You might think that it's only natural that Pieta Brown turned out to be a singer-songwriter. After all, she's the daughter of the legendary Iowa roots artist Greg Brown. Her second full-length recording, In the Cool (in stores this week), makes it sound like she's been doing this forever.

Activism can sneak up on you. One year ago, Bettendorf musician A.J. Haut couldn't have imagined being the initiator of a benefit performance involving dozens of performers and nearly a thousand dollars in raffle merchandise.

Jim the Mule - 5 p.m. Members of Jim the Mule have been making music in the Quad Cities since May 2000. Jason Gilliland, Tom Swanson, and Ryan Koning played together in a variety of bands while attending St.

"Tell them to get ready to rock and roll!" That is Edgar Winter's official message to those who'll see him Friday night at River Roots Live. And considering Winter's accomplishments in 35 years of performing, who wouldn't be ready? With more than 20 records to his name since his Entrance entrance in 1970, innumerable concert appearances, and continued public awareness due to the longevity of his '70s classics "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," Winter is a bona fide musical legend, and one with a style that - like the musician himself - can't be easily categorized.