Many youngsters were present at the Quad City Symphony concert on Saturday, December 3, but they weren’t the only ones encouraged to let the music lead their imaginations to faraway places. In a night of music written by artists who, as described by conductor Donald Schleicher, are “serious composers with imaginations,” the Quad City Symphony conjured an atmosphere that allowed words and music to stimulate our minds, and create worlds where elephants wear suits and angels are summoned.
It's ironic that a band that can't choose a name can develop a sophisticated, comprehensive system of musical cues that allows every member to change (or merely anticipate) what's happening on stage, from tempo to key.

Wicked Good

Among the special features on the Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls - Live at Circa '21 DVD - the release of which is being celebrated at Rookie's on Saturday, November 26 - is an early promotional video in which the band members describe their group's sound to an off-screen interviewer.
Like Michael Jordan's baseball career, the Grateful Dead's studio recordings were largely superfluous. The band gave the world legendary live performances, and that was more than enough. Those analogies might seem a little big for the Quad Cities' Strange Neighbors, which has been around since 1994 and is led by singer-songwriter-guitarist Dustin Cobb.
After a rambunctious, sacred, fun-loving, somber Holiday Pops concert filled with elements that make the holidays special, the Christmas season has finally officially begun. The Quad Symphony Orchestra Association and the Quad City Arts Festival of Trees presented an enchanting kickoff at The Mark of the Quad Cities on Saturday night, complete with instrumentalists, vocalists of all ages, and vivacious figure skaters.
There was no logical reason for Bruce Katz to give up the life of a working musician. By the the late 1980s, Katz had toured with the likes of Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and soul singer Barrence Whitfield. Equally adept in jazz and blues, and with the piano and the soulful Hammond B3 organ, Katz had built a solid career as a sideman.
Damian Kulash is confused. The guitarist, lead singer, and chief songwriter of OK Go wants clarification. Is it true that the publication I write for is called the "Readery"? Like an "eatery?" he asks.
On Sunday, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra showed its ability to inspire its audience in collaboration with a guest artist and with its members’ own talent. The orchestra performed three enjoyable pieces, but for me only the finale made a lasting impression.
Filled with pleasing melodies and heartwarming themes, the concert opening the Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s 91st season was an understated balm for the soul. Concert pianist Alon Goldstein joined the symphony in Augustana’s Centennial Hall to deliver a performance that was simply enjoyable from beginning to end.

By Georges!

For some musicians, the idea of performing in a tribute band full-time, and in full costume, no less, would be a depressing proposition. Why devote time, talent, and energy to the presentation of someone else's hits? Michael Fulop and Marty Scott, though, wouldn't have it any other way, and if you had the chance to portray George Harrison for adoring Beatles fans on a nightly basis, you might feel the same way.

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