New Ground is one of my favorite local theatre groups because it doesn't settle for slapstick comedies, cliché-filled scripts, or sappy dramas. Instead, the not-for-profit organization with the mission to "bring the best in contemporary and original theatre to the Quad Cities" does superb work living up to that goal. New Ground's upcoming show, Talley's Folly, the recipient of the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for drama, is certainly no exception to the "best theatre" rule and is perhaps one of the most unconventional, intriguing love stories I've ever seen on stage. The production opens August 26 and runs through September 5 at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf.
During last week's special meeting between Davenport's City Council and Levee Commission, Sixth Ward Alderman Bob McGivern declared that he wanted it made clear that the proposed casino hotel to be built on our downtown riverfront was in no way driving the Vision Iowa application currently in the works.
One thing that's certain about RIBCO is that metal doesn't play there. Well, that sentence is about to become obsolete, as the resurrection of the "Homegrown" local-music showcase at RIBCO features a new edge. The event's goal is to give an opportunity to bands that normally wouldn't be able to play the RIBCO stage.
I want to thank all those who have called, written, and e-mailed me to express your thoughts, support, and encouragement of our efforts to inform the public about the 11-story hotel/convention facility/parking ramp the Rhythm City Casino wants to erect on downtown Davenport's precious riverfront.
The scandal of the year is not about Jack Ryan's sex life. It's about an obscure little state board that appears to have gotten completely out of hand. You've probably never heard of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, at least until recently.
Longtime fans of Rod Piazza know that the pinnacle for the harmonica-player and leader of The Mighty Flyers came with 1994's Live at B.B. King's Blues Club. After all, what better way to capture the blistering showmanship of this band than with a live record? "It's kind of a hallmark album for me," Piazza said.
It wasn't about the sex. You might think Jack Ryan was forced out of the U.S. Senate race because the media found out that his ex-wife alleged that he had dragged her to kinky sex clubs on two continents.
From the beginning, I have been a strong supporter of gambling in Iowa. I believe that the financial structure of gaming licenses, which provides for a percentage of revenues to be set aside for community reinvestment, came when Iowa needed it most.
Interviewing Clarence Fountain is a bit like asking a question of a Magic 8 Ball. The answers are short, glib, and often contradictory. Fountain, the leader and one of the original members of the Blind Boys of Alabama (which was formed in 1939), is feisty, and his responses don't do justice to his music.
W.C. Clark is something of a legend in his native Austin, Texas, having been a key player in the integration of the blues scene, giving a boost to artists such as the fiery guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. But it wasn't until 2002 - after Clark dedicated himself to his music in a new way - that he started to get his due.

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