Music
Das EFX and David Allan Coe
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, June 25, and Friday, July 1
With the hip-hop artists of Das EFX playing the Rock Island Brewing Company on June 25, and outlaw-country musician David Allan Coe playing RIBCO on July 1, my editor, Jeff, thought it would be fun if I wrote a combined What's Happenin' piece on both concerts. After all, beyond the venue they're appearing in, these disparate performers must have something in common, right?
Admittedly, you might not think so right off the bat. Composed of Andre "Drayz" Weston and Willie "Skoob" Hines, Das EFX originated when the men met at Virginia State University in 1988, and the duo made a critical and commercial splash with its very first CD, 1992's Dead Serious. A platinum-seller that boasted two singles that reached number-one on the Hot Rap Tracks chart - "They Want EFX" and "Mic Checka" - Dead Serious quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon (you have the album to thank/blame for the '90s hip-hop fad of ending words with the suffix "iggedy"), and led to the subsequent Das EFX releases Straight Up Sewaside, Hold It Down, and Generation EFX, international tours with DJ Rondevu, and a devoted cult following.
Country legend David Allan Coe, meanwhile, released his debut album Penitentiary Blues in 1969 and has gone on, over the span of a four-decades-plus career, to write and perform nearly 300 original songs. As a composer, Coe is probably best known for a pair of number-one '70s hits, the Tanya Tucker tune "Would You Lay with Me (in a Field of Stone)," and Johnny Paycheck's infectious anthem "Take This Job & Shove It." Yet Coe himself has also been a widely admired singer and guitarist, with such singles as "You Never Even Called Me by My Name," "The Ride," and "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile" landing among the top 10 on Billboard's country charts.
So yeah, Das EFX and David Allan Coe would appear completely dissimilar. Drayz and Skoob are from the East Coast (New Jersey and New York, respectively), while Coe was born in Akron, Ohio. Drayz and Skoob are both 40, and Coe turns 72 this September. The former were influences on such hip-hop artists as Kris Kross and Lords of the Underground; the latter has toured with the likes of Willie Nelson and Neil Young.
Besides summertime bookings at the Rock Island Brewing Company, then, what exactly do these musicians have in common? That's easy. They, uh ... . Well, they ... . You see, the thing of it is ... . Um ... .
Have I told you lately that I hate Jeff?
Das EFX performs with guests Deuce Ellis and Maxilla Blue, David Allan Coe appears with opener Fifth of Country, and more information on these and other concerts is available by calling (309)793-4060 or visiting RIBCO.com.
Music
Iowa City Jazz Festival
Downtown Iowa City
Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 3
Fourth of July weekend is right around the corner, and I know what you're thinking: Wouldn't it be great if, somewhere in the state of Iowa, there was a three-day outdoor festival that you and your family could attend, one that featured educational workshops, children's activities, vendors, and high-energy concert performances by more than two dozen musical acts?
Well, guess what: There is! It's the 2011 Iowa City Jazz Festival, taking place July 1 through 3 on downtown Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue!
Celebrating its 21st year, this nationally recognized event sees an average annual audience of more than 50,000 music fans, and was even named one of the "Top 10 Festivals in the Nation" by Downbeat magazine. Attendees are invited to sample tasty delights at the festival's Culinary Row, kids can enjoy the games and craft-making activities of the Fun Zone, noted area educators will deliver presentations on jazz and its history, and Saturday's events will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display over the University of Iowa's Hubbard Park.
But the Iowa City Jazz Festival's biggest draw is, of course, the music, and boy oh boy will there be music, with local, national, and international groups performing on no fewer than four separate stages. On the fest's main stage, you'll be treated to the superb jazz stylings of, among others, Randy Weston, Elsie Parker & the Poor People of Paris, Kneebody (pictured), Carmen Bradford with the Iowa Jazz All-Stars, and the Josh Roseman Unit. The local stage will feature performances by Funk Stop, Bermuda Report, Koplant No, the Pat Smith Group, and the Fez. And young artists steal the spotlight with concert sets on the festival's youth stage and college stage, with jazz outfits including Chloroform, Lick It Ticket, Thelonious Assault, the Silver Swing Band, and Groove Theory.
A full schedule and more information are available by visiting SummerOfTheArts.org, so make your getaway plans and have a fantastic time at the Iowa City Jazz Festival - it is, after all, the only three-day music festival in the state that weekend, and - .
What's that? There's another three-day music festival in the state that weekend? And it's right here in Davenport? Aw, man, this is embarrassing ... . Why didn't you tell me that 300 words ago?!
Theatre
Ajax
Lincoln Park
Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, July 10, 8 p.m.
On Saturdays and Sundays from July 2 through 10, Sophocles' Greek tragedy Ajax will be staged by Genesius Guild in Rock Island's Lincoln Park, and the accompanying image is the 1820 Henri Serrur painting Death of Ajax. For audiences who may consequently be squeamish about attending the production, please note that this isn't the same costume that'll be worn by the actor playing Ajax in Genesius Guild's show. He'll also be wearing a mask. (Okay, and maybe a little more.)
Written, it's presumed, circa 450-430 B.C.E., Ajax explores the fate of the titular warrior and takes place after the events of Homer's Iliad but before the end of the Trojan War. A tale of pride, hubris, vengeance, and ultimate compassion for one's enemies - and performed in one act, to boot - Ajax is this summer's annual Genesius Guild presentation in the traditional masks of the period, a terrific stage treat for those who haven't attended one before.
Yet while, as in all classic Greek tragedies, Ajax's plot is lucid enough to follow without the need for advance prep, it never hurts to know exactly who's who among the mask-wearing figures on stage. Let's see how you fare in matching names with these bare-bones descriptions. One name and description, however, will not be found in Sophocles' text:
1) Tecmessa
2) Athena
3) Odysseus
4) Eurysaces
5) Teucer
6) Agamemnon
7) Cascade
A) Goddess of wisdom and war
B) Military strategist who designed the Trojan horse
C) Greek general in the Trojan War
D) Ajax's concubine
E) Ajax's half-brother
F) Ajax's child
G) Ajax's rival
Admission to Ajax is free, though donations are encouraged, and more information is available by visiting Genesius.org.
Answers: 1 - D, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - F, 5 - E, 6 - C, 7 - G. With that last one, you didn't really think I'd write a piece on Ajax without making a dopey detergent joke, did you?
Music
Michael Bublé
i wireless Center
Friday, June 24, 8 p.m.
"So, Mike, what would you like to talk about today?"
"Doctor, I had this dream. It was me and Mrs. Jones, and we were feeling good and everything. But when I got ready to take her home, she said, 'Baby, it's cold outside.' So instead we had our first dance, and we started to sway, and we were almost getting too close for comfort, and before I knew it, I was kissing a fool!"
"Mmm-hmm ... ."
"Call me irresponsible, but it was crazy love - L-O-V-E love, like in Hollywood - and I was like, 'Let it snow!' I mean, I've never been in love before. How about you?"
"Well, uh ... ."
"So I was saying, 'You are my destiny,' and she was asking, 'How deep is your love?', and I kept thinking we were gonna get caught in the act - two strangers in the night sharing one dumb ol' heart. And finally, she looked at me and said, 'Close your eyes. It's time. I have a holiday gift for you - a special delivery.'"
"Uh-huh ... ."
"So I close my eyes, remembering our moondance and thinking, 'Let there be love!' And when I open my eyes ... she's turned into Michael Bublé."
"Huh."
"I got out of there just in time. I swear, when I fall in love next time, I won't dance."
"Right."
"What do you suppose it means, doctor?"
"Well, since you just referenced 30 Michael Bublé albums and songs in under a minute, I have a hunch you're thinking about the Grammy-winning superstar's upcoming concert at the i wireless Center. It's on June 24, and you're probably having dreams about Bublé because you're writing a piece about the event. So, how do you feel?"
"Lost."
"Our time is up."
"Hold on."
"You're still doing it, Mike."
"Cry me a river."
For tickets to Michael Bublé's June 24 concert, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
What Else Is Happenin'...?
MUSIC
Friday, June 24 - Popa Chubby. Acclaimed rock and blues musician in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com. For a 2006 Reader interview with Popa Chubby, visit RCReader.com/y/popa.
Tuesday, June 28 - U.S. Army Soldier Show. A night of music and dance showcasing different genres and world cultures. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit AdlerTheatre.com.
Thursday, June 30 - Keith Urban. Multi-platinum-selling country star in his "Get Closer" world tour, with opener Jake Owen. i wireless Center (1201 River Drive, Moline). 7:30 p.m. $25-55. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.
Friday, July 1 - North Mississippi Allstars Duo. Concert with two-time Grammy nominees and performing brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $20. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 3 - 27th Annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Outdoor music festival featuring local and national blues artists performing on two stages, workshops, vendors, and more. LeClaire Park (River Drive, Davenport). Friday 5 p.m. gates, Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. gates. $17-20 per day, $50 advance weekend pass. For information, call (563)322-5837 or visit MVBS.org.
Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3 - 80/35 Music Festival. Fourth-annual outdoor festival featuring nearly 50 national acts, budding regional performers, and local Iowa favorites on three stages. Western Gateway Park (between 12th and 16th streets Des Moines). $35-40 per day, $60 for two days, $150 VIP pass. For tickets, call (515)244-2771 or visit 80-35.com.
Saturday, July 2 - William Elliott Whitmore. Acclaimed folk musician in concert. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $12-15. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com. For a 2009 interview with William Elliott Whitmore, visit RCReader.com/y/whitmore.
Saturday, July 2 - Bronze Radio Return. Americana and indie-rock musicians in concert. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $10. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RedstoneRoom.com.
THEATRE
Friday, June 24, through Saturday, July 9 - The Two Gentlemen of Verona. William Shakespeare's classic comedy, performed in repertory with Ah, Wilderness! Riverside Theatre Festival Stage - Lower City Park (corner of Dubuque Street and Park Road, Iowa City). $17-39. For tickets and show schedule, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.
Thursday, June 30, through Sunday, July 10 - Sweet Charity. Famed Bob Fosse musical with a book by Neil Simon. Timber Lake Playhouse (8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll). Tuesdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m.; July 3 at 6:30 p.m. $15-23. For tickets and information, call (815)244-2035 or visit TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
Tuesday, July 5, through Saturday, July 30 - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Family-musical adaptation of Laura Joffe Numeroff's children's book. Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 Second Avenue, Rock Island). $8.50. For tickets and show schedule, call (309)786-7733, extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
LITERATURE
Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25 - David R. Collins Writers Conference. Annual summer workshops and presentations hosted by the Midwest Writing Center, with courses taught by Julie McDonald, Sally John, Stephen Frech, Connie Wilson, Jon Ripslinger, Barbara Lounsberry, Steve Semken, Robert Brown, and Sharene Martin-Brown. St. Ambrose University (518 West Locust Street, Davenport). $30-225, depending on the course load. For information and to register, call (563)324-1410 or visit MidwestWritingCenter.org.
SPORTS
Monday, July 4, through Sunday, July 10 - 2011 John Deere Classic. Annual golf tournament, featuring four rounds of professional PGA competitors. TCP at Deere Run (3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis). Monday 10 a.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 6:45 a.m., Thursday-Sunday 7 a.m. $18-38 per day. For tickets and information, call (800)336-4655 or (309)762-4653, or visit JohnDeereClassic.com.
EVENTS
Saturday, June 25 - Dodgeball Showdown. Annual outdoor competition, with a concert performance by Trash Martini. The Daiquiri factory (1809 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 11 a.m. For information, call (309)283-1809 or visit DaiquiriFactory.com.
Sunday, June 26 - Jewish Feast-ival. Second-annual event featuring food, live entertainment, display tables, an arts bazaar, family activities, games, cultural exploration, and more. Tri-City Jewish Center (2715 30th Street, Rock Island). 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $2, ages 12 and under free. For information, call (309)788-3426 or visit TriCityJewishCenter.org.
Sunday, June 26 - Blossoms at Butterworth. Annual event featuring home and garden tours, live music, games of the 1800s, children's activities, a Victorian tea party, exhibits, magic shows, the documentary "When Farmers Were Heroes: The Era of National Corn Husking Contests," and more. Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House (817 11th Avenue, Moline). Noon-5 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (309)743-2701 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.
Sunday, July 3 - Red, White, & Boom! Annual Fourth of July celebration on both sides of the Mississippi River, featuring activities, vendors, and a climactic fireworks display. Centennial Park and Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Schwiebert Riverfront Park and the District of Rock Island in Rock Island. 4-10:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, call (563)322-1706 or (309)788-6311, or visit DowntownDavenport.com or RIDistrict.com.
