Lecture
Peter Kivisto
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College
Thursday, January 28, 7 p.m.
On January 28, editor, author, and Augustana College faculty member Peter Kivisto will speak at the school's Wallenberg Hall, in a public event celebrating Augustana's new Center for the Study of Pluralism & the Civil Sphere.
On January 28, editor, author, and Augustana College faculty member Peter Kivisto will speak at the school's Wallenberg Hall, in a public event celebrating Augustana's new Center for the Study of Pluralism & the Civil Sphere.
That was my attempt at a "pluralism" joke. Did it read?
The center - designed for the exploration of ethnic relations, immigration, citizenship, and other topics related to diversity in modern society - will host conferences and lectures with well-known scholars and sociologists, and gets both in Kivisto, the former editor of The Sociological Quarterly. Delivering a lecture titled "Who's Afraid of Multiculturalism - and Why?", the new center's director will outline why some have accused multiculturalism of undermining mainstream culture, and subsequently counter this view by explaining how it actually enhances respect, social justice, and democracy.
An internationally recognized sociologist who has taught in Finland, Germany, and Italy, Kivisto will coordinate faculty research, conferences, and student involvement for the center, and is the current chair of Augustana's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Welfare. He's also the author of more than 25 books, which is a great relief - his credits are so intimidating that I was afraid we had nothing in common. (No, I haven't written 25 books. But I've read 25 books. That counts, right?)
For more information on both Kivisto's 7 p.m. lecture and the Center for the Study of Pluralism & the Civil Sphere, contact Kamy Beattie at (309)794-7721.
Theatre
The Secret Garden
Potter Hall, Augustana College
Friday, January 29 through Sunday, February 7
Augustana College's last two mainstage productions - Omniscience and The Big Funk - were dark, edgy, and haunting, so it's nice to see that the theatre department is about to lighten the recent mood with a musical. Granted, it's a musical about a child who loses her entire family to an outbreak of cholera, but still ... .
Running January 29 through February 7 in Augustana's Potter Hall, The Secret Garden is a title that's likely familiar, even if you're not acquainted with this 1991 Broadway hit, which won three Tony Awards. Based on the 1909 children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the show tells the beloved tale of Mary Lennox, the young English girl sent to live with relatives after the deaths of her parents. Initially isolated and introverted, Mary blossoms after her discovery of the musical's titular garden, a magical place of security and healing that's brought to life through enchanting storybook visuals and composer Lucy Simon's gorgeous score.
Director Jeff Coussens' production promises to be a magical stage journey for audiences of all ages, and is also one that I have a particular interest in, as I've never actually seen The Secret Garden before. I have, however, visited the secret garden belonging to a friend of mine, but in case any DEA agents are reading this, I'd better not say any more about it.
Augustana's The Secret Garden will be staged Fridays through Sundays, with the February 6 production at 1:30 p.m., and the other five performances at 7:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, call (309)794-7306.
Dance
Thodos Dance Chicago
Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University
Saturday, January 30, 7:30 p.m.
Amidst the biographical material on the Thodos Dance Chicago Web site, you'll find this sentence: "Company members are selected not only for their ability to create and perform, but also on their credentials as teachers."
Check out that photo. Don't you agree that if all teachers had those physiques, kids would pay a lot more attention in class?
Boasting an ensemble of exceptional performers who are, yes, also educators, the talents of Thodos Dance Chicago bring their exuberant movements and evocative stylings to St. Ambrose University on January 30. This performance in the Galvin Fine Arts Center's Performing Arts Series will showcase the beauty, complexity, and power of contemporary choreography through a series of individual pieces, treating audiences to works described as "fast and engaging" by the Chicago Tribune, and "impressive in both their technical polish and expressiveness" by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Founded in 1992 by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Melissa Thodos, the company travels the country offering master classes and workshops on the unique art of modern dance, and has performed in more than 50 venues in 10 states. But the group is quickly becoming just as in-demand off American shores; Thodos Dance Chicago's worldwide credits have included engagements at Scotland's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the International Istanbul Dance Festival, and Korea's Busan International Dance Festival.
Oh yeah, and the company just finished performing a Skokie, Illinois production titled Fosse Trilogy, mounted by legendary Bob Fosse muse Ann Reinking. Just thought I'd mention it in case the photo wasn't making you envious enough.
Tickets to Thodos Dance Chicago's 7:30 p.m. performance are available by calling (563)333-6251 or visiting http://Web.SAU.edu/galvin.
Music
Leo Kottke and Leon Redbone
The Capitol Theatre
Saturday, January 30, 8 p.m.
Two gifted and singular singer-guitarists will tag-team for a concert at the Capitol Theatre, as the Davenport venue presents an evening with Leo Kottke and Leon Redbone on January 30.
Drawing on his influences from blues, jazz, and folk music, Kottke has long been one of the country's foremost acoustic guitarists, and has shared stages and collaborated with the likes of Lyle Lovett, T-Bone Burnett, and John Fahey. Redbone, who specializes in interpretations of early-20th Century jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics, is recognized as much for his instrumental gifts as for his trademark Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and bow tie.
Ah, but how much more do you know about Kottke and Redbone? Try matching the accomplishment with the artist:
1) Has released more than 30 studio albums.
2) Frequently appears on the PBS children's show Between the Lions.
3) Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
4) Nearly lost his career to tendon damage in his right hand.
5) Survived a plane crash in 1979.
6) Flew over a beach, on a flying carpet, in a Budweiser commercial.
7) Performed the theme song to the sitcom Mr. Belvedere.
8) Described his singing style as sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day."
A) Leo Kottke
B) Leon Redbone
Tickets to the Leo Kottke and Leon Redbone concert are $30 and $35.50, and can be reserved by calling (563)326-8820 or visiting TheCapDavenport.com.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - A, 4 - A, 5 - B, 6 - B, 7 - B, 8 - A. That last one kinda makes you glad the concert's in January, doesn't it?
Theatre
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Harrison Hilltop Theatre
Thursday, January 28 through Saturday, February 13
"George!!!"
"Yes, Martha?"
"What the hell is this?"
"What the hell is what?"
"This! Here! This article I found on my nightstand!"
"Oh, yes, love. That's an article on the Edward Albee play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Harrison Hilltop Theatre."
"What the hell is it doing on my nightstand?!"
"Well, Martha, I thought you might like to see it with me."
"Ha ha! With you?"
"Why yes, love. It's a classic of the American theatre, a hilarious comedy and trenchant drama in which a contentious, older married couple invites a younger married couple over for drinks, and all hell breaks loose."
"And what makes you think I'd want to see it with you?"
"I thought we might have a good time. It's being directed by Bryan J. Tank, the gifted area actor who also helmed the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre's recent Rabbit Hole, and stars the talented quartet of Ray Gabica, Jessica Flood, Jonathan Grafft, and Jenny Winn."
" Well, I'm not going with you! Maybe I'll take our son ... ."
"I'd advise against it, Martha."
"You're such a ... a ... a simp!"
"You spoiled, self-indulgent, willful, dirty-minded, liquor-ridden ... !"
"You make me puke!"
"I'll make the reservations."
"See if there's a cash bar."
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? runs Thursdays through Saturdays, January 28 through February 13, at 8 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinée on Sunday, January 31. For tickets and information, call (563)449-6371 or visit HarrisonHilltop.com.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, January 22 - Doug Gabriel. Concerts with Branson, Missouri's Entertainer of the Year, presented by the Knox County Center for Developmentally Disabled. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 4 and 8 p.m. $17. For tickets, call (800)280-9757; for more information, visit TheOrpheum.org.
Saturday, January 23 - Freedy Johnston. New York-based singer/songwriter performing with opener Becca Rice, in a concert sponsored by Daytrotter. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $8. For information, visit RIBCO.com or Daytrotter.com.
Tuesday, January 26 - Ultra Violent Lights. Independent rockers on national tour. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
Thursday, January 28 - Dr. Zhivegas. Touring dance band performs disco, funk, soul, and R&B hits. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. For tickets and information, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, January 21, through Saturday, February 6 - Fool for Love. The Curtainbox Theatre Company's production of Sam Shepard's darkly funny romantic drama. Village Theatre (2113 East 11th Street, Village of East Davenport). Thursday-Saturday and Tuesday 8 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m. $10-$15. For tickets and information, call (563)322-8504 or visit TheCurtainbox.com.
Friday, January 29, through Sunday, February 21 - End Days. Deborah Zoe Laufer's surreal comedy about science, religion, and suburbia. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. $12-$26. For information and tickets, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
DANCE
Saturday, January 23 - Thank You, Gregory. Hancher Auditorium presents a salute to the legends of tap, including the late Gregory Hines, in an evening of dance, live music, film, and photos. Iowa City High School (1900 Morningside Drive, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $10-$40. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
EXHIBIT
Saturday, January 23, through Sunday, May 23 - In the Footsteps of Masters: The Evolution of the Reproductive Print. Exhibit examining the role of printmaking in the development of visual culture, featuring approximately 80 European and American reproductive prints from the 15th to the 20th Century. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Free with museum admission ($4-7). For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Friday, January 29 - Augustana Sights and Sounds. Annual event featuring student photography and musical performances, with photos from the high-school student competition also displayed. Bucktown Center for the Arts - 3rd floor conference room (225 E. 2nd Street, Davenport). 6 - 9 p.m. For information, e-mail Beth Wiborg at bethwiborg@augustana.edu.
EVENTS
Thursday, January 21 - The Amazing Kreskin. Performance with the legendary mentalist of The Tonight Show fame. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. For tickets and information, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, January 22, and Saturday, January 23 - Kimberly Dodge All-Star Rodeo Challenge. Bucks, broncs, bulls, and more. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $18-$35. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Sunday, January 24 - Fourth Annual Quad City Botanical Center Chocolate Festival. Featuring a cooking demonstration, a fashion show, presentations, samples, tropical-garden tours, finger painting with pudding for the kids, and more. Quad City Botanical Center (2525 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7-$10, ages 12 and under free. For information, call (309)794-0991 or visit QCGardens.com.
Friday, January 29 - WQPT's "Champagne on the Rocks ." Fundraising event featuring hors d'oeuvres, dinner, diamonds, live and silent auctions, and a musical revue featuring Larry Adams and Jessye Wright. Jumer's Casino & Hotel (777 Jumer Drive, Rock Island). 6:30 p.m. $85. For information and tickets, call (309)796-2424 or visit WQPT.org.
Friday, January 29, through Sunday, January 31 - Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Weekend. Annual celebration of birds and classic tunes, featuring musical performances by Ivory & Gold and Afterhours, an eagle watch, a soup supper, trolley rides, silent movies, a ragtime/jazz gospel service, a ragtime brunch, and more. Numerous venues in downtown Muscatine. Friday 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday 9 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, e-mail muscatinearts@yahoo.com or visit MuscatineArtsCouncil.org.
