Music
T. Hardy Morris
Rozz-Tox
Thursday, October 24, 9 p.m.
Founding Dead Confederate musician T. Hardy Morris performs a special concert at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox on October 24, and in reviewing the singer/songwriter/guitarist's solo debut Audition Tapes this past summer, Paste magazine wrote, "It's like Morris abandoned the 'shrooms in favor of a nice Americana-nodding spliff." The review went on to call the CD's title track "a simple slice of alt-country pie" with "a scoop of emo melting across the molasses-drenched crust," and the album itself "an all-ages potluck" and "worth a toast."
Gosh, that's an awful lot of food references. Are we sure it's not the Paste author who favored that nice Americana-nodding spliff?
Regardless, from all accounts, Audition Tapes sounds like a tasty mix, which certainly won't come as a surprise to Morris' many fans in and out of the critical community. In addition to the Southern alt-rock ensemble Dead Confederate - whose latest album, In the Marrow, was released to wide acclaim this April - Morris is also known for co-founding Diamond Rugs, the super-group of rockers also composed of Deer Tick's Robbie Crowell and John McCauley, The Black Lips' Ian St. Pé, Los Lobos' Steve Berlin, and Six Finger Satellite's Bryan Dufresne.
Yet based on the accolades Morris has received for his first solo endeavor - a true showcase for the man's haunting vocals and evocative storytelling skills - don't be surprised if plenty more are in the offing. AmericanMusic.com called Audition Tapes "a raw, unfiltered view of an artist evolving and growing up in front of our very eyes, setting the scene for repeat listens and years of enjoyment." PerformerMag.com wrote, "The entire album rolls along like a memory, striking emotional as well as musical chords." And PinpointMusic.com raved, "Like four-ingredient biscuits, Morris' delivery is simple, warm, and unassuming." That reference to biscuits makes me think that maybe the PinpointMusic.com reviewer and the Paste reviewer wound up sharing that spliff, but who am I to judge ... ?
T. Hardy Morris performs locally with an opening set by White Zephyr, and more information on the $8 concert is available by calling (309)200-0978 or visiting RozzTox.com.
Theatre
Memphis
Adler Theatre
Monday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Davenport's Adler Theatre continues its Broadway at the Adler series on October 28 with the area debut of the musical smash Memphis, and I have a bunch of reasons to be excited about this particular engagement.
To begin with, this Broadway hit - which closed on August 5, 2012, after a sensational run of 1,195 performances - is a stellar blend of comedy, drama, romance, and thrilling songs and dance numbers. Telling the story of a white DJ who, in 1950s Memphis, became the first person to spin the music of black and white musicians together on American radio, Memphis is loosely based on the experiences of real-life disc jockey Dewey Phillips, and the show manages to explores issues of race, prejudice, and tolerance while still emerging as an electrifying stage entertainment.
The show also received terrific notices from theatre critics. The New York Daily News' Joe Dziemianowicz, for example, wrote that Memphis "wins you over with its sheer enthusiasm," and added, "It's nice to know a new musical can actually surprise you!" The Bloomberg News' John Simon stated, "I guarantee you a rambunctious good time, highlighted by rousing music and singing, spectacular dancing, and a witty, moving story." Meanwhile, describing the show as "exhilarating," the Associated Press' Michael Kuchwara called Memphis "the very essence of what a Broadway musical should be."
Plus, this recent trek through our musical past picked up a lot of hardware to match its ecstatic raves. Nominated for eight Tony Awards, Memphis won trophies for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, and Best Orchestrations, and at the 2010 Drama Desk Awards, prizes went to the show's music, orchestrations, and leading actress Montego Glover, who was also nominated for a Tony.
Which brings me to the biggest reason to be excited about the Adler's booking of Memphis. Ms. Glover, you see, appeared in a 1997 musical titled A Legendary Christmas at Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse. I was a Circa '21 employee at the time. And my fellow Bootleggers and I would oftentimes hang with Ms. Glover after performances.
That's right! Memphis is the show that makes me only two degrees of separation from the Tony Awards! And my parents thought that theatre major of mine wouldn't amount to anything ... !
For tickets to Memphis (the musical, not the city), call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Events
Halloween Activities
Friday, October 18, through Thursday, October 31
Well, hello there, Reader readers! I'm the earthly remains of Bo Nessbaum ... but you can just call me BoNes! Like the guy on Star Trek, but with more facial expressions. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
Trust me. In life, I was quite the comedian.
I'm here to tell you about some of the terrific, Halloween-themed happenings in the Quad Cities and neighboring burgs during these last days before November hits. Just a few events I managed to dig up. Much like myself. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
Seriously. I did stand-up when I was alive. I was a big deal.
Anyhoo. You like haunted houses? Or haunted woods? Or haunted factories and fairgrounds and dragways? The QC region has got 'em all this Halloween season, so be sure to get your fright on at Davenport's Feargrounds Haunted House and the Davenport Jaycees' Haunted House, Rock Island's Terror at Skellington Manor, Moline's Factory of Fear, Port Byron's QC Haunted Forest, Orion's Torment at Twelve Hundred and Quad Cities Haunted Woods, and the Cordova Dragway's Asylum of Mad Dreams.
You can run from zombies, werewolves, and blood-crazed psychopaths - for charity! - during October 19's QC Terror Run at Bettendorf's Crow Creek Park. You can walk with zombies, werewolves, and other creatures during October 31's Davenport Halloween Parade. And kids can enjoy Halloween activities without excess scariness during October 19's annual Noogiefest at Gilda's Club Quad Cities, October 27's Monster Mash party at the Quad City Botanical Center, and the October 26 and 27 Boo at the Zoo events held at - where else? - Coal Valley's Niabi Zoo.
Area libraries will also give the young uns something to cry (with delight) over, with the Moline Public Library's Halloween Eve Party on October 30 and the Rock Island main library's Teen Halloween Party on Halloween night itself.
And if you're in the vicinity of the District of Rock Island, you can take in no fewer than three All Hallows' Eve events: the annual, outdoor Boneyard Boogie on October 26, the family-friendly Fright Night in the District on October 24, and the Circa '21 Speakeasy presentation Bottoms Up Quad City Burlesque: Murder-Mystery Show, running Fridays and Saturdays from October 18 through 26. But I don't want to hear any of you making any "boneyard" jokes about that last one. That's my job! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
For more on these area Halloween activities, visit the Reader events calendars. Thanks for reading, and I hope you've found this as enjoyable as it was informative. Entertaining, after all, is one of my many skulls. Ha! I'm telling ya, I kill me! Oh, wait ... . Too late! Ha ha ha ha ... ! Heh heh ... . Hmm.
Wow. Tough tomb.
Theatre
The Elephant Man
Scott Community College
Thursday, October 17, through Saturday, October 26
Joseph Merrick, the Englishman whose severe physical deformities made him both a heckled curiosity and a surprising figure in Victorian-era high society, is the central character in author Bernard Pomerance's The Elephant Man. But if you go to see this play during its Scott Community College stagings between October 17 and 26, you'll notice that no extensive makeup is used to make the young actor playing him resemble the actual Merrick. The role is traditionally played, in fact, by a performer wearing nothing but a white sheet draped around his midsection.
I was always tempted to go as Pomerance's John Merrick to Halloween parties, but couldn't stand the thought of fellow guests pinching my cheeks and saying, "Oooo ... Baby New Year ... !"
Telling of Merrick's days from reviled circus-sideshow exhibit to hospital case study to favored gentleman of England's upper classes, The Elephant Man has been the beneficiary of extraordinary reviews ever since its 1977 debut, with the New York Times calling it "enthralling and luminous," and the New York Post describing it as "wonderful, moving, and purely theatrical." And with the show receiving Best Play citations at the Tony Awards, the Drama Desk Awards, and the New York Drama Critics Circle, the show is certainly an estimable start to Scott Community College's theatre season, with student actors James Thames cast as Merrick, Austin Stone as Merrick's doctor Frederick Treves, and Analisa Percuoco as the kindly Mrs. Kendal.
But how much else to you know about The Elephant Man ... apart from the late-'80s rumor about Michael Jackson wanting to purchase Merrick's skeleton? Let's see! Try your hand at these Joseph Merrick-related trivia questions:
1) Where in England was Merrick born?
A) Birstall
B) Hamilton
C) Leicester
2) True or false: At birth, and for several years afterward, Merrick showed no signs of physical abnormalities.
3) Which royal visited Merrick during his years at London Hospital?
A) King William III
B) Princess Alexandra
C) Queen Victoria
4) How old was Merrick when he died?
A) 27
B) 31
C) 35
5) Which 1980 movie was based on the play The Elephant Man?
A) The Elephant Man
B) Ordinary People
C) Raging Bull
Tickets to Scott Community College's The Elephant Man are $7 at the Student Life Center (room 2400 through the college's exterior Door 5), performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and more information is available by calling (563)441-4001 or e-mailing director Steve Flanigin at sflanigin@eicc.edu.
Answers: 1 - C, 2 - true, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - Trick question! None of them! David Lynch's The Elephant Man was based on books by Frederick Treves and Ashley Nontagu, but not on Pomerance's play. Good thing Hollywood wasn't so sensitive about title domain back then, or Lynch's film probably would've had to be called Lee Daniels' The Elephant Man.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18 - How Great Thou Art: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. Concert tribute to the King's classics with Robert Shaw & the Lonely Street Band. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Thursday and Friday 11:30 a.m. doors, 11:45 a.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. Show, $42.32. Thursday 5:45 p.m. doors, 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. Show, $48.07. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Thursday, October 17 - Rubblebucket, Roadkill Ghost Choir, & Willy Mason. Independent musicians in a concert co-presented by Daytrotter and Communion Music. Codfish Hollow Barn (3437 288th Avenue, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $10-12, ages 12 & under free. For information and tickets, visit CommunionMusic.com. For an interview with Mason, visit RCReader.com/y/mason.
Thursday, October 17 - Gary Allen & Sheryl Crow. Chart-topping musicians perform on their Free & Easy Tour. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7 p.m. $35-59.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, October 18 - Straight No Chaser. Concert with the 10-voice a cappella ensemble, in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $30-40. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Friday, October 18 - Moondance 2013. Annual fundraising event with proceeds benefiting the Karli Rose Kell Music Scholarship Fund, featuring performances by Whoozdads? and The Ellis Kell Band. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $12-15. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, October 19 - Newsboys. Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning ensemble performing in their Restart Tour. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $24-75. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, October 19 - Homegrown Showcase. Hometown celebration concert with the local rockers of 1380, Dynoride, and Echoes & Afterthoughts. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, October 19 - Clayton Anderson. Country star performing in an outdoor concert. Augustana College's Charles D. Lindberg Stadium (639 38th Street, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10. For information, call (309)794-7833 or visit Augustana.edu.
Saturday, October 19 - Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones Tribute. Concert tribute to "the world's greatest rock-and-roll band," with an optional dinner in the atrium at 6 p.m. Central Performing Arts Center (519 East 11th Street, DeWitt). 7:30 p.m. $5-23 show only, $20-38 dinner and show. For tickets, call (563)249-8541 or visit Midwestix.com.
Saturday, October 19 - Elvis & Friends. A night of impersonators and the King's greatest hits. Col Ballroom (1012 West Fourth Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $25/person, $40/couple. For tickets and information, call (563)579-0172.
Saturday, October 19 - Aimee Mann. Grammy-winning pop-folk singer/songwriter in concert, with an opening set by Ted Leo. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, October 19 - Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show. Concert with impersonators of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop. Orpheum Theatre (57 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg). 7:30 p.m. $25-50. For tickets and information, call (309)343-2299 or visit TheOrpheum.org.
Monday, October 21 - The Eagles. Chart-topping and Grammy-winning pop icons in concert. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 8 p.m. $47.50-171.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Thursday, October 24 - Davina & the Vagabonds. Minnesota-based jazz, blues, and roots musicians in concert, with an opening set by Tritones Jazz Ensemble. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org. For a June interview with Davina Sowers, visit RCReader.com/y/davina.
Friday, October 25 - Chris Tomlin. Concert with the Grammy-winning and multi-platinum-selling Christian-music artist, performing with guest Louie Giglio. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $20-35. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26 - Smooth Jazz Fall Festival. Great Sound Promotions presents jazz concerts with guitarist Jeff Golub on Friday and saxophonist Marion Meadows on Saturday. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). Friday 8 p.m., $42.50-47.50. Saturday 8 p.m., $52.50-57.50. $82.50 weekend pass. For tickets and information, call (563)324-4208 or visit SmoothJazzSeries.com or RiverMusicExperience.org.
Friday, October 25 - Shenandoah Davis. Concert with the indie singer/songwriter, featuring an opening set by Anthonie Tonnon. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com. For a 2011 interview with Davis, visit RCReader.com/y/shenandoah.
Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Masterworks concerts featuring soprano Sarah Shafer and Joel Fan on piano, with a repertoire including Schubert's Rosamunde Overture & Dance, Barber's Knoxville, Summer of 1915, Mozart's Ch'io mi scordi di te, and Strauss' Suite from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme and Morgen for soprano and orchestra. 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)322-0931 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Saturday, October 26 - Har-di-Har. Husband-and-wife pop/folk artists in concert, with an opening set by The Fiyah. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Saturday, October 26 - Peter Yarrow. Concert with the folk singer/guitarist and former member of Peter, Paul, & Mary. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $25-27.50. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Friday, October 18 - Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Pirate & Princess Adventure. A new stage adventure featuring favorite Disney characters. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. $16-48. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 27 - Other Desert Cities. New Ground Theatre's presentation John Robin Faitz's Tony-winning drama, directed by David Turley. 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.
Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 27 - The Marriage of Figaro. Charles Morley's adaptation of the Beaumarchais comedy about the barber of Seville's valet, directed by Jennifer Popple. Augustana College's Potter Theatre (3701 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 1:30 p.m. $9-11. For tickets and information, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu/tickets.
Friday, October 18, through Sunday, November 3 - Birth Witches. Playwright Jennifer Fawcett's debuting dark comedy, co-produced with Cornell College and directed by Leda Hoffman. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $15-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Friday, October 18, through Sunday, October 27 - Romeo & Juliet. William Shakespeare's tragic romance, directed by Gavin Conkling. Iowa City Community Theatre (4265 Oak Crest Hill Road, Iowa City). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (319)338-0443 or visit IowaCityCommunityTheatre.com.
Saturday, October 19, through Saturday, November 2 - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Family production featuring Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. 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.
Wednesday, October 23, through Friday, November 1 - The Rocky Horror Show. Annual production of the camp-classic musical, directed by Tristan Layne Tapscott. District Theatre (1611 Second Avenue, Rock Island). Tuesdays through Saturdays 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays midnight. $20. For tickets and information, call (309)235-1654 or visit DistrictTheatre.com.
Friday, October 25, through Sunday, November 3 - Monty Python's Spamalot. Tony-winning musical comedy based on Monty Python & the Holy Grail, presented by the City Circle Acting Company of Coralville. Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 Fifth Street, Coralville). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $12-27. For tickets and information, call (319)248-9370 or visit CoralvilleArts.org.
Monday, October 28 - EA Poe: Edgar Allan Poe's Imagination. One-man drama about the famed horror writer, performed by Dan Haughey. Moline Public Library (401 19th Street, Rock Island). 6:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)524-2470 or visit MolineLibrary.com.
DANCE
Thursday, October 17, through Saturday, October 26 - UI Dance Gala 2013. Performances led by faculty choreographers Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barragan, and Jennifer Kayle and guest choreographers Simone Ferro and Esther Baker-Tarpaga. University of Iowa's Space/Place Theatre (E114 Halsey Hall, Madison and Jefferson streets, Iowa City). Wednesdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
COMEDY
Friday, October 18 - Bob Newhart. Legendary comedian and TV star in concert. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 8 p.m. $34-59. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
Friday, October 18 - Drew Carey. An evening of stand-up with the comedian and host of The Price Is Right. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $42-55. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Saturday, October 19 - Brian Regan. Stand-up comedian in his national tour. Riverside Casino Event Center (3184 Highway 22, Riverside). 6 and 9 p.m. $35-55. For tickets and information, call (877)677-3456 or visit RiversideCasinoAndResort.com.
EXHIBIT
Saturday, October 19, through Sunday, February 2 - Walter Haskell Hinton: Image Maker for Deere. Exhibition includes iconic works from the Deere & Company collection as well as lesser-known works and examples of printed materials using Hinton's images. Figge Art Museum (225 West Second Street, Davenport). Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m. Free with $4-7 admission. For information, call (563)326-7804 or visit FiggeArtMuseum.org.
EVENTS
Friday, October 18, through Saturday, October 26 - Bottom's Up Quad City Burlesque: Macabre Murder Mystery. A Halloween-themed evening with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. $18-20. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Wednesday, October 20 - America's Got Talent! Live. Stage show featuring the TV series' Season 8 winner Kenichi Ebina, plus contestants Collins Key, Jimmy Rose, Taylor Williamson, Cami Bradley, KriStef Brothers, and Tone the Chiefrocca. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $29-79. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Saturday, October 27, and Sunday, October 27 - Fall Rock, Gem, & Jewelry Show. Annual fundraising event presented by the Black Hawk Gem & Mineral Club, featuring items for sale, demonstrations, children's activities, and more. Mississippi sValley Fairgrounds (2815 West Locust Street, Davenport). Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $1/adults, ages 17 and under free. For information, call (563)445-3034 or visit BlackHawkGemAndMineralClub.com.
