Anthony D'Amato

Music

Anthony D’Amato

Redstone Room

Thursday, June 30, 7:30 p.m.

In singer/songwriter Anthony D’Amato’s Web-site biography, we learn that when the Americana musician was on his way to an introductory meeting with famed record producer Mike Mogis, he accidentally overturned and totaled his rental car. Near the end of his tour for 2014’s Mogis-produced album The Shipwreck from the Shore, D’Amato broke his finger, and played the final two shows hopped up on Advil. In the video for “Golden Gloves” from his June 17 release Cold Snap, we find D’Amato getting repeatedly punched in the face by passers-by wearing boxing gloves.

I’m not suggesting that Anthony D’Amato is accident- or fistfight-prone. But when you see the acclaimed artist’s June 30 concert at Davenport’s Redstone Room, you may want to think about sitting in the back. You know, just in case.

Less-nervous souls, however, will likely want to sit right up front, the better to see and hear the expressive talents of the folk rocker who, according to NPR, “sings and writes in the tradition of Bruce Springsteen or Josh Ritter.” A New Jersey native and current New York resident who attended Princeton University, D’Amato credits his gifts for thoughtful, evocative lyrics to an independent-study course on songwriting led by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon. While others were attending frat parties, D’Amato was in his dorm room recording his 2010 independent debut Down Wires, and after its release found the radio program The World Café featuring him in its emerging-artist series “Next,” D’Amato followed that album with the home recording Paper Back Bones.

Making BBC Scotland’s roster of “Best Americana Albums of 2012,” Paper Back Bones led to U.S. and European tours in which D’Amato shared stages with the likes of Rhett Miller, Pete Yorn, and the aforementioned Ritter. He signed with New West Records in 2013, and following that unfortunate business with the rental car (an accident from which the musician walked away with only minor bruises), The Shipwreck from the Shore gave D’Amato the chance to work with several music-industry idols: Mogis, members of Bon Iver and Megafaun, and Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst.

Since then, it’s been harder to find a major publication that hasn’t raved about D’Amato than one that has. Entertainment Weekly wrote that the artist “brings to mind Simon & Garfunkel’s more amped-up moments,” while USA Today said that he “strikes every right note, incorporating classic folk, pop, and even a little punk rebellion.” Spin marveled at how D’Amato “turns heartbreak into cheery folk”; Paste lauded his “rich sound that has as much depth as it does popular appeal.”

And while reviews for the brand-spanking-new release Cold Snap weren’t available at the time of this writing, expect the praise to continue for D’Amato’s latest, whose track list features a mournful, election-year blues response titled “If You’re Gonna Build a Wall.” Just don’t expect that praise to come from Bill O’Reilly.

For more information on, and tickets to, Anthony D’Amato’s Redstone Room engagement, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Dave Matthews Band

Music

Dave Matthews Band

iWireless Center

Tuesday, June 28, 8 p.m.

As the son of an accountant who’s also a former director of finance for an Illinois school district, I’ve always been fascinated by numbers. As someone who got a D-minus in high-school geometry and attended Augustana College, in part, because they had no math requirement, I clearly know very little about numbers.

But here are a few things I do know. The legendary, Grammy-winning musicians of the Dave Matthews Band will perform at Moline’s iWireless Center on June 28. They’ve been tearing up the rock, bluegrass, and jazz-fusion scenes since their Virginia debut in 1991. Their top-40 singles have included such signature hits as “American Baby,” “Crash into Me,” “Funny the Way It Is,” “The Space Between,” and “Where Are You Going.”

And if it’s numbers you’re looking for ... .

Number of studio albums: eight.

Number of video albums: eight.

Number of live albums: 60.

Number of music videos: 21.

Number of RIAA-certified gold recordings: four.

Number of platinum recordings: six.

Number of double-platinum recordings: three.

Number of triple-platinum recordings: two.

Number of sextuple-platinum recordings: one.

Number of septuple-platinum recordings: one.

Number of Grammy Award nominations: 14.

Number of MTV Video Music Award nominations: six.

Number of VHI Music Awards: four.

Number of NAACP Image Awards: one.

Number of records sold worldwide: more than 30 million.

Add all those numbers up, and you get ... one. One absolutely kick-ass band.

Though, as always, I will be getting Dad to check my math on that.

For tickets to the Dave Matthews Band’s Moline concert, call (800)745-3000 or visit iWirelessCenter.com.

Wynonna & the Big Noise

Music

Wynonna & the Big Noise

Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center

Friday, July 1, 7:30 p.m.

“I’m almost afraid to ask, Mike ... but what was this latest dream about?”

“Heaven help me, doc, because I think I’ve reached rock bottom. It started with a girl thang – a bad goodbye. I said, ‘Mary, did you know I’m not in love yet? I mean, I adore girls with guitars, and I want to know what love is and to be loved by you. But it feels like we’re going nowhere, and always will. Is it over yet?’”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“And she started talking about a healing attitude, and how I reveal my strongest weakness when I fall in love. She said that come some rainy day – and I can’t stand the rain – Father Sun will offer freedom, and that the hearts I leave behind will be like flies on the butter.”

“Ri-i-ight ... .”

“So I say, ‘Tell me why! Sing!’ But all she says is, ‘I gotta be making my way – my angel is here and we’re gonna love it out loud.’ Her angel! Some guy for whom she is his only need, his only love ... . And it turns out to be you! You, doc!”

“Uh huh.”

“What does it mean? Rescue me! No one else on Earth can!”

“Well, I have a couple of theories, Mike. I couldn’t help but notice that you just name-checked 30 songs by the chart-topping, award-winning country singer Wynonna. So it’s possible that you’re stressed about writing a What’s Happenin’ article on the artist, considering she’s performing with her ensemble Wynonna & the Big Noise at Bettendorf’s Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center on July 1.”

“Why ... that’s brilliant, doc! I feel like I saw the light!”

“That’s 31.”

“And what’s your second theory?”

“That you’re unhealthily obsessed with me, and it’s time to terminate your therapy.”

“Aw-w-w, ain’t no thing, doc. Cool ya jets. Therapy isn’t one of those things that I lean on. And you may think that you make my heart beat too fast and that staying in love keeps me alive. But Jesus and a jukebox, doc, I can see everything – something you can’t live without – and even though you are so beautiful, every ending is a new beginning. At least, that’s what I choose to believe.”

“You’re still at it, Mike! You just referenced the exact dozen songs that appear on Wynonna’s eighth studio album Wynonna & the Big Noise ... and in sequence, no less ... .”

“...”

“Wait a minute. Are you being serious, or ... ?”

“Judd kidding, doc.”

For information on the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center’s July 1 concert with Wynonna & the Big Noise, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.

What Else Is Happenin’ …?

MUSIC

Thursday, June 23 – Robbie Fulks. Concert with the alternative-country singer/songwriter, with an opening set by Ellis Kell & Tony Hoeppner. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $20-22. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Friday, June 24 – J.D. McPherson. Oklahoma-based singer/songwriter and guitarist in concert, featuring an opening set by The Cactus Blossoms. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $15-20. For information, visit Daytrotter.com.

Saturday, June 25 – Yarn. Alternative-country and Americana musicians in concert, with an opening set by Winterland. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $11.50-12. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, June 25 – Lynyrd Skynyrd. Outdoor concert with the legendary musicians and members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $35-70. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.

Saturday, June 25 – Christopher the Conquered. Indie-rock singer/songwriter in concert, with an opening set by Brooks Strause. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

Sunday, June 26 – Reverend Raven & the Chain-Smokin’ Altar Boys. Chicago-blues musicians in a concert presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The Establishment (220 19th Street, Rock Island). 6 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.

Monday, June 27 – Stryper. All-ages concert with the Christian heavy-metal musicians. Rascals Live (1414 15th Street, Moline). 8 p.m. $45-55, $150 VIP meet-and-greet, $200 reserved table for four. For tickets and information, call (309)797-9457 or visit RascalsLive.com.

Monday, June 27 – Kalispell. Concert with songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shane Leonard, featuring sets by Tedo Stone and Blakeslee. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $8-12. For information, visit Daytrotter.com.

Wednesday, June 29 – Yonder Mountain String Band. Chart-topping progressive-bluegrass musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $37.75-38. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Wednesday, June 29 – Banditos. Concert with the Nashville-based rock, soul, and honky-tonk musicians, featuring an opening set by Cale Tyson. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $8-12. For information, visit Daytrotter.com.

Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2 – Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Weekend celebration of local, regional, and national blues acts, featuring concert sets, vendors, children’s activities, workshops, and more. LeClaire Park (400 Beiderbecke Drive, Davenport). $10-20/day, $20 weekend pass. For tickets and information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.

Friday, July 1 – Split Lip Rayfield. Concert with the Kansas-based bluegrass and alternative-country musicians, with an opening set by Frank F. Sydney’s Western Bandit Volunteers. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)793-1999 or visit RIBCO.com.

Friday, July 1 – Dylan LeBlanc. Alternative-country and Americana singer/songwriter, featuring opening sets by The Pollies and Matthew McNeal. Daytrotter (324 Brady Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $8-12. For information, visit Daytrotter.com.

Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 3 – Iowa City Jazz Festival. Downtown jazz celebration featuring concert headliners, musicians on three side stages, Culinary Row, artist booths, a beverage garden, children’s activities, and more. University of Iowa Pentacrest, Iowa City. For information, visit SummerOfTheArts.org.

Saturday, July 2 – Bucktown Revue. Genesius Guild hosts a celebration of Mississippi River Valley culture through music, storytelling, poetry, and humor emceed by Scott Tunnicliff. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.

Saturday, July 2 – Indigo Girls. Concert with folk-rock singers/songwriters Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $42. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

Saturday, July 3 – Big River Brass Band. Genesius Guild hosts a summer concert with the area musicians. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.

Saturday, July 3 – Doug Collins & the Receptionists. Concert with the Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter/playwright and his ensemble. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Monday, July 4 – K.T. Tunstall. A Codfish Hollow Barnstormers concert with the Scottish singer/songwriter, featuring opening sets by The Kickback, Lawrence, and The Graveyard Club. Codfish Hollow Barn (5013 288th Avenue, Maquoketa). 5 p.m. $30-35. For tickets and information, visit CodfishHollowBarnstormers.com.

THEATRE

Friday, June 24, through Sunday, July 10 – The Fair Maid of the West. Thomas Heywood’s adventure romp set during the Anglo-Spanish War, presented in the Riverside in the Park series, directed by Kevin Theis. Riverside Theatre Festival Stage (Lower City Park, 200 East Park Road, Iowa City). Scheduled Tuesday through Sunday shows at 7 and 8 p.m. $27-39. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.

Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26 – Sounds & Sweet Airs. Songs, scenes, and Shakespearean soliloquies in a summertime event sponsored by Genesius Guild. Lincoln Park (11th Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Donations encouraged. For information, visit Genesius.org.

Thursday, June 30, through Sunday, July 10 – Rock of Ages. Tony-nominated musical comedy with an ’80s-hair-metal score. 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 30, through Sunday, July 17 – I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers. John Logan’s one-woman comedy about Hollywood’s first female power agent. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Thursday 2 p.m. $12-30. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.

Tuesday, July 5, through Saturday, July 9 – The Three Little PigsA Magic Owl Theatre presentation of the children's story. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.

Tuesday, July 5, through Saturday, July 9 – School of RockA Magic Owl Theatre presentation of the Tony-nominated musical comedy based on the Jack Black comedy. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday 2 p.m. $7. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.

LITERARY ARTS

Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25 – David R. Collins Writers Conference. Annual workshops on subjects including freelancing, flash fiction, poetry, advanced fiction writing, and young-adult fiction led by Brittany Cavallaro, C. Hope Clark, Kathleen Rooney, Steve Semken, and keynote speaker Felicia Schneiderhan. St. Ambrose University’s McCarthy Hall (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). For information and to register, call (563)324-1410 or visit MWCQC.org.

VISUAL ARTS

Saturday, June 25, through Sunday, September 11 – David Plowden: An American Master. Photography exhibition featuring more than 70 images of 20th Century life. 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. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.

EVENTS

Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26 – Quad City Air Show. Annual event featuring aerial stunts, presentations, vendors, and more. Davenport Municipal Airport (9010 North Harrison Street, Davenport). 8 a.m.-7 p.m. $5-25. For tickets and information, visit QuadCityAirShow.com.

Sunday, June 26 – Blossoms at Butterworth. Annual day of old-fashioned fun featuring live music, crafts, lawn games, tours, children’s activities, exhibits, food vendors, and more at the Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street, Moline) and Deere-Wiman Carriage House (817 11th Avenue, Moline). Noon-5 p.m. Free. For information, call (309)743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.

Sunday, June 3 – Red, White, & Boom! Annual Fourth of July celebration over the Mississippi River, with live music, children’s activities, a climactic fireworks display, and more at Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport) and Schwiebert Riverfront Park (17th and 20th streets, Rock Island). 6 p.m. gates. Free. For information, visit DowntownDavenport.com and RIDistrict.com.

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