Music
The Life & Times Tour
Rock Island Brewing Company
Friday, November 29, 9 p.m.
The Rock Island Brewing Company has a very special engagement set for November 29, when the District venue hosts a night with the visiting performers of "The Life & Times Tour." Ah-h-h ... . "The Life & Times Tour." Sounds so nostalgic! So hearth-and-home! And apparently, the tour features two gentlemen from suburban Georgia, and a young woman who based her stage name on Snow White! Let's meet these family-friendly artists, shall we?
Among the headliners - and the one whose debut CD The Life & Times of Jonny Valiant gave the tour its name - is Jonathan McCollum, better known by his stage handle Rittz. A rapper currently signed to Tech N9ne's Strange Music label, Rittz had a 2010 breakthrough on the Yelawolf song "Box Chevy," and has since gone on to demonstrate his vigorous, rapid-fire technique on tracks such as "Bloody Murdah," "Far from a Bitch," and "I Don't Give a F---," with DJBooth.net saying that Rittz "makes really good f---in' music" ... . Okay then. Who's next ... ?
Ah! It's Jarren Benton, another Georgia native who had a studio-album debut this year with My Grandma's Basement - now that's family-friendly! With BeatStars.com calling the CD "an independent classic" and Benton himself "definitely a star in the making," the rap artist has performed international tours throughout the United States, Australia, and Europe, and his propulsive mix tapes and music videos feature such titles as "Huffing Glue with Hasselhoff," "Freebasing with Kevin Bacon," "We on (My Own D---") ... . All righty. Moving right along ... .
Now here we go! It's Claudia Feliciano, whose professional name is Snow Tha Product, a moniker inspired by Disney's Snow White! Whew! A rap artist who, just four weeks ago, inspired FreeMusicEmpire.com to write "2013 is better with Snow Tha Product in it," the musician's complex yet catchy vocal and lyrical arrangements can be heard on such efforts as "Drunk Love," "Damn It," "Cookie Cutter Bitches," "Holy Sh--" ... .
Wow. I should've maybe done more research before also writing about A Fairy Tale Christmas on these pages, huh?
Friday's "Life & Times Tour" performance features an opening set by AWTHNTKTS, and more information on the night is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Theatre
A Fairy Tale Christmas
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Friday, November 29, through Saturday, December 28
Hey, you parents out there, would you mind turning your electronic device over to your grade-school kids for just a sec? Got a new theatrical production I'd like to tell 'em about. Thanks.
Hiya, kids! As I'm sure you know, it's the holiday season again, and that means that Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is presenting another big, exciting musical comedy just for you! It's called A Fairy Tale Christmas, and it runs November 29 through December 28, and even if you haven't heard about the show before, you're certainly going to be familiar with its characters!
It takes place in a land called Happily Ever After, and it's all about a bunch of people getting ready for the Crystal Christmas Ball, and what happens when one of them doesn't quite follow the rules. But look who's on the guest list! Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother, Snow White, her Magic Mirror, Goldilocks, Puss in Boots, the Three Little Pigs, Grumpy, Jack (the kid with the beanstalk), and no fewer than three Prince Charmings!
A Fairy Tale Christmas' story and songs were written by Scott Bradley and Matt and Tina Jo Wallace, who also created the family musicals Rapunzel and A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas! The show is being directed by longtime Circa '21 favorite Brad Hauskins, whom you probably saw in the theatre's productions of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, How I Became a Pirate, and Freckleface Strawbery: The Musical!
And look who's in the cast! Kelly Lohrenz from Pinkalicious! Cara Chumbley from Legally Blonde! Sunshine Ramsey, who played the title character in not one, but two Junie B. Jones musicals! Plus Adrienne Bergeron, Chuckie Dixon, Jeremy Lagunas, Nicholas Munson, Kate Turner ... it's gonna be a great time, and I know you've been extra good this year, so make sure your parents get you this extra cool treat for the holidays!
You can tell your Mom or Dad you're done now. And we're all going to pretend that you didn't also read that article on RIBCO's "Life & Times Tour," right? Right! Bye, kids!
Thanks, parents. We had a nice little chat.
For dates, times, and tickets to A Fairy Tale Christmas, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Event
Handmade City Holiday 2013
Davenport SkyBridge
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The local arts-and-crafts collective Handmade City has something special in store for holiday shoppers and window shoppers alike with the group's seventh area show, Handmade City Holiday 2013. But a warning to you window shoppers: You're gonna need a re-e-e-eally tall ladder.
"Yeah, it's cool that we're in the Davenport SkyBridge for the third time," says Handmade City arts-and-crafts director Rose Noble of the December 7 event. "I think more people should host stuff up there, to be honest." Of course, if the group continues with the frequency of past shows - this is its third SkyBridge event of 2013 - more people might not get the chance to.
Herself a local artisan, Noble says Handmade City originated because "my friend Leah [Sprott] and I noticed that the Quad Cities didn't really have a craft show that sold the more traditional crafts we were making. And surrounding areas like Chicago, Madison, and Iowa City seemed to have shows that were a bit pricey to apply for. So we kind of wanted to have a show for all of our super-talented friends that was affordable, and was able to give them a chance to sell more indie-craft artwork."
Held at Theo's Java Club in December of 2010, Noble says, "the very first show we did, we had 11 artists, and I kind of had to beg a couple people to be in it. 'Come on! It'll be really cool!' But we ended up packed, I had people sell out of things ... . It was awesome."
The following year, when Handmade City's show was held at Rozz-Tox, "we easily had 35 people who applied. And to me, that made me feel like, 'Okay, other people are really wanting this around here.' Word-of-mouth has really worked pretty well for us."
Given Noble's description of the unique handmade items available for purchase and perusal, it's easy to guess why. "We have everything from clothing to jewelry, candles, home décor, candy, cupcakes ... . There's artwork, prints, letterpress, stationery ... . Pretty much anything you could think of. And Handmade City will be doing gift wrap, so people can get their presents wrapped there, too."
Plus, if past shows are any indication, you should probably also expect some more unusual items. "One time, we had a guy who made little robot ornaments out of old batteries. That was awesome, and he actually had a deal where if you brought him old batteries, you'd get a discount on whatever you were buying." Kinda hoping he returns on December 7. I just looked in my kitchen junk drawer, and that man could decorate freakin' Festival of Trees next year.
For more information on Handmade City Holiday 2013, visit Handmade-City.com.
Theatre
The Prenzie Players' Two Gentlemen of Verona
QC Theatre Workshop
Friday, December 6, through Saturday, December 14
Following their first completely Bard-less season, the verse-theatre talents of the Prenzie Players return to their roots with one of Shakespeare's fastest, funniest comedies: Two Gentlemen of Verona, running at Davenport's QC Theatre Workshop December 6 through 14.
A farcical tale filled with romantic mix-ups, action, and, to quote the film Shakespeare in Love, "a bit with a dog," Two Gentlemen of Verona is being directed by veteran Prenzie Player Andy Lord, and finds troupe newcomer Joseph Curtiss among its performers, continuing - for more than a decade now - the group's run of featuring at least one Prenzie newbie in each production.
But beyond Curtiss, the comedy's cast will also boast 10 gifted actors familiar from their appearances in previous Prenzie outings. If you know their work, and know Two Gentlemen of Verona, try guessing who plays which character in this latest endeavor. (As usual with the Prenzies, don't let the roles' original genders mislead you!)
1) Kitty Israel
2) Stephanie Moeller
3) Catie Osborn
4) Maggie Woolley
5) Denise Yoder
6) Andy Curtiss
7) Andrew Koski
8) Adam Michael Lewis
9) Cole McFarren
10) Tracy Skaggs
A) Antonio
B) Duke of Milan
C) Julia
D) Launce
E) Lucetta
F) Panthino
G) Silvia
H) Speed
I) Thurio
J) Valentine
Two Gentlemen of Verona runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)278-8426 or visiting PrenziePlayers.com.
Answers: 1 - E, 2 - H, 3 - G, 4 - C, 5 - F, 6 - I, 7 - A, 8 - D, 9 - J, 10 - B. That last one is ironic, because Tracy Skaggs actually lives in Milan! Of course, it's West Milan ... and it's in Illinois, not Italy ... and the city is pronounced "My-lun" here, but still ... . Nutty coincidence, huh?!?
What Else Is Happenin'... ?
MUSIC
Friday, November 29 - Family Groove Company. Jazz, funk, and rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by The Dawn. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperinece.org.
Saturday, November 30 - Stayin' Alive: A Tribute to the Bee Gees. Touring tribute musicians in concert. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $10-20. For information, call (800)724-5825 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, November 30 - A Celtic Christmas: Irish Music & Tales of the Season. Holiday performances with the musical group IrishJam. Iowa Theatre Artists Company (4709 220th Trail, Amana). 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $15. For tickets and information, call (319)622-3222 or visit IowaTheatreArtists.org.
Sunday, December 1 - Jim McDonough: Holiday Grande. New stage production featuring the pianist and International Steinway Artist, a 14-piece orchestra, and a cast of singers and dancers performing Christmas music and other favorites. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 2:30 p.m. $35-40. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, December 5 - Jon Wayne & the Pain. Reggae, rock, and dub musicians in concert, with an opening set by Rude Punch. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperinece.org.
Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7 - Christmas at Augustana. The Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Wennerberg Men's Chorus, Cantilena Augustana, Ascension Ringers, and others perform for the sixth-annual holiday concert. Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu.
Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Masterworks III concerts, featuring guest conductor Alasdair Neale and violinist Naha Greenholtz, with a repertoire including Jennifer Higdon's Pulitzer Prize-winning Violin Concerto and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2. Saturday: Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport), 7:30 p.m. Sunday: Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island), 2 p.m. $10-55. For tickets and information, call (563)322-7276 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Saturday, December 7 - Casey Abrams. Concert with the singer/songwriter and American Idol finalist. Augustana College Center for Student Life (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu.
Saturday, December 7 - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The trumpet player and his ensemble perform a concert in Hancher Auditorium's Visiting Artists series, with special guest Cécile McLorin Salvant. Iowa City West High School (2901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City). 5 and 8 p.m. $10-40. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Sunday, December 8 - Pokey LaFarge. Country-blues and early-jazz musician in concert, with an opening set by The Tillers. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Sunday, December 8 - An Ambrosian Christmas. Concert featuring St. Ambrose University's Chamber Singers, University Chorale, Symphonic Band, SAU-Community Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, STAMVOJA, and Bee Sharp. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $2-5. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu.
Tuesday, December 10 - Branson on the Road: Christmas Style. Holiday concert of bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel, and comedy with the touring performers. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 11:30 a.m. doors, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show, $42.32. 7 p.m. show, $25-30. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Wednesday, December 11 - Festival of Carols. An evening of carols, cocoa, and stories, featuring sing-alongs, special performances, a visit from Santa, and intergenerational choir The Family Folk Machine. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Friday, November 29, through Sunday, December 8 - Coming of Age in Chore Boots. Janet Schlapkohl performs a one-woman show about growing up in the Midwest, directed by Tim Budd. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $15-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Saturday, November 30, through Saturday, December 21 - The Velveteen Rabbit. Family musical based on Margery Williams' children's book. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Saturdays 1 p.m. $8.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Thursday, December 5, through Sunday, December 8 - A Christmas Survival Guide. Quad City Music Guild's musical-comedy revue about the most stressful time of the year, directed by John Weigandt. Prospect Park Auditorium (1584 34th Avenue, Moline). Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (309)762-6610 or visit QCMusicGuild.com.
Thursday, December 5, through Sunday, December 22 - Tru. One-man dramatic comedy about author Truman Capote. Old Creamery Studio Theatre (3023 220th Trail, Amana). Thursdays and Sundays 3 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. $18-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6194 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, December 6, through Sunday, December 15 - A Christmas Carol. Tristan Tapscott's and Danny White's adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Thursdays-Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8 - Toy Camp. Toy-themed family musical, directed by Corinne Johnson. St. Ambrose University's Galvin Fine Arts Center (2101 Gaines Street, Davenport). 3 p.m. $7-8. For tickets and information, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu.
Wednesday, December 11, through Sunday, December 15 - A Green River. Returning-soldier drama by Aaron Randolph III, directed by Philip Wm. McKinley. Augustana College's Potter Theatre (3701 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1:30 p.m. $9-11. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/tickets.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Friday, November 29, through Sunday, December 1 - Quad City Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Annual event featuring hand-crafted items by more than 180 exhibitors. QCCA Expo Center (2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3-4 for weekend admission. For information, call (309)788-5912 or visit QCCAExpoCenter.com.
Friday, November 29 - Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque Christmas Show. Holiday-themed evening with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10 plus an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Sunday, December 1 - 19th Century Christmas. Annual event featuring live music, festive holiday trimmings, and homespun arts and crafts. Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street, Moline). Noon-5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)743-2700 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.
Friday, December 6 - Gallery Hop! Seasonal event featuring art exhibits, presentations, discounts, and more at numerous downtown locales. The District of Rock Island. For information, call (309)788-6311 or visit RIDistrict.com.
Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7 - Christmas in the Village. Annual weekend event featuring carolers, gift specials, fireworks at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and more. Village of East Davenport. 6 p.m. For information, visit VillageOfEastDavenport.com.
Friday, December 6, through Sunday, December 8 - Christmas in LeClaire. Weekend celebration featuring arts and crafts, auctions, children's activities, discounts at local shops, and more. For information, call (563)289-4242 or visit VisitLeClaire.com.
