Event
girlpARTs Fest
Schwiebert Riverfront Park
Saturday, July 11, 4-10 p.m.
Designed to raise awareness and funds for gynecologic- and ovarian-cancer education programs, the Norma Leah Ovarian Cancer Foundation's inaugural girlpARTs Fest takes place on July 11 at Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park, and the event's headliners are the alternative folk rockers of N.E.D. You could probably make a strong argument for the musicians composing our country's smartest touring ensemble. Or, in the spirit of the festival, the smARTest.
After all, it's not every band - it may be no other band - in which every member has an M.D. But Doctors John Boggess, Joanie Hope, Nimesh Nagarsheth, William "Rusty" Robertson, John Soper, and William Winter all do, and since 2008 they've been thrilling crowds as N.E.D. (short for No Evidence of Disease), performing original, emotional, and uplifting folk rock to packed crowds nationwide. They're also the subject of a 2013 documentary, one also titled No Evidence of Disease, and Norma Leah Executive Director Jodie Kavensky says that the musicians and their film were instrumental in getting the girlpARTs Fest in motion.
"We presented the movie at an event last September," says Kavensky, "and afterward, a few people said, 'Hey! We should bring the band here!' And I was like, 'Yeah, that's a great idea ... . Do you know how much it costs?'"
But after receiving encouragement from N.E.D. drummer Nagarsheth during a later No Evidence of Disease screening in Chicago, Kavensky says the wheels started spinning. "I wasn't sure that bringing in a bunch of doctors to make music on the Mississippi was going to generate the type of funding and crowds we needed to support our programs. But I sit on the Illinois Arts Council, and I'm active in the arts locally, and so I thought, 'Let's make it a festival, and include local artists in it.' That way, hopefully, all those people would bring in their own people, their own followers, and we could really build the crowd."
After coming up with the "girlpARTs" moniker, Kavensky was not only able to secure N.E.D. as headliners, but also to recruit local bands Soul Storm and Barstool Boogaloo for concert sets. "And then I thought as long as we were doing musicians," says Kavensky, "we should also do an art exhibit." Consequently, 12 female visual artists - officially called The Dirty Dozen - will also be on-site exhibiting and selling their works at the Rock Island park, with proceeds from their sales and the festival's admission fee benefiting the Norma Leah Ovarian Cancer Foundation's education programs.
"We want people to be entertained by the arts," says Kavensky of her hope for the fest, "while also receiving education about gynecologic cancer. The symptoms are so subtle and vague, and many of the women diagnosed are of menopausal age, and that makes them even more subtle and vague, because it's assumed those symptoms are just part and parcel of the aging process. There are really no approved screening tests - no one's developed one that the FDA has approved - but it can be diagnosed earlier than it currently is."
Kavensky adds that the girlpARTs fest, which is being hosted by KWQC-TV's Paula Sands, will also feature a silent auction and raffle, food and beverages, and what Kavensky calls "walk-on cameos by local performers," one of whom is cancer survivor and area performer/director Kim Furness, currently in the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's The Sound of Music.
"She's going to do a motivational speech," says Kavensky, "and I know she'll be funny. But she says she's not gonna sing because she's performing in Sound of Music that night." As Kim's been a dear friend for 20 years, I know she'll be inspiring and funny, too. But if you'll permit me an aside: Oh, come on, Kim. Don't let us down. One chorus of "Edelweis" is gonna break ya?!
Tickets to the girlpARTS Fest are $10 for ages 12 and up - with all gynecologic-cancer survivors admitted free with pre-registration - and more information is available by calling (309)794-0009 or visiting NormaLeahFoundation.org.
Music
The Dawn & On Music Festival
Len Brown's North Shore Inn
Saturday, July 11, 1 p.m. - midnight
On July 11, on the banks of the Mississippi, the Moline venue Len Brown's North Shore Inn will host the Dawn & On Music Festival, a day-long outdoor event that, fittingly enough, will conclude with a set by area rockers The Dawn. I'm so glad that organizers went with that catch-all "On" in the title, because repeatedly referencing "the Dawn & Barstool Boogaloo & Dusty Liquorbox & Patio & Orangadang! & Earth Ascending & The Low Down & The Candymakers & QC Bottoms Up Burlesque Music Festival" would have really eaten up my word-count.
You may notice a shared element in that lineup, given that each act is a local band (or a local burlesque troupe), and The Dawn guitarist and festival co-organizer Sean Ryan says that, for this experimental event, that was absolutely intentional.
"This is the first Quad Cities music festival to host all Quad Cities talent," says Ryan. "We've been starting to play some bigger festivals the last couple of years," with The Dawn's recent bookings including sets at River Roots Live, Phases of the Moon, and Chillicothe's annual Summer Camp, "and we'd been talking about trying to start something like that here in the Quad Cities. So this is really a homegrown event, from the bottom up, by QC musicians."
Ryan is also happy that he and his fellow organizers were able to make the Dawn & On Music Festival a free event, as Len Brown's management supplied not only the venue, but the budget for hiring musicians for their sets.
"I talked to the owner of the bar," says Ryan "because we'd been playing there the last few years and have a good relationship with them there. And I just kind of pitched it to her: 'If you can give us this much, we can probably do it.' And it worked out, which is great."
Proceeds will instead be garnered through food and beverage sales - with the Bent River Brewery supplying beer and Rolling Smoke barbecue as the event's food vendors - and Moline's Lollypalooza will be on-site with merchandise. "So it's basically everything that would be at a bigger festival," says Ryan, "but on a way-smaller scale."
And Ryan says the hopes are to make the Dawn & On Music Festival an annual event "and just continue to grow it every year. We've gotten a lot of support from everyone we're dealing with so far, and the bands all wanted to be a part of it. Getting them involved was probably the easiest part - I'm good friends with most of the members in all the bands, so it was pretty easy to just make a few phone calls and get everybody on board." With a laugh, he adds, "And thankfully, all my friends have reputable bands."
For more information on the Dawn & On Music Festival and a complete schedule of concert sets, visit TheDawnBand.com/festival.html.
Theatre
Big Fish
North Scott High School
Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19
"Hey, Jeff!"
"Hi, Mike. What do you have for me today?"
"My What's Happenin' article on the new musical Big Fish, which Countryside Community Theatre will stage at Eldridge's North Scott High School July 10 through 19!"
"Big Fish ... . Wasn't that a 2003 Tim Burton movie?"
"It was indeed. And it was also a 1998 novel by John August. And now it's also a grandly scaled musical spectacle, composed by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa, that's receiving its first area production less than two years after its Broadway debut!"
"Does the show follow the plot of the novel and movie?"
"You can trust that it does, considering that Big Fish novelist and screenwriter John August also wrote the book for the musical! So audiences will still be treated to August's touching story of the contentious relationship between father and son Edward and Will Bloom, but with the added benefit of theatrical magic and songs!"
"The fantasy elements remain intact, then?"
"That they do! As Edward Bloom is a gregarious storyteller whose tall tales come to life on stage, there are delightful detours involving circus performers and witches and a mermaid and a giant and cowboys and dancing trees and dancing elephants and miraculous daffodils ... . And as you'd imagine, there's also an appearance by a really, really big fish!"
"Sounds pretty lavish."
"And according to theatre critics, pretty great, too! Variety magazine called it 'meaningful, emotional, tasteful, theatrically imaginative, and engaging.' The Chicago Tribune described it as 'earnest, family-friendly, and heart-warming.' And Entertainment Weekly lauded Big Fish as 'a delightfully old-fashioned musical' and 'wondrous to behold!'"
"Who's involved in Countryside's presentation?"
"Glad you asked, because the talent involved is stellar! The show is being directed and choreographed by Christina Myatt, who also served those duties for Countryside's hit productions of Shrek: The Musical and Singin' in the Rain. Its music director is my gifted buddy Tyson Danner, who music-directed Les Misérables for the organization in 2013. And Big Fish's cast is filled with terrific performers: Adam Nardini, Peter Fourneia, Shelley LaMar, Joanna Mills, Adam Cerny, John Wagner, Michelle Rosebrough, my wonderful Bat Boy co-stars Becca Johnson and Brant Peitersen ... !"
"Good choice for a What's Happenin' then. But if I may ask: Why, for once, are you not handing me your article wearing the costume from a character in the show?"
"What? I am. I'm the straitlaced son Will Bloom."
"You could've been a giant, or a cowboy, or a dancing tree, and you chose that?"
"Hey - it was a second choice! You try driving to work in a freakin' mermaid tail!"
Big Fish runs at the North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)285-6228 or visiting CCTOnStage.org.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Friday, July 10 - The Melvins. Rockers performing on their Hold It In tour, with an opening set by Le Butcherettes. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $20 advance tickets. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2013 interview with the band's Buzz Osborne, visit RCReader.com/y/melvins.
Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11 - 80/35 Music Festival. Eighth-annual music festival featuring nearly 50 acts on three stages, with performers including Wilco, Weezer, Hot Buttered Rum, and Jon Wayne & the Pain. Western Gateway Park (1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines). $39-50/one-day pass, $59-90 two-day pass. For information, visit 2015.80-35.com.
Saturday, July 11 - Daiquiri Factory Anniversary Bash. Annual outdoor party with the touring rockers of Hairbanger's Ball. Daiquiri Factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. gates. $10. For information, call (309)786-1016 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.
Tuesday, July 14 - Corey Taylor. An evening with the Slipknot and Stone Tour musician featuring readings from his book You're Making Me Hate You, an acoustic performance, and audience discussion. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $25 advance tickets. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Tuesday, July 14 - Kevin Greenspon. Singer/songwriter touring in support of his new release To Leave a Mark, with an opening set by Future Jobs. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Wednesday, July 15 - Will Hale & the Tadpole Parade. Interactive concert with the children's musician and his ensemble. Deere-Wiman Carriage House (817 11th Avenue, Moline). 6:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.
Thursday, July 16 - Dylan Holland and Devin Hayes. All-ages concert with the 20- and 16-year-old singers/songwriters. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:45 p.m. $16.75-17; $50 VIP tickets with 7 p.m. meet-and-greet. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, July 16 - Montauk Project. Concert with the improvised drum/sax duo Jake Polancich and Ryan Meisel. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Saturday, July 18 - The Doobie Brothers. Concert with the chart-topping, four-time Grammy-winning rockers. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway, 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $35-65. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Sunday, July 19 - Breathe Owl Breathe. Michigan-based indie rockers in an all-ages concert, with an opening set by Sun Riah. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Monday, July 20 - Moeller Mondays Presents: Lower Dens. Concert with the Baltimore-based indie pop musicians, with opening sets by Samantha Crain and Young Ejecta. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Tuesday, July 21 - An Evening with Walter Trout. Blues musician in his fifth decade of performance. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $16.75-20. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
THEATRE
Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, July 19 - The Robin Hood Caper. Fred Carmichael comedy about retired crooks, directed by John Donald O'Shea. 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.
Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, July 19 - Seussical. Tony-nominated musical based on Dr. Seuss' children's books, directed by Matthew Teague Miller. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays 3 p.m. $16-23. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19 - Cats. Quad City Music Guild presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony-winning musical smash, directed by Gregg Neuleib. 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 10, through Sunday, July 19 - The Red Velvet Cake War. Slapstick comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, directed by Jacque Cohoon. Playcrafters Barn Theatre (4950 35th Avenue, Moline). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $13. For tickets and information, call (309)762-0330 or visit Playcrafters.com.
Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12 - Bingo: The Winning Musical. Interactive musical comedy co-presented by the Peace Pipe Players, directed by W. Dan Pinion. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Wednesday, July 15, and Saturday, July 18 - Junie B. Jones: The Musical. Stage version of the beloved children's book, in a Theatre for Young People presentation. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Noon. $5. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 25 - Greater Tuna. Two-man, multi-character comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, directed by Stephen Schellhardt. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Wednesday, and July 18 at 2 p.m. $17-25. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Saturday, July 18, through Sunday, July 26 - Oedipus Rex. Genesius Guild presents Sophocles' Greek tragedy. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). Saturdays and Sundays 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.
COMEDY
Thursday, July 9 - An Evening with Jen Kirkman. Stand-up set with the author of the best-selling I Can Barely Take Care of Myself and star of the Netflix special I'm Gonna Die Alone (& I Feel Fine). The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 9 p.m. $15. For information, call (319)351-9529 or visit ICMill.com.
Friday, July 10 - The After Hour. Andrew King hosts a late-night talk show with Daytrotter founder Sean Moeller, comedian Bobby Ray Bunch, and alternative rockers The Last Glimpse. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 10:30 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, July 11 - The Roast of Bobby Ray Bunch. The area comedian and musician gets roasted by host James Draper and comedians Dan Bush, Devon Wiese, Daniel Frana, Jim Petersen, Andrew King, Josh Kahn, Mike Lucas, Donnie Townsend, John Moore, and Dan Ludgate. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, July 18 - Rock City Live. My Verona Productions presents a sketch-comedy show in the vein of Saturday Night Live. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
EVENTS
Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, July 11 - Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Annual outdoor event featuring truck "beauty" contests, exhibits, cook-outs, the Trucker Olympics, vendors, live music, and more. Iowa 80 Truck Stop (700 West Iowa 80 Road, Walcott). For information, call (563)284-6961 or visit Iowa80TruckStop.com.
Saturday, July 11 - Moonlight Chase. Fun runs for adults and kids held on a course lined with luminaries, featuring a post-race party with live music and refreshments. Downtown Eldridge. 7:30 p.m. $15-30 registration. For information, (563)285-9965 or visit MoonlightChase.com.
Wednesday, July 15, through Sunday, July 19 - Rock Island County Fair. Annual event featuring grandstand acts, carnival rides and games, the Rock Island County Queen Pageant, 4-H displays, a talent show, food vendors, and more. Rock Island County Fairgrounds (Archer Drive and Avenue of the Cities, East Moline). $5-15 gate admission. For information, call (309)796-1620 or visit RockIslandFair.org.
Saturday, July 18 - River's Edge Homebrew Festiv-ale. Event featuring a dozen homebrew clubs offering more than 50 different brews to sample. The District of Rock Island. 2 p.m. $20-25. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Saturday, July 18 - Insane Inflatable 5K. Family-friendly races through some of the world's largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles. Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds (2815 West Locust Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $49 and up registration. For information, visit InsaneInflatable5K.com.
Sunday, July 19 - Quad Cities Planet Comic Arts Convention. Sixth-annual event featuring a comic-memorabilia auction conducted by Bloomberg Auction, Q&A panels presented by guest artists and writers, and afternoon costume contests for children and adults. Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center (1 Plaza Square, Rock Island). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, call 309-794-1212 or visit the event's Facebook page.
