What's Happenin': June 22 - July 7, 2010

Music

Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival

Downtown Iowa City

Friday, July 2, through Sunday, July 4

This year's Fourth of July weekend brings with it the annual Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival, and among the scheduled performers is the gentleman in the accompanying photo, jazz trombonist par excellence Roswell Rudd.

Wow. Iowa City's lookin' a little arid this summer, huh?

Fear not, however - based on its 2010 lineup, the festival is sure to provide plenty of cool to match the heat. Now in its 20th year, downtown Iowa City's three-day celebration of jazz will, as usual, feature a series of educational workshops, children's games, the food vendors of the fest's Culinary Row, and Sunday-night fireworks launched from the University of Iowa's Hubbard Park. But it's jazz that the yearly crowds of 50,000-plus want, and it's jazz they're gonna get, with more than two dozen local and national bands performing on four separate stages.

The festival's Youth Stage will host the gifted musicians of the Silver Swing Band, Turnaround, and Jazz Enigma. The College Stage will treat audiences to the swinging sounds of Groove Theory, the Gabe Medd Ensemble, and the Oats Brothers. The Local Stage will offer scorching jazz tunes with the Nate Jenkins Band, the Magic Changes, and the Saul Lubaroff Quintet.

And in addition to Rudd, the festival's Main Stage will deliver sets by such noted jazz masters as Equilateral, Public Property, Koplant No, Lake Street Drive, Gabriel Espinosa, and the Paul Smoker Notet. All told, it's sure to make for unmissable entertainment over the Fourth of July weekend - after all, between July 2 and 4, where else in the state of Iowa will you be able to enjoy so many outdoor performances and activities celebrating a great American musical genre? Absolutely nowhere!*

For a full schedule of events, and more information on this year's Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival, visit SummerOfTheArts.org.

* For purposes of this piece, please do your best to ignore this week's dozen-or-so articles on the IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. But just for purposes of this piece.

Event

Jewish Feast-ival

Tri-City Jewish Center

Sunday, June 27, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Want a good reason to attend the Tri-City Jewish Center's Jewish Feast-ival, taking place at the center (2715 340th Street in Rock Island) on June 27? How about 10 of 'em?

1) The feast, which features a 100-percent kosher menu that includes such Jewish delicacies as beef-brisket sandwiches, chicken matzoh ball soup, kugel, falafels, babkas, mandel bread, and all varieties of mouth-watering struedel.

2) The variety of beverage options, among them samplings from the Schmaltz Brewing Company's line of popular He'Brew beers.

3) Musical headliners Kol Shira, the all-women ensemble from Iowa City who will perform a fusion of Hebrew, Yiddish, Judeo-Spanish, Gypsy, and Russian tunes, and who have been described as "remarkable" and "exquisite" by the Iowa City Press Citizen.

4) The Quad City band Shir Delight, which will play throughout the day, and will perform both classic Israeli and contemporary Jewish pop numbers.

5) Kol Shira's Deb Singer and the talented dancers of Ballet Quad Cities, on hand to demonstrate and teach the Hora and other Jewish and Israeli dances.

6) Quad Citian Jeff Woods, who will guide participants through the little-known Israeli martial art of Krav-Maga.

7) The feast-ival's art bazaar, which will offer a terrific selection of both Jewish-themed and secular arts, crafts, and gift options.

8) Children's activities including a bounce house, face-painting, carnival games, balloon-folding, and circus-themed humor with our area's Mo the Clown.

9) Cultural exploration through holiday-table displays, visual and verbal explanations of Judaic practices, and a portable Western Wall, where visitors can write a prayer that will be sent to Israel.

10) I'm sorry, did I mention the struedel?

Admission is $2 for adults and free for ages 12 and under, and more information on the Jewish Feast-ival is available by calling (309)788-3426 or visiting TriCityJewishCenter.org.

Music

Justin Bieber

i wireless Center

Friday, July 2, 7 p.m.

Pop sensation Justin Bieber, performing at Moline's i wireless Center on July 2, is an Ontario native who got the first of his big breaks in a Canadian singing competition called Stratford Idol, at which he earned second place.

Fueled by his success, Bieber began posting performance clips on YouTube, where his takes on such artists as Usher, Ne-Yo, and Stevie Wonder collectively earned 10 million views by the end of 2007.

After signing a recording contract with Island Records, he released his debut single, "One Time" (which peaked at number 17 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart), became a certified platinum-selling singer with his debut CD, My World, and became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album land on Billboard's Hot 100.

To date, Bieber has sold more than 5 million albums worldwide. He's performed on The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Good Morning, America. He was a presenter at the Grammy Awards and a headliner at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. He was the musical guest on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live. He sang "Someday at Christmas" at the White House for President Obama.

And as of March 1 this year, Bieber became legally old enough to drive in most of North America.

If this is the last What's Happenin' I end up writing, it's because I've killed myself.

Justin Bieber performs in concert with openers Sean Kingston and Jessica Jarrell - combined age: younger than me - and tickets are available by calling (800)745-3000 or visiting iwirelessCenter.com.

Music

Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes

Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse

Thursday, July 1, through Saturday, July 3

As if the weekend leading up to July 4 wasn't already jam-packed with blues in Davenport and jazz in Iowa City, Rock Island gets into the musical spirit with three days filled with classic country tunes, as the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse presents the special concert event Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes.

Running July 1 through 3, the production will find headliner Jason Petty and a four-piece band delivering a series of toe-tapping, foot-stomping hits from such beloved country artists as Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, George Jones, Ernest Tubb, and the Carter Family. But it should go without saying that the "Hank" of the title refers to the legendary Hank Williams, and Petty - who received an Obie Award for the much-praised off-Broadway production of Lost Highway: The Music & Legend of Hank Williams - will also thrill crowds with his outstanding and eerily accurate renditions of such Williams classics as "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

Just how lauded is Petty's portrayal of Williams? Let's find out. Which of the following is not a published quote praising the artist's Lost Highway performance?

1) "I was genuinely surprised, even stunned, by Petty's forceful, clear-eyed, and moving depiction of Williams." - Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone

2) "Jason Petty does a remarkably good job of rendering Williams' famous melodies with the silky warble and sob that re-create their touching simplicity." - Bruce Weber, The New York Times

3) "At times it seems as if Petty is not just offering an impersonation of Williams, but channeling his ghost." - Donald Lyons, The New York Post

4) "His voice wails and rails a mixture of country and blues that electrifies the house!" - Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press

5) "Jason Petty is not only an exceptional singer and actor, but also about as smart, kind, and humble a professional performer as I've yet met." - Mike Schulz, River Cities' Reader

Following the buffet dinner, evening performances of Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes will begin at 7:15 p.m. - with a 1 p.m. matinée show being performed on Thursday, July 1 - and information and tickets are available by calling (309)786-7733 extension 2, or visiting Circa21.com.

Answer: 5. That quote was never published. But I was working at Circa '21 when Petty starred in 2002's seven-week engagement of Lost Highway and totally stand by the statement. He's awesome.

Theatre

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Lincoln Park

Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 11

If any What's Happenin's have offended,

I hope this one makes ill will mended.

A piece on Genesius Guild's latest lark:

A Midsummer Night's Dream, in Lincoln Park.

This Shakespeare classic has it all -

Romance and laughs and a guy named Wall

And magic spells and godly fits

And ingénues - you'll see why it's

Among the Bard's most treasured works.

This Dream will also feature perks,

Like costumes boasting every hue,

And lots of actors, known and new.

There's Overberg and Callahan,

A pair of Loulas, Paul Workman,

Three Tunnicliffs, a Just, a Hart,

Plus Steph Moeller - that's just the start

Of Dream's supremely gifted cast.

Oh, how you'll wish the show would last

At least forever and a day!

Alas, a treat like this can't stay.

Just five productions in its run -

And with that, now my piece is done.

So give me your hands, if we be friends.

If not ... my boss will make amends.

Genesius Guild's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream runs July 2 through 11 - with 8 p.m. performances on Saturdays, Sundays, and Friday, July 2 - and more information can be found at Genesius.org.

What Else Is Happenin'...?

MUSIC

Thursday, June 24 - The Harry James Orchestra. Legendary big-band performers in concert. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (800)THE-ISLE or visit Bettendorf.isleofcapricasinos.com.

Friday, June 25 - Tributefest 2010: Monsters of Tribute Rock. Outdoor concert featuring the Aerosmith tribute band Toys in the Attic, the AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells, and the Bon Jovi tribute band Bed of Roses, and Satisfaction: A Rolling Stones Experience. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 5 p.m. $10. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.

Saturday, June 26 - Bachman & Turner. Reunion concert with the headliners of Bachman Turner Overdrive. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $35-$65. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.

Tuesday, June 29 - Dale Watson and Fifth of Country. Country artists in a concert sponsored by Daytrotter. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, e-mail support@daytrotter.com or visit Daytrotter.com.

Thursday, July 1 - Mud Morganfield. Noted blues musician performing as part of The Muddy Waters' grand-opening celebration. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $5. For information, call 563-344-2516.

Thursday, July 1 - Gary Puckett. Pop-rock icon in concert. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (800)THE-ISLE or visit Bettendorf.isleofcapricasinos.com.

Friday, July 2, through Sunday, July 4 - IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Annual outdoor festival featuring local and national blues artists performing on two stages, workshops, vendors, and more. LeClaire Park (River Drive, Davenport). Friday - 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday and Sunday - 1 p.m.-midnight. $12.50-$15 per day, $25 weekend pass. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit MVBS.org.

Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4 - 80/35 Music Festival. Third-annual outdoor festival featuring more than 40 national and local bands, with headliners including Spoon, Modest Mouse, Railroad Earth, and more. Western Gateway Park (between 12th and 16th streets, Des Moines). Noon-midnight. $35-$40 per day, $60-$175 two-day pass. For tickets, call (515)244-2771 or visit 80-35.com.

Sunday, July 4 - Justin Townes Earle, Dawes, & Jonny Corndawg. Independent musicians in an all-ages concert sponsored by Daytrotter. Codfish Hollow Barn (3437 288th Avenue, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $15. For information, e-mail support@daytrotter.com or visit Daytrotter.com.

Wednesday, July 7 - Star Wars in Concert. John Williams' scores performed by a full symphony orchestra and choir, with footage from the films, live narration by Anthony "C-3PO" Daniels, multimedia effects, an exhibit of Star Wars artifacts, and more. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $35-$69.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.

THEATRE

Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26 - All Shook Up. The Elvis Presley-meets-Shakespeare musical comedy, performed by students in grades eight through 12. The Center for Living Arts (2008 4th Avenue, Rock Island). Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309_788-5433 or visit Center4Living.com.

Thursday, July 1, through Sunday, July 11 - Oklahoma! Rodgers & Hammerstein's prize-winning musical classic. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Tuesdays-Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 6:30 p.m. $11-$20. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.

Tuesday, July 6, through Saturday, July 10 - Charlotte's Web. Stage adaptation of E.B. White's beloved children's book. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.

EVENTS

Saturday, June 26 - Dodgeball Showdown. Annual outdoor competition, with an evening performance by FNR. The Daiquiri Factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 11 a.m. tournament. For information, call (309)283-1809 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.

Saturday, June 26 - TrekFest. 28th-annual Star Trek celebration in "the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk," featuring a parade, costume contest, vendors, a fireworks display, and a Q&A with series performers Walter Koenig, BarBara Luna, and James Cawley. Downtown Riverside and the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort (3184 Highway 22). 10 a.m.-11 p.m. $3-$10 for indoor events. For tickets and information, call (319)930-9735 or visit TrekFest.com.

Saturday, June 26 - Midsommar Music Festival. Annual celebration of Swedish culture, featuring live music, music and dance workshops, a Swedish maypole celebration, an old-fashioned barn dance at the Colony School, and more. Bishop Hill, Illinois. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Suggested donations $3-5/person, $15/family. For information, call (309)927-3345 or (309)927-3899, or visit BishopHill.com.

Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27 - Quad City Air Show. Annual event featuring aerial performers, displays, vendors, children's activities, flight simulators, a Saturday-night performance from the Incredible Manhattan Dolls, and more. Davenport Municipal Airport (9010 North Harrison Street, Davenport). 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$15 per day, $18 weekend pass. For tickets and information, call (563)285-7469 or visit QuadCityAirShow.com.

Sunday, June 27 - Blossoms at Butterworth. Annual events featuring home and garden tours, live music, games of the 1800s, an antique auto show, performances by the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Youth Band, the Quad City Jugglers, and Jed Proust, children's activities, a Victorian tea party, and more. Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House (1105 Eighth Street, Moline). Noon-5 p.m. Donations accepted. For information, call (309)743-2700 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.

Friday, July 2, through Sunday, July 4 - Clinton Riverboat Days. Annual outdoor festival featuring carnival rides, games, vendors, a parade, children's activities, and bandshell concerts, with headliners including The Original KISS Army, Confederate Railroad, Go Fish, and Low Tides & High Ways. Riverview Park (River Drive, Clinton). 10 a.m.-midnight. $5-$7 per day, $12 weekend pass. For tickets and information, call (563)593-3299 or visit RiverboatDays.org.

Saturday, July 3 - Red, White, & Boom! Annual Fourth of July celebration on both sides of the Mississippi River, featuring activities, vendors, and a climactic fireworks display. Downtown Davenport and Rock Island. 1 p.m. activities, 9:30 p.m. fireworks. For information, call (563)322-1706 or (309)788-6311, or visit DowntownDavenport.com or RIDistrict.com.

Monday, July 5, through Sunday, June 11 - John Deere Classic. Annual golf tournament, featuring four rounds of professional PGA competitors. TPC at Deere Run (3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis). Monday - 10 a.m., Tuesday and Wednesday - 6:45 a.m., Thursday-Sunday, 7 a.m. $24-$34 per day. For tickets and information, call (800)336-4655 or (309)762-4653, or visit JohnDeereClassic.com.