Music
Texas Hippie Coalition
Rock Island Brewing Company
Tuesday, September 24, 8 p.m.
The Southern-rock and heavy-metal musicians of Texas Hippie Coalition will play the Rock Island Brewing Company on September 24, and on the band's TheOutlaw.com Web site, frontman Big Dad Ritch described the group's hit song "Damn You to Hell" thusly: "It has such drive and intensity that it's like a mixed-martial-arts event, like UFC pay-per-view, like someone being grounded and pounded on."
As a suggestion of the Texas Hippie Coalition style, that description seems so close to perfect that I'm tempted to just end this piece right there.
Citing influences including Johnny Cash, Molly Hatchet, Corrosion of Conformity, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd - the latter of whom Texas Hippie Coalition opened for in September of 2012 - the band originated in Denison, Texas, in 2004, and was actually formed by three members of rival bands: Ritch, John Exall, and Randy Cooper. (As the story goes, the musicians met when forced to road-trip together - to separate gigs - from Denison to Dallas and back.) But upon discovering shared musical tastes and talents, the trio began a collaboration, termed their propulsive, Texas-specific rock sound "red-dirt metal," and eventually produced, in 2008, an independent album titled Pride of Texas,which quickly inspired a cross-country tour.
Since then, and despite numerous lineup changes over the years, the group has gone on to release two studio albums - 2010's Rollin' and 2012's Peacemaker - and enjoy top-40 hits with the singles "Damn You to Hell" and "Pissed Off & Mad About It." They've also continued to wow rock and metal fans nationwide with their unrepentantly brash and vitriolic, and occasionally heart-rending, songs. As is stated on one of the band's Web-site descriptions, Texas Hippie Coalition music "is like one of those out-of-control parties that will find you without a girlfriend and with pissed-off family members the very next day, but you'll be gawking over your killer new tattoo while nursing an awful hangover."
There we go. That one is perfect. I'm officially done here.
For more information on Texas Hippie Coalition's local concert, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Music
Truth & Salvage Co.
Rozz-Tox
Friday, September 27, 9 p.m.
On September 27, Rock Island's Rozz-Tox venue will host an evening with the roots-rock and indie-folk sextet Truth & Salvage Co., and advance tickets are available for $10. I usually wouldn't begin one of these articles with mention of the event's ticket price, but I've read snippets from the group's reviews on its TruthAndSalvageCo.com Web-site, and you should know that at 10 bucks, you're paying roughly one penny per rave.
Originally formed in 2005, and composed of talents from such divergent locales as Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Louisiana, Truth & Salvage Co. landed its first big break in late 2008, when Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson signed its musicians as the first recording artists on his new Silver Arrow label. He also enlisted the group as the opening act for the Black Crowes' 2009 tour, and when Truth & Salvage Co. released its self-titled debut album in the spring of 2010, those who experienced the band's honest, exhilarating Americana stylings quickly realized that Black Crowes-esque career longevity was, for this group, definitely in the cards.
To be sure, this was clear to music critics from the start, and if the Web-site notice from Relix magazine isn't enough to convince you ("Loved this show. Let me re-phrase that: I F---ING LOVED the show."), try these additional Truth & Salvage Co. plaudits on for size.
The San Antonio Express-News praises the band's "rousing mix of roots rock and rollicking country." Music Connection magazines writes, "The songs are upbeat and celebratory, with soaring harmonies and earnest performances." Blurt magazines calls Truth & Salvage Co. "upbeat and infectious at practically every turn." The Sacramento Press stated, "This scintillating six-piece is a freight-train ride down the Route 66 of American music." And according to Jamie Beebe at CWG Magazine, "I'd like to say that Truth & Salvage Co. is an up-and-coming band about to take the music world by storm, but by the sound of it, they're here, and they brought a typhoon."
So bring your friends, and possibly a few umbrellas, to Truth & Salvage Co.'s September 27 set at Rozz-Tox. More information on the night is available by calling (309)200-0978 or visiting RozzTox.com.
Event
Riverssance Festival of Fine Art
Lindsay Park
Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22
If you're at all aware of the Quad Cities' local-art scene, you probably know that the weekend of September 21 and 22 is also the weekend of Midcoast Fine Arts' annual 2013 Riverssance Festival of Fine Art in Davenport's Lindsay Park. And if you know about this eagerly anticipated outdoor event, you probably also know a few other things regarding the Riverssance celebration.
You know, for instance, that the festival sees more than 100 local and national artists - selected through a jurying process - exhibiting a variety of artworks in nearly all media, with paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery, photographs, clothing, jewelry, glass and wood offerings, and other artistic creations all available for purchase.
You know that wonderful live music always fills the Lindsay Park air, with this year's Riverssance lineup featuring Saturday sets with The Barley House Band, David G. Smith, and Pieces of Candy, and Sunday's musicians including Lojo Russo, Maureen Carter, and Three & a Half Men.
You know there will be excellent food options available for purchase, with the 2013 vendors including LeMeKong, Lagomarcino's, and Bayside Smoothies & More, and wine tastings for ages 21 and older, with this year's samplings arriving courtesy of Jackson County's Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery.
You know there will be make-and-take crafts for kids in Riverssance's children's tent. You know that artists will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money through the "People's Choice" and "Best in Show" citations, and that the award sculpture "The Harley" will be given to an area artist who has demonstrated a lasting commitment to the promotion of visual arts in the Quad Cities, with Nick DiGioia this year's recipient. And you know that every year, Riverssance offers limited-edition collectors' T-shirts.
But! Did you know that this year's T-shirt design is by Jill and Steve Finn? And that they're residents of Glasgow, Missouri? And that the artwork itself is called Dogs Deliver Joy? Well, did you? Did you?!?
What? You did? Aw, man ... all that build-up for nothing ... stupid photo captions ... .
Anyway. Tickets to this year's event are $4 per day, and more information on the 2013 Riverssance is available by visiting Midcoast.org.
Literature
Banned Books Reading
Rock Island Public Library - Main
Tuesday, September 24, 6 p.m.
Psst. Don't tell anyone. But on September 24, Rock Island's Main Public Library and Davenport's Midwest Writing Center will co-host a reading event at the library in conjunction with "Banned Books Week," and as long as you keep this information to yourself, you can ... .
Wait. This timid, censorial tone doesn't feel Reader-appropriate at all. Let's try this ... .
YO!!! There's gonna be banned literature read at the Rock Island Library on September 24, and if you wimps can't take it, you should just stay home!!!
Okay, and that feels like too much. And I've likely just ensured a few bannings of the Reader, too.
In any case, Tuesday evening's Banned Books Reading will find a number of well-regarded area names reading from some of their favorite pieces of literature - specifically, works that have been challenged or even banned in certain communities. Designed as a very polite middle finger directed at literary censorship, the event will feature readings by library Director Angela Campbell, Midwest Writing Center Executive Director Ryan Collins, Augustana College's Kelly Daniels, St. Ambrose University's Michael Hustedde, and others, with the recognized authors including Lane Smith, Jeanette Winterson, Erin Grundwall, and Alvin Schwartz.
But how familiar are you with these author's offense-giving forebears? Let's find out! According to a 2012 study, as revealed on TakePart.com, which of the following 10 titles have been among the 10 most commonly banned books in American schools?
1) Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
2) Catch-22, by Joseph Heller
3) The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
4) The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
5) The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
6) The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
7) Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
8) Of Mice & Men, by John Steinbeck
9) To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
10) Ulysses, by James Joyce
A) Made the Top 10
B) Missed the Top 10
For more information on the Banned Books Reading, contact the Midwest Writing Center at (563)324-1410 or MidwestWritingCenter.org, or the Rock Island library at (309)732-7323 or RockIslandLibrary.org.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - A, 3 - A, 4 - A, 5 - A, 6 - A, 7 - A, 8 - A, 9 - A, 10 - A. It's truly an outrage. No Horton Hears a Who! on that list? No pants at all on that elephant!
What Else is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, September 19 - Creed Bratton. Concert and storytelling with the singer/songwriter of The Grass Roots and comic actor from TV's The Office. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $15-25. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com. For an interview with Bratton, visit RCReader.com/y/creedbratton.
Saturday, September 21 - Matuto. Roots music, Brazilian stylings, and instrumental experimentation with the Quad City Arts Visiting Artists. Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $7-11. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Saturday, September 21 - Fareed Haque's Mathgames. Jazz and classical guitarist in concert, with an opening set by Ragaman. RME Community Stage (131 West Second Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2010 interview with Haque, visit RCReader.com/y/haque.
Sunday, September 22 - Genesis Doctors in Recital. Quad Cities physicians and their families perform a wide variety of music in a fundraiser for Genesis' music-therapy and hospice-care programs. Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 2 p.m. $15-20, ages 12 and under free. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit GenesisHealth.com.
Tuesday, September 24 - Googolplexia. One-man "outsider vaudeville" musician in concert. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Tuesday, September 24 - Over the Rhine. Husband-and-wife folk duo in concert, with an opening set by the Milk Carton Kids. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $20-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Wednesday, September 25 - Doreen's Jazz. New Orleans jazz stylings with "Queen Clarinet" and her ensemble. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 9 p.m. $18-22. 6:30 p.m. dinner and show, $35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Thursday, September 26 - RVIVR. Concert with the Washington-based punk-rock band, featuring opening sets by Lipstick Homicide and ieatmyfriends. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $7. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Friday, September 27 - Nikki Hill. Rockabilly musician in concert, with an opening set by the Dock Ellis Band. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a January interview with Hill, visit RCReader.com/y/hill.
Friday, September 27 - Buckwheat Zydeco. Grammy Award-winning blues, roots, and zydeco musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a 2006 interview with Stanley Dural Jr., visit RCReader.com/y/buckwheat.
Friday, September 27 - David Haas. Concert with the Christian musician and liturgist, who will explore inspiring music of Vatican II. St. John Vianney Church (4097 18th Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $15-25. For information, call (563)336-8414 or visit CHMIowa.org.
Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28 - Iowa Women's Music Festival. Annual weekend event featuring Friday-night sets with Zoe Lewis, Summer Osborne, and Julie Goldman, and Saturday performances by Gayla Drake Paul, Natalie Brown, Lojo Russo, and other female musicians. Johnson County Fairgrounds (4265 Oak Crest Hill Road SE, Iowa City). Friday 7-10 p.m., Saturday noon-6 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (319)335-1486 or visit PrairieVoices.net.
Saturday, September 28 - Future Bass Fest Redux. Concert with Midnight Conspiracy, Team Bayside High, and numerous other musicians playing on three outdoor stages. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $13-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, September 28 - Suzanne Vega. Pop-folk singer/songwriter of "Luka" fame in concert, with an opening set by Milk & Eggs. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $30-33. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 28 - Foreigner. Multi-platinum-selling recording artists in concert. Riverside Casino & Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $39-59. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Sunday, September 29 - Richard Buckner. Concert with the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10 at the door. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com. For a 2009 interview with Buckner, visit RCReader.com/y/buckner.
Monday, September 30 - Igor & the Red Elvises. Siberian surf rockers in concert, with an opening set by The One Night Standards. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10-13. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Tuesday, October 1 - Dawes. Concert with the Los Angeles-based rockers, featuring an opening set by Shovels & Rope. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $20-23. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org. For a 2010 interview with Dawes, visit RCReader.com/y/dawes.
THEATRE
Thursday, September 19, through Sunday, October 6 - Lombardi. Biographical drama about NFL coach Vince Lombardi. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Thursdays 3 p.m. $18-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, September 20 - The Stupid Economy. Chrissy Hogue performs seven roles in Robert Lynn's one-woman comedy/drama. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $20-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, September 20, through Sunday, October 20 - The Dining Room. Family-comedy/drama vignettes by A.R. Gurney. Iowa Theatre Artists Company (4709 220th Trail, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2:30 p.m. $10-22.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-3222 or visit IowaTheatreArtists.org.
Wednesday, September 25, through Saturday, November 2 - Things My Mother Taught Me. Romantic comedy by Katherine DiSavino, directed by Warner Crocker. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and September 26: 5:45 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. pre-show, 7:45 p.m. show. Sundays: 3:45 p.m. doors, 4 p.m. buffet, 5:15 p.m. pre-show, 5:45 p.m. show. Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m. doors, 11:45 a.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. pre-show, 1:30 p.m. show. $28.74-48.07. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, September 27, through Sunday, September 29 -That Darn Plot. Fundraising performance of David Belke's backstage comedy, directed by Aaron Lord. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 & 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10 at the door. For information, call (309)788-5433 or visit CenterForLivingArts.org.
COMEDY
Friday, September 20, and Saturday, September 21 - Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company. Performances with the improvisational and sketch-comedy group. Friday: Establishment Theatre (220 19th Street, Rock Island), 7 p.m., $18-20; for tickets and information, call (309)786-1111 or visit EstablishmentTheatre.com. Saturday: Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City), 8 p.m., $15-18; for tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 28 - Second City National Touring Company. An evening with the improv and sketch comedians. 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.
LITERATURE
Thursday, September 26 - Paul Harding. Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his debut novel Tinkers reads from his follow-up book ENON. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. Free admission. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
EXHIBITS
Thursday, September 26, through Sunday, November 3 - Day of the Dead. Exhibit featuring larger-than-life Catrina dolls from Casa Guanajuato and a showcase of El Día de los Muertos traditions. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
Saturday, September 28, through Sunday, January 5 - 1934: A New Deal for Artists. Special exhibition organized by the Smithsonian's American Art Museum in celebration of the the first federally funded art program. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
EVENTS
Thursday, September 19 - Light the Night Walk. Fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, with participants carrying colored balloons on the walk route. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). 5:30 p.m. For information, call (319)362-1476 or visit LightTheNight.org.
Saturday, September 21 - Brew Ha Ha. Annual fundraiser for WQPT-TV, featuring beer samplings, cheese tastings, live music by Jim the Mule, comedy with the Blacklist, games and activities, and more. LeClaire Park (River Drive and Ripley Street, Davenport). 1-5 p.m. $25-30. For tickets and information, call (877)413-2424 or visit WQPT.org/brew.
Saturday, September 21 - Celtic Festival & Highland Games. Annual celebration of all things Celtic, with vendors, games, family activities, live music featuring headliners Wylde Nept and Searson, and more. Centennial Park (Beiderbecke Drive and Marquette Street, Davenport). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit CelticHighlandGames.org.
Sunday, September 22 - Quad Cities Marathon. Outdoor event involving five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island along the Mississippi River, with proceeds benefiting prostate-cancer research and screenings. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 a.m. $85 registration, $20 kids' micro-marathon registration. For information, visit QCMarathon.org.
Wednesday, September 25, through Saturday, September 28 - Sixth-Annual Upper Mississippi River Conference and 31st-Annual Urban Waterfronts Conference. Events featuring keynote, panel, and luncheon speakers, field trips on and off the water, the 2013 Excellence on the Waterfront Awards, networking opportunities, and more. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Upper Mississippi River Conference - $99/$150; Urban Waterfronts Conference - $295/$395; combined rate - $395/$445. For information, call (563)322-2969 or visit RiverAction.org.
Saturday, September 28 - 2013 Monster Costume Ball. Event featuring a a Haunted Manor sneak preview, live music with the Brat Pack, and Scary-oke with DJ Jeff Pieler. Skellington Manor Banquet & Event Center (420 18th Street, Rock Island). 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $20-25. For information, call (563)344-9187 or visit SkellingtonManor.com.
Saturday, September 28 - A Night to Beat the Big "O." Fundraiser for the Norma Leah Ovarian Cancer Foundation, featuring food, entertainment, a silent auction, music by DJ BKBK, and a mystery shopping event. Crow Valley Golf Club (4315 East 60th Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $50. For information, call (309)794-0009 or visit NormaLeah.org.
Saturday, September 28 - Broadway Historic District's 25th-Anniversary Celebration. Held on 22nd Street between Seventh and Ninth avenues in Rock Island, the all-ages event includes live music, food vendors, an arts and crafts fair, children's activities, a guided walking tour, and more. Noon-5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)912-2657 or visit BroadwayDistrict.org.
Saturday, September 28 - Make-a-Wish Illinois Walk for Wishes. Event includes a 5K fun run and a one-mile walk around the riverfront area, with refreshments, music, and prizes awarded for top fundraisers and costumes. Green Valley Sports Complex (5920 52nd Avenue, Moline). 9:30 a.m. $10-30 registration. For information, call (309)637-1659 or visit WalkRunWish.org.
Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29 - Quad Cities Pumpkin Festival. Fourth-annual event featuring games, rides, mazes, a zip line, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and more. Adventure Quest (3501 207th Avenue North, Port Byron). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call (309)523-3619 or visit AdventureQwest.com.
