Why are dolls scary? What is the thrill and fascination with being scared that Halloween provides? Such questions and many others will be addressed at Davenport's German American Heritage Center on October 29 in the live lecture Unraveling the Mystery of Dolls: Thrills, Halloween, & Germany, with presenter Dr. Ellen M. Tsagaris explores why some people find dolls terrifying, as well as the origins of Halloween and Germany’s role in the holiday.

On November 1, in a special online program presented by Davenport's German American Heritage Center, author and historian Russell Baldner will speak on Martin Luther and His Seminal Translation of the New Testament, an illustrated lecture featuring a rich visual component from numerous Luther sites in Germany.

Lauded by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a "tribute to the transforming power of books" and by The Oregonian for its "memorable set pieces [that] illuminate the world around this subdued romantic triangle," Dai Sijie's 2002 Franco-Chinese film Balzac & the Little Chinese Seamstress will enjoy a November 2 screening at Davenport's Figge Art Museum, the romantic drama an awards nominee with the Golden Globes, the National Board of Review, and the Cannes Film Festival.

Presented as a partnership with the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, the October 28 screening of An Infantryman from Hero Street will find local Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films sharing their moving new documentary with patrons at the Davenport Public Library's Eastern Avenue branch, this fourth work in the Hero Street series followed by a question-and-answer session with the area talents.

In preparation for the spookiest night of the year, Davenport's Figge Art Museum will host a trio of special events from October 27 through 29, with the venue presenting Dark Delights Dinner & Movie on Friday, Mysteria, a Night of Secrets & Art on Saturday, and Tricks & Treats on Sunday in advance of downtown Davenport's annual Halloween parade.

With the film following the earnest but misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town's beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to kidnap Santa Claus and take over Christmas, Tim Burton's Oscar-nominated classic will enjoy renewed stage life in The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, the October 28 Adler Theatre event that finds the Quad City Symphony Orchestra performing every note of Grammy winner Danny Elfman's score live alongside a full screening of the 1993 movie.

Lauded by Paste magazine as an artist whose “remarkable repertoire” boasts compositions that are “intriguing and alluring,” acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter Keller Williams headlines an October 29 concert of rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass at Davenport's Redstone Room, the artist a “one-man jam band” whom AllMusic.com also deemed “an utterly unique performer whose musical eccentricities don't keep him from being immediately accessible.”

Performing in a special Chamber Music Quad Cities concert at Davenport's Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Parish Hall on October 29, violinist and former CMQC Artistic Director David Bowlin, cellist and CMQC Co-Artistic Director Gregory Sauer, and pianist Tony Cho will combine their talents for The Recital, the exhilarating classical program boasting music from composers Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Bela Bartók.

Currently touring in support of their third solo studio album Left Hand, a recording that Alternative Press Magazine said "feels so inherently true and authentic," pop and indie-folk artist Becca Mancari headlines an October 28 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, their August release also praised by The Line of Best Fit as a work in which "hushed vocals soar above airy synths, tropical guitar riffs, layered percussion, and undulating string sections."

Praised by Minneapolis Review for her "blues-inspired power vocals and pop melodies" as well as her "slow-burning soul jams," singer/songwriter Noah Vonne brings her fall tour to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on November 2, the Minneapolis Review also raving of the artist, "Her voice carries with confidence as she delivers a strong performance, set to grab the attention of anyone in the audience."

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