Music
Royal Southern Brotherhood
The Redstone Room
Sunday, September 23, 7:30 p.m.
On September 23, the Redstone Room will host a concert with Royal Southern Brotherhood, a group whose self-titled debut CD, released this past May, was praised for its "exciting mix of down-home Cajun-creole funky blues and good old Southern rock" by CoolAlbumRevue.com. Which begs the question: If you're being reviewed on a Web site called CoolAlbumRevue.com, are the specifics of your album's coolness even necessary?
Maybe not, but the specifics behind Royal Southern Brotherhood itself, at least, are awfully impressive, as its members truly put the "super" in the term "super group."
The band's percussionist is Cyril Neville, the Grammy Award-winning legend noted for his association with The Meters and, it should go without saying, the Neville Brothers. Another famous sibling, The Allman Brothers' Devon Allman, serves as Royal Southern Brotherhood's guitarist, and has spent the past 10 years fronting his own blues-rock outfit, Devon Allman's Honeytribe. Bassist Charlie Wooten is acclaimed for his Southern-rock dynamism with the Wood Brothers. Mike Zito is a gifted guitarist/vocalist whose "Pearl River" won a Blues Music Award for "Song of the Year." And dummer Yonrico Scott, like Neville, is a Grammy winner, earning his trophy for his collaboration with the Derek Trucks Band.
Together, this quintet has been blowing the roofs off venues nationwide with their electrifying blues and rock stylings, and it inspired BluesRevue.com to laud its Royal Southern Brotherhood CD for the musicians' "incendiary playing" and "harmonies that drip with soul and passion." So be sure to hit the Redstone Room on September 23, and prepare for the intoxicating energy of such groovin' tunes as "New Horizon," "Fired Up!", and the delicious "Sweet Jelly Donut" ... suggesting that in addition to CoolAlbumRevue.com and BluesRevue.com, the group would get a big thumb's up from Homer Simpson.
Royal Southern Brotherhood's Davenport engagement opens with a set by the Steepwater Band, and more information on the night is available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Anthony Rapp
Galvin Fine Arts Center
Friday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.
One night in the fall of 1987, at a Streetcar Named Desire cast party at Augustana College, my friends and I were treated to the surprise attendance of actor Anthony Rapp, who was a buddy of one of the show's actors. As Rapp, that summer, was a co-star in the hit comedy Adventures in Babysitting, this was a big deal, but as I recall, he only stayed at the bash for a couple of hours.
Had my friends and I known what a big deal Rapp was eventually going to be, we likely never would have let him leave.
Best known for originating the role of struggling filmmaker Mark Cohen in the iconic musical Rent, Anthony Rapp will fill St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center with la vie boheme in a special solo concert on September 21. But if, by some chance, you aren't familiar with Rapp via that Broadway favorite - or from his title-character turn in the Great White Way's 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown - a brief list of his other professional accomplishments might easily jog your memory.
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Rapp has appeared on TV's The X-Files and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and in the TV movie The Beach Boys: An American Family. His Broadway résumé also features roles in Little Shop of Horrors and John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation, the latter of which he reprised for the play's 1993 screen adaptation. Rapp's additional film credits, meanwhile, include roles in Twister, Dazed & Confused, School Ties, Road Trip, and A Beautiful Mind, putting him in the rare company of actors who have co-starred in both an Oscar-winning Best Picture and a Tony-winning Best Musical.
Which, of course, brings us back to Rent, numbers from which Rapp will perform during his St. Ambrose concert, along with songs by such artists as R.E.M. and Radiohead. And if you're thinking the man's Friday-night engagement won't fully sate your Rent thirst, you're welcome to attend the Galvin Fine Arts Center's free Thursday-night showing of the 2005 film, followed by a Q&A with Rapp. I beg you, though, don't ask him, "So what's Rosario Dawson really like?" For one thing, it'd be tacky. For another, it'd be redundant, as that's my opener.
Both September 20's Rent screening and Anthony Rapp's September 21 concert begin at 7:30 p.m., and more information on the evenings is available by calling (563)333-6251 or visiting SAU.edu/galvin.
Theatre
Smokey Joe's Café
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Friday, September 21, through Saturday, November 3
The Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is set to stage the much-loved musical revue Smokey Joe's Café, and to tell you the truth, this inspires mixed feelings in me. Then again, the feelings being mixed are "happiness," "giddiness," "excitement," and "so-psyched-to-see-this-show-that-I-could-just-spit," so there's that to consider.
Last presented at Circa '21, and a smash hit for the theatre, in the early months of 2004, Smokey Joe's Café is a celebration of tunes by legendary composers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and the musical has become somewhat legendary itself. Nominated for seven 1995 Tony Awards and the winner of a 1996 Grammy for "Best Musical Show Album," Smokey Joe's enjoyed a Broadway run of 2,036 performances, and its touring and regional productions have electrified crowds nationwide with a song list boasting such timeless classics as "Love Potion #9," "Stand by Me," "On Broadway," "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and more than two dozen additional hits.
Many of them, in fact, turned into signature numbers for Elvis Presley. So in preparation for the eagerly awaited Circa '21 production by director Tony Parise, who also helmed the theatre's 2004 version of the show, try your hand at some trivia: Which of these Smokey Joe's Café songs was not a hit single for the King?
1) "Hound Dog"
2) "Jailhouse Rock"
3) "Love Me"
4) "Loving You"
5) "Poison Ivy"
6) "Spanish Harlem"
7) "Treat Me Nice"
Circa '21 will present Smokey Joe's Café performances September 21 through November 3 - with preview performances on September 19 and 20 - and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visiting Circa21.com.
Answer: 5. Too bad. Can you imagine the potential workout his hips could've gotten on that number?
Event
2012 Celtic Festival & Highland Games
Centennial Park
Saturday, September 15
"Hey, Jeff! I was hoping to talk to you about a potential What's Happenin' article. Mind if I sit down?"
"No, Mike."
"Thanks. Well, as you can probably tell from my outfit, I wanted to pitch a piece on this year's Celtic Festival & Highland Games, taking place on September 15 at Centennial Park ... ."
"No, Mike ... ."
"What? But this thing is a blast! It's our area's annual outdoor celebration of Celtic culture, and it's got everything! Vendors and demonstrations and authentic Irish and Scottish cuisine ... !"
"No, Mike ... ."
"And there are all sorts of activities for the kids: face-painting and miniature golf and a craft station where they can decorate their own swords and shields ... !"
"No, Mike ... ."
"And the athletic competitions are amazing! There's the Hammer Throw and the Farmers Walk and the Caber Toss where those guys throw freakin' trees around ... !"
"No, Mike ... ."
"And don't forget about the music! There'll be modern and traditional numbers performed by the Ghrá Na Gaeilge Irish Dance company, and afternoon sets with the Beggarmen, and an evening concert with that great Celtic ensemble Wylde Nept ... !"
"No, Mike ... ."
"And have I mentioned that admission to the festival is absolutely free?! I mean, come on! It's a fantastic day of cultural expression and entertainment for the whole family!"
"No, Mike ... ."
"'No' as in, 'No article'?"
"No. 'No' as in, 'No, you're not allowed to sit like that when you're wearing a kilt.'"
"Oh. Sorry. My bad."
"Yes."
The gates for Centennial Park's 2012 Celtic Festival & Highland Games open at 9 a.m., and more information and a schedule of events are available by visiting CelticHighlandGames.org.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, September 14 - Whitey Morgan & the 78s. Acclaimed honky-tonk musicians in concert, with an opening set by Fifth of Country. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $8. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2011 interview with Whitey Morgan, visit RCReader.com/y/morgan.
Friday, September 14 - Four Bitchin' Babes. Complex harmonies and sophisticated stand-up with the famed musicians and comediennes. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 15 - Heartache Tonight: A Tribute to the Eagles. Concert tribute to the legendary pop performers. 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, September 15 - Dana Starkell. Concert with the United States' best-selling classical guitarist. Orange Street Theatre (701 Orange Street, Muscatine). 7 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)262-8791.
Sunday, September 16 - Craicmore. Contemporary and traditional Celtic music with the Quad City Arts Visiting Artists. First Presbyterian Church of Davenport (1702 Iowa Street, Davenport). 4 p.m. $8-12. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Sunday, September 16 - The Ernest Dawkins Quartet. The world-renowned saxophonist and his ensemble perform and educate in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinée Series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. all-ages jazz workshop - $5/adults, children free; 6 p.m. concert - $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Monday, September 17 - Fishbone. Ska, rock, and funk musicians in concert, with an opening set by Downtown Brown. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2011 interview with Fishbone's Angelo Moore, visit RCReader.com/y/fishbone.
Tuesday, September 18 - Ryan McGarvey. The acclaimed, 25-year-old musician in a concert presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 7 p.m. $8-10. For information, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Wednesday, September 19 - The Daredevil Christopher Wright. All-ages concert with the acclaimed indie musicians, featuring opening sets by Multiple Cat and Healing Power. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5 at the door. For information, e-mail info@rozztox.com or visit RozzTox.com. For a 2009 interview with the band's Jon Sunde, visit RCReader.com/y/daredevil.
Thursday, September 20 - Reverend Horton Heat. Noted psychobilly musician in concert, with an opening set by the Goddamn Gallows. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $20-25. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2009 interview with bandleader Jim Heath, visit RCReader.com/y/heat.
Friday, September 21 - John Primer. Legendary Chicago-based blues artist in concert. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Friday, September 21 - Loudon Wainwright and Dar Williams. Concert with the acclaimed folk singers/songwriters. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, September 21 - Tracy Lawrence. Concert with the famed country-music star. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $25-35. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, September 21 - Samantha Fish. Kansas City-based blues artist in concert, with an opening set by Jon Aanestad. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Wednesday, September 26 - The Blackberry Bushes Stringband. Acclaimed alt-folk string band in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
THEATRE
Friday, September 14, through Sunday, September 23 - The Fantasticks. Off-Broadway's long-running musical romance. Iowa City Community Theatre (4265 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $8-17. For tickets and information, call (319)338-0443 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.
Saturday, September 15 - Mark Twain. Warren Brown performs a one-man play on the celebrated wit, with an in-character Q&A session following. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 2:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)524-2470 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
Thursday, September 20, through Sunday, October 7 - God of Carnage. Yasmina Reza's Tony Award-winning bitter comedy about warring parents. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Thursday and Sunday 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. $17.50-27. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Thursday, September 20, and Friday, September 21 - Word Becomes Flesh. A theatrical narrative integrating live music, dance, the spoken word, and hip-hop culture, in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. University of Iowa's Space/Place Theatre (E114 Halsey Hall, Madison and Jefferson streets, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $10-35. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
LITERATURE
Thursday, September 20 - Carl Phillips. The author and poet shares his works in a "River Readings at Augustana" presentation. Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall (3720 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)794-7721 or visit Augustana.edu.
MOVIES
Thursday, September 20 - Rent. A screening of the 2005 movie musical followed by a Q&A with star Anthony Rapp. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/galvin.
Thursday, September 20, through Saturday, September 22 - Bill W. Documentary on the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous by filmmakers Kevin Hanlon and Dan Carracino. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $5 at the door. For information, call (563)326-8500 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
EVENTS
Saturday, September 15 - Brew Ha Ha. WQPT-TV's annual outdoor fundraiser featuring beer and cheese tastings, music by Minus Six, comedy with the Blacklist improv troupe, games, and more. LeClaire Park (River Drive and Ripley Street, Davenport). 1-5 p.m. $25-30. For tickets and information, visit WQPT.org.
Saturday, September 15 - Make-a-Wish Illinois' Walk & Run for Wishes. Fundraiser includes a 5K fun run and a one-mile walk around the riverfront area, with refreshments, live music, prizes, and more. Green Valley Sports Complex (5920 52nd Avenue, Moline). 9:30 a.m. $15-25 registration. For information, visit WalkRunWish.org.
Saturday, September 15 - Healthy Families Day. Annual event features a family health fair, children's activities, wellness information, and more. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)328-7275 or visit ActivateQuadCities.org.
Saturday, September 15 - Taming of the Slough. River Action's annual event featuring kayaking, mountain biking, and running along the Mississippi River. Quad City Rowing Association Boathouse (the 17th Street intersection at the Mississippi River, Moline). 7 a.m. $35-45/person, $60-70/two-person team, $75-85/three-person team. For information, call (563)322-2969 or call RiverAction.org.
Saturday, September 15 - Nick Teddy Benefit. Fundraising day honoring the late Port Byron native Nicholas Theodore Strub, featuring a 5K run/walk, a one-mile family run/walk, awards, an after-party, and more. Port Byron Main Street Gazebo. 9 a.m. For information, visit NickTeddy.org.
Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, September 16 - 2012 Riverssance Festival of Fine Art. The 25th anniversary of the annual festival hosted by MidCoast Fine Arts, featuring works by 100 premier visual artists. Lindsay Park (River Drive and Mound Street, Davenport). Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)786-2430 or visit MidCoast.org.
Sunday, September 16 - Burlesque le' Moustache: Gospel for the Guilty. Brand-new production featuring featuring Dannie Diesel, Cheeky Rood, Pixie Pistol, Lucy Deluxe, Nixie Hex, Chadillac, and Molly Tov, with special guests the Dirt Daubers, Kami Oh!, Lady Ginger, and aerial artist Poppy Daze. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $25. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com. For a 2010 interview with founder Danielle Colby-Cushman, visit RCReader.com/y/burlesque.
Saturday, September 22 - Forget-Me-Not: Victorian Day at Oakdale Memorial Gardens. Annual outdoor event featuring a living-epitaphs tour and presentations on Oakdale's Civil War connections. Oakdale Memorial Cemetery (2501 Eastern Avenue, Davenport). Noon-5 p.m. $5, ages 12 and under free. For information, call (563)324-5121 or visit OakdaleMemorialGardens.org.
Saturday, September 22 - Mike Super. An evening with the nationally renowned magician. Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/tickets.
