High on Fire

Music

High on Fire

Rock Island Brewing Company

Thursday, May 29, 8 p.m.

 

On May 29, the Rock Island Brewing Company hosts an evening with musicians who, according to the UK's The Guardian, "have been blowing amps and minds for more than a decade." AllMusic.com declared that their music "rolls like sinister thunder across the landscape." And SputnikMusic.com called their most recent album "a ferocious and captivating listen that twists and turns through the deepest, darkest depths while pushing forward into new sonic territory."

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for ... the Osmonds!

Whoops. I mean High on Fire. I keep getting those groups confused.

There's absolutely no confusion, however, about High on Fire's exceptional reputation among sludge- and stoner-metal fans, as these Oakland, California-based artists have thrilled listeners and critics with decibel-shattering anthems ever since their 2000 CD debut The Art of Self-Defense. Led by frontman and founder Matt Pike - the guitarist for the venerated metal band Sleep who, in 2007, was named one of Rolling Stone's "New Guitar Gods" - High on Fire will set RIBCO ablaze (figuratively speaking) with its propulsive, high-energy sound that Pitchfork.com described as "stop-in-your-tracks audacious." And while performing songs from their latest release, the musicians will inevitably highlight some of their more direct influences, which range from cannabis to H.P. Lovecraft to NBC television. Don't believe me? Here's Pike on the genesis of 2012's De Vermis Mysteriis:

"I got this idea about Jesus Christ and the Immaculate Conception: What if Jesus had a twin who died at birth to give Jesus his life? And then what if the twin became a time traveler right then? He lives his life only going forward until he finds this scroll from an ancient Chinese alchemist ... and then he starts traveling back in time. Basically, he keeps waking up in other people's bodies at bad times. It's kinda like that old TV show Quantum Leap."

Which kinda means, in this scenario, that Scott Bakula is God. Knew it.

High on Fire performs with opening sets by Bible of the Devil and Never the Sun, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.

 

 

The MenzingersMusic

The Menzingers

River Music Experience

Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m.

 

Formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 2006, The Menzingers will bring their punk-rock and emo stylings to Davenport's River Music Experience on June 10. And if the band's concert begins the same way that its 2014 album Rented World does, that means it'll start with a simple musical declaration: "I Don't Want to Be an Asshole Anymore."

Sigh. Too bad the Reader's staff meetings never start like that.

With their fourth full-length offering released a mere month ago, The Menzingers have quickly ascended to the upper ranks of modern punk masters, touring in support of Against Me! in 2010, and finding their 2012 CD On the Impossible Past named "Album of the Year" by AbsolutePunk.net, PunkNews.org, and even the Spanish magazine RockZone. Composed of guitarists/vocalists Tom May and Greg Barnett, bass player Eric Keen, and drummer Joe Gordino, the group has landed a significant fan base with songs such as "Irish Goodbyes," "In Remission," and "Nice Things," and music critics have been as bounteous in their praise as The Menzingers have been in their creation of rich, erudite, and electrifying compositions.

BBC.com reviewer Alistair Lawrence, for example, raved about "the towering, infectious high caused by their rousing brand of rugged rock music," adding that "while it's not uncommon to discover music that can offer sweet relief from the bad times, it's much rarer to discover bands who make the bad times sound fantastic." Pitchfork.com proclaimed, "The Menzingers excel in desperate, earnest, melodic punk with just enough Replacements-esque recklessness."

And in its review of Rented World, PopMatters.com called the album "muscular" and "something full-throated and ready for large audiences." That's what she said. You didn't really think I'd get through a piece on Scranton musicians without referencing The Office, did you?

The Menzingers' RME oncert opens with sets by Lemria and Pup, and for more information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

 

 

Daniel O'DonnellMusic

Daniel O'Donnell and Mindless Behavior

Adler Theatre

Wednesday, June 4, and Monday, June 9

 

The beloved Irish crooner Daniel O'Donnell performs at Davenport's Adler Theatre on June 4. The teenage talents of Mindless Behavior perform at the Adler on June 9. And at first glance, you'd probably think that, besides the venue they're performing in, nothing of note links these disparate artists.

O'Donnell, after all, is an internationally renowned singer and philanthropist who, in 2012, became the first artist to have a different album land on the UK charts every year for 25 consecutive years. A famed television presence and cultural icon in his native Ireland, O'Donnell's ballads and up-tempo tunes have earned him a worldwide fan base counting in the millions. And with 2013's A Picture of You - the man's 46th album since his 1984 debut The Boy from Donegal - O'Donnell may currently be at the very height of his popularity, with accolades including lifetime-achievement awards from the Irish Post and Ireland's Sunday World, and a British Country Music Award as "International Artist of the Year."

Mindless BehaviorBy contrast, the gifted young singers and dancers of Mindless Behavior released their debut CD #1 Girl in September of 2011, and their follow-up album - to date, their only other album - All Around the World in March of 2013. Yet with the former title reaching number seven and the latter title number six on the Billboard 200 charts, Mindless Behavior certainly knows from success already - and also, one presumes, knows from crazily shrieking fans, considering the group has toured alongside the Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson, Jason Derülo, and Justin Bieber. With its quartet of Princeton, Ray Ray, Roc Royal, and new member EJ all still in their mid-teens, future successes for Mindless Behavior seem all but assured, and their Viewers' Choice citation at the BET Awards likely won't be the last trophy on Mindless Behavior's collective mantle.

O'Donnell is 52; Mindless Behavior's oldest performer is 17. O'Donnell excels at country and folk; Mindless Behavior excels at hip-hop and R&B. O'Donnell sings "Danny Boy"; Mindless Behavior sings "My Girl." So what, pray tell, do these Adler headliners have in common? Well, they, uh ... I guess you could say that, um ... er ... .

Man, after stalling for 350 words, you'd think I'd have come up with something.

For tickets to the area concerts with Daniel O'Donnell and Mindless Behavior, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.

 

 

Event

Big Bacon Bonanza

Davenport RiverCenter

Saturday, June 7, 3 - 10 p.m.

 

Churches United of the Quad Cities Area will be hosting its inaugural Big Bacon Bonanza at the Davenport RiverCenter on June 7. And I could no doubt devote a lot of words to this casual indoor/outdoor fundraising event, attempting to promote the event by highlighting its food samplings; its informational booths; its live performances by musicians Lojo Russo and Hardball; its bacon-eating contest; and its merchandise available for purchase, including shirts, jewelry, and, yes, bacon-scented deodorant.

But would any of that get you to the RiverCenter faster than this?

 

Big Bacon Bonanza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nope. Didn't think so.

The Big Bacon Bonanza's hog-themed fun will last from 3 to 10 p.m., and tickets are available by contacting Churches United at (563)332-5002 or visiting CUQCA.org.

 

 

What Else Is Happenin' ...?

 

MUSIC

Friday, May 30 - Black Star Riders: The New Thin Lizzy. Concert featuring members of the most recent lineup of Thin Lizzy, with an opening set by Halo of Flies. Rascals Live (1418 15th Street, Moline). 8 p.m. $30-38. For tickets and information, call (309)797-9457 or visit RascalsLive.com. For a recent interview with Damon Johnson of Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy, visit RCReader.com/y/riders.

Friday, May 30 - D.R.I.: Dirty Rotten Imbeciles. Touring thrash-metal musicians in concert, with opening sets by Obsidian Hammer and Johnny Scum. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.

Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1 - Choral Dynamics: Big Band Blitz. Big-band tunes with the area vocal ensemble and musicians. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $7.50-15. For information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.

Saturday, May 31 - The Muddy Waters' Four-Year Anniversary Celebration. Event featuring drink specials, giveaways, food, and performances by the Winter Blues All-Stars, Funktastic Five, Tangent!, and John Nemeth & the Bo-Keys. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 4 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563) 355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.

Saturday, May 31 - Nikki Hill. Roots and rock musician in concert, with an opening set by 3 on the Tree. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $9-12. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2013 interview with Hill, visit RCReader.com/y/hill.

Thursday, June 5 - J.E. Sunde. CD pre-release party with the singer/songwriter, featuring opening sets by The Multiple Cat, Bedroom Shrine, and Brooks Strause. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.

Thursday, June 5 - Wild Ponies. Country musicians perform in support of their Things That Used to Shine CD. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $8. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Thursday, June 5 - Lewis Knudsen Band. CD-release concert with the soul, jazz, and pop musicians. River Music Experience (131 West Second Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $5. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6 - Heartbreak Hotel: A Salute to Young Elvis. Stage tribute to the King's early hit songs and films, featuring Robert Shaw & the Lonely Street Band. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Thursday: 5:45 p.m. doors, 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:15 show. Friday: 11:30 a.m. doors, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show. $43.37-49.12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.

Friday, June 6 - Caroline Rose. Alt-country and Americana musician in concert, with an opening set by Kevin Presbrey. River Music Experience (131 West Second Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2013 interview with Rose, visit RCReader.com/y/rose.

Friday, June 6 - Fresh Horses: The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute. Country-music celebration with Les Smith and his ensemble. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 6 and 8 p.m. $15. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.

Saturday, June 7 - The Nadas. Rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by Secret Someones. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, June 7 - Georgette Jones. Country-music concert with the daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $13-25. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8 - Out of the Ordinary Broadway Concert. Fundraising concerts with the professional vocal ensemble the Nova Singers performing choruses, solos, and group numbers from Les Misérables, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, and more. Saturday - Firth Lutheran Church (1600 20th Street, Rock Island). Sunday - Knights of Columbus (1556 East Fremont Street, Galesburg). 4 p.m. $10-15, students free. For tickets and information, call (309)341-7038 or visit NovaSingers.com.

Tuesday, June 10 - Ces Cru. The 2014 Constant Energy Struggles Tour, with opening sets by Info Gates, Tapewerm, and DJ Hi Tech. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $13. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.

 

THEATRE

Thursday, May 29, through Sunday, June 15 - The Price. Family drama by Arthur Miller. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Middle Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays 2 p.m. $18.50-28. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.

Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 8 - Dear World: A Musical Fable. Musical adaptation of The Madwoman of Chaillot by composer Jerry Herman, featuring a nightly fundraising dinner. New Era Community Building (3455 New Era Road, Muscatine). Fridays and May 31: 6 p.m. June 8: 5 p.m. $12-22. For tickets and information, call (563)263-0881 or visit NewEraLutheran.com.

Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 15 - The Melville Boys. Sibling comedy by Norm Foster, directed by Gary Clark. 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, June 5, through Sunday, June 15 - The Taffetas. Musical featuring a girls' doo-wop quartet performing hits of the 1950s. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays 2 p.m. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.

Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 15 - Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's biblical musical, directed by James Beaudry. 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, June 5, through Sunday, June 29 - The Sunshine Boys. Neil Simon's Tony-nominated warring-comics comedy. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2 p.m. $18.50-28. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.

 

DANCE

Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8 - Ballet Under the Stars. Annual outdoor vignettes performed by the dancers of Ballet Quad Cities. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com.

 

VISUAL ARTS

Friday, June 6, through Sunday, August 3 - A Moveable Museum: Works from the UIMA School Programs Collection. Exhibit featuring works from five continents in a wide range of artistic media. 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.

Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8 - Iowa Arts Festival. Annual outdoor festival featuring works by more than 125 local and national artists, live music and entertainment on two stages, children's activities, and more. Downtown Iowa City. Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit SummerOfTheArts.org.

 

KIDS' STUFF

Wednesday, June 11 - Jeanie B. & the Jelly Beans. Outdoor concert of family-friendly bluegrass, country, blues, and rock-and-roll. Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street, Moline). 6:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.

 

EVENTS

Thursday, June 5 - Clara Barton Presentation. One-woman show with Leslie Goddard portraying the Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)524-2470 or visit MolineLibrary.com.

Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8 - QC Pridefest. Outdoor celebration of LGBT culture, featuring a street fair, live music, a shopping mecca, regional entertainment, a carnival, fireworks, and more. Davenport's Rainbow District on Second Street. Thursday 6:30 p.m. pre-party. Friday and Saturday noon-midnight. $5 weekend admission. For information, visit QCPride.org.

Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7 - Gumbo Ya Ya. Annual Cajun festival featuring vendors, arts and crafts, and performances by the New Orleans Suspects, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe, the Funky Butt Brass Band, Amy Nicole & Zydeco Soul, Environmental Encroachment, the Backwater Bayou Band, and the Zydeco Voodoo Band. District of Rock Island. Friday 5 p.m. gates, Saturday 4 p.m. gates. $9-14. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit GumboYaYaFestival.com.

Sunday, June 8 - Juneteenth Celebration. Week-long community celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America, featuring live music, presentations, discussions, a film screening, games, children's activities, and Friday and Saturday events in Davenport's LeClaire Park. For information and a schedule of events, visit QCJuneteenth.com.

Sunday, June 8 - Gala of the Royal Horses. Event featuring performances involving the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner, and Arabian breeds, including maneuvers once used on the battlefield. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 3 p.m. $27.50-57.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.

Wednesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 14 - Rally on the River Quad Cities. Annual celebration of biker culture, with live music, demonstrations, vendors, contests, rides, and more. Centennial Park (Beiderbecke Drive & Marquette Street, Davenport). For information, call (309)799-7625 or visit RallyOnTheRiverQC.com.

 

Also visit "What's Happenin': Summer, 2014."

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