Music
Golden State - Lone Star Revue
The Muddy Waters
Monday, August 12, 7 p.m.
Blues sensations Mark Hummel, "Little Charlie" Baty, and Anson Funderburgh will bring their Golden State - Lone Star Revue to Bettendorf's The Muddy Waters on August 12, their touring blues outfit described in press materials as "a cross-country meeting of the minds between California and Texas musicians." And what musical minds!
With three Blues Music Award nominations and 17 albums to his credit, the West Coast-based blues-harmonica player Hummel is a recognized maestro of Delta blues, Chicago blues, and swing, and has spent more than three decades performing with his group Mark Hummel & the Blues Survivors, who've headlined such events as the San Francisco and Chicago blues festivals.
"Little Charlie" Baty is the former leader and guitarist for Little Charlie & the Nightcats, which Baty founded in 1976 while still a student at the University of California at Berkeley. Yet his fierce guitar skills continue to be well-documented even after his 2008 "soft retirement" from the group, with Guitar World magazine raving, "Baty's straight blues playing is eye-popping ... . He stretches solos to the breaking point, skittering on the edge, where one wrong note will bring the whole thing crashing down."
As for the third bluesman in the Golden State - Lone Star Revue, he has been the guitarist and bandleader for his ensemble Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets since 1978, received several W.C. Handy Awards for his Change in My Pocket CD, and has also been the beneficiary of raves, with Blues Revue calling him "a musician's musician" who "makes sure the songs both breathe and burn."
So didn't miss these fantastic musicians in their August 12 gig. After all, without Mark Hummel, "Little Charlie" Baty, and Anson Funderburgh, you can't spell "Get out and hear truly real blues, man!" (Totally true. And I totally spent too much time figuring that out.)
For information on Bettendorf's Golden State - Lone Star Revue concert, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
[August 8 Editor's note: An earlier version of this article mistakenly had the musicians also playing Martini's on the Rock on August14; the piece has been altered with the updated information, and we apologize for the error.]
Music
Black Taxi
Rozz-Tox
Friday, August 9, 9 p.m.
On August 9, the Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox will host a special evening with the New York City-based musicians of Black Taxi, whose infectious, upbeat, party-rock style has been dubbed "dance punk." I've actually heard that expression before, but only when it was directed at me by mean guys with pistols during my one visit to an old-timey saloon, so I'd rather not talk about it.
Composed of guitarist Bill Mayo, bass player Krisana Soponpong, drummer Jason Holmes, and Ezra Huleatt - whose list of credited instruments includes trumpet, keyboard, glockenspiel, and megaphone (!) - Black Taxi was formed in Brooklyn in 2007, and the artists' outfit has quickly established itself as one of NYC's most consistently popular bands, performing sold-out sets at venues all along the East Coast.
A sampling of snippets from the group's reviews helps explain why. After the release of the EPs Mobius Strip in 2007 and Untitled, 2008 in (understandably enough) 2008, Black Taxi released its debut CD Things of That Nature in 2009, and found instant support in the New York-based music magazine The Deli, which wrote, "If New York's music scene were summed up in two words, they would be 'Black Taxi.' Kind of dirty, a little pop-y, and very danceable, these Brooklyn-ites fashion some of the most undeniably contagious music around ... songs of unmatched addictiveness."
And the raves continued with Black Taxi's sophomore effort We Don't Know Any Better. Awarding the album four out of four stars, SputnikMusic.com called it "a brilliant hybrid of the best indie pop that the past decade has had to offer," and applauded the 2012 release for "showcasing the rapid progression of this excellent group of musicians, and displaying just why they're one of the most exciting bands currently doing the rounds." Audio Arsenal Magazine, meanwhile, made its case for Black Taxi's "incredible" CD even more succinctly: "If you're looking for a fantastic feel-good album, then this is definitely for you."
With the band's style likened to that of Talking Heads, Daft Punk, and Cake, Rozz-Tox visitors are sure to have a blast during Black Taxi's Friday-night set. Be prepared, though, as the BlackTaxi.com Web site promises "a raucous stage show heavy on harmonies, spitfire guitar licks, body paint ... ."
So bring your dancing shoes and, if you're planning on sitting close to the group, your tarp to Rock Island, with more information on Black Taxi's concert available by calling (309)200-0978 or visiting RozzTox.com.
Event
Colonel's Croquet Party
Arsenal Island Quarters One & Colonel Davenport House
Saturday, August 17, 2 p.m.
"Fo-o-o-o-o-o-ore!"
That's my subtle way of building excitement for the upcoming Colonel's Croquet Party at Arsenal Island, the August 17 event that will feature teams of two playing in a round-robin tournament, a casual tournament for individual enthusiasts and novices, and plenty of outdoor fun for anyone wanting to while away a summer afternoon with this ever-enjoyable lawn sport.
And fine - "Fore!" is the standard cry at golf, not croquet. I don't know the standard cry at croquet. But thanks to our friends at FunTrivia.com, I know a whole bunch of other things! Prior to enjoying your day complete with hors d'oeuvres, a wine tasting courtesy of Coal Valley's Creekside Vineyards Winery, guided tours of the Colonel Davenport House, and the giddy thrill of occasionally smacking your opponent's ball into next Tuesday, try your hand at this quintet of croquet-based trivia questions!
1) Croquet involves using mallets to send balls through hoops. What are the hoops called?
A) Wickets
B) Bouncers
C) Googlies
2) Which of the following is not one of the four traditional colors of croquet balls?
A) Red
B) Black
C) Orange
3) A standard, full-size croquet lawn is roughly equivalent to what?
A) Three boxing rings
B) Three tennis courts
C) Three football fields
4) Assuming it's played to the standard rules, how does a croquet game finish?
A) When both balls on a team have struck a peg in the center of the lawn
B) When every hoop has been passed through three times
C) When an hour has passed
5) Which of the following is not officially recognized as a form of croquet?
A) Bicycle croquet
B) Sub-aquatic croquet
C) Extreme croquet
Tickets to the August 17 Colonel's Croquet Party are $25, with $10 admission for players ages 11 and under, and more information is available by calling (309)737-4280 or visiting DavenportHouse.org.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - B. A good thing, too. After 10 or 15 minutes of that, it'd have to be called "croak-et."
Theatre
9 to 5: The Musical
Prospect Park Auditorium
Friday, August 9, through Sunday, August 18
(To be sung to the melody of "The Girl from Ipanema." Just kidding. You'll figure it out.)
Tumble outta bed and stumble to my cell phone -
"Wanna wait a while?" My answer is, "Hell, no!"
'Cause Music Guild's got a show with pep and drive!
Directed by Mr. John VanDeWoestyne,
It'll make me laugh, it'll make me feel so fine!
Gonna get me front-row seats to 9 to 5!
Seein' 9 to 5! It got nods for several Tonys!
Went from film to stage - that must take some big cojones!
Dolly Parton's score lends a pop and country feelin'
To this tale of friends and their boss' double-dealin'!
Mmmmmm ...
The show's cast, alone, is gettin' me hyper -
Elisabeth Gonzalez and Valeree Pieper
And Jenny Winn in the role first played by Jane!
And Val's hubby Kevin plays the ladies' mean boss ...
If the Guild runs out of seats it'll be such a loss,
'Cause who knows when I'll ever get this chance aga-a-ain!
Seein' 9 to 5! To go I'm surely rarin' ...
Choreography by that lovely Churchill (Erin) ...
Yes, that Prospect Park will be filled with awesome music ...
Better wrap this up ... if it's sold out, I'll just lose it!
9 to 5!
Quad City Music Guild's 9 to 5: The Musical runs at the Prospect Auditorium August 9 through 18, and tickets and information are available by calling (309)762-6610 or visiting QCMusicGuild.com.
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Thursday, August 8 - Tumbleweed Wanderers. Soul, funk, and rock musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, August 8 - The Mickey Hart Band. Concert with the Grammy Award-winner and Grateful Dead musician, with an opening set by Tea Leaf Trio. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $30-33. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, August 9 - Blue Moon Swamp. The Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute musicians in concert. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, August 10 - The Official Blues Brothers Revue. Concert with the Jake and Elwood impersonators. 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.
Saturday, August 10 - Chase Garrett with Chris Conz. Boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, and swing-piano musicians in concert. Orange Street Theatre (701 Orange Street, Muscatine). 7 p.m. $10. For information, call (563)262-8791.
Thursday, August 15 - The Bob Mould Band. The Hüsker Dü and Sugar musician and his ensemble in concert, with an opening set by Love Songs for Lonely Monsters. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $22-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, August 16 - Ratt, Sebastian Ford, Dokken, and Lita Ford. Hard-rock superstars in concert. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 6 p.m. $25-50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, August 17 - Rehab. Concert with the Southern-rock, country, and alternative hip-hop musicians, featuring opening sets by As Big as a Mouse and 1380. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Sunday, August 18 - B.K. Davis. Jazz pianist and Steinway Artist performs and educates in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinée Series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. all-ages jazz workshop - $5/adults, children free; 6 p.m. concert - $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)373-0790 or visit Polyrhythms.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.
THEATRE
Wednesday, August 14, through Saturday, September 21 - Southern Crossroads. Musical comedy featuring bluegrass and gospel favorites. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays, and August 15 - 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:45 p.m. show; Sundays 4-5 p.m. buffet, 5:45 p.m. show; Wednesdays 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1:30 p.m. show. $28.74-48.07. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Thursday, August 15, through Sunday, August 25 - Love Thy Neighbor. Farcical comedy by Gary Ray Stapp, directed by Eugenia Giebel. Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo). Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit RHPlayers.com.
Thursday, August 15, through Friday, August 23 - Almost, Maine. Romantic-comedy vignettes by John Carianni. Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (311 Riverview Drive, Clinton). Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. $16-23. For tickets and information, call (563)242-6760 or visit ClintonShowboat.org.
Thursday, August 15, through Sunday, August 25 - 'S Wonderful. Musical revue featuring more than 40 songs by composers George and Ira Gershwin. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesday 2 p.m. $15-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Friday, August 16, through Sunday, August 18 - Disney's Aladdin Jr. Stage adaptation of the animated movie hit, presented by Nolte Academy of Dance. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. $12-20. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit CoralvilleArts.org.
COMEDY
Saturday, August 10 - An Evening with Jeanne Robertson. North Carolina-based speaker and humorist shares stories and life experiences. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $30. For tickets and information, call (309)342-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
EVENTS
Thursday, August 8, through Sunday, August 18 - 2013 Iowa State Fair. Annual outdoor event featuring games, rides, attractions, vendors, children's activities, and grandstand acts featuring such headliners as Casting Crowns, Victoria Justice, and Saturday Night Live veterans Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, and Kevin Nealon. Iowa State Fairgrounds (East 30th Street and East University Avenue, Des Moines). Free admission, tickets required for grandstand acts and certain attractions. For information, call (800)545-3247 or visit IowaStateFair.org.
Thursday, August 8, through Saturday, August 10 - 2013 Tug Fest. The 27th-annual tug-of-war over the Mississippi River held at the town levees in LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, featuring carnivals, live music, children's activities, vendors, and more. Saturday tug-of-war: noon-3 p.m. For information, call (309)523-3705 or (563)289-2799, or visit TugFest.com (LeClaire) or TugFest.org (Port Byron).
Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10 - Ya Maka My Weekend. Annual celebration of Caribbean culture featuring concerts, vendors, children's activities, and more. District of Rock Island. Friday 5 p.m. gates, Saturday noon gates. $9 one-day ticket, $14 two-day pass. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit YaMakaMyWeekend.com.
Saturday, August 10 - Xstream Cleanup. Tenth-annual cleanup of area waterfront sites located in Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, and McCausland, Iowa, and Milan, Moline, Rock Island, and Silvis, Illinois. 8;30 a.m. For information, call (563)468-4218 or visit XstreamCleanup.com.
Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17 - River Roots Live. Annual event featuring performances by local and national roots musicians including The Wallflowers, BoDeans, and Shooter Jennings, plus the annual Rib Fest. LeClaire Park (River Drive and Ripley Street, Davenport). 11 a.m.-midnight. $5 after 5 p.m., free admission 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, visit RiverRootsLive.com.
Saturday, August 17 - 2013 Floatzilla. Fourth-annual paddlesport event on the Mississippi River, with the world-record attempt for the largest assemblage of canoes and kayaks held at 2 p.m. Sunset Park (18th Avenue and Sunset Road, Rock Island). 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $20-25 registration for world-record attempt. For information, call (563)322-2969 or visit Facebook.com/Floatzilla.
Saturday, August 17 - East Village Wine Walk. Fundraiser for Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities featuring live music and samplings of more than 25 wines from local wineries and international wineries. Village of East Davenport. 3-6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. For information, visit VillageOfEastDavenport.com.
Saturday, August 17 - Quad Cities Irish Festival. Annual event featuring Irish cuisine, memorabilia, a silent auction and raffle, and live music by the Don't Be Brothers and The Beggarmen. The District of Rock Island. 1-8 p.m. $6, ages 11 and under free. For information, visit StPatsQC.com.
