Music
Grace Askew
Rozz-Tox
Sunday, October 12, 8 p.m.
Webster's dictionary defines "grace" as "a way of moving that is smooth and attractive." Webster's dictionary defines "askew" as "at an angle." An author who begins an article with "Webster's dictionary defines," meanwhile, is defined as "unoriginal" and "desperate," but that's neither here nor there.
What I mean to say is that the Webster's folk would no doubt love the name of October 12's musical guest at Rozz-Tox, because Americana singer/songwriter Grace Askew has been earning raves for her smooth, attractive song stylings that oftentimes veer off at unpredictably thrilling angles. Not for nothing, after all, did the Knoxville News-Sentinel write that "her voice warbles, trembles, swings, and flops" while granting four-out-of-four stars to her "riveting and genuine" August release Scaredy Cat.
The 27-year-old Memphis native began her career of blues and country - or what she fittingly calls "bluntry" - music playing high-school assemblies and open-mic nights at age 17, and cut her first EP, Wasted Lipstick, at age 21. Its local success led to another EP (2009's Hawthorne), a pair of full-length albums (2010's Until They Lay Me Down to Rest and 2011's Grace Askew & the Black Market Goods), and numerous tours as a solo artist. And all that led to a little TV program titled The Voice.
As a contestant in the program's fourth season, Askew delivered a knockout rendition of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," scored country star Blake Shelton as her coach, and was eventually cited by Yahoo Music's Reality Rocks as season four's "most robbed contestant" when she didn't make the show's final cut. But considering the stellar reviews she's amassed for Scaredy Cat, it's doubtful that Askew let the defeat bother her for long, with Spin magazine calling the album "beautifully haunting," Los Angeles magazine describing Askew as a "killer slide-guitar player with a sultry swagger," and the Philadelphia Inquirer raving, "Her sultry drawl is both seductive and powerful."
Yet admirers might be shocked to learn that all 11 Scaredy Cat songs were recorded in four hours on one day, because as Askew told the Memphis Flyer, "I love the magic of the first take." Which is why I only write first drafts - although had I written a second, I probably could've ditched that lame Webster's opener.
Grace Askew performs with opening sets by Erin Moore and Johnnie Cluney, and more information is available by calling (309)200-0978 or visiting RozzTox.com.
Theatre
Working
St. Ambrose University
Friday, October 3, through Sunday, October 5
You kind of have to feel for the theatre-department students at St. Ambrose University. A mere six weeks after summer vacation - bam! The department's got 'em working. And I mean capitalized, italicized Working.
Then again, the Working in question is a beloved musical loaded with memorable songs and beautiful monologues and rich, funny, moving characters, so, you know ... . They can deal.
Running October 3 through 5 in the Galvin Fine Arts Center, the show is based on author Studs Terkel's acclaimed 1974 nonfiction Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day & How They Feel About What They Do. Replace "talk" with "sing," and that's an incredibly apt synopsis for its stage adaptation, which debuted at Chicago's Goodman Theatre in 1977, made its Broadway debut in 1978, and went to to score a Drama Desk Award and five Tony nominations.
Presented as a series of mostly musical vignettes, Working explores the highs and lows of roughly three-dozen career choices through figures including a teacher, a trucker, a mill worker, a fireman, a receptionist, a waitress, and a parking-lot attendant. But though some of the jobs examined may appear mundane - and, as some Working characters will tell you, are mundane - the show itself emerges as a glorious celebration of humanity, one made all the more dynamic by its song list featuring compositions by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Mary Rodgers, and James Taylor. (One of Taylor's contributions here - the tender ballad "Millwork" - has even been famously covered by such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, and Eddie Vedder.)
While Working can be produced with as few as six cast members, director Corinne Johnson has enlisted 16 for St. Ambrose's production, among them such SAU-theatre talents as Becca Brazel, Kelci Eaton, Chris Galván, Jonathan "J.J." Johnson, Sam Jones, Jordan McGinnis, Nick Pearce, and Brooke Schelly. As someone who's been a fan of the material for three decades plus, I'm also psyched to see that Johnson is staging 2012's slightly revised edition of Working, which features updated careers, characters, and two new numbers by Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. I am, however, still waiting for the show's inclusion of an indie-newspaper journalist who gets paid to write smart-alecky comments. Maybe in a production of Working with a question mark at the end ... ?
For more information on, and tickets to, Working, call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/Galvin.
Music
The Chop Tops
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, October 11, 9 p.m.
Performing a dizzying blend of styles they call "revved-up rockabilly," the Santa Cruz, California-based touring musicians of the Chop Tops will play the Rock Island Brewing Company on October 11. If you want a sense of the band's genre-defying sound, you should know that they've opened for acts as diverse as Chuck Berry, the Reverend Horton Heat, Dick Dale, John Lee Hooker, Los Lobos, Dead Kennedys, Wanda Jackson, and Black Flag. If you want a sense of the band's spirit, just listen to their thrashing, exuberant rendition of "Chicks Smicks, Food Smood, Beer Yeah!" But you only need to listen to it once. It'll be in your head for the rest of your life.
Founded by vocalist and percussionist Sinner - who performs alongside the similarly single-named guitarist Shelby and upright bassist Josh - the Chop Tops have performed their distinct melding of rock, punk, psychobilly, and surf-music sensibilities since 1995, and have released seven CDs and four compilation albums since 1997. Currently in the midst of visiting 36 cities and 25 states over the seven-week "Revved-Up Rockabilly Mayhem Tour," RIBCO's set will find the Chop Tops thrilling fans with their dynamic stage presence and electrifying sound - a sound that some gamers might be very well acquainted with, as three Chop Tops tunes can be heard on 2009's action video game Wet.
Are you among the faithful? We shall see: Trying filling in the missing words on these six Chop Tops numbers.
1) "How Many ____"
2) "Running ____"
3) "Deadly ____"
4) "13 ____"
5) "Too Many ____"
6) "American ____"
A) Times
B) Cats
C) Months
D) Gun
E) Nightmare
F) Love
The Chop Tops' local concert also features sets by Rumble Seat Riot and 3 on the Tree, and more information is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Answers: 1 - A, 2 - D, 3 - F, 4 - C, 5 - B, 6 - E. I knew I responded to the Chop Tops' songs for a reason. Too many cats is my American nightmare.
Music
ZZ Top
Adler Theatre
Sunday, October 12, 7:30 p.m.
[10/5 Author's note: ZZ Top's Adler Theatre concert has been re-scheduled for April 2, 2015.]
"So what's this latest dream that's bothering you, Mike?"
"Aw, doc, this one's got me under pressure. So I'm having TV dinners in my sleeping bag with Leila, and she's just killing me - a girl in a T-shirt and cheap sunglasses, 36-22-36, with delirious legs and a tush that - ."
"Okay, okay. Go on."
"But my head's in Mississippi with Francine. I'm thinking about how she can't stop rockin' when I get arrested for driving while blind with all those beer-drinkers and hell-raisers by the salt lick in La Grange ... ."
"Uh huh ... ."
"I figure it's only love. But it's also decision or collision time with Leila, who wants to turn me, in stages, from a rough boy to a sharp-dressed man. So I give it up and breakaway from the memory, and tell her, 'Gimme all your lovin'!'"
"Right ... ."
"But just when we're about to enjoy and get it on - bang bang! She smacks me with a pincushion of concrete and steel and screams, 'You better doubleback, because I know somebody else been shakin' your tree!' And then I woke up. With wood."
"Hmmm."
"What's up with that?"
"Well, Mike, as you've just name-dropped 34 of the band's songs, my guess is that you're currently obsessing on ZZ Top. Which would make sense, because you're probably due to write an article on the multi-platinum-selling blues rockers and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, considering that the musical legends will be performing at the Adler Theatre on October 12."
"Whoa ... that's amazing! You're so right! I gotsta finish that ZZ Top article 'cuz I gotsta get paid!"
"Yes. And that's 35."
"I'm outta here, doc! And I thank you!"
"That's 36 ... ."
"Piece!"
For tickets to ZZ Top's Davenport concert -- now taking place on Wednesday, April 2, 2015 -- call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
What Else Is Happenin' ...?
MUSIC
Thursday, October 2 - The Sea & Cake. Chicago-based indie rockers in concert, with opening sets by The Multiple Cat and J.E. Sunde. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $13-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2012 interview with the band's Sam Prekop, visit RCReader.com/y/prekop.
Thursday, October 2 - Chicago Farmer. Singer/songwriter in his vinyl-release show, with an opening set by Edward David Anderson. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $8-10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Thursday, October 2, and Friday, October 3 - Surf Rock Beach Party. Concert featuring summertime pop hits, surf-rock instrumentals, a limbo contest, and a steel-drum showdown. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island). Thursday: 6-7 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. show, $49.12. Friday: noon-12:45 p.m. plated lunch, 1 p.m. show, $43.37. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Friday, October 3 - EGi. Funk and rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by Half Naked. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $8.50. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra: Into a New World. The Masterworks I concerts with Mark Russell Smith conducting a world premiere by John Frantzen, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3, and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9: From the New World, featuring guest pianist Garrick Ohlsson. Saturday: Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport), 8 p.m., $15.35-66.35. Sunday: Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island), 2 p.m., $13.50-39.50. For tickets and information, call (563)322-7276 or visit QCSymphony.com.
Monday, October 6 - Home Free. Country-music a cappella ensemble in concert. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $20-25. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Wednesday, October 8 - Jeremy Camp. Contemporary-Christian artist in concert, with opening sets by Kutless and Adam Capp. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $20-40. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, October 9 - Lynne Rothrock and Ron May. Cabaret performance with the Iowa City singer and the area pianist. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 7 p.m. $12.50-15. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
Thursday, October 9 - Susan Werner. Singer/songwriter performs from her album The Hayseed Project in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. The Mill (120 East Burlington Street, Iowa City). 7 and 9:30 p.m. $10-20. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.
Friday, October 10 - The Good Intentions. Liverpool-based Americana musicians in concert, with an opening set by Josh Harty. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.
Friday, October 10 - David Bromberg. Folk and blues musician in concert. 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 11 - Demi Lovato. Platinum-selling recording artist in concert, with opening sets by Christina Perri and MKTO. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $19.50-29.50. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, October 11 - Grand Funk Railroad. Concert with the funk rockers famous for "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "We're an American Band." Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 8 p.m. $30. For information, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, October 11 - Smooth Jazz Festival. The Grammy-nominated Jeff Lorber Fusion performs with special guest saxophonist Eric Marienthal. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 8 p.m. $38-53.50. For tickets and information, call (563)324-4208 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.
Monday, October 13 - Sharon Van Etten. The Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter in a concert co-presented by the Englert Theatre, featuring an opening set by Tiny Ruins. Gabe's (330 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $15. For information, call (319)688-2653 or visit ICGabes.com.
Wednesday, October 15 - Los Lobos. Grammy-winning rockers perform in the 25th Anniversary of La Pistola Tour. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $42-57.50. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
THEATRE
Thursday, October 2, through Sunday, October 12 - Sherlock Holmes & the Case of the Jersey Lily. Mystery/comedy by Katie Forgette, directed by John VanDeWoestyne. Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (309)944-2244 or visit RHPlayers.com.
Wednesday, October 8 - National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire. Screening of the West End's Tennessee Williams production starring Gillian Anderson and Ben Foster. 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.
Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, October 19 - Iowa Partnership in the Arts: Crescendo. Original piece by Paul Kalina, John Rapson, Paola Coletto, Matteo Destro, and David Bills exploring how the Industrial Revolution affected the educational system. University of Iowa's David Thayer Theatre (200 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City). Wednesdays through Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (319)335-2700 or visit Theatre.UIowa.edu.
Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, November, 9 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement. Musical-comedy sequel to Church Basement Ladies. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2 p.m. $18.50-28. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.
Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 19 - Xanadu. City Circle Acting Company of Coralville's production of the Tony-nominated musical-comedy. 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.
Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 19 - Toby's Corntussle News. Neill Schaffner comedy based on one of the Schaffner Players' "Toby & Susie" sketches. Iowa Theatre Artists Company (4709 220th Trail, Amana). Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. $10-22.50. For tickets and information, call (319)622-3222 or visit IowaTheatreArtists.org.
DANCE
Sunday, October 12 - Dancing with the Local Media Stars. Fundraising performance featuring emcee Denise Hnytka, and Bailey Deitz, Jason Fechner, Angie Sharp, Brittany Lewis, and Emily Scarlett dancing with Arthur Murray Dance Studio professionals. Golden Leaf Banquet & Convention Center (2902 East Kimberly Road, Davenport). Noon. $40. For tickets and information, call (563)326-4321 or visit ArthurMurrayQCA.com.
Sunday, October 12 - Maria's Voice. Tony-winning dancer Savion Glover leads an exploration of domestic violence through dance, poetry, and song. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $15-60. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Tuesday, October 14 - So You Think You Can Dance: Season 11 National Tour. Revue featuring performances by the TV series' Rudy Abreu, Casey Askew, Tanisha Belnap, Emilio Dosal, Zack Everhart, Jacque LeWarne, Jessica Richens, Valerie Rockey, Ricky Ubeda, and Bridget Whitman. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $39.75-65. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.
COMEDY
Saturday, October 4 - Capitol Steps. Political skits and song parodies with the touring comedy stars. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m. $35. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
Tuesday, October 7 - Lena Dunham. The comedy author and Girls star converses with Curtis Sittenfeld in an event featuring poet Jenny Zhang. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $30. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.
LITERARY ARTS
Wednesday, October 8 - Read Local: Robin Throne. Presentation by the local author on her novel Her Kind, featuring a Q&A and book-signing. Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)344-4175 or visit BettendorfLibrary.com.
Thursday, October 9 - SPECTRA Poetry Reading. Event co-sponsored by the Midwest Writing Center, featuring authors Lauren Haldeman and Erin Keane. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)324-1410 or visit MidwestWritingCenter.org.
Saturday, October 11 - Pen-in-Hand Writing Mini-Conference. Annual event featuring the workshops "This Is a Story, Too: Nontraditional Formats for Revealing Short-Story Narratives," led by Christiana Langenberg at 10 a.m.; and "The Body as Canvas & Page: The Use of Visual Literacy & Literary Imagery in the Anatomy of Poetry," led by Gabriella Miotto at 1:30 p.m. Midwest Writing Center (225 East Second Street, Suite 303, Davenport). $20-25/workshop, $35-40/both workshops. For information and to register, call (563)324-1410 or visit MidwestWritingCenter.org.
KIDS' STUFF
Friday, October 10 - Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival. All-new stage show with classic Disney characters from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Toy Story. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 4 and 7 p.m. $21.60-66.95. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Saturday, October 11 - Noogiefest. The 16th-annual Halloween party featuring themed rooms, games, crafts, activities, door prizes, and more, with costumes encouraged. Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities (1234 East River Drive, Davenport). 4 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)326-7504 or visit GildasClubQC.org.
Sunday, October 12 - Pete's Awesome CommUNITY Party. Family-friendly event held in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, featuring live music, dance, presentations, family activities, and a visit by Pete the Purple Bull. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 1 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit QCUnited.com.
EVENTS
Friday, October 3 - Sleepout 2014. Third-annual overnight fundraiser for the Humility of Mary Shelter, with live music, games, contests, food, a ComedySportz performance, a movie, and more. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). 4 p.m. $25. For information, call (563)322-8065 or visit HumilityOfMaryShelter.com.
Saturday, October 4 - Zoofari. Brazil-themed fundraiser featuring cocktails, dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, zoo tours, and more. Niabi Zoo (13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley). 6 p.m. $100. For information and to reserve, call (309)799-3482 or visit NiabiZoo.com.
Saturday, October 4 - Make-a-Wish Iowa Riverbend Walk/Run for Wishes. Annual fundraising event with the 10K beginning at 10 a.m., the 5K beginning at 10:30 a.m., and the one-mile walk beginning at 10:45 a.m. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). $20-40 registration. For information, visit Iowa.Wish.org.
Sunday, October 5 - CROP Hunger Walk. The 43rd-annual fundraiser sponsored by Churches United of the Quad City Area, with a walk through downtown Davenport, across the Centennial Bridge, around the District of Rock Island, and back to the stadium. Modern Woodmen Park (209 South Gaines Street, Davenport). 2 p.m. For information, call (563)332-5002 or visit CUQCA.org.
Saturday, October 11 - Familes On! Challenge. A obstacle course in which families climb over an enormous couch, jump on a huge bed, run through masses of bubbles, throw dishes at a dishwasher, and more, with local youth music, theatre, and dance performances throughout the day. Credit Island (800 Credit Island Lane, Davenport). 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $29-39/person registration, $5/spectators. For information, visit FamiliesOn.com.
Sunday, October 12 - Running Dead 5K. Zombie-themed fundraising race for the Moline Park Department, with post-race entertainment by 7 Sins Sideshow. Ben Butterworth Memorial Parkway (3000 River Drive, Moline). 4 p.m. $35-40 registration. For information, call (309)524-2422 or visit Facebook.com/QCRunningDead5K.
Wednesday, October 15, through Friday, October 17 - Upper Mississippi River Conference. Annual River Action event focusing on issues and opportunities associated with the river, featuring special presentations and keynote speaker Matt Rota of the Gulf Restoration Network. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). For information, call (563)322-2969 or visit RiverAction.org.
