MUSIC
The Carolina Chocolate Drops
Englert Theatre
Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
On April 7, Iowa City's Englert Theatre will play host to the latest guests in Hancher Auditorium's 2010-11 Visiting Artists series, The Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Mmmm ... Carolina Chocolate Drops ... .
My Homer Simpson impression doesn't play so well in print, but trust me, it's awesome.
And so are these North Carolina-based musicians, whose 2010 CD Genuine Negro Jig hit number one on the U.S. bluegrass charts and, in February, received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album.
Formed in 2005, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are one of the country's few remaining professional, old-time string bands, and - with members Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, Adam Matta, and Hubby Jenkins all under 40 - an exceptionally youthful old-time string band, to boot. But as those who've heard the group's rhythmically exuberant sound can attest, age has no bearing on the skill with which the band delivers its soulful renditions of traditional and modern bluegrass tunes, performed by the multi-instrumentalists on guitar, fiddle, banjo, snare drum, harmonica, kazoo, and, yes, even a jug.
Having recently opened for the legendary Taj Mahal, and having appeared as headliners at the 2010 Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are fast becoming one of America's most admired and adored traditional-music ensembles. And their foot-stomping live performances have found the band earning accolades on both this and the other side of the Atlantic, with St. Louis' Riverfront Times describing the Drops as "something full of beauty, joy, and enlightenment," and the U.K.'s Independent calling them "a delicious melding of old and new."
Mmmm ... delicious ... .
There - you're hearing it now, aren't you?
For tickets to the Carolina Chocolate Drops' Iowa City concert, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Theatre
Escanaba in da Moonlight
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre
Thursday, April 7, through Sunday, April 17
Holy Wah! Da Richmond Hill Barn Teatre's got a funny show fer ya, eh?
It's runnin' from April sevent tru da seventeent, an' it's called Escanaba in da Moonlight, an' it's written by dat actor Jeff Daniels. Ya know da guy - from Speed and Da Squid & da Whale and dat one wit da spiders? He's also a playwright, an' from what da critics say, he's got it made in da shade. In dere review of Escanaba, da Chicago Reader said dat "Daniels manages to be both politically incorrect and comedically accurate," and da Pittsburgh City Paper wrote dat da show's "a goofy, hilarious visit with people from up nort' over by Canada," wit characters dat are "so funny because they're real and don't know they're funny." How's dat fer ya den?
Anyhow, da play's about a clan-a Yoopers in nortern Michigan, especially da forty-tree-year-old Reuben Soady, who's gonna be da town disgrace if he don't shoot a buck by da close-a huntin' season. Dere's lots more stuff dat happens, too - family squabbles, an' spiritual remedies made wit moose testicles, an' sightin's-a God an' UFOs an' such - an' wit da cast featurin' John VanDeWoestyne an' Don Faust (bote pitchered) an' Jonatan Grafft an' udders, you know dere's gonna be lotsa laughs in da latest play by dem Richmond Hill Players.
So why dontcha call da teatre at (309)944-2244, or visit dere Web site at RHPlayers.com, and reserve yerself some tickets for dis ting, eh? I should tell ya in advance, dough, dat if yer annoyed by dis Yooper dialect-a mine, yer gonna be in fer a long, long night, ya know?
Literature
Janaka Stucky
Midwest Writing Center
Friday, April 1
Get ready to meet
Acclaimed Boston-based poet
Janaka Stucky.
He'll be reading at
The Midwest Writing Center
On April the first,
Sharing poems that
Were published in Cannibal,
Free Verse, Fence, and VOLT.
Stucky's the founder
And Managing Editor
Of Black Ocean Press,
And he's also a
Performance artist with the
Black Cat Burlesque Troupe.
The author of a
Chapbook titled Your Name Is
The Only Freedom,
Stucky's poetry
Is rich, evocative, and
Sometimes rather dark -
Believe it or not,
He's been licensed to work as
An undertaker -
And his command of
Language is altogether
Exhilarating.
Anyone wanting
To experience the man's
Literary gifts
Won't want to miss this
National Poetry Month
Kick-off event. So:
Read Stucky's works, and
Stop wasting your time counting
Haiku syllables.
Janaka Stucky reads at 7 p.m., and limited-edition broadsides featuring his poem "Bask in the Eternal Flame of the Eye of the Immortal" - with artwork by our area's Alexander Iaccarino - will be available for $10. For more information on the night, call (563)324-1410 or visit MidwestWritingCenter.org.
Theatre
Shout!
Prospect Park Auditorium
Thursday, March 31, through Sunday, April 3
To Sir, with love ...
I heard that Quad City Music Guild is staging the exuberant, swinging-'60s revue Shout! from March 31 through April 3, and I just don't know what to do with myself.
You don't have to say you love me, but you're my world, and all I see is you. I tell the boys 'round every corner that while diamonds are forever, I only want to be with you. But how can you tell the son of a preacher man, "I couldn't live without your love"?
I'm wishin' and hopin' to be goin' back downtown, where we first met, and where you told me, "England swings, but don't sleep in the subway. ... I know a place." From then on - one two three! - I was your puppet on a string. Oh, those were the days!
So while these boots are made for walkin', don't give up on me - shout my name, and I'll be your Georgy Girl again.
Who am I?
Why everyone knows it's
Windy
For tickets to director Tom Vaccarro's mod musical Shout! - and the chance to hear the 27 aforementioned songs performed by Chris Castle, Lisa Kahn, Sarah Walker Lounsberry, Jackie Madunic, and others - call (309)762-6610 or visit QCMusicGuild.com.
Comedy
David Sedaris
Adler Theatre
Thursday, April 7, 8 p.m.
In the mood for a good cry? Check out the guy who's performing at Davenport's Adler Theatre on April 7. He'll get you weeping, all right. With laughter.
David Sedaris - the Grammy Award-nominated humorist and bestselling author - is set to share his uniquely skewered views on modern life, and his own life, with Quad Cities audiences. And as anyone who's enjoyed Sedaris' writings, National Public Radio spots, and hilarious Santaland Diaries play can attest, this internationally renowned, much-imitated-but-never-
If you're a fan, you likely have a bunch of favorite Sedaris-isms at your fingertips. But how well-acquainted are you with their origins? Let's find out. Try matching the Sedaris quote with the book or story collection you'll find it in.
1) "All of us take pride and pleasure in the fact that we are unique, but I'm afraid that when all is said and done, the police are right: It all comes down to fingerprints."
2) "'I hate you,' she said to me one afternoon. 'I really, really hate you.' Call me sensitive, but I couldn't help but take it personally."
3) "Boys who spent their weekends making banana nut muffins did not, as a rule, excel in the art of hand-to-hand combat."
4) "A zoo is a good place to make a spectacle of yourself, as the people around you have creepier, more photogenic things to look at."
5) "If you're looking for sympathy, you'll find it between 'shit' and 'syphilis' in the dictionary."
6) "In terms of emotional comfort, it was our belief that no amount of physical contact could match the healing powers of a well-made cocktail."
A) Barrel Fever: Stories & Essays
B) Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim
C) Holidays on Ice
D) Me Talk Pretty One Day
E) Naked
F) When You Are Engulfed in Flames
For tickets to David Sedaris' Adler engagement, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Answers: 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - F, 5 - A, 6 - E. Don't tell Sedaris, but I'm totally stealing that last one for my tombstone.
What Else Is Happenin'...?
MUSIC
Friday, April 1 - The Ragbirds. Folk-rock and roots musicians performing for the venue's fifth-anniversary celebration. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m., with the Ragbirds leading a free drum workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
Friday, April 1 - Bobby Hendricks' Drifters & The Marvelettes. 1950s- and '60s-themed concert featuring such hits as "Under the Boardwalk" and "Please, Mr. Postman." Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $15-20. For tickets and information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.
Saturday, April 2 - Cody Canada & the Departed. Alt-country concert with members of Cross Canadian Ragweed and Stoney Larue, featuring an opening set by Chicago Farmer. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. $15-20. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, April 2 - Knox College Jazz Ensemble with the Julian Lage Group. Galesburg-based musicians and famed guitarist/composer Lage perform in the final concert of the annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 5 p.m. $12-16. For tickets and information, call (309)341-7265 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Sunday, April 3 - Iowa Blues Challenge Final Round. Thirty-minute sets with the Blunt Trauma Blues Band, the Candymakers, the High Cotton Blues Band, and Trouble No More, with the winners earning the right to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Thursday, April 7 - Air Supply. Multi-platinum-selling pop legends in concert. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $20-30. For tickets and information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.
Friday, April 8 - Manny Lopez & His Big Band. Lopez and his 13-piece ensemble performing favorites from such legendary artists as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Henry Mancini, and Stan Kenton. The Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, April 8 - Raise the Roof for Youth Gilda's Club Fundraiser. Fundraiser for Noogieland, the program for children and teens affected by a cancer diagnosis, with performances by the Milltown Wranglers, Orangadang, and Just Chords. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 6 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
Saturday, April 9 - David Allan Coe. Concert with the chart-topping country musician. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $20-25. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Sunday, April 10 - Quad City Singers. The area performers present a concert with the Rock Island High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Lori Potts and Scott Voigt. Fifteenth Avenue Christian Church (3600 15th Avenue, Rock Island). 4 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)721-8868 or e-mail jagusah5@yahoo.com.
Sunday, April 10 - Los Lonely Boys. Concert with the multi-platinum-selling blues and roots musicians. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25-35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Thursday, March 31, through Saturday, April 2 - The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged). Comedic nods to all of the Bard's plays, presented in under two hours. Black Hawk College - Building 1, Room 306 (6600 34th Avenue, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $4 at the door. For information, contact director Tom Naab at (309)796-5381 or naabt@bhc.edu.
Thursday, March 31, through Sunday, April 17 - Art. Yasmina Reza's Tony Award-winning three-man comedy. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Thursdays and Sundays 3 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. $17.50-27. For tickets and information, call (800)352-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, April 1 - Universes: Ameriville. Tales of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina told as an old-time variety show, in a Hancher Auditorium presentation. E.C. Mabie Theatre - University of Iowa Theatre Building (200 North Riverside Drive). 7:30 p.m. $10-35. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, April 1, through Sunday, April 17 - The Syringa Tree. Pamela Gien's Apartheid-era drama, with Saffron Henke portraying 24 characters. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m. $12-26. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Saturday, April 2 - Route 66. Roger Bean's music revue of beloved tunes from the '50s and '60s. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Thursday, April 7, through Saturday, April 16 - Agnes of God. John Pielmeier's famed dramatic mystery about a nun accused of murdering a newborn. Scott Community College Student Life Center - Room 2400 (500 Belmont Road, enter through Door #5). Thursdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m. $7 at the door. For information, e-mail sflanigin@eicc.edu.
Friday, April 8, through Sunday, April 17 - Romeo & Juliet. The Prenzie Players' take on William Shakespeare romantic tragedy, directed by Kristin and Tracy Skaggs. The Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Sunday, April 17: 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. performance; Sunday, April 10: 1:30 p.m. doors, 2 p.m. performance. Post-show discussion with cast and crew following the opening-night show. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)278-8426 or visit PrenziePlayers.com.
Friday, April 8, through Saturday, April 23 - Speed-the-Plow. The Curtainbox Theatre Company's presentation of David Mamet's movie-industry comedy, directed by Kimberly Furness. The Village Theatre (2113 East 11th Street, Village of East Davenport). Thursdays through Saturdays and Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 3 p.m. $12-20. Previews on April 8 ($10 per person) and April 9 ($20 per person fundraising performance). For tickets and information, call (563)322-8504 or visit TheCurtainbox.com.
Saturday, April 9 - Arlene Malinowski. Solo performance with the actor/playwright, here as the final Quad City Arts Visiting Artist of the season. Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall (3520 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Monday, April 11 - The Exonerated. Staged reading of Erik Jensen's and Jessica Blank's play about death-row inmates found to be innocent, followed by a discussion about the social, political, and economic costs of incarceration. St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center (518 W. Locust Street, Davenport). 6 p.m. Free. For information, call (563)333-6253.
COMEDY
Friday, April 1 - John Waters: This Filthy World. A rapid-fire, one-man vaudeville act with the cult-film legend, celebrating his movie career and joyously appalling taste. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $20-75. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, April 8 - Comedy for a Cause 2: Stand Up to Diabetes. Fundraiser for the Eastern Iowa branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, featuring headliners Colin Ryan and the Tuttle Twins, and area performers Brandon Gale, David Rotz, Chris Starman, Jim Petersen, Trish Mathias, David Casas, and Tom Pearce. Uptown Neighborhood Bar & Grill (2340 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $10-15. For information, call (563)528-5465 or visit Facebook.com/DubStarQC.
ART
Friday, April 1 - Gallery Hop! Spring showcase of local and regional artisans in various galleries, restaurants, and District hot spots, featuring demonstrations, artworks for sale, live music, and more. The District of Rock Island. 5-9 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
LITERATURE
Tuesday, April 12 - Kimberla Lawson Roby. Discussion and book-signing with the bestselling author of Casting the First Stone, Here & Now, and Behind Closed Doors. Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street, Moline). 6:30 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)524-2470 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
MOVIES
Tuesday, April 12 - America's Natural Wonders. A screening in the museum's World Adventure Series, featuring a post-film Q&A with filmmaker Bob DeLoss. Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre (1717 West 12th Street, Davenport). 1, 4, and 7 p.m. $4-6. For tickets and information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
