Music
Del the Funky Homosapien
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, October 26, 9 p.m.
Fans of funk, rap, and hip hop aren't going to want to miss the October 26 concert at the Rock Island Brewing Company, considering the venue has booked an evening with the legendary underground artist and hip-hop emcee Del the Funky Homosapien. But there's actually a sect of people who might be even more jazzed by the arrival of this California-based music sensation: video-game fanatics.
The cousin of iconic rapper and frequent film actor Ice Cube, Del recorded his first solo album, I Wish My Brother George Was Here, at the tender age of 18. Since the release of that 1991 smash, the man has been acclaimed for his unique gifts for rhyme and rhythm on such albums as No Need for Alarm, Eleventh Hour, and Both Sides of the Brain, the latter of which, according to Rolling Stone, "cements his status as rap's staunchly independent lord of the underground." And with his talents on 2012's Attractive Sin - a collaboration with the musicians of Parallel Thought - praised by Paste magazine for "the dexterity evident in both the beats and lyrical delivery," Del the Funky Homosapien is clearly at the top of his game more than 20 years after his professional debut.
Yet I'm guessing that I don't have to sell Del's musical bona fides to hardcore gamers, who are no doubt well acquainted with the artist's output. Del's song "If You Must," for instance, is featured on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. "Catch All This" is on Street Sk8er 2. "Burnt" is among the song selections on Tony Hawk's American Wasteland. "Jaw Gymnastics" can be heard on Knockout Kings. And "Positive Contact" will be familiar to players of Tony Hawk's Underground. Sadly, though, I'm personally unacquainted with Del's video-game contributions, as the only game I ever played obsessively was PlayStation's Hot Shots Golf, and it probably would've been hard to hear the man's music through the screen spectators' heated whisperings of "Sh-h-h-h!"
Del the Funky Homosapien performs locally with guests DJ Hi-Tech and D.O.P.E., and more information is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
Jorma Kaukonen
The Redstone Room
Friday, November 2, 7:30 p.m.
On November 2, Davenport's Redstone Room will host a special concert event billed as "An Evening with Jorma Kaukonen." And I'm presuming that when he performs, the blues, folk, and rock guitarist will only play the absolute highest of highlights from his notable career, because otherwise the event would have to be called "An Evening & Night & Morning & Afternoon & Another Evening with Jorma Kaukonen."
Named among Rolling Stone's roster of the 20 greatest acoustic guitarists of all time, the 71-year-old Kaukonen is a certified music legend - literally certified, if entry in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame counts as certification. (And it should.) It was, in fact, 50 years ago that Kaukonen first burst upon the professional music scene, performing as a solo artist in small clubs and coffee houses in San Francisco.
Kaukonen's career, however, skyrocketed after he was invited by guitarist Paul Kanter to join the man's fledgling music ensemble - a rock outfit eventually named Jefferson Airplane. Performing with the iconic rockers of "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love" fame, Kaukonen lent his exceptional acoustic- and electric-guitar gifts to such hits as "Greasy Heart," "If You Feel," and "Hey, Frederick," and formed a strong musical partnership with bass player Jack Casady, with whom he'd form the spin-off group Hot Tuna in 1969.
Thirty-three years later, Kaukonen, Casady, and Hot Tuna are still recording albums and performing to sold-out crowds nationwide. And as Redstone Room guests will discover on November 2, Kaukonen - with more than 40 albums spanning his solo and band career - also remains an exhilarating artist when performing on his own, as evidenced by the raves for his most recent album, River of Time. (AcousticMusic.com called the CD "the best collection Jorma Kaukonen has released in his long career.") So plan on having a blast during Kaukonen's Davenport set - and, if you're a longtime admirer of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, be sure to thank the Grammy nominee for the show's 7:30 p.m. start time. "Our fans have been with us a long time," he's quoted as saying. "They just don't stay up as late."
For more information on, and tickets to, the Redstone Room's Jorma Kaukonen concert, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Jackson Browne
Adler Theatre
Thursday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.
My darling,
I waited for you in the boulevard outside Davenport's Adler Theatre on November 1. You know, the night of the concert with legendary singer/songwriter Jackson Browne. But you didn't show up. So now I'm walking slow through a black and white fountain of sorrow. And here come those tears again.
I know that while we were lawyers in love, our relationship was running on empty. Still, I wanted to hold on, hold out for a miracle. After all, anything can happen. I felt the night inside me - oh, tender is the night ... - and pictured chasing you into the light in a world of motion, shouting, "Let it be me!"
But enough about my imagination. I have to admit that my problem is you, and you can't stay here, and you're somebody's baby who isn't mine. I guess that once broken, some bridges can't be rebuilt, even when there are lives in the balance.
In the meantime, I'm alive. I'll take it easy these days. I'll cut my Adler Theatre ticket stub - cut it away - in the shape of a heart. And even though you're miles away, and the sky blue and black everywhere I go, remember that I'm the cat who adores you.
Love from your redneck friend,
The Pretender
Jackson Browne performs in Davenport with special guest Sara Watkins, and for tickets to November 1's evening with the headlining Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee - and the chance to hear some of the artist's 33 aforementioned songs - call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Theatre
The Best Man
District Theatre
Tuesday, November 6, through Sunday, November 18
Not that anyone needs to be told, but it's an election year. And on November 6, we'll all finally be given the answer to the burning political question: Will the presidential victor be the "likable, forceful, and humorous" liberal, or the "unscrupulous" populist who's also "a bigot and a charlatan"?
Whoa whoa whoa!!! Relax! I'm not talking about our national election! I'm talking about the election between the warring candidates in Gore Vidal's political comedy/drama The Best Man, playing at Rock Island's District Theatre November 6 through 18! Seriously, those words in quotes are from New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson's 1960 review of the play!
Sheesh ... we all get so touchy in election years ... !
In any case, even those who are currently exhausted by politics will likely want to catch director Bryan Tank's take on this smart and thought-provoking piece, one whose 2012 Broadway engagement received three Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Revival of a Play. In the District Theatre's timely presentation, The Best Man finds its two presidential opponents and their aides fighting for the endorsement of the current commander-in-chief, and with cast members Pat Flaherty, Matt Mercer, Jonathan Grafft, Denise Yoder, Susan Perrin-Sallak, and others attacking Vidal's legendarily acidic dialogue, verbal sparks are sure to fly.
Just as they did seemingly every time the famously divisive author spoke. So, in honor of the gentleman who passed away this past July at the age of 86, try answering the following: Which of these words of wisdom have not been attributed to Gore Vidal?
1) "Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so."
2) "By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he's been bought 10 times over."
3) "Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates."
4) "Half of the American people have never read a newspaper, and half never voted for president. One hopes it is the same half."
5) "Hairdressing in general hasn't been given the kudos it deserves."
The Best Man runs through November 18, and more information and reservations are available by calling (309)235-1654 or visiting DistrictTheatre.com.
Answer: 5. That's actually a quote by Vidal Sassoon. Too obvious?
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, October 25, and Friday, October 26 - Scott Ainslie. Concerts with the noted blues guitarist performing and educating in the Blues in the Schools program, presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Thursday - River Music Experience Community Stage (131 West Second Street, Davenport), 7 p.m., donations encouraged. Friday - The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf), 9 p.m., $5. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Friday, October 26 - Jeff Wichmann. Concert with the koto player, trumpeter, and former editor for the River Cities' Reader, with opening sets by Konrad and The Multiple Cat. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5 at the door. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Saturday, October 27 - Leon Bates. Acclaimed pianist and Quad City Arts Visiting Artist in concert. Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall (3520 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Sunday, October 28 - Sphinx Virtuosi. Concert with the conductor-less ensemble of renowned string players, performing in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. Iowa City West High School (2901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City). 2 p.m. $10-40. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Monday, October 29 - Kaki King. Brooklyn-based guitarist/composer in concert. Enlgert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $16-18. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Thursday, November 1, and Friday, November 2 - How Great Thou Art: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. The King's hits performed by 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 p.m. show; $47.55. Friday 11:45 a.m. doors, noon-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show; $41.28. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, November 2 - Pam Tillis. Concert with the famed musician of "Don't Tell Me What to Do" and "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)." Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $15-25. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, November 2 - Brian Stokes Mitchell. Jazz standards, show tunes, classics, and more with the Tony Award-winning actor and vocalist, in a Hancher Auditorium presentation. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 7:30 p.m. $10-42. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3 - Iowa City Song Project Record Release Shows. Featuring Friday performances by Pieta Brown & The Sawdust Collective, Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps, Brooks Strause & the Gory Details, Christopher the Conquered, and Chasing Shade, and Saturday performances by We Shave, Emperors Club, Skye Carrasco, Lwa, and Tallgrass. Friday - Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). Saturday - The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $8-35. For information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, November 3, and Sunday, November 4 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra: Mozart & Beethoven. The Masterworks II concerts featuring conductor Mark Russell Smith and clarinetist Burt Hara, and a program including Beethoven's Pastorale Symphony and Hara performing Mozart's Clarinet Concerto. Saturday - Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport), 7:30 p.m. Sunday - Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island), 2 p.m. $10-53. For tickets and information, call (563)322-0931 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Saturday, November 3 - Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Stomp. Third-annual concert hosted by Chase Garrett. Enlgert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $30. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Sunday, November 4 - Indigo Girls. The Grammy-winning folk-rock duo performs with a full band, with an opening set by The Shadowboxers. Enlgert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $35-55. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Monday, November 5 - Supersuckers. Noted punk, grunge, and country-rock musicians in concert, with opening sets by The Krank Daddies and Deadstring Brothers. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Wednesday, November 7 - Shawn Mullins. Acclaimed folk-rock and Americana musician in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $20-25. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
THEATRE
Friday, October 26, through Wednesday, October 31 - The Rocky Horror Show. Participatory production of Richard O'Brien's musical camp classic. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday - midnight. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Friday, October 26, through Sunday, November 3 - The Hobbit. Stage adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy novel, in a City Circle Acting Company of Coralville presentation. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $12-27. For tickets and information, call (319)541-2980 or visit CityCircle.org.
Thursday, November 1, through Saturday, November 3 - Almost, Maine. Student-directed production of John Cariani's romantic-comedy vignettes. St. Ambrose University Studio Theatre, Galvin Fine Arts Center (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. $6. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/theatre.
Thursday, November 1, through Saturday, November 3 - The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. John Bishop's theatrical mystery, directed by Tom Naab. Black Hawk College Theatre - Building 1, Room 306 (6600 34th Avenue, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $5 at the door. For information, call (309)796-5051 or visit BHC.edu.
Friday, November 2, through Saturday, November 10 - The Actor's Nightmare. Christopher Durang's surreal one-act comedy, directed by Steve Flanigin. Scott Community College's Student Life Center (500 Belmont Road, Room #2400, through Door 5, Bettendorf). Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m. $7 at the door. For information, e-mail sflanigin@eicc.edu.
Friday, November 2, through Sunday, November 4 - Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim's classic fairytale musical, presented by the Orpheum and Carl Sandburg College. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $8-16. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
DANCE
Thursday, October 25, through Sunday, November 4 - Dance Gala 2012. The University of Iowa dance department's annual event, featuring the early signature piece by legendary choreographer Jennifer Muller and works by faculty members Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barragán, Deanna Carter, Armando Duarte, Jennifer Kayle, and Alan Sener. University of Iowa's Space/Place Theatre (20 Davenport Street, Iowa City). Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit UIowa.edu.
EXHIBITS
Saturday, October 27, through Sunday, January 20 - Rose Frantzen: Portrait of Maquoketa. Exhibit of works suspended from the ceiling, forming an intimate portrait of a small, close-knit community in Iowa. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
Tuesday, October 30, through Sunday, November 25 - Physiognomie: Portraits of Imaginary Women and Girls. Exhibit of drawings by Leslie Bell, art professor emeritus at St. Ambrose University. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Tuesday-Saturday 2 p.m.-1 a.m., Sunday 2-11 p.m. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Saturday, November 3, through Sunday, February 3 - Quilts: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. Exhibition of 27 quilts, with examples of many major quilt types from the beginning of the 19th Century to the end of the 20th Century. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
COMEDY
Friday, October 26 - Second City for President. Chicago's legendary sketch-comedy troupe takes on the election. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $15-40. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Friday, October 26 - Patton Oswalt. Stand-up concert with the Grammy-nominated comedian and actor, and the voice of Remy in Ratatouille. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 9 p.m. $25-35. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Saturday, October 27 - Gabriel Iglesias. Storytelling, parodies, characters, and sound effects with the touring comedian and TV star. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 6 and 8 p.m. $35-45. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Sunday, October 28 - Rich Little. Concert performance with the legendary comedian and impersonator. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 5 p.m. $20-30. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Wednesday, November 7 - David Sedaris. An evening with the acclaimed author, wit, and National Public Radio contributor. Iowa Memorial Union (125 North Madison Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $39.50-46.15. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit ScopeProductions.org.
MOVIES
Thursday, October 25, through Sunday, October 28 - Landlocked Film Festival. Annual screenings of independent features, shorts, and animated works held at the Englert Theatre, Bijou Theater, and Iowa City Public Library in downtown Iowa City. $30 festival pass. For information and a film schedule, call (319)855-1501 or visit LandlockedFilmFestival.org.
Tuesday, November 6 - Prague to Paris & a Cruise, Too. Screenings in the museum's World Adventure Series, presented by filmmaker Clint Denn. Putnam Museum (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). 1, 4, and 7 p.m. $5-7. For tickets and information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
EVENTS
Thursday, October 25 - Fright Night in the District. Annual outdoor Halloween party for kids, with crafts, activities, novelties, treats, demonstrations, a costume contest, and more. District of Rock Island. 5-8 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Friday, October 26 - Deadstock. Annual fundraiser for Midcoast Fine Arts featuring works for sale, live music, refreshments, and more; show up as your favorite dead artist or musician and get a free hand-made button. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport). 6 p.m. For information, e-mail carolyn@midcoast.org or visit Midcoast.org.
Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27 - Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque: The Seven Deadly Sins. A Halloween celebration featuring burlesque dancers and area comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $15-18. For information and tickets, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, October 27 - Boneyard Boogie. Annual Halloween party in the District of Rock Island, with a costume contest, music by the Cal Stage Band and DJ Neewollah, a performance by Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque, and more. Daiquiri Factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. gates. For information, call (309)786-1016 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.
Wednesday, October 31 - Zombie Pride Parade. Annual undead stumble through the streets of Davenport, with makeup applied at 2 p.m., the parade beginning at 5 p.m., and an after-party at the River Music Experience. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport). For information, visit ZombiePride.org.
Friday, November 2, through Sunday, November 4 - Fall Antique Spectacular. Annual event with exhibitors offering furniture, art pottery, stoneware, books, prints, and more. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 three-day admission. For information, call (712)324-9942 or visit AntiqueSpectacular.com.
