Music
Laura Jane Grace
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, May 16, 8 p.m.
On May 16, the Rock Island Brewing Company presents a special concert with Laura Jane Grace, the lead vocalist of the punk-rock ensemble Against Me! who famously came out as a transgender woman in 2012. But anyone who worried that the band might have consequently softened its touch on the songs for January's Transgender Dysphoria Blues needn't fear. "Two Coffins"? "F---mylife666"? "Osama bin Laden as the Crucified Christ"? Sounds pretty damned punk to me.
Grace's Rock Island engagement will find her performing solo, which will only be a slight departure for the artist formerly known as Tom Gabel, considering that Against Me! itself began as a solo endeavor in 1997. By the following year, Against Me! added friend Kevin Mahon as an occasional accompanist - Gabel would sing and Mahon would drum alongside him on pickle buckets - and by 2002, the artist had recruited guitarist James Bowman, bassist Dustin Fridkin, and drummer Warren Oakes for the band's debut album, Against Me! Is Reinventing Axl Rose. 2005's Searching for a Former Clarity, the group's third CD, became its first to land on the Billboard 200 charts, and mainstream success arrived a mere two years later for Against Me!, when 2007's New Wave debuted at number 57 and scored a smash single with "Thrash Unreal." (The CD itself was also named Spin magazine's album of the year.)
After the release of 2010's White Crosses - Against Me!'s biggest hit to date, reaching number 34 on the Billboard 200 - the band took a sabbatical while Grace was in the process of coming out as a woman, and also writing songs for Transgender Dysphoria Blues. The wait, according to the album's reviewers, was worth it, and especially for the new soulfulness and freedom heard in Grace's expressive vocals. Calling the album "a series of bracing songs," Rolling Stone described Against Me!'s latest as "an inspiring LP" of "warrior-cry punk metal," while Spin praised Grace by raving, "There is an ocean in her soul."
That, and a great sense of humor. "Accomplishing small goals when transitioning has a cumulative effect," Grace told Cosmopolitan magazine. "The confidence you gain from reaching one carries you to the next. Face your fears, I say, but choose the right skirt to do it in."
Laura Jane Grace's local concert opens with sets by Big Eyes and Bedroom Shrine, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Theatre
Big Rock Candy Mountain
District Theatre
Friday, May 23, through Saturday, June 7
From May 23 through June 7, the District Theatre will host a celebration of familiar, beloved songs in the debuting musical Big Rock Candy Mountain. Mmmm ... Big Rock Candy Mountain ... .
How does my Homer Simpson impersonation come off in print? 'Cause in my head, it sounds awesome.
With its original book by show director Tristan Tapscott and music arranged by Danny White - whose musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is now a popular, annual staple in the District - Big Rock Candy Mountain finds a five-piece outfit on the run from the law, and forced to disguise themselves as the touring Good Ole Boys Bluegrass Band after landing at a run-down, small-town theatre. Complications involving a wannabe vaudeville star, a drunken cop, a politician's crooked wife, and others soon follow, and what results, Tapscott and White promise, is a feel-good entertainment in the style of the theatrical hits Smoke on the Mountain and Southern Crossroads, and one featuring more than a dozen favorites in the genres of bluegrass, folk, and gospel.
The production's cast features a blend of returning and debuting District Theatre talents, with Wayne Hess, Kyle Jecklin, Rocky Kampling, Mike Kelly, Doug Kutzli, Anthony Natarelli, Mark and Linda Ruebling, Christopher Tracy, and Tom Vaccaro combining to form Big Rock Candy Mountain's ensemble. And with the show's instrumentals performed on-stage by several of the actors themselves, Tapscott's and White's presentation will offer the thrill of seeing live musicians attack some of the most cherished numbers in the American songbook. Songs such as "Midnight Special" and "Amazing Grace" and "Buffalo Gals," plus wonderful arrangements of tunes including "Alabama Bound," House of the Rising Sun," "Hard Times Come Again No More," "Dark Holler," "Keep on the Sunny Side" ... . Mmmm ... "Sunny Side" ... .
That's a reference to eggs. Which is a bit of a stretch, but hey, any chance to whip out my awesome Homer Simpson impersonation ... .
Big Rock Candy Mountain will be staged Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)235-1654 or visiting DistrictTheatre.com.
Music
Communion Daytrotter Club Night
Codfish Hollow Barn
Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m.
Want to enjoy an amazing club experience with four sets of exciting, up-and-coming indie artists? If so, Communion Records and Daytrotter aim to please with the folk and rock explosion that is May 22's Communion Daytrotter Club Night.
There's just one caveat: This club is actually a barn.
But, oh, what a barn! (For proof, see the accompanying photo of the event's Codfish Hollow Barn stage.) And you'll no doubt be saying, "Oh, what a concert!" all throughout Communion Daytrotter Club Night, which will boast performances by some of the country's most quickly ascending stars in, fittingly, a gorgeous Maquoketa facility under the stars.
For this special mid-spring event, Communion Records and Daytrotter have secured the talents of a quartet of gifted musical outfits: Neulore, Busy Living, Hunterchild, and Bootstraps. You'll likely be clamoring for the groups' CDs and EPs after their collective May 22 engagement, but how much do you know about them right now? Let's find out: Test your indie-music savvy by matching the musicians with some of their biographical info; if you match them all correctly, there's a prize in store!
1) Bootstraps
2) Busy Living
3) Hunterchild
4) Neulore
A) Formed in Los Angeles by vocalist/guitarist/pianist Jordan Beckett; named Amazon MP3 "Rising Stars" in 2013; had songs featured on the TV series Private Practice and Parenthood.
B) Folk musicians formed in Nashville; released the debut EP Apples & Eve in 2010; led by songwriting duo Adam Agin and William T. Cook; had a song featured on Grey's Anatomy.
C) Rock/pop musicians formed in Los Angeles; composed of Tim Hutton, Matt Leddy, Mike Moonves, Drew Phillips, and Matt Sohnen; released the debut EP It's a War Out There! In 2012.
D) Composed of musicians Luke Aron Jones and Marty Sprowles; performs eclectic pop indebted to Peter Gabriel, Prince, and Depeche Mode; released their self-titled debut album on May 13.
For more information and tickets to the Communion Daytrotter Club Night at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn (3437 288th Avenue), visit CodfishHollowBarnstormers.com.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - D, 4 - B. Didja get 'em all right? Congrats! You win admission to Communion Daytrotter Club Night for only $9.50 if you buy tickets in advance, and $15 if you buy at the door! Did you make a mistake or a few? No problem ... at least you tried! You get in for the exact same pricing! And don't say we never did anything for ya!
Music
Alice in Chains
Adler Theatre
Friday, May 23, 8 p.m.
"Mike, you look exhausted."
"It's this dream, doc. The same one every night. You've gotta check my brain."
"What's this one about?"
"Well, I'm down in a hole with a rooster, feeling a little bitter about my facelift again. But then the black gives way to blue, and I hear these loud voices say, 'There's heaven beside you!'"
"Okay ... ."
"Right away, I fear the voices, and think maybe the devil put dinosaurs here. But would you believe it? The voices are coming from the rooster! 'Enter the sea of sorrow, man in the box, because we die young!'"
"Oka-a-ay ... ."
"I'm thinking I should bleed the freak - you know, grind away at them bones. But then the rooster says, 'No, you got me wrong! I am but a hollow stone in an angry chair, and if I stay away, you must get born again! It's your decision!' And then I wake up."
"Hmmm."
"So that's the dirt, doc. What does it mean?"
"Well, considering you just name-checked 26 of their albums and songs, I'd say you were preoccupied by the upcoming concert with Alice in Chains, the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling heavy-metal band playing Davenport's Adler Theatre on May 23."
"That's brilliant! Thank you, doc! Lesson learned!"
"You're still name-checking Alice in Chains songs, Mike."
"I don't follow."
"You're still doing it. This is over now. No excuses."
"And now you're doing it, doc. Let's just stop at 31, shall we?"
"Oh, what the hell have I ... ?"
"Fine. Thirty-two."
For tickets to May 23's area concert with Alice in Chains, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, May 15 - U.S. Army Soldier Show. Family-style variety show themed "Stand Strong," featuring performances of Broadway, country, gospel, R&B, and top-40 songs. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free. For information, call (309-782-5890) or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Friday, May 16 - Bucktown Revue. A celebration of Mississippi River Valley folk music and culture through a combination of music, storytelling, poetry and humor. Nighswander Junior Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). 7 p.m. $12. For information, call (563)940-0508 or visit BucktownRevue.com. For an April feature article on Bucktown Revue, visit RCReader.com/y/revue.
Saturday, May 17 - David G. Smith CD Release Show. Folk and Americana musician performs in support of his new album One House. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a recent interview with Smith, visit RCReader.com/y/smith.
Saturday, May 17 - Steel Guitars in Concert. Event featuring 12 different steel players and bands from five states playing classic country music. The Rusty Nail (2606 West Locust Street, Davenport). Noon. $10. For information, call (563)386-1900 or visit NewRustyNail.com.
Sunday, May 18 - The Edgar Crockett Quartet. Jazz musicians educate and perform in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Workshop and Matinée Series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. jazz workshop ($5/adults, free for kids), 6 p.m. concert ($10-15). For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.Ning.com or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Sunday, May 18 - Peter Karp & Sue Foley. Blues singers/songwriters and their band in a concert presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. On the Rock Bar & Grill (4619 34th Street, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $5-8. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Monday, May 19 - Clint Black. Chart-topping country-music superstar in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $45-70. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Wednesday, May 21 - Quad City Gospel Festival. Ministry and music in an event featuring John P. Kee & New Life. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $15-25. For information, visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Friday, May 23 - Night of Champions. Outdoor concert with "Battle of the Bands" winners Eleven Fifty Two, 9th St. Memory, and The Last Glimpse. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, May 23 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Concert with the venerated country-folk-rock band. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $30. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25 - Summer Camp Music Festival. Annual event featuring more than 75 artists on seven stages, with daily performances by moe. and Umphrey's McGee, on-site camping, musician workshops, food and craft vendors, and more. Three Sisters Park (17189 North Route 29, Chillicothe, Illinois). $214.50 three-day pass. For tickets and information, visit SummerCampFestival.com.
Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25 - The Travoltas. Annual outdoor concerts with the pop and disco musicians, featuring opening sets by The Premium $ellouts on Saturday and 10 of Soul on Sunday. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Monday, May 26 - The Winery Dogs. Rock super-group featuring vocalist/guitarist Richie Kotzen, bassist/vocalist Billy Sheehan, and drummer/vocalist Mike Portnoy, with an opening set by Halo of Flies. Rascals Live (1414 15th Street, Moline). 8 p.m. $40-50. For tickets or more information, call (309)797-9457 or visit RascalsLive.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 24 - Spring Awakening. Tony Award-winning rock-musical romance, in a Studio Series presentation directed by Dino Hayz. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)340-7816 or visit CenterForLivingArts.org.
Friday, May 16, through Sunday, June 1 - True West. Sam Shepard's Tony-nominated dark comedy about warring brothers, directed by Tyson Danner. QC Theatre Workshop (1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. "Pay what it's worth" pricing. For tickets and information, call (563)650-2396 or visit QCTheatreWorkshop.org.
Friday, May 16 - Laura Ingalls Wilder. ArtsPower presents a musical based on the life of the author of the Little House book series. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 10 a.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, May 17 - 15th Annual Quad Cities Playwrights' Festival. Staged readings of original 10-minute plays by local authors. Augustana College's Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts - Black Box Theatre (3701 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)794-7611 or visit Augustana.edu/arts/theatre.
Wednesday, May 21, through Saturday, July 19 - Fiddler on the Roof. Musical classic about love, family, and tradition, directed by Jim Hesselman. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and May 21 and 22: 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. pre-show, 7:45 p.m. show. Sundays: 4-5 p.m. buffet, 5:15 p.m. pre-show, 5:45 p.m. show. Wednesday matinees: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. pre-show, 1:30 p.m. show. $29.26-49.12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2, or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24 - Love. Family-friendly stage presentation by Terrapin Puppet Theatre of Tasmania, Australia. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. $15-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Tuesday, May 27 - Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Forest City, Iowa's Waldorf Theatre Company presents a 45-minute version of the Bard's comedy classic. Rock Island Public Library Main Branch (401 19th Street, Rock Island). 6:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)732-7323 or visit RockIslandLibrary.org.
SPORTS
Saturday, May 24 - Quad City Rollers. Women's flat-track roller derby featuring the All-Stars vs. Southbend Rollergirls, and the Mississippi Massacre vs. Dark River Derby Coalition. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 6 p.m. $6-12. For tickets and information, call (800)745-3000 or visit QuadCityRollers.com.
Monday, May 26 - Quad Cities Criterium. Annual outdoor event featuring bicycle racing, food, and family activities, sponsored by the Quad Cities Bicycle Club. Village of East Davenport. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. For information, visit QuadCitiesCriterium.com.
VISUAL ARTS
Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17 - Metro Mini Makers' 30th Annual Sale & Exhibition of Dollhouse Miniatures. Event featuring more than 30 dealers from nine states displaying and selling miniature structures and scenes, with workshops, raffles, and more. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call (309)738-9564 or visit MetroMiniMakers.Homestead.com/home.html.
Saturday, May 17, through Sunday, May 25 - Young Artists at the Figge: Pleasant Valley.Exhibit featuring the works of student artists. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-5p.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 FiggeArt.org.
Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25 - Dirty Art: A Hands-on Experience. Weekend event featuring fine-art exhibitors, live music, sidewalk sales, and interactive art projects for the family. District of Rock Island. Noon-6 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25 - District Peepshow. Sculpture competition featuring works of art constructed with Peeps. District of Rock Island. Noon-6 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Saturday, May 24, through Sunday, September 7 - Innovators & Legends: Generations in Textiles & Fiber. Exhibit featuring more than 70 pieces by 50 artists from the U.S. and abroad who explore the possibilities inherent in fabric, thread, fiber, and yarn. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-5p.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 FiggeArt.org.
Saturday, May 24, through Sunday, September 7 - Local Threads. Exhibit of works by area artists who employ fiber and textiles, among them Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, Astrid Hilger Bennett, Tricia Coulson, Mary Merkel Hess, Dawn Wohlford Metallo, and Amber O'Harrow. 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 FiggeArt.org.
KIDS' STUFF
Saturday, May 24, through Sunday, September 14 - Nickelodeon's Dora & Diego: Let's Explore! A 3,000-square-foot exhibit based on the children's-TV smash. Family Museum (2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf). Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)344-4106 or visit FamilyMuseum.org.
EVENTS
Saturday, May 17 - Quad Cities HeartWalk. Annual event of one- and three-mile routes hosted by the American Heart Association, featuring healthy refreshments, children's activities, and more. District of Rock Island. 9 a.m. Free. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit QuadCitiesHeartWalk.org.
Saturday, May 17 - St. Ambrose University Wine Festival. Annual outdoor fundraiser for student scholarships, featuring tastings of more than 150 wines, hors d'oeuvres, and more. St. Ambrose University. 3 p.m. $45-50. For tickets and information, visit SAU.edu/winefest.
Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18 - Monster Jam. Monster-truck touring presentation, featuring pit parties at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-47.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, May 23, through Saturday, May 31 - Bottom's Up Quad City Burlesque: Tassels in Time. The area burlesque artists and comedians in their springtime show. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26 - Iowa Renaissance Festival. Annual weekend event featuring costumed characters, artisan merchants, five stages of entertainment, three living-history encampments, beer and wine garden, food court, demonstrations, and an equestrian jousting tournament. Middle Amana Community Park (27th Avenue, Middle Amana). 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-10. For tickets and information, visit IowaRenFest.com.
