Music
Andre Williams & the Goldstars
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, May 5
Venerated R&B musician Andre Williams plays the Rock Island Brewing Company on May 5, and describing his glorious growl of a voice, punk musician Lux Interior said, "Andre Williams makes Little Richard sound like Pat Boone." The same is oftentimes said of me ... but I think that's just because when I sing, everyone I imitate sounds like Pat Boone.
Appearing with his ensemble The Goldstars, Williams performs at RIBCO in support of his 2012 CD Hoods & Shades, which the musician has dubbed "the Andre Williams folk album." But in case that description makes you expect a night of pleasant, lulling tunes, know that during the 75-year-old's career, his output has suggested that Williams has been lots of different kinds of folks.
After serving as lead singer for the R&B group The 5 Dollars in 1955, the singer/songwriter headlined Andrew Williams & the Don Juans, and scored a top-10 solo hit on Billboard's charts with 1957's "Bacon Fat." In the 1960s, he collaborated with Stevie Wonder - co-writing the artist's debut single "Thank You for Loving Me" - and also co-wrote the smash "Shake a Tail Feather" during his years with Motown Records' Berry Gordy.
Following his professional triumphs in the '60s, and struggles with drug addiction in the '80s, Williams made a comeback with 1996's Mr. Rhythm, and then launched into the "sleaze-rock" scene with 1998's Silky, described by musician Mark Deming as a "noise-spattered, stripped-down, roots-punk assault." And since then, he's recorded a country album (1999's Red Dirt) and a soul album (2000's The Black Godfather), converted to Judaism, toured with a Dutch rock band, and been the subject of the 2007 documentary Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andrew Williams.
So expect plenty of musical diversity with Williams' RIBCO gig, and plenty of accolades; Blurt magazine calls him "one of the last living links to the heyday of dirty R&B, super-soul, and first-generation booty funk," and Tucson Weekly raves that Williams has "three times the guts of almost anyone a third of his age." Which is also something oftentimes said about me ... but I think that's just a comment on my weight.
Andre Williams & the Goldstars perform alongside openers Jethro Johnny O & the Midnight Show, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Theatre
Bat Boy: The Musical
Augustana College
Friday, April 27, through Sunday, May 6
Once upon a time, in the quiet town of Hope Falls, West Virginia, there were three teenage spelunkers - Rick, Ron, and Ruthie - who entered a cave to find a hideous-looking, blood-sucking creature that was half bat, half boy.
This mysterious being was brought to the local sheriff, who subsequently placed him in the care of the town's veterinarian, Dr. Parker.
Dr. Parker's daughter, Shelley, found the bat boy disgusting. His wife Meredith, however, took pity on the poor soul, named him Edgar, and taught him about etiquette, proper speech, and the importance of not eating mammals while they were still alive.
The townspeople of Hope Falls - including Dr. Parker himself - feared and hated Edgar. Meredith, and even Shelley, grew to love him. Edgar himself yearned to be accepted, to find his purpose in life, and to earn his high-school-equivalency diploma.
And from this simple tale came Bat Boy: The Musical, Augustana College's season-ending production that runs in the Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts' Potter Hall Theatre April 27 through May 6. Directed by Jeff Coussens, this 1997 off-Broadway smash - winner of Best Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Lucille Lortel Awards - boasts hilarity, romance, tension, poignancy, memorable songs, and more than a dribble of blood. (More than a lot of dribbles, actually.)
Critics, meanwhile, have been roundly enthusiastic in their praise, with CurtainUp raving over "Laurence O'Keefe's peppy and melodic pop-rock score," and The New Yorker calling it "a giggling cult hit" ... plus "the only play in the history of theatre whose hero ends Act I with a rabbit in his mouth, and who moves on in Act II to an entire cow's head."
I'd go into greater detail about that last bit, but as Bat Boy: The Musical is based on an actual newspaper report published in June of 1992, you probably know the details yourself. Then again, the publication was the Weekly World News, so you should maybe take "newspaper report" with a grain of salt.
Bat Boy: The Musical will be staged on Fridays at Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., and tickets are available by calling (309)794-7306 or visiting Augustana.edu.
Event
Arsenal Homes Tour
Arsenal Island
Saturday, April 28, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
On April 28, in celebration of the Rock Island Arsenal's sesquicentennial year, the Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club will host public viewings of many of the site's most beautiful homes and edifices, offering attendees an historic tour like no other.
Did you notice how I correctly prefaced "historic" with "an" instead of "a"? Tell me those four years as an English major were a waste ... !
While on the tour, Arsenal Island visitors will have the chance to walk through and learn about six private residences, plus the historic Quarters One - at one point, second only to the White House as the largest federal residence in United States - and the Quarters One Garden House, a site never before included on an Arsenal tour. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Colonel Davenport House, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, Lock & Dam 15, and the Arsenal's national and Confederate cemeteries, with the day's $25 admission fee including a historic-homes booklet and shuttle-bus service.
To prep yourself for Saturday's viewing experience, try your hand at some Arsenal Island trivia by filling in the appropriate years for the following queries:
1) In what year did Lieutenant Colonel Daniel W. Flagler become the first full-time resident of Quarters One?
A) 1870
B) 1872
C) 1874
2) In what year did Charles Lindbergh stay in the residence?
A) 1923
B) 1925
C) 1927
3) In what year did King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden stay in the residence?
A) 1994
B) 1996
C) 1998
4) In what year did Colonel Davenport first arrive in Rock Island?
A) 1816
B) 1818
C) 1820
5) In what year, through an act of Congress, was the Rock Island Arsenal officially established?
A) 1858
B) 1860
C) 1862
For tickets to, and further information about, April 28's Arsenal Homes Tour, call (309)782-6977 or visit RIAWC.org.
Answers: 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - C. Of course, that last one was probably given away by my early use of the word "sesquicentennial." I tell ya, that English major never stops comin' in handy!
Theatre
District Theatre
Thursday, April 26, through Saturday, May 12
"Wh- ... where am I?"
"Where do you think you are?"
"I don't know. It looks like an interrogation room ... ."
"It is."
"What am I doing here?"
"You tell me."
"Um ... I don't know ... . The last thing I remember, I was in line for tickets to the District Theatre's presentation of The Pillowman ... ."
"Right."
"Is that why I'm here? Because I wanted to see The Pillowman?"
"I'm just wondering why a nice guy like you would be interested in that show."
"Well, it's a Tony Award winner by Oscar winner Martin McDonagh, and the critics love it; the New York Times called it 'a spellbinding stunner of a play' and Variety magazine said it was 'a gripping yarn' and 'strikingly original' ... ."
"Uh huh."
"And it's being directed by James Fairchild, whom I've always enjoyed in District Theatre productions, and the cast features actors I like - Jason Platt and Matt Mercer and Ed Villarreal ... ."
"Mmm-hmm."
"Is there something wrong with that?"
"So it has nothing to do with the play being a black-comedy thriller about a man imprisoned for crimes he perhaps didn't commit?!? And it has nothing to do with enjoying on-stage shocks and verbal assaults and almost unbearable tension?!?!?"
"Well, uh ... ."
"You're saying it has nothing to do with research, you psychopath?!? You're saying it's just a freaking coincidence that you're a writer seeing a play about a writer who just might be a freaking serial killer?!?!? Is that what you're saying, you miserable piece of s---?!?!?"
"Um ... listen, if you're the 'bad cop,' could I speak to the 'good cop,' please?"
"I am the 'good cop,' a--hole."
"Wow. McDonagh makes this seem like a lot more fun."
The Pillowman runs from April 26 through May 10, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)235-1654 or visiting DistrictTheatre.com.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, April 26 - Graham Lindsey. Folk-rock and Americana musician in concert, with an opening set by Ugly Valley Boys, and an 11 p.m. set with C.J. the D.J. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8:30 p.m. $4. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Thursday, April 26 - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Rock suffused with soul and country, in a concert presented by Scope Productions and the 10,000 Hours Show. University of Iowa's Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge (125 North Madison Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $23.50-30.30. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit ScopeProductions.org.
Friday, April 27 - Chicago Farmer. Acclaimed folk singer/songwriter in concert, with opening sets by Jordan Danielsen and Jim the Mule. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $8. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, April 27 - Chelsea Crowell. Roots and country musician in concert, with an opening set by Them Som' Bitches. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $4. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, April 27 - John Morello: A Tribute to Dean Martin. Famed impersonator performs "That's Amore," "Everybody Loves Somebody," and other Martin classics. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, April 27 - Bobby Vinton. Concert with the legendary pop singer of "Roses Are Red" and "Blue Velvet" fame. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $30-40. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.
Friday, April 27, and Sunday, April 29 - Sizzlin' Sounds with the Quad City Singers. Springtime concerts with the vocal ensemble, performing hits from the '40s to the present. Friday: Tanglewood Hills Pavilion (4250 Middle Road, Bettendorf), 6:30 p.m. appetizers, 7:15 p.m. concert. Sunday: Lavender Crest Winery (5401 U.S. Highway 6, Colona), 3 p.m. appetizers, 3:45 p.m. concert. $25. For information and tickets, call (309)794-0106 or visit QuadCitySingers.org.
Sunday, April 29 - Quad City Wind Ensemble. Springtime concert featuring the winner of the 24th Annual Charles B. DCamp Young Performer's Solo Competition. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $8-12. For information, call (563)508-8656 or visit Facebook.com/QCWindEnsemble.
Friday, May 4 - Enso String Quartet. Grammy Award-nominated chamber musicians in concert, in a Hancher Auditorium presentation. Zion Lutheran Church (310 North Madison Street, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $15-30. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Saturday, May 5 - Yanni. Touring concert with the famed instrumentalist and his ensemble. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 8 p.m. $29.50-69.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, May 5 - Peter Mayer. Concert with the acclaimed singer/songwriter, presented by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, May 5 - The Chairman's Board with Peter Oprisko. Performer showcases the hits of such singers as Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Bobby Darin, Nat "King" Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 2 p.m. $13-25. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 29 - Romeo & Juliet. Shakespeare's romantic tragedy performed by the University of Iowa opera department, directed by Alan Hicks. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $5-20. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit http://PerformingArts.UIowa.edu.
Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 29 - Mayberry. Playwright Sean Christopher Lewis and Working Group Theatre explore the impact of Iowa City's increasing African-American population, in a Hancher Auditorium presentation. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-25. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28 - Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque. The area's burlesque and comedy troupe performs its Mardi Gras at the Speakeasy production. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Saturday, April 28, through Sunday, May 6 - Robin Hood. Student-performed production of the adventure classic, adapted by Tim Kelly. Davenport Junior Theatre (2822 Eastern Avenue, Rock Island). Saturdays 1 and 4 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $5 at the door for ages three and older. For information, call (563)326-7862 or visit DavenportJuniorTheatre.com.
Thursday, May 3, through Sunday, May 27 - On Golden Pond. Ernest Thompson's Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy, directed by Kathe Mull. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3 p.m. $17.50-27. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Saturday, May 5 - Burlesque Le' Moustache. Comedy and burlesque sketches in the group's Bewitched, Bothered, & Bewildered production. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $25-62. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com. For a 2010 interview with Burlesque Le' Moustache founder and artist Danielle Colby-Cushman, visit RCReader.com/y/burlesque.
COMEDY
Tuesday, May 1 - Red Green's Live Wit & Wisdom Tour. The bestselling author, humorist, and handyman in his national touring presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $45.50 For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, May 3 - Bo Burnham. Touring presentation with the 21-year-old comedian, songwriter, and Internet sensation. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $28.50. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
VISUAL ARTS
Saturday, April 28 - Handmade City Arts & Crafts Show. Springtime event with more than 30 area vendors selling unique knits, ceramics, prints, photography, home-decor items, jewelry, candles, pet goods, handbags, handmade soaps, and more. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information, e-mail handmadecityinfo@gmail.com or visit HandmadeCity.org.
Saturday, May 5 - Venus Envy Quad Cities. Annual indoor/outdoor festival and art exhibit celebrating female artisans, featuring live music, special performances, visual art, and more. Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 East Second Street, Davenport). 6-11 p.m. Art exhibit runs May 5-25, Wednesdays-Saturdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)737-8910 or visit VenusEnvyQC.com.
LITERATURE
Tuesday, May 1 - Susan Goldman Rubin. Author discusses and signs her book Searching for Anne Frank: Letters from Amsterdam to Iowa, detailing the relationship between the Frank sisters and their pen pals from Danville, Iowa. German American Heritage Center (712 West Second Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $5. For information, call (563)322-8844 or visit GAHC.org.
SPORTS
Friday, May 4 - MMA Extreme Challenge. Competitions between professional and amateur mixed-martial-arts fighters. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7 p.m. $25-35. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
EVENTS
Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28 - Monster Jam 2012. Arena-style monster-truck rally. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $17.50-47.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, April 28 - National Astronomy Day Celebration. Event featuring displays, astronomy-themed crafts, demonstrations, door prizes, refreshments, and a 3 p.m. program on "Alien Worlds: The Search for Life on Extra-Solar Planets." Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 2-9:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)524-2480 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
Sunday, April 29 - Susan's Soiree: A FUNdraiser. Live entertainment, a silent auction, and more in a medical-bill benefit for Quad City Arts' Performing Arts & Arts-in-Education Director Susan Wahlmann, who suffered a major stroke this past fall. First Lutheran Church (1230 Fifth Avenue, Moline). 4-7 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)737-5846 or e-mail kjerstanders@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, May 2 - Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. The international men's march to stop rape, sexual assault, and gender violence, with women's shoes provided for male participants. Outside St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). 11:30 a.m. Donations encouraged. For information, e-mail TendallStephen@sau.edu or visit SAU.edu.
Saturday, May 5 - Derby Day. Annual Quad City Symphony Orchestra fundraiser with proceeds benefiting music-education programs, featuring horse races, mint juleps, and derby cuisine. Davenport Outing Club (2109 North Brady Street, Davenport). 2-5 p.m. $75/person, $520/table of eight. For tickets and information, call (563)322-7276 or visit QCSymphony.com.
