Music
John Fullbright
Rozz-Tox
Friday, July 27, 9 p.m.
Discussing the widely acclaimed musician who will perform a special concert at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox on July 27, the legendary singer/songwriter Jimmy Webb is quoted as saying, "I have no doubt that in a very short time, John Fullbright will be a household name in American music."
I can't imagine how Webb knew that Fullbright would eventually be highlighted in the Reader's What's Happenin' pages, but let's get cracking on that household-name thing!
A native, and continued resident, of Okemah, Oklahoma - birthplace of folk-music icon Woody Guthrie - Fullbright has stated that his passion for music started with his first piano lessons, meaning that the man's road to professional success began at the ripe old age of five. Nowadays, at the ripe old age of 24, the singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist is considered one of the most promising artists on the folk-rock and Americana scenes, sharing stages with the likes of Michael Fracasso, Joe Ely, and Steve Poltz, and inspiring the Chicago Sun-Times to write that Fullbright's recent SXSW showcase "was as perfect as if it were a Jonathan Demme concert film." (For those not in the know, Demme directed the Talking Heads' concert-film classic Stop Making Sense. That's awfully damned perfect.)
Happily for the artist, the critical plaudits continued with the May release of Fullbright's From the Ground Up, an evocative, eclectic blend of self-written songs featuring everything from a moving testament to parental love ("Song for a Child") to a literal God's-eye view of the world ("Gawd Above"). The Houston Press' William Michael Smith praises the CD's "lyrical brilliance." The Raleigh News-Observer's David Menconi calls the album "an extraordinary collection of surpassing depth and maturity." And Backroads Music magazine's Naomi Koppel states that Fullbright "has produced a collection of songs that deserve to be heard across the planet."
I can't imagine how Koppel knew that this What's Happenin' article would include a link to music clips on Fullbright's Web site, but let's get cracking on that planetary-awareness thing!
Admission to John Fullbright's all-ages concert is $8, and more information on the evening is available by e-mailing info@rozztox.com or visiting RozzTox.com.
Music
Eddie Turner
The Muddy Waters
Saturday, July 21, 9 p.m.
A noted Blues Music Award and Independent Music Award nominee, veteran blues singer/guitarist Eddie Turner will play a sure-to-be-scorching concert at The Muddy Waters on July 21. Then again, with BluesToDo.com's Jeff Jaisun stating that "you get chills every time the guy strikes a note," maybe a more accurate description would be "sure-to-be-freezing."
Born in Cuba and raised in Chicago, Turner got his first taste of professional acclaim in the early 1970s, when the man moved to Colorado and joined Grammy nominee Tracy Nelson (from the famed group Mother Earth) in the punk/R&B outfit The Immortal Nightflames. Thirty years later - following additional stints with Zephyr, trumpeter Ron Miles' electric ensemble, and The Otis Taylor Band - Turner has developed an enormous following as a touring performer through Europe and North America, with his exhilarating blend of psychedelic-rock and Delta-blues stylings showcased on a trio of solo CDs: 2005's Rise, 2006's The Turner Diaries, and 2010's Miracles & Demons.
While blues fans have greeted his many annual headlining and festival appearances with rapturous appreciation, their enthusiasm is matched in the raves that Turner has amassed from music critics. Blues Revue's Michael Cote wrote, "Eddie Turner's brand of blues evokes an otherworldly feel; a dreamscape of fire and passion, pleasure and pain." BarrelHouseBlues.com called Miracles & Demons "an astonishing CD," with Turner playing "a lot like Jimi Hendrix once did, only with a more musical and controlled style."
And ending where we began, the aforementioned Jeff Jaisun went on to opine, "If anybody ever went down to the crossroads and let the devil tune his guitar, it was probably Eddie." Which is, you know, ridiculous! That'd be like someone selling his soul to Satan for an easygoing career with an independent newspaper writing about cool musicians and local artists and movies and ... !
But maybe I've said too much.
Tickets to Eddie Turner's Bettendorf concert are $5, and for more information, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Event
2012 Mississippi Valley Fair
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
Tuesday, July 31, through Sunday, August 5
It's hard to believe that this year's Mississippi Valley Fair - taking place July 31 through August 5 at, appropriately enough, Davenport's Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds - marks the event's 92nd anniversary. What's even harder to believe is that despite an exhaustive search, I've been unable to find a Web site that reveals what the traditional gift for a 92nd anniversary is. Thanks for nothing, Internet.
I guess a write-up here will have to do, but thankfully, this year's fair gives me plenty to write about. As usual, the popular midsummer experience will feature numerous carnival-themed attractions and rides and the annual tractor parade, plus prizes awarded for the finest in area arts and crafts, horticulture, livestock, and more.
There will be nightly concerts with some of the most well-known and -loved musicians and bands in the Quad Cities region, among them Buddy Olson, Corporate Rock, The Dani Lynn Howe Band, The Diamonds, Hap Hazard, House Arrest, The Lovedogs, North of 40, Simon Says Uncle, Stevie J, The Tailfins, Vodkaseven, and Wild Oatz.
National sensations, meanwhile, will be flooding the grandstand stage all throughout the week, with evening performances by - in order of appearance - the multi-platinum-selling recording artists Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Billy Currington (performing with special guest Brantley Gilbert), REO Speedwagon, Hank Williams Jr., and Montgomery Gentry (pictured).
Finally, the numerous grounds attractions will offer everything from the family-friendly fun of Gym Bob's Jamboree to the daring feats of Todd the Stiltwalker and Dallas the Fire Guy to the chainsaw-art demonstrations of Pat Doyle, and that's without even mentioning three additional daily happenings listed on the fair's Web site: "Zip Line," "Great Cats," and "Live Bear Show." Just think! Zip lines and tigers and bears!
And if any of you read that last bit without thinking to yourself, "Oh my," I'm very disappointed.
Tickets to the 2012 Mississippi Valley Fair are $3 to $10 for daily admission (entry to the grandstand concerts not included) or $40 to $45 for six-day "Fun Card" admission and grandstand-act entry, and more information is available by calling (563)326-5338 or visiting MVFair.com.
Music
Heartland Jam
Centennial Park
Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21
For anyone who's ever wanted the city to be more like the country, you'll get your wish on July 20 and 21, when Davenport's Centennial Park hosts the country-music celebration the Heartland Jam. A festival featuring some of the heartland region's most exciting entertainers, the concert event will find a significant portion of its proceeds benefiting the Loren Arp Memorial Foundation, dedicated to assisting the families of children at the University of Iowa's burn-treatment center. It will also feature the significant musical talents of Danika Holmes, The Farm, Grazin' District, The Dani Lynn Howe Band, North of 40, the Dirt Road Rockers, Cora Zoan, the Cal Stage Band, and Ty Brown - plus eight national acts whose appearances suggest that this inaugural event might, as promoters hope, become an annual one.
To get in the proper spirit for the two-day festival, test your country-music savvy by pairing the following songs with the Heartland Jam performers who made them famous.
1) "In a Real Love"
2) "Findin' a Good Man"
3) "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away"
4) "Feel That Fire"
5) "Best Song Ever"
6) "Redneck Woman"
7) "From a Table Away"
8) "Lost in This Moment"
A) Dierks Bentley
B) Justin Moore
C) Katie Armiger
D) Gretchen Wilson
E) Danielle Peck
F) Phil Vassar
G) Sunny Sweeney
H) Big & Rich
For more information and tickets to the Heartland Jam, call (563)391-0888 or visit HeartlandJam.com.
Answers: 1 - F, 2 - E, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - C, 6 - D, 7 - B, 8 - H. Of course, in the end, all those songs are by performers who are big and rich, but let's not quibble.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, July 20 - Shinedown. Multi-platinum-selling rockers in concert, with opening sets by Adelitas Way and In This Moment. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $41.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, July 21 - Flute Fiesta. A concert in the Black Hawk Chamber Music Festival presented by flutist Jeffrey Cohan, featuring 13 flutes from the Renaissance. Trinity Cathedral (121 West 12th Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $10-15 suggested donation. For information, call (563)323-9989 or visit BHCMF.com.
Saturday, July 21 - Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt. Indie rockers of The Sea & Cake in concert, with opening sets by Multiple Cat and Seth Knappen. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, July 21 - Mary Chapin Carpenter. Concert with the singer/songwriter and five-time Grammy Award-winner. 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.
Sunday, July 22 - Beethoven to Modern. A concert in the Black Hawk Chamber Music Festival, with Jeffrey Cohan and Oleg Timofeyev performing works on an eight-keyed flute and a guitar made in the early 19th Century. Trinity Cathedral (121 West 12th Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $10-15 suggested donation. For information, call (563)323-9989 or visit BHCMF.com.
Tuesday, July 24 - Broadway Blondes for Bethany. Cabaret performance of show-tune classics with the cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical, in a fundraiser for Bethany for Children & Families. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $12-15. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Tuesday, July 24 - Todd Snider and Hayes Carll. Acclaimed singers/songwriters 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. For a 2009 interview with Snider, visit RCReader.com/y/snider.
Thursday, July 26 - The Baseball Project. Baseball-themed rock super-group composed of Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn, and Linda Pitmon, with an opening set by Break Up Art. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2011 interview with McCaughey, visit RCReader.com/y/baseballproject.
Friday, July 27 - JEFF the Brotherhood. All-ages rock concert featuring brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall, with opening sets by Juiceboxx and Healing Powers. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7:30 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, July 27 - Mickey Gilley. Concert with the legendary country musician. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $20-30. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, July 19, through Sunday, July 29 - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Tony Award-winning musical comedy with audience participation. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. $16-23. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Thursday, July 19, through Saturday, July 29 - Boeing-Boeing. Marc Camoletti's Tony Award-winning farce, directed by Derek Bertelsen. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Wednesday, and July 21 2 p.m. $15-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Thursday, July 19, through Saturday, July 28 - Mr. U.S. Grant: A Man & a Patriot. One-man historical drama written by and starring Dan Haughey. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). July 19-21 8 p.m.; July 21 and 28 2 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21 - Seussical Jr. Storybook musical comedy performed by students in the center's summer camp for grades 3-12. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)788-5433 or visit Center4Living.com.
Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22 - The Pirates of Penzance. Gilbert & Sullivan's comic operetta in a co-presentation with the Prairie Players Civic Theatre. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. $5-25. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Saturday, July 21, and Sunday, July 22 - The Oresteia. Genesius Guild's presentation of Aeschylus' classic drama, performed in two parts over two nights. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.
Thursday, July 26, through Sunday, September 2 - Church Basement Ladies: A Second Helping. Follow-up to the Minnesota-based musical-comedy smash. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 3 p.m. $17.50-27. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 - Honk Jr. One-act version of the musical comedy based on The Ugly Duckling, performed by the summer-stock interns. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Saturday, July 28, through Sunday, August 5 - The Frogs. Genesius Guild's satirical take on Aristophanes' classic comedy. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). Saturday and Sunday 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.
Wednesday, August 1, through Sunday, August 12 - Love Letters. A.R. Gurney's famed two-character romance, performed in repertory with Hate Mail. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Wednesday-Sunday 3 and 7:30 p.m. $16-23. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
EXHIBIT
Saturday, July 21, through Sunday, February 24 - Lights! Sirens! Action! Hands-on exhibit exploring how firefighters, law-enforcement officers, EMTs, and dispatchers take care of emergency situations. Putnam Museum (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $5-7 museum admission. For information and tickets, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
COMEDY
Friday, July 20 - Paula Poundstone. An evening with the comedienne, author, and NPR regular. 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, July 27 - The Blacklist's "Drinkin' Spelling Bee." A four-round competition with the improv comedians, with a free beer earned for each correctly spelled word. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $3-5. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
EVENTS
Friday, July 20 - Bucktown Bash. Annual celebration featuring the opening of Steve Banks' and Heidi Hernandez's exhibit Merican-Tastic, a silent auction, a wine-tasting, raffles, tarot readings, and music by Bez n Megan, Corey Peak, Mark Brown, Leah Leah, DJ Brandon Hoskins, and Dave Schroeder. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport). 6-9 p.m. Donations ecnouraged. For information, visit BucktownArts.com.
Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22 - Kaaba Shrine Circus. A big-top experience featuring acrobats, animals, clowns, and more. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. $12-22. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit RiverCtr.com.
Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 - 2012 Street Fest. Annual outdoor party featuring live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, children's activities, a Video Games Etc. tent, and more. Downtown Davenport (Second Street between Brady and Ripley streets). Friday 10 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)823-2681 or visit DowntownDavenport.com.
Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 - Living Proof Live. A Bible-study, teaching, and worship experience led by evangelist Beth Moore and worship leader Travis Cottrell. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. $65. For information and to register, call (800)254-2022 or visit Lifeway.com.
Saturday, July 28 - 2012 Bix 7. Annual seven-mile foot race with thousands of dollars in prize money awarded, with the Jr. Bix 7 for ages 12 and under. Downtown Davenport (Fifth and Brady streets). 8 a.m. $40 adult registration; $12-15 Jr. Bix registration. For information, call (563)383-2489 or visit Bix7.com.
