Music
James Armstrong
The Muddy Waters
Friday, January 23, 9 p.m.
James Armstrong, who plays the Muddy Waters on January 23, is an electric guitarist and singer/songwriter whose venerated talents have earned him the nickname "The Ambassador of the Blues." But with Armstrong boasting, according to JazzTimes magazine, "the kind of flexibility that allows him to easily and convincingly shift gears," and celebrated blues historian Tony Russell calling him a master of "the flexible language of feeling allusion," I'd like to propose a new moniker for the famously flexible artist: Stretch Armstrong.
And just now, I received a cease-and-desist from Hasbro. Man, I really thought I was the only one who remembered that toy ... .
Performing in a concert co-sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Armstrong is sure to bring to the Bettendorf stage all the blues know-how and passion he's amassed over the 40 years of his professional career. Born in Los Angeles to a jazz-guitarist father and a blues-singer mother, Armstrong was touring the country in blues bands by his late teens, and his musical education as a young man included his learning from the masters, serving as backup for Albert Collins, Big Joe Turner, and Smokey Wilson.
After years spent honing his skills in the San Francisco area, Armstrong released his debut album Sleeping with a Stranger in 1995. Yet not two years later, the man's nascent career nearly ended when he was almost stabbed to death by a home intruder; Armstrong's shoulder injury left him with limited movement in his left hand and required months of physical therapy.
But after discovering that playing slide guitar helped him recover his mobility and dexterity, Armstrong slowly convalesced, and returned with the critically acclaimed 1998 album Dark Night. That led to frequent touring on the blues-festival circuit and the 2000 release Got It Goin' on, and in 2001, that album received W.C. Handy Award nominations for Contemporary Male Blues Guitarist of the Year and (for "Pennies and Picks") Song of the Year.
Since then, Armstrong has become a beloved blues icon, headlining blues fests nationwide and sharing stages and studios with the likes of Keb' Mo', Coco Montoya, Chaka Kahn, Ricky Lee Jones, and Tommy Castro. And given the rapturous response to his 2011 album Blues at the Border and 2014's Guitar Angels, Armstrong is as big a critical favorite as ever. The former was described by Living Blues magazine as "a well-balanced combination of fire, technical proficiency, and taste," and "not to be missed." The latter, meanwhile, found Blues Blast Magazine calling it "as edgy as a razor blade and as smooth as the foam on a glass of beer." Hopefully not in the same glass.
For more information on James Armstrong's January 23 gig in Bettendorf, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Exhibit
Yuriko Yamaguchi: Interconnected in Art, Nature, Science, & Technology
Figge Art Museum
Saturday, January 24, through Sunday, May 31
On display beginning January 24, the Figge Art Museum's latest exhibition features works by the Washington, D.C.-based Yuriko Yamaguhi and is titled Interconnected in Art, Nature, Science, & Technology. According to the Figge's Web site, "Yamaguchi creates organic, web-like sculptures from nets of wire and resin forms cast from dried curls of potatoes, onion ends, leaves, and seed pods found in nature." This suggests that the artist probably makes a helluva casserole, too, but as with most art, I'd be too intimidated to eat it.
You will, though, likely find yourself wanting to reach out and touch the delicately glorious works included in Yamaguchi's Interconnected exhibit - installations in which, the Figge site continues, their creator "seeks to explore the constantly fluctuating but ever-present 'interconnections' that bind us to one another and to the natural world."
A sculpture instructor at George Washington University, Japan native Yamaguchi received a 1975 BA in art at the University of California at Berkeley, and a 1979 MFA from the University of Maryland. That information fits onto roughly an eighth of a page of the artist's online résumé (at YurikoYamagichiArt.com). If, however, you check out the nine full pages of résumé that follow it, prepare to be blown away. Over the span of her three-decade career, Yamaguchi can proudly boast 18 significant art prizes, grants, and fellowships; a quartet of public-art commissions; 41 solo gallery exhibitions; 53 museum exhibitions; more than a dozen collections of art housed in sites including the National Museum of American Art and the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi; and I-stopped-counting-after-100 articles in newspapers and periodicals worldwide, from the LA Weekly to the Vienna Times.
Within those write-ups, you'll discover that reviewers have been enamored with Yamaguchi's aesthetically gorgeous and thought-provoking sculptures for decades. The Seattle Times, for instance, writes of the artist's sculptures, "Even though the word 'poetic' tends to get overused as an adjective in describing artworks, here no other fits quite so well." Meanwhile, the Washington Post states, "No other sculptor can turn paper, wood, flax, and wire into wall sculptures of such intriguing ambiguity as Yuriko Tamaguchi." The newspaper goes on to add, "With many of the pieces, it's almost impossible to know without referring to Yamaguchi's written description whether a sculpture is animal, vegetable, or mineral." So again: Don't eat 'em.
But don't just trust the critics. See the Interconnected works for yourself. And see a few of them, prior to January 24, at Yamaguchi's Web site, where you'll be awed by the endlessly fascinating pieces that resemble explosions of confetti ... and potato chips ... and Willy Wonka candies ... . I really have to stop writing these things when I'm hungry ... .
Interconnected in Art, Nature, Science, & Technology will be on display through May 31, an artist's talk is scheduled for the evening of January 23, and more information on Yamaguchi's exhibit is available by calling (563)326-7804 or visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Dance
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Galvin Fine Arts Center
Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.
The latest entertainers and educators in Quad City Arts' Visiting Artists Series are the extraordinary talents of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, the Chicago-based company that performs its public concert at St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center on January 31.
Dedicated, as its EnsembleEspanol.org Web site states, to "the preservation, presentation, and promotion of the classical, folkloric, flamenco, and contemporary traditions of Spain," this electrifying troupe of dancers, singers, and instrumentalists has not only thrilled audiences nationwide, but has become one of the world's leading exemplars of Spanish dance history.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, this team of incredibly gifted professionals "never ceases to bedazzle its audiences with the variety, precision, beauty, and heat of its performances." The Chicago Tribune praises the group's "breathtaking stretches of large choral flamenco foot-tapping, phenomenal not just in acrobatic skill, but in beauty, lyricism, and often poetry, too." St. Louis' StLToday.com raves, "Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater pursues its art with a blend of precision and grace that's as unforgettable as it is breathtaking."
Words, however, hardly scratch the surface of the troupe's expressive talents. So I'm happy to guide to you to spectacular YouTube demonstrations of the Ensemble Español style here and here and here and here and here and here and here. Those reading the print version of this article get these two photos of the ensemble in action:
Hey, if you dart your eyes back and forth between 'em, it's looks like they're dancing!
For tickets to Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater's January 30 event, call the Galvin box office at (563)333-6251. For more information, visit QuadCityArts.com and SAU.edu/galvin.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, January 22 - Frank Waln. Native American hip-hop artist performs accompanied by Native American hoop dancers the Sampson Brothers. Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall (3520 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free. For information, visit Augustana.edu.
Friday, January 23 - Trippin' Billies. Dave Matthews tribute band in concert, with an opening set by Jason Carl. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $8. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24 - Bucktown Revue. Fundraising celebration of Mississippi River Valley folk music, humor, and culture, featuring emcee Scott Tunnicliff and special guests. Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo). 7 p.m. $12.50. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit BucktownRevue.com or RHPlayers.com.
Saturday, January 24 - Rozz-Tox Fundraising Concert. Event designed to raise money for new P.A. equipment, featuring sets by the Easy Mark, the Toby Brown Band, Tambourine, and Foxholes. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $5 minimum donation. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Thursday, January 29 - The Coop. Rock and electronica musicians in concert, with an opening set by Genome. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $9.50. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Friday, January 20 - 2015 Battle of the Bands. Competition featuring 45-minute sets of original music by local artists Trippin Molly, Gain the Wolf, and Crater. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, January 24 - Scrap Metal. '80s and '90s rock with Gunnar and Matthew Nelson of Nelson, Mark Slaughter of Slaughter, Eric Martin of Mr. Big, Kip Winger of Winger, and Janet Gardner of Vixen. Riverside Casino Event Center (3194 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $24-44. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Friday, January 30 - "One Family, One Night" Benefit. Cody Tucker emcees a benefit performance featuring a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and sets by alternative rockers The Lion in Rome, Bailiff, and Tambourine. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. For information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, January 30 - Studebaker John. Concert with blues guitarist and harmonica player John Grimaldi. The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (563)355-0655 or visit TheMuddyWaters.com.
Saturday, January 31 - Anthony Gomes. Rock and blues musician in concert, with an opening set by the Winter Blues All-Stars. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $14-17. For information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Tuesday, February 3 - Luther College Nordic Choir. Concert with the Decorah singers prior to their performances in Rome, Florence, and Venice. St. Paul Lutheran Church (2136 Brady Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $10-15. For information, call (800)458-8437 or visit Tickets.Luther.edu.
THEATRE
Friday, January 23, through Saturday, January 31 - Caesar. The Prenzie Players' production of Shakespeare's historical drama, directed by Tracy Skaggs. QC Theatre Workshop (1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport). Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., $15; Sunday 2 p.m., $10; Thursday 8 p.m., $10. For tickets and information, call (563)484-4210 or visit PrenziePlayers.com.
Friday, January 23, through Sunday, February 1 - Things Being What They Are. New Ground Theatre presents Wendy MacLeod's dramatic comedy, directed by Chris Jansen. Village Theatre (2113 East 11th Street, Davenport). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (563)326-7529 or visit NewGroundTheatre.org.
Saturday, January 24 - National Theatre Live: JOHN. An HD screening of DV8 Physical Theatre's new drama. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $15-18. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 8 - Angels in America: Perestroika. Part two of Tony Kushner's Tony Award-winning 1980s fantasia, directed by Deb Shippy. District Theatre (1623 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Friday, January 30, through Sunday, February 22 - Lucky Me. Romantic comedy by Rob Caisley, directed by Jody Hovland. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $18-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
LITERATURE
Tuesday, January 27 - Jessica Lamb-Shapiro. The fiction and nonfiction author in the latest "River Readings at Augustana" presentation, followed by a reception and book-signing. Augustana College's Wilson Center (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 7 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)794-7316 or visit Augustana.edu.
Thursday, January 29 - Odd?Rod. Poet and spoken-word artist Rod Duval performs in Ambrose Hall's BeeHive. St. Ambrose University (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free. For information, call (563)333-6023 or visit SAU.edu.
EVENTS
Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24 - World's Toughest Rodeo. Touring presentation featuring barrel racing and bareback, saddle-bronc, and bull riding events. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $18-57. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25 - Rod & Custom Show. A weekend of classic cars on display, vendors, information booths, and more. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 1-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $8, ages six and under free. For information, call (309)788-5912 or visit QCCAExpoCenter.com.
Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25 - Eagles & Ivories Weekend. Twenty-third annual weekend celebrating ragtime, early jazz, and bald eagles, with concerts, presentations, eagle watches, movies, a soup supper, and more in downtown Muscatine. For information, call (563)263-8895 or (563)263-9978 or visit MuscatineArtsCouncil.org.
Saturday, January 24 - An Evening of Mental Mayhem. Presentation with touring mentalist and hypnotist Dan Ladd. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $13-15. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, January 30 - Champagne on the Rocks. WQPT-TV's annual fundraiser featuring dinner, live and silent auctions, musical entertainment, and more. Hotel Blackhawk (200 East Third Street, Davenport). 6 p.m. $100. For tickets and information, call (309)764-2400 or visit WQPT.org/champagne.
Saturday, January 31 - Beach Bum Bash. Annual event featuring music by the Fry Daddies, indoor beach games, summertime refreshments, and more. Quad City Botanical Center (2525 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)794-0991 or visit QCGardens.com.
Wednesday, February 4 - The Peking Acrobats. An evening with the Chinese circus artists. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $20-30. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Visit the Reader's full events calendars at RCReader.com/calendar.
