Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20
Who's up for some Heartland Jam? Who's up for some Heartland Jam that doesn't require the tiresome process of fruit-picking, fruit-washing, fruit-crushing, fruit-mixing, and your mother telling you that you're doing it all wrong and that you need to get the hell out of her kitchen?
(Whoa. Sorry. Grade-school flashback.)
Hopefully, the answer is "I am! I am!" Because on July 19 and 20, Centennial Park will host the second-annual Heartland Jam festival, a country-music celebration with proceeds benefiting the Loren Arp Memorial Foundation, dedicated to assisting the families of children at the University of Iowa's burn-treatment center. With scheduled performances by such exciting musicians as the Dani Lynn Howe Band, Charissa Mrowka, the Dirt Road Rockers, the Cal Stage Band, and North of 40, the outdoor event will also feature sets with an octet of additional, nationally renowned artists, all of whom will bring an exhilarating blast of country to the City of Davenport.
Test your country-music IQ, and your Heartland Jam readiness, by matching the following eight songs with the performers who made them famous:
1) "Lover, Lover"
2) "Don't Think I Don't Think About It"
3) "Bad for Me"
4) "Six-Pack Summer"
5) "These Are My People"
6) "Best Days of Your Life"
7) "Kiss Me Now"
8) "Georgia Peaches"
A) Lauren Alaina
B) Katie Armiger
C) Rodney Atkins
D) Jerrod Niemann
E) Danielle Peck
F) Kellie Pickler
G) Darius Rucker
H) Phil Vassar
Tickets to this summer's Heartland Jam are $45 for a one-day, general-admission pass and $55 for a two-day pass - with $120 one-day VIP passes also available - and more information on the weekend is available by visiting HeartlandJam.com.
Answers: 1 - D, 2 - G, 3 - E, 4 - H, 5 - C, 6 - F, 7 - B, 8 - A. Mm-m-m-m. Georgia peaches. Now there's something you could make an excellent Heartland Jam with. If, you know, Georgia was actually in the heartland ... .
Theatre
Peter Pan
Prospect Park Auditorium
Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 21
"Jeff!"
"Mike."
"It feels like ages since we've talked!"
"Yeah, the break's been nice, hasn't it?"
"Um ... . Sure. Anyhoo. I was wondering if I could ... ."
"You were wondering if you could write a What's Happenin' article on Quad City Music Guild's new production of Peter Pan, playing at Moline's Prospect Park Auditorium July 12 through 21."
"Yes! Exactly!"
"You wanted to talk about how this stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic adventure novel has been a beloved theatrical staple since its 1954 Broadway debut, which won Tony Awards for stars Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard, and led to acclaimed New York revivals starring the likes of Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby."
"Yes!"
"You wanted to mention Peter Pan's dynamic, memorable score featuring such familiar tunes as "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," I Won't Grow Up," and "Never Never Land," and the incredible flying effects that make it seem as though Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael are soaring directly in front of you."
"That's right!"
"You wanted to generate excitement by saying that the director of our area production is the gifted Beth Marsoun, who has choreographed such Music Guild shows as The King & I and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. And that Peter Pan is being played by Sarah Lounsberry, who has been wonderful in Guild productions including The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, Anything Goes, and The Drowsy Chaperone. And that the cast is filled with other terrific local talents, among them Tom Naab, Mike Millar, Adam Lounsberry, Lauren VanSpeybroeck, Harold Truitt, and Greg O'Neill."
"That's just what I was gonna say!"
"And you wanted to say that tickets are certain to go quickly for Peter Pan's seven-performance run, so people should quickly make reservations by calling (309)762-6610 or visiting QCMusicGuild.com."
"Wow ... that's uncanny! How did you know?"
"I just assumed that your excitement about the show is why you've been wearing that feathered hat and those tights every day for a week."
" ... "
"Well?"
"Green's a good color on me."
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, July 11 - Mingo Fishtrap. Soul, rock, and R&B musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13 - Camp Euforia Festival. Annual camping and concert event with two-dozen bands performing on three stages. Camp Euforia (5335 Utah Avenue SE, Lone Tree, Iowa). Two-day pass $85-100. For tickets and information, visit CampEuforia.com.
Saturday, July 13 - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Vermont-based rockers in their Roar Tour Summer 2013. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $27-47. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, July 13 - The Daiquiri Factory's Ninth-Anniversary Party. Annual outdoor event featuring performances by Hairbanger's Ball and Corporate Rock. Daiquiri Factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. gates. $10. For information, call (309)786-1016 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.
Saturday, July 13 - Slip 'n' Slide Music Fest. Seventh-annual outdoor concert and camping event featuring performances by headliners the Giving Tree Band, the Harris Collection, Rude Punch, Antony & the Tramps, the Dirt Road Rockers, and Mississippi Misfits, plus a 300-foot slip 'n' slide. Belshause Family Farm (3612 85th Avenue West, Milan). Noon-2 a.m. $20 at the gate; free for ages 12 and under with paid adult. For information, call (309)737-4501 or visit SlipNSlideMusicFest.com.
Saturday, July 13 - Out of Character: A One-Man Cabaret. James Fairchild performs songs from his musical-theatre repertoire, with additional performances by Danny White, Kelly Lohrenz, and Matt Mercer. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Saturday, July 13 - Glenn Jones. Guitar-playing singer/songwriter in an "Intimate at the Englert" presentation, with an opening set by Little Village. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $10-13. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Sunday, July 14 - Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires. Alabama-based Americana and rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by Jim the Mule. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Tuesday, July 16 - Branson on the Road. Touring production of country and gospel tunes and family-friendly comedy. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 11:45 a.m. doors, noon plated lunch, 1 p.m. show. $42.32; $25.50 show-only tickets. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Thursday, July 18 - The Melvins. Rockers in their 30th-anniversary U.S. tour, with an opening set by Honky. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8:30 p.m. $18. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, July 19 - The Pines. Indie-rock and Americana musicians in concert, with an opening set by Lewis Knudsen & the Bandits. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, July 19 - Saliva. Chart-topping rockers in an outdoor concert, with opening sets by Eleven Fifty Two and 3 Years Hollow. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $15-20. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, July 19 - Mavis Staples. Soul and gospel legend in concert, with an opening set by Pieta Brown. 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 11, through Sunday, July 21 - The Curse of an Aching Heart: Or, Trapped in the Spider's Web. Comic melodrama by Herbert Swayne, directed by Tom Morrow. Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit RHPlayers.com.
Thursday, July 11, through Sunday, July 14 - Iolanthe. The University of Iowa's presentation of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic operetta, directed by Nicholas Wuehrmann. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit CoralvilleArts.org.
Thursday, July 11, through Sunday, July 28 - Moonlight & Magnolias. Gone with the Wind-themed comedy by Ron Hutchinson. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. $18-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 21 - The Fox & the Fairway. Farcical comedy by Ken Ludwig, directed by Nicholas Waldbusser. Playcrafters Barn Theatre (4950 35th Avenue, Moline). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)762-0330 or visit Playcrafters.com.
Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 27 - Unnecessary Farce. Farcical crime comedy by Paul Slade Smith. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $15-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21 - Guys & Dolls. Frank Loesser's musical-comedy classic, presented by the Ohnward Fine Arts Players and the Peace Pipe Players. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21 - The King & I. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Siam-based musical romance, presented by the Prairie Players Civic Theatre. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $15-20. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
EVENTS
Thursday, July 11, and Friday, July 12 - Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Annual, family-friendly event featuring nearly 200 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an antique truck display, the Iowa Pork Chop Cookout, the Trucker Olympics, carnival games, performances by the Dani Lynn Howe Band, Randy Houser, and James Wesley, a fireworks display, and more. Iowa 80 Truck Stop. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)284-6961 or visit Iowa80TruckStop.com.
Thursday, July 11 - Walt Whitman Event. Poetry reading and presentation with Richard Leddy portraying Whitman. Dead Poet's Espresso (1525 Third Avenue A, Moline). 3 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)736-7606.
Saturday, July 13 - Lumberjack Festival. Third-annual event featuring competitions, presentations, vendors, and more. Clinton Sawmill Museum (2231 Grant Street, Clinton). Noon-7 p..m. Free admission. For information, call (563)242-0343 or visit TheSawmillMuseum.org.
Saturday, July 13 - Burlesque Con Queso. A night of striptease acts with Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque and improv comedy with members of the Blacklist. Village Theatre (2113 East 11th Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-7529 or visit NewGroundTheatre.org.
Friday, July 19, through Saturday, July 27 - Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque: Christmas in July. Holiday-themed evenings with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, July 20 - Roast of Tristan Tapscott. Comedic roast of the District Theatre's artistic director, led by Ed Villarreal. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
