Scott H. Biram, photo by John Pesina
Music
Scott H. Biram / Rock Island Brewing Company / Tuesday, June 7, 8 p.m.
Blues, roots, punk, country, and heavy-metal musician Scott H. Biram – a.k.a. The Dirty Old One Man Band – performs at the Rock Island Brewing Company on June 7. NoDepression.com writes that Biram’s discography “is loaded with the kind of wild-eyed blues explosions that spark 4 a.m. stabbings at bathtub-gin joins.” AmericanSongwriter.com states, “Scott Biram has enough of the devil in him to sound like a full group playing in Hell.” Exclaim.ca calls the artist’s latest album Nothin’ but Blood “religious music for people who are too drunk and high to give a damn what God may think.”
Which means, if you’ve already read this week’s article on The Whistles & the Bells creator Bryan Simpson, he and Biram have in common ... absolutely nothing at all.
Well, okay – not nothing. Both musicians were born in Texas. Both play guitar. Both have forged extremely successful solo careers. And Biram himself is no stranger to non-secular tunes; in addition to the original recording “Gotta Get to Heaven,” Nothin’ but Blood boasts the artist’s distinct takes on the traditional gospel number “John the Revelator” and even “Amazing Grace.” But Biram is likely the only one of the two who’d agree to pose for his latest album’s cover half-submerged in a river of blood, to say nothing of being the only one who’d follow Kris Kristofferson at a SXSW festival and tell the crowd, “They said that was a hard act to follow. I’m a hard act to follow, motherf---er!”
After being a member of punk band The Thangs and a pair of bluegrass bands – Bluesgrass Drive-By and Scott Biram & the Salt Peter Boys – in the 1990s, Biram released his 2000 solo effort This Is Kingbury?, the first of five albums recorded under his own label KnuckleSandwich Records. He followed those with 2002’s Preachin’ & Hollerin’ and 2003’s Lo-Fi Mojo, after which his career, and his life, threatened to end when Biram was hit head-on by an 18-wheeler going 75 miles per hour. The musician suffered from a broken arm, foot, femur, and knee, had metal rods and pins placed in all of his broken bones, and was forced to have one-and-a-half feet of his intestines removed.
One month later, though, he was on-stage at Austin’s Continental Club playing a hard-rocking set in a wheelchair, and with an IV attached to his arm. If that’s not enough to make you add “Amazing Grace” to your repertoire, I don’t know what is. Unless, of course, it’s the throngs of fans who’ve thrilled to your performances, as the list of countries on Biram’s international tours includes Frances, Belgium, Austria, Serbia, Scotland, Iceland, and Denmark. Or the support of fellow musical giants, given Biram’s festival appearances alongside everyone from Willie Nelson Def Leppard to Mötley Crüe.
Or, perhaps, it’s the continued acclaim of reviewers such as those writing for the aforementioned Web sites, as well as the gentleman who, in 2012, called Biram “a hypnotic performer” capable of delivering “a galloping guitar workout that shows Biram’s skills in DIY production and arrangement.” That’s River Cities’ Reader praise by my editor Jeff Ignatius. Don’t you love it when you can get your boss to do your work for you?
Scott H. Biram performs in Rock Island with an opening set by Harvest Sons, and more information on the June 7 concert is available by calling (309)793-1999 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
The Whistles & the Bells / Daytrotter / Thursday, June 2, 8 p.m.
The Whistles & the Bells, which headlines the June 2 concert at Davenport’s Daytrotter venue, is the solo project of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Bryan Simpson, and according to Amy Marino of the University of Alabama newspaper The Crimson White, “If Jack White, alt-J, Modest Mouse, and Mars Volta had a baby, it would be named The Whistles & the Bells.” I’m frankly relieved that all those musicians never did procreate, because the baby’s full name would then have been “The Whistles & the Bells White-J-Mouse-Volta,” and that’s being just cruel to a kid.
But Marino’s description certainly gives a sense of the wide-ranging appeal of Simpson’s musical endeavor, even if it also sidesteps a fundamental truth about The Whistles & the Bells’ stylistic leanings: They’re not just alt-rock; they’re proudly spiritual, even non-secular, alt-rock.
Those familiar with Simpson’s songwriting credits know that he has several country smashes to his name, having co-written Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Just Hold on” and Tim McGraw’s “Better Than I Used to Be,” both of which hit the top 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and Joe Nichols’ “Yeah,” which climbed to number one. As a performer, though, he co-founded and played mandolin for the progressive bluegrass ensemble Cadillac Sky, all three of whose albums landed in the top five of Billboard’s bluegrass charts before Simpson abruptly left the group in 2010.
Many were surprised by the move, especially considering that Cadillac Sky, when Simpson departed the band, was only days away from a national tour opening for Mumford & Sons. As he explained to DFW.com, however, the musician was responding not only to the group “heading down a slippery slope,” but to a “spiritual and emotional shift that happened within me” that led to years of profound soul-searching. It also, eventually, led to the release of The Whistles & the Bells’ self-titled 2014 debut, described on its Web site (TheWhistlesAndTheBells.com) as a “sonic mélange of rock, folk, blues, bluegrass, country, jazz, and gospel.”
As Simpson states on the album’s liner notes, “May this music draw us all ever closer to truth in love. I pray this be a pleasing offering to my King. 2 Cor 3:5.” Yet as PopMatters.com’s review states, “You’re in for a big surprise if you think, after reading such notes, that the album is going to sound like predictable Christian rock.” The site goes on to call The Whistles & the Bells “a moving, musical religious story” that “seems like it’s going to plumb familiar pop terrain but surprises in its blues-based rock, electric-guitar leads, and surreal lyrics.” And additional reviews have been just as effusive.
Music Times’ Kim Jones called the work “raw yet refined, excitingly new yet oddly familiar.” Stereotonic’s Christopher Tobias described it as “downright intriguing, personal, and honest,” adding, “The music is killer ... . [It] rocks a category all its own.” And the reviewer for NoDepression.com, going by the alias HeartBeatTrue Radio, mentioned that he/she listened to the album for free on NoiseTrade.com, but that “you can pay for the music by leaving a ‘tip,’” and “I listened to The Whistles & the Bells so many times I just had to pay for it.” For those of you feeling similar about having read my articles for free for the past 21 years, don’t feel similarly guilty. I do accept credit cards.
The Whistles & the Bells performs locally with opening sets by Paul Spring and Adam Torres, and more information on the June 2 event is available by visiting Daytrotter.com.
Theatre
Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike / Richmond Hill Barn Theatre / Thursday, June 2, through Sunday, June 12
“It’s a hard life, isn’t it, my dear niece?”
“It is, Uncle. It is.”
“And it feels like we’ve been sitting at this table forever.”
“It does, Uncle. It does.”
“Maybe we should leave the estate.”
“Leave ... the estate?! And go where?!”
“I thought we could venture into town. Take in a play.”
“Oh, but Uncle, there’s so much work to do ... .”
“Just for a night. There’s a new production at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Barn Theatre. It’s title is Vanya – ”
“Why ... that’s your name!”
“ – & Sonia – ”
“And that’s my name!”
“ – & Masha & Spike. It’s a comedy by Christopher Durang, one of the most brilliant satirists in contemporary theatre, and it won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.”
“A comedy? Aren’t those rather silly things?”
“They are, and I hear Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike is delightfully silly! It’s about a pair of relatives who spend day after day at their rustic family home reflecting on their lost loves and dashed dreams and empty futures ... .”
“Just like us!”
“Er ... yes. But then their world is thrown upside-down with the arrival of another relative, Masha – an egomaniacal movie star who shows up with her much-younger boyfriend Spike and engages the clan in all manner of comic mayhem.”
“Do people enjoy this play?”
“They certainly do! Durang’s Chekhovian spoof, which originally starred Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde-Pierce, ran on Broadway for more than 200 performances, and critics loved it as much as audiences. The New York Times, for instance, described it as a ‘sunny new play about gloomy people’ with ‘plenty to make you laugh,’ and Variety magazine called it ’a hilarious mash-up ... brainy and witty and clever and cute.’”
“Oh, I don’t know, Uncle ... .”
“But Richmond Hill’s production is being directed and designed by the talented Jennifer Kingry, whose long list of venue credits includes The Spitfire Grill, A Nice Family Gathering, and Around the World in 80 Days! And her cast boasts the excellent Tom Vaccaro, Jackie Skiles, Heidi Hamer, Victor Angelo, A.J. Evans, and Pamela Briggs!”
“Yes, but ... .”
“Plus, there’s a costume party with everyone dressed as characters from Snow White!”
“Yes, but ... .”
“And a housekeeper with a voodoo doll!”
“Yes, but ... .”
“And a hunky young man who can’t stop taking his clothes off!”
“What time is the play?”
Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)944-2244 or visiting RHPlayers.com.
What Else Is Happenin’ …?
MUSIC
Friday, May 27 – Under the Streetlamp. An evening of classic hits from the American Radio Songbook with the four-part ensemble. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $25. For tickets and information, call (563)441-7000 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Friday, May 27 – The Goddamn Gallows. Concert with the rock and Americana musicians, featuring opening sets by Calamity Cubes and Curio. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, May 27 – The Milk Carton Kids. Grammy-nominated alternative and indie-folk musicians in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25-40. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, May 28 – The Purple Party: DJ Tribute to Prince. Tribute event featuring DJ GMJ and hosted by DJ Dhodge, with a Prince lookalike contest, screened scenes from Prince’s movies, and more. Col Ballroom (1012 West Fourth Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $5-15. For tickets and information, call (563)508-2893 or visit LegendaryColBallroom.com.
Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 – The Travoltas. Annual outdoor Memorial Day-weekend concerts with the pop and disco performers, with an opening set by Blackstone on Saturday and ’90s Daughter on Sunday. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com. 6 p.m. gates, 8 p.m. concerts. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, May 28 – Riothorse Royale. Concert with indie-rock duo Madi Diaz and Emily Greene. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, visit Daytrotter.com.
Thursday, June 2 – DJ noDJ. House, dubstep, and hip hop with the six-piece ensemble. Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8:30 p.m. $9.50-12. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, June 2 – Bat House. Concert with the Boston-based psych-rock quartet, featuring an opening set by Burden the Bear. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5 – Choral Dynamics: Rockin’ Road Trip. Galesburg’s vocal ensemble performs hits from the Beatles, the Doobie Brothers, Rascal Flatts, the Beach Boys, and others in a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Galesburg. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $7.50-15, ages 12 and under free. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit GalesburgOrpheum.org.
Monday, June 6 – C.W. Stoneking. A Moeller Mondays Presents concert with the Australian blues singer/songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player, featuring opening sets by The Lowest Pair and Brett Harris. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $5-10. For tickets and information, visit Daytrotter.com.
Wednesday, June 8 – Oh Wonder. A Codfish Hollow Barnstormers concert with London-based alt-pop musicians Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West. Codfish Hollow Barn (5013 288th Avenue, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $23-25. For tickets and information, visit CodfishHollowBarnstormers.com.
Wednesday, June 8 – Amy Lowe. A Music on the Lawn concert with the award-winning singer/songwriter/storyteller. Deere-Wiman Carriage House (817 11th Avenue, Moline). 6:30 p.m. Free. For information, call 309-743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.
THEATRE
Thursday, June 2, through Sunday, June 12 – The Odd Couple. Season-opening production of Neil Simon’s Tony-winning comedy. Clinton Showboat (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Thursday, June 2, through Sunday, June 2 – Gypsy. Season-opening production of the Tony-winning show-business musical, directed by James Beaudry. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 2 p.m. $17-25. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Thursday, June 2, through Sunday, June 26 – Million Dollar Quartet. Tony-winning musical about a recording session between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 2 p.m. $12-30. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
DANCE
Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5 – Ballet Under the Stars. Ballet Quad Cities’ annual outdoor presentation of dance vignettes. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, call (309)786-3779 or visit BalletQuadCities.com.
COMEDY
Wednesday, June 1 – Jim Florentine. An evening of stand-up with the comedian of Crank Yankers and That Metal Show fame, with additional sets by James Draper, Donny Townsend, and Luke Swanson. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
VISUAL ARTS
Saturday, May 28, through Sunday, September 4 – Picturing the Prairie. Landscape art in a variety of media by artists including Terry Evans, Jin Lee, Mary Merkel Hess, George Olson, Randy Richmond, and Radim Schrieber. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Saturday, May 28, through Sunday, August 28 – Masterpieces of 20th Century: Art from the Mary Musser Gilmore Collection. Exhibit featuring works by European masters such as Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and Matisse. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 museum admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5 – Iowa Arts Festival. Annual outdoor event featuring a juried fine-art show, live entertainment on three stages, a beverage garden, a culinary row, children’s activities, and more. Downtown Iowa City. Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For information, visit SummerOfTheArts.org.
EVENTS
Monday, May 30 – Quad Cities Criterium. Fifty-first-annual bicycling event sponsored by the Quad Cities Bicycle Club featuring adult and youth races, vendors, and more. Village of East Davenport. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For information, visit QuadCitiesCriterium.com.
Saturday, June 4 – 7 Sins Sideshow. An evening with the touring stage-circus performers, appearing with special guests IC Kings and Bottom’s Up Burlesque. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, June 4 – Make-a-Wish Illinois Walk for Wishes. Annual fundraising event featuring one- and two-mile fun walks, live music, refreshments, costume contests, and more. Ben Butterworth Memorial Parkway (3000 River Drive, Moline). 8 a.m. Free registration. For information, visit WalkRunWish.org.
