Music
Howie Day
The Redstone Room
Thursday, August 29, 7:30 p.m.
An award-winning, gold-certified recording artist will perform from his wide repertoire of originals and covers at the Redstone Room on August 29. That's a Thursday, but in honor of our area guest, let's just go ahead and call it Howieday.
Or, if you're more comfortable with a two-word spelling, Howie Day - which also happens to be the name of the Davenport venue's headlining, Los Angeles-based rock and pop musician. Born and raised in Brewer, Maine, the 32-year-old Day reportedly revealed his musical gifts early. Very early, as he was quickly enrolled in piano lessons when his mother heard him plunking TV jingles on the piano at age five. By age 13, Day's musical interests had shifted to vocals and the electric guitar, and by 17, he had already secured a gig that artists twice as old would envy, opening for the legendary Ziggy Marley at a concert held at the University of Maine.
Following a successful showcase at the National Association for Campus Activities Convention, Day secured four months of collegiate bookings and, in 2000, self-financed and released his debut album Australia. With the Boston Globe praising Day's "brave, beautiful singing voice," the CD went on to be named Best Debut Album at the 2001 Boston Music Awards, and eventually sold more than 30,000 copies.
With the release of Day's major-label debut, 2003's Stop All the World Now, the musician had a gold-certified album to his credit along with a pair of top-10 radio hits: "She Says" and "Collide," the latter of which achieved platinum-single status. And following the release of 2009's Sound the Alarm - with his songs also heard on such TV series as Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Cold Case, Bones, The Vampire Diaries, and One Tree Hill - Day's accolades and significant fan base have only continued to grow.
So be sure to catch the artist during his local set on August 29, and if you think you might wind up having just a li-i-itle too much fun that evening, be sure to tell your boss, in advance, that you're taking Friday morning off. Just say you're gonna be on Howieday ... and hope your boss thinks it's a speech impediment.
Howie Day performs with an opening set by Justin James, and more information on the evening is available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
Music
Truckfighters
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, August 23, 9 p.m.
The Swedish rockers of Truckfighters play a special concert at the Rock Island Brewing Company on August 23, and the outfit is composed of Ozo on bass and vocals, Dango on guitar, and Poncho on drums. I regret to inform you that despite the musicians' names, the names of past band members (Franco, Fredo, Frongo, Paco, Pedro, and Pezo), and the group's three albums all being released under the label Fuzzorama Records, the ensemble will not be performing a cover of 2012's Oscar-winning "Man or Muppet?"
Instead, Truckfighters' lineup of Oskar Cedermalm (Ozo), Niklas Källgren (Dango), and Andre Kvarnstrom (Poncho) plans to blow the roof off RIBCO's house with their soaring, raucous, psychedelic- and desert-rock stylings that have been compared to those of bands Dozer, Fu Manchu, and Kyuss, and that led Terrorizer magazine to state that the group puts "more rock energy into a single performance than a good portion of bands do into a career's worth of shows."
There's plenty more to add, from Truckfighters' performing of more than 400 live gigs across Australia, Europe, and North and South America to their rave reviews, such as the mentions of the group's "full spectrum of classic stoner-rock goodness" and "deft ability to create surprisingly lush arrangements" on the heavy-metal Web site LastRit.es. But really, don't you get everything you need to know from that kick-ass poster on the right? Let's just hope that unfortunate soul in the grill got LastRit.es, too.
Truckfighters' Friday-night concert begins with sets by Deepspacepilots and The Post Mortems, and further information on the concert is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Movie
Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of the VHS Collector
Rozz-Tox
Monday, August 26, 7 p.m.
As a movie fanatic who came of age in the 1980s and spent perhaps too much of his collegiate time watching Z-grade titles such as Surf Zombies Must Die and Mondo Magic, I was beyond stoked to learn that Rock Island's Rozz-Tox venue, on August 26, would be hosting a screening of the new documentary Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of the VHS Collector. I was even more stoked after I watched a screener of directors Dan Kinem's and Levi Peretic's effort, because this informative and fun-as-hell doc burrows so deeply, and entertainingly, into the subculture of VHS lovers that you can practically smell the magnetic tape.
Featuring interviews with more than 100 video retailers, filmmakers, and rabid fans of the format, the movie begins with a history of the rise and fall of VHS, from its earliest days on the market - a new machine in 1977 cost $500! - to its borderline obsolescence with the advent of DVD and other technological advances. ("Porn," says one former owner of a mom-and-pop video store, "could have kept us in business, but then the Internet killed that.") Yet after about 30 of the film's fast-moving 80 minutes, we start enjoying personal recollections and "Collectors Spotlights" with some of Kinem's and Peretic's interviewees, and this is when Adjust Your Tracking becomes not just enjoyable, but seriously touching; the film's subjects love VHS with a passion bordering on (and oftentimes crossing into) mania, and the movie appears to love its subjects just as much.
There's neither judgment nor satire in the film's clear-eyed, empathetic view of its video-hound talking heads, and the tales and experiences they share are both hilarious and surprisingly moving; one young man, with perfect sincerity, advocates the appreciation of VHS "like we appreciate our old War World I or World War II heroes." And when you add the filmmaking savvy, the instantly quotable sound bites (according to author Zack Carlson, a VHS lover is "an archaeologist of lowbrow culture"), and the discussion of titles that should shoot straight to the top of your must-see list - Zombie Versus Mardi Gras?! Bring it on! - Adjust Your Tracking emerges as what might be the definitive word on its subject, at least for fellow movie geeks like me. "It could be worse," says one videotape collector about his girlfriend's irritation at his hobby. "I mean, I could like sports."
Prior to the screening, which will have directors Kinem and Peretic in attendance for a post-film Q&A, Rozz-Tox will host a VHS swap for collectors, and admission to the event is free, though donations are encouraged. For more on the Adjust Your Tracking evening, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Music
KC & the Sunshine Band
Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center
Saturday, August 31, 8:30 p.m.
"Do you feel all right, baby? It seems like something's happening. Like I just got the red light."
"Oh, give it up, mister boogie shoes. It happens every night. You say my dancin' in the streets will make me a star and all that good stuff. But when I ask, 'Who do ya love?', you tell me, 'I will love you tomorrow.'"
"Please don't go, baby! Wrap your arms around me!"
"Will you love me in the morning? I'm so crazy 'bout you. I get lifted when you blow your whistle and sound your funky horn, and when you shake shake shake shake your booty. But you said you'd gimme some more - a higher love - and it's the same old song."
"But that's the way I like it! The way I like to do it! You know I'm your boogie man, so let's get down tonight!"
"If you wanna rock your baby, you gotta love me. Are you ready for this game of love?"
"Yes, I'm ready. I even got us tickets to the KC & the Sunshine Band concert at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center on August 31. I betcha didn't know that."
" ... Keep it comin', love ... ."
"They're playing with openers Smooth Groove, and we're even in the dance-pit area, so we can get our shotgun shuffle on!"
" ... "
"So whaddaya say? Do you wanna go party?"
"I'm a pushover! Let's go rock and roll!"
"Hey, don't run! Come back to me! The concert's not 'til Saturday, baby!"
KC & the Sunshine Band's outdoor, 8:30 p.m. concert on the levee opens with Smooth Groove's 6:15 p.m. set, and more information on the evening - and the chance to hear some of the headliners' 38 aforementioned songs - is available by calling (800)724-5825 or visiting Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Events
Adler Theatre
September through November
This fall, Davenport's Adler Theatre will present a bevy of special events showcasing the talents of recording stars, television stars, theatrical stars, and even a literary star. But looking at the events en masse, I realized that the Adler's autumn can boast an even rarer hook than its star-studded schedule already suggests. Consider: In addition to the considerable vocal talents of the 10-man a cappella ensemble Straight No Chaser (October 18), the venue will deliver the contemporary-country stylings of Grammy Award nominee Doug Stone (September 30), plus Christian pop with the touring artists who compose the Grammy-nominated Newsboys (October 19). American Pickers star Danielle Colby-Cushman brings her team of scantily-clad performers to the Adler in this fall's stage show Burlesque Le' Moustache: Headbanger's Ball (October 11), while additional TV personalities are on hand in the stand-up concert with comedian and Emmy Award-nominated talk-show host Craig Ferguson (October 12) and the touring version of a wildly popular, Emmy-nominated series - America's Got Talent Live (October 30). The Broadway at the Adler series begins its season of exceptional theatrical offerings with Memphis (October 28), the Great White Way smash that received four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical. And the area debut of the musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County (November 3) will not only treat Adler guests to a haunting tale of lust, jealousy, and the supernatural, but a collaborative effort among a trio of household names - its book is by horror author extraordinaire Stephen King, and its music and lyrics are by Grammy winners John Mellencamp and T-Bone Burnett, the latter of whom also won a Best Original Song Oscar for the movie Crazy Heart. Collectively, that means that the Davenport venue, this autumn, is hosting a lineup that can claim significant ties to the Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars - the Adler is this close to EGOT-ing, folks! Whoopi Goldberg had better watch her back! For more information on the Adler Theatre's events, visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Events
i wireless Center
August through November
Mallards and Eagles and Chris - oh, my! Okay, yeah, I hate that overplayed Wizard of Oz gag, too. But it's actually a fitting one when beginning to describe this fall's entertainment options at the i wireless Center, which is set to deliver more family fun, musical thrills, and excitement on ice than you can shake a hockey stick at. Goodness knows there'll be plenty of them available for shaking during the Moline venue's hosting of the Quad City Mallards' 2013-14 season, with puck-smacking ice-hockey enjoyment scheduled for October 19 and 26, and November 1, 2, 8, 9, 29, and 30. There may or may not be outdoor ice in the Quad Cities by November 23, but that night will definitely deliver a happy seasonal chill with the annual Holiday Pops presentation, featuring guest artists and the estimable talents of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. That event will also showcase performances by some of the area's finest youth vocalists, and area youths will no doubt be vocalizing their delight during the October 18 productions of Disney Junior Live: Pirate & Princess Adventure, an all-new stage show featuring Mickey, Minnie, and characters familiar from the hit Disney series Sofia the First and Jake & the Never Land Pirates. From the Disney pirates' charted seas, the i wireless Center takes us to the top of the charts with multi-platinum-selling recording artists Gary Allan and Sheryl Crow, whose "Free & Easy Tour" lands in Moline on October 17, and Chris Tomlin, whose October 25 concert will feature numerous selections from the Christian musician's recent smash Burning Lights. A group that's certainly familiar with smash hits, The Eagles are set to rock the Moline venue on October 21, and will take it to the limit with classics such as "Hotel California" and "New Kid in Town." And speaking of kids, you'll surely want to treat yours to the i wireless Center's Labor Day weekend extravaganza - and greatest show on Earth - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons, which has seven circus spectaculars scheduled between August 30 and September 2. That's right - there'll be literal lions and tigers and bears! "Oh, my!" indeed! For more on the i wireless Center's events, visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Music
Quad City Arts
September through November
This is by no means a requirement. But if you're planning to enjoy the exceptional musical events scheduled for the 2013-14 season of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series, you might want to get your passports updated immediately, because the Rock Island-based venue is planning to send its concertgoers all over the freakin' world. The global expedition begins at the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport with the September 14 performance by the Sottish folk artists of the Battlefield Band, who have been delivering traditional and modern Celtic tunes to audiences in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and North America for more than four decades running. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center will then host the second set of Quad City Arts Visiting Artists, with Brazilian music on the docket in the September 21 concert by Matuto, with the group's unorthodox blend of Afro-Brazilian percussion and American roots played by some of New York City's busiest and most technically accomplished improvisers. Asia is the destination for October 12's concert at Bettendorf's Redeemer Lutheran Church, where the Visiting Artists of Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble will thrill their audience with a classical mixture of strings, piano, and drums hailed as "vibrant" and "sophisticated" by the New York Times. And bringing things back to the U. S. of A., Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall is tentatively scheduled to host the November 10 performance by the violin, viola, cello, and bass musicians of Sybarite5, whose varied repertoire of everything from Mozart to Radiohead has, according to the group's press materials, delighted audiences at the Lincoln Center, the Aspen Music Festival, the Library of Congress ... and Manhattan's Museum of Sex. So maybe bring your passports and some penicillin. For more on Quad City Arts' 2013-14 Visiting Artist season, call (309)793-1213 or visit QuadCityArts.com.
Exhibits
Figge Art Museum
August through October
Ordinarily, when composing these seasonal articles on upcoming events at the Figge Art Museum, I get to spend my allotted space detailing two or three scheduled exhibitions. This fall, Figge staffers have no fewer than seven exhibits opening over an eight-week period. What are these people doing to me? Don't they know the titles alone are gonna eat up a huge chunk of my word-count?! My loss, however, is the gain of art lovers everywhere, so let's get cracking. On August 24, the Davenport venue will debut Colony: Figge, an interactive, collaborative effort pioneered by the FLUX Foundation, an Oakland, California-based not-for-profit created to engage people in designing and building large-scale public art. Two weekends later, the Figge will house the September 6 through 8 exhibition The Loving Kindness Tour, which boasts a collection of Buddha relics that has been displayed in more than 66 countries over the past 11 years. Beginning on September 14, museum visitors will be treated to the works of A New Deal for Illinois: The Federal Art Project Collection of Western Illinois University; among the notable artists highlighted are Archibald J. Motley Jr., Gertrude Abercrombie, Aaron Bohrod, and Romolo Roberti, who were prominent in innovative artistic movements of the 1930s such as precisionism, social realism, and surrealism. More surreality is sure to be on display starting September 26, when the Figge's Day of the Dead exhibit celebrates El Día de los Muertos through larger-than-life dolls and other expressionistic artworks. A special exhibition organized by the Smithsonian's American Art Museum begins its local viewing on September 28, with the sampling of Depression-era paintings gathered for 1934: A New Deal for Artists. Halloween - at least in the form of supernatural threats baring claws, horns, and wings - will arrive at the Figge early this year, when the art museum showcases works of the Middle Ages in the October 12 opening of Medieval Monsters. And finally, on October 19, the fall harvest will be celebrated with numerous paintings of fall harvesters - and the farmers who love them - in the Walter Haskell Hinton: Image Maker for Deere painting exhibition. Remember: Nothing runs like a Deere. Unless it's someone running from Medieval Monsters. For more on the Figge Art Museum's events, call (563)26-7804 or visit FiggeArt.org.
Events
Englert Theatre and Hancher Auditorium
August through November
As it's only an hour from the Quad Cities, it's both convenient and cool to occasionally head over to Iowa City for great live-entertainment options. But I've just checked out the fall schedule for the Englert Theatre and the Visiting Artists lineup for the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium, and now I'm forced to ask: Does anyone know of any Iowa City apartments available for sublet? Because otherwise my gasoline expenditures are gonna be ridiculous. Among the whopping 35 events scheduled for the Englert between August 23 and Thanksgiving, here's just a sampling of what's in store: the country-music stars of Steel Magnolia (August 22); the Grammy-winning rockers of Blues Traveler (August 28); a guitar master class and tribute concert with Dweezil Zappa (September 6); a night with New York Times puzzle master Will Shortz (September 11); the Queens-based hip-hop duo Mobb Deep (September 13); the famed impersonators of The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute (September 18); improv and sketch comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade (September 21); an evening with "Luka" and "Tom's Diner" chanteuse Suzanne Vega (September 28); the California rockers of Dawes (October 1); humorist and frequent This American Life contributor John Hodgman (October 4); folk duets performed by Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin (October 6); stand-up comedy with Bob Barker successor Drew Carey (October 18); the Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated stylings of Aimee Mann (October 19); the legendary Peter, Paul, & Mary musician Peter Yarrow (October 26); a concert with ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro (November 13); and laughs courtesy of Last Comic Standing's Kathleen Madigan (November 22). As for Hancher - whose Visiting Artists presentations will take place in numerous venues in and near Iowa City - its lineup should be literal music to our ears: blues guitarist Buddy Guy (September 13); Native American stylings with the Martha Redbone Roots Project (October 3); chamber offerings with the Jerusalem Quartet (October 10); jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon (November 8); and fiddler spouses Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy (November 22). Oh yeah, and Hancher's also hosting an evening with legendary comedienne Lily Tomlin (November 16). And that's the truth. Thbpbpthptpfftthpth. (That's Ask.com's spelling for blowing a raspberry. Like Tomlin's Edith Ann character did. YouTube it some time. It's priceless.) For more on the Englert Theatre's fall events, visit Englert.org; for more on Hancher Auditorium's fall schedule, visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Events
Family Presentations
October and November
Boy, when it comes to live entertainment geared specifically for them, today's kids have it so-o-o sweet. Just perusing through the children's section of our events calendar, I notice that between amphitheaters and local libraries and other area venues, there's something for the young uns to do practically every day of the week this fall. When I was a kid, you had to wait months for a youth-related event! And even then you had to walk to it! Uphill! Both wa - ... . Okay, that's a lie. But what's no lie is that this autumn will feature a bunch of fantastically fun stage happenings for children, and for adult chaperones who occasionally enjoy feeling like children. You certainly don't need to be a pre-teen to enjoy the magic of Disney, which will be displayed in the forthcoming presentations of Disney Junior Live: Pirate & Princess Adventure, taking place October 18 at Moline's i wireless Center and October 19 at the Peoria Civic Center. Fairytales also have tremendous appeal for audiences of all ages, and this fall brings with it Davenport Junior Theatre's presentation of Cinderella (October 5 through 13) and the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's A Fairy Tale Christmas (November 29 through December 28), the latter featuring Cinderella and Snow White and a number of other characters of storybook legend. Another legend - and a spoo-o-o-oky one - will be on hand with Amana's Old Creamery staging of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (October 19 through November 2), with the venue also delivering a storybook tale in its family musical The Velveteen Rabbit (November 30 through December 21). And popular kids' movies get their stage equivalents in a trio of family-musical entertainments this autumn: the Peoria Civic Center's adaptation of the Will Ferrell holiday comedy Elf (November 5 and 6); Theatre Cedar Rapids' take on Miracle on 34th Street (November 29 through December 15); and Circa '21's eagerly awaited staging of a holiday perennial in A Christmas Story: The Musical (November 6 through January 5). But with that last one, if there are peas on the buffet, please make sure your kids are careful with their straws. We don't want anyone shooting their eye out. For more - many, many more - activities for youths this fall, visit the Reader's Kids Calendar.
What Else Is Happenin'... ? : Thursday, August 22, through Wednesday, September 4
MUSIC
Thursday, August 22 - Steel Magnolia. Concert with the season-two winners of CMT's Can You Duet? Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $16-18. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, August 23 - Shel. Alternative folk and pop musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, August 23 - Mary Gauthier & Wylie Hubbard. Folk singers/songwriters in a concert co-sponsored by the Englert Theatre. The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, August 24 - Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Concert of hits performed by the rhythm section, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, from Creedence Clearwater Revival. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 9 p.m. $25-55. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Wednesday, August 28 - Blues Traveler. Grammy Award-winning blues-rock musicians in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org. For a 2011 interview with Blues Traveler's Chan Kinchla, visit RCReader.com/y/traveler.
Friday, August 30 - William Elliott Whitmore. Outdoor concert with the singer/songwriter, featuring opening sets by American Dust and Chris Coleslaw. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). $12-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or RIBCO.com.
Friday, August 30 - The Nighthawks. Blues and roots-rock musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $12-15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, August 30, and Saturday, August 31 - The Travoltas. Outdoor concerts with the touring pop and disco musicians, with guests Funktastic Five on Saturday and Terry & the Loan Sharks on Sunday. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). $10-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or RIBCO.com.
Saturday, August 31 - A Damn Good Time: Volume 5. Variety show of rock, reggae, hip hop, comedy, DJs, dancers, juggling, and more, hosted by Masterpeace Productions. River Music Experience (131 West Second Street). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Sunday, September 1 - Joe Diffie. Grammy-winning, chart-topping country star in concert. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $17-33. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Wednesday, September 4 - John Scofield Überjam Band. Concert with the modern-jazz guitarist and his ensemble. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24 - Anything Goes. Cole Porter's musical-comedy classic performed by a 16-piece orchestra, with dance numbers by Nolte Academy students. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. $12-22. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit Coralville Arts.org.
Thursday, August 29, through Saturday, September 7 - Stop Kiss. Diana Son's GLAAD Award-winning drama, presented by Fourth Room Theatre. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Thursdays, Fridays, and September 7 - 8 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit Coralville Arts.org.
EVENTS
Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25 - Tribute to Our Fallen. Weekend salute to military veterans, featuring the Illinois and Iowa Traveling Memorial Walls, guest speakers, concerts, flag-raising ceremonies, a Sunday worship service, and more. Davenport Memorial Park (1022 East 39th Street). Friday 7 p.m. gates, Saturday 9 a.m. gates, Sunday 10 a.m. gates. For information, visit TTOFQC.weebly.com.
Friday, August 23 - Pints for Preservation. Sample beer, wine, and spirits from 10 outdoor stations in a roving-cocktail-party fundraiser. Niabi Zoo (13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley). 6 p.m. $30-35. For tickets and information, visit NiabiZoo.com.
Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25 - Antique Tractor Show. Annual outdoor event featuring featuring a petting zoo, rope-making, a gator raffle, pedal tractors, a tractor ride-around, wagon rides, and more. Village of East Davenport. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit VillageOfEastDavenport.com.
Sunday, August 25 - QC Ride for the Cure. Sixth-annual fun run benefiting Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities, with a silent auction, 50/50, raffle, and more. Milan Community Center (2701 First Street East, Milan). 9 a.m. $15/vehicle, $10/passenger. For information and to register, visit GildasClubQC.org.
Friday, August 30, through Monday, September 2 - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons. Arena staging of the all-new circus spectacular. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m., Sunday 1 and 5 p.m., Monday 1 p.m. $13-66. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1 - Rock Island Grand Prix. Annual kart-racing event through the District streets, with vendors, activities, and more. The District of Rock Island. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RockIslandGrandPrix.com.
Sunday, September 1, and Monday, September 2 - Village Fall Festival. Period-attired "Friends of the Village" demonstrate crafts and sell their wares in an event featuring children's games, make-it-and-take-it crafts, and music by John & Kay Retzl on Sunday and Johnny Outlaw on Monday. Walnut Grove Pioneer Village (18817 290th Street, Long Grove). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $1-2. For information, call (563)328-3283 or visit ScottCountyIowa.com.
