Music
Gretchen Peters
The Redstone Room
Friday, September 6, 8 p.m.
Singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Gretchen Peters, in describing the origins of her professional success, is quoted as saying, "Until I found the guitar, I was interested in anything expressive. By then words were a friend, but music was a tall dark stranger that I've been in love with, or maybe stalking, ever since."
See? I told my lawyer there was no difference between love and stalking! But did he listen? No-o-o-o ... !
During Peters' September 6 concert at Davenport's Redstone Room, however, patrons certainly will be listening, especially when you consider raves such as the one her tunes received from the Associated Press: "This is not jukebox music - the stuff that exists to fill in the pauses in conversation. This is the conversation."
Born in New York and raised in Colorado, the 55-year-old country/folk musician moved to Nashville in the late 1980s and quickly found work as a songwriter, eventually composing numbers for such famed names as Martina McBride, George Strait, Etta James, and Trisha Yearwood. Grammy-nominated for McBride's 1995 smash "Independence Day" - a track that also earned its composer "Song of the Year" recognition by the Country Music Association - Peters then went on to launch her career as a solo artist. She released her CD debut The Secret of Life in 1996, and followed it with eight additional, enormously well-received albums boasting gorgeous, thoughtful music and lyrics, and a signature voice that, as Time magazine raved, "has the seductive hint of late nights and cigarettes."
The most recent of those albums - 2012's Hello Cruel World - has found Peters enjoying her greatest acclaim to date, with NPR pronouncing it "the album of her career," and Maverick magazine labeling it "the most important record to emerge in 2012." Q magazine, meanwhile, called the work "an affecting, beautifully measured, very grown-up affair." Which is just how I described that relationship to my lawyer. But did he lis - ?
Never mind. For information on, and tickets to, Gretchen Peters' Friday-night Redstone Room concert, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Battlefield Band
First Presbyterian Church of Davenport
Saturday, September 14, 2 p.m.
As Pat Benatar famously expressed, "Love is a battlefield." But what you'll discover at Davenport's First Presbyterian Church on September 14 is that, in actuality, love is the battlefield.
By which I mean the capitalized Battlefield ... by which I mean the Battlefield Band ... by which I mean the first set of extraordinary musicians in Quad City Arts' 2013-14 Visiting Artist Series ... whom you'll no doubt love. (Man, the lengths I'll go to sneak in a Pat Benatar reference, huh?)
Formed in Scotland in 1969, the Battlefield Band began as a group of four musician friends hoping to secure employment as local entertainers playing traditional Scottish tunes. Forty-four years later, and with an entirely new roster of talents involved, the group could be considered the exact opposites of "local" entertainers. The Battlefield Band has thus far released more than 30 albums and made its joyous and raucous Celtic stylings known throughout the world, touring its blend of classic and original tunes in such locales as Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Syria, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and China.
Plus, with its present lineup of Ewen Henderson, Mike Katz, Sean O'Donnell, and Alasdair White, the Battlefield Band is currently enjoying some of the most euphoric raves of its four-decade-plus existence. Praising a recent concert, the Washington Post wrote, "The band's chemistry at this point is uncanny ... . It was a wondrous, perfectly paced display by musicians firmly in command of their art." The UK's The Guardian describes the ensemble as "one of the great institutions of the Scottish music scene."
And Scotland's Edinburgh Evening News states, "The Battlefield Band are turning into a national treasure, and exemplify the ongoing nature of Scottish musical tradition. Not seen them yet? Shame on you." Wow. Glad there's no such thing as shame-based journalism in our country.
When you're done laughing, you can secure tickets to the Battlefield Band's public concert by calling the First Presbyterian Church at (563)326-1619, and more information on the group - and the rest of the performers in this year's Visiting Artist Series - can be found by visiting QuadCityArts.com.
Exhibit
Diana: A Celebration
Putnam Museum
Saturday, September 14, through Sunday, January 5
Most everyone who was culturally aware in the summer of 1997 likely remembers where they were when they learned about the car crash that took the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. (I was in downtown Rock Island, meeting up with friends after work.) Most everyone who was culturally aware in the summer of 1981 likely remembers where they were when Lady Diana Spencer - in perhaps the 20th Century's most lavish wedding ceremony - became Diana, Princess of Wales. (I was in Crystal Lake, Illinois, being awoken by the sound of my mother watching the televised spectacle in the middle of the night. That's right, I was a teenager in the summer of 1981. Don't rub it in.)
And between those bookending events were 16 years of public fascination with one of the most intriguing, beloved, and photographed women in history - the "people's princess" being memorialized in the touring exhibition Diana: A Celebration. On display at the Putnam Museum September 14 through January 5, this award-winning exhibit is arriving on loan from England's Althorp Estate, and its Davenport engagement marks one of the tour's final three global stops before Diana's priceless possessions are returned to her family in the summer of 2014.
Diana: A Celebration will chronicle the life and work of its endlessly studied subject through more than 150 objects, heirlooms, personal mementos, and more, including the princess' famed, much-envied wedding dress. (Yes, the entire wedding dress. As Putnam President/CEO Kim Findlay reveals in the exhibit's press release, museum visitors "can literally stand beside her gown with its 25-foot train.") Among other items featured are 28 designer suits and evening gowns worn by Diana in public; two diamond tiaras and additional bejeweled accessories; the original text from Earl Spencer's tribute during his sister's Westminster Abbey funeral; family paintings; and condolence books left in tribute to the princess and her enduring legacy.
All this, plus rare home movies, photographs, and occasionally astonishing biographical information for both longtime admirers and those too young to remember the princess' worldwide appeal, such as Diana lending her name and support to 118 charities over a 20-year span. Which finally gives me something in common with the former royal ... give or take a hundred-plus charities ... .
For more information on the Putnam Museum's Diana: A Celebration exhibition, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
Theatre
Let's Face the Music
District Theatre
Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 15
It looks like anything goes, night and day, at the District Theatre, where they'll soon slap that bass and begin the beguine with friendship and a funny face and ... .
Well, I've already spoiled six song titles in the Rock Island venue's forthcoming musical revue, so let's call the whole thing off.
Okay. Make that seven song titles.
In the District Theatre's Let's Face the Music, running September 6 through 15, some of the greatest pop and show-tune classics in the American songbook will come to life via director Lora Adams and four of the most seminal names in musical history: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and George & Ira Gershwin. And with a cast that features the talents of Wendy Czekalski, Erin Lounsberry, Sheri Brown Olson, Bryan Tank, and Dancing with the Stars performer - and Quad Cities native - Victoria Rose Viren, those experiencing the composers' combined genius for the first time will get to do so in brand-new, sure-to-be-exceptional ways.
But for those of you who don't hear the name Gershwin and immediately, incorrectly respond with "Gesundheit," how familiar are you with the song authors' output? Mr. Berlin wrote the title tune to Let's Face the Music, but see if you can correctly match six of the show's other songs with their creators:
1) "Blah, Blah, Blah"
2) "Blow, Gabriel, Blow"
3) "Cheek to Cheek"
4) "Isn't It a Lovely Day?"
5) "My Heart Belongs to Daddy"
6) "S'Wonderful"
A) Irving Berlin
B) George & Ira Gershwin
C) Cole Porter
For more information and tickets to Let's Face the Music, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Answers: 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - A, 5 - C, 6 - B. Did you get them all right? S'wonderful! From s'where did you s'wind up s'with such s'wisdom?
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, September 6 - Zappa Plays Zappa. Dweezil Zappa and his ensemble perform Frank Zappa & the Mothers' entire Roxy & Elsewhere album in sequence. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25-60. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, September 7 - Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops featuring the Music of Michael Jackson. The Quad City Symphony Orchestra presents "Windborne's Music of Michael Jackson," with performances of such songs as "ABC," "I'll Be There," "Beat It," "Thriller," and "The Way You Make Me Feel." LeClaire Park (River Drive and Ripley Street, Davenport). 6:30 p.m. $5-20. For tickets and information, call (563)322-7278 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Saturday, September 7 - 10 of Soul. Soul, funk, and blues musicians in concert. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $8. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, September 7 - Lightning Dust. Singers/songwriters Amber Webber and Josh Wells perform an "Intimate at the Englert" concert, with an opening set by Louise Burns. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $12. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 7 - Four Bitchin' Babes. The touring singers/songwriters and comediennes in concert. 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.
Sunday, September 8 - MarchFourth Marching Band. Concert with the five-piece percussion corps and seven-part brass section. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, September 12 - The Grand Tour: A George Jones Tribute. Larry Tobias headlines a musical journey through the career of the country superstar. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Thursday 7 p.m., $20-25; Friday 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show, $42.32. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, September 13 - Hillbilly Casino. Rockabilly musicians in concert, with opening sets by The Krank Daddies and 3 on the Tree. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, September 13 - Hairball. Touring musicians in a bombastic celebration of '80s hair metal. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 6:30 p.m. $20-30. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, September 13, through Sunday, September 15 - Iowa Soul Festival. Weekend celebration of African-American music and culture, with a headlining, Friday-night performance by Hancher Audutorium Visiting Artist Buddy Guy. Downtown Iowa City, on the 100-300 Block of Iowa Avenue. Friday 5:30 p.m. gates, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. gates. Free admission. For information, call (319)335-1158 or visit SummerOfTheArts.org.
Friday, September 13 - Mobb Deep. New York-based hip-hop duo in concert, with opening sets by Prodigy, Alchemist, and AWTHNTKTS. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 9 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 14 - Natty Nation. Rock, reggae, and dub musicians in concert, with an opening set by Firesale. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Sunday, September 15 - Peter Case. Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter performing rock, blues, funk, and soul. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $15. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Wednesday, September 18 - Chuck Ragan. Concert with the Hot Water Music musician, featuring an opening set by Jamestown Revival. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Wednesday, September 18 - The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute. The famed Fab Four imitators in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35-55. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Thursday, September 5, through Saturday, September 7 - Oleanna. David Mamet's sexual-harassment drama, directed by SAU student Jacob Hannenberger. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center Studio Theatre (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. $6. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/theatre.
Thursday, September 5, through Sunday, October 6 - Unnecessary Farce. Crime comedy by Paul Slade Smith. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 3 p.m. $18-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, September 6, through Saturday, September 21 - How I Learned to Drive. Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, directed by Thomas Alan Taylor. QC Theatre Workshop (1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport). Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m. "Pay what it's worth" ticket pricing. For information and tickets, call (563)650-2396 or visit QCTheatreWorkshop.org.
Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 29 - Venus in Fur. David Ives' Tony Award-winning sex comedy, directed by Sean Christopher Lewis. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $15-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Friday, September 6, through Saturday, September 14 - The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Dreamwell Theatre's production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' darkly comic purgatory tale, directed by Matthew Brewbaker. Unitarian Universalist Society (10 South Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. $10-13. For tickets and information, call (319)423-9820 or visit Dreamwell.com.
Friday, September 13, through Sunday, September 22 - Proof. Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by David Auburn, directed by Steve Parmley. Playcrafters Barn Theatre (4950 35th Avenue, Moline). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)762-0330 or visit Playcrafters.com.
Friday, September 13, through Sunday, September 22 - Cabaret. Kander & Ebb's musical classic set in Nazi-era Berlin. Iowa City Community Theatre (4265 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (319)338-0443 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.
Sunday, September 15 - Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Jukebox musical of songs made famous by "The Man in Black." Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 2 p.m. $25-35. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
LITERATURE
Tuesday, September 10 - Rebecca Lindenberg. A "River Readings at Augustana" presentation with the poet and author of Love: An Index. Augustana College Wilson Center (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)794-7316 or e-mail amandamakula@augustana.edu.
Thursday, September 12 - SPECTRA Poetry Reading. Readings co-hosted by the Midwest Writing Center, featuring C.M. Burroughs, Dora Malech, Jennifer Perrine, and musical guests Busted Chandeliers. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)324-1410 or visit MidwestWritingCenter.org.
VISUAL ARTS
Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 8 - The Loving Kindness Tour. Touring exhibition featuring a collection of ancient Buddha relics. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 - Beaux Arts Festival. Annual fine-art and crafts fair featuring vendors, live music, food, children's activities, and more. Figge Art Museum Plaza (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information, e-mail BeauxArtsFair@gmail.com or visit BeauxArtsFair.com.
Saturday, September 14, through Sunday, January 5 - A New Deal for Illinois: The Federal Art Project - Collection of Western Illinois University. Exhibit examining New Deal art in the regional context of Chicago in the 1930s, and in relation to the institutional history of WIU. 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. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
EVENTS
Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 22 - East West Riverfest. Two-week celebration of area music, theatre, art, dance, tours, history, and festivals, held throughout the Quad Cities. For information, visit EastWestRiverfest.com.
Saturday, September 7 - Running Wild. Annual three- and five-mile courses looping past wetlands and other wildlife habitat, with educational exhibits, hands-on conservation displays, and activities on songbird banding, GPS, and wetland creatures. Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge (F Avenue, Wapello). 8;30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $20-25. For information, call (319)523-8381 or visit RunLouisaCounty.com.
Wednesday, September 11 - Will Shortz. Presentation, Q&A, and audience-participation puzzle games with the national puzzle master and longtime crossword editor for the New York Times. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $18-22. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, September 14 - Taming of the Slough. Annual fundraiser featuring a 3.8-mile paddle around Campbell's Island, a challenging mountain-bike course, and a two-mile run. Empire Park in East Moline. 8 a.m. $35/individual, $60-75/two-and three-person teams. For information and to register, call (563)289-5445 or visit RiverAction.org.
Saturday, September 14 - Mike Super. An evening with the master illusionist and 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.
Saturday, September 14 - Forget-Me-Not Victorian Day. Walking tour with actors in period attire performing first-person narratives as historic individuals interred at the cemetery, Dan Haughey in Mr. U.S. Grant: A Man & a Patriot, a presentation with author Minda Powers-Douglas, and more. 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 14 - Nick Teddy 5K. Second-annual fundraising event organized by the Quad City Sole Sisters, featuring a 5K, a family fun run, food, live entertainment, and more. Downtown Port Byron. 9 a.m. $15-30 registration. For information, call (309)798-3081 or visit NickTeddy.org.
