The internationally acclaimed Holmes Brothers will make their only Quad-Cities appearance at The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA) on Saturday August 16.  The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and admission is $15.  Advance tickets are available only at The Muddy Waters for this special show in an intimate venue.

The Holmes Brothers perform "Timeless, deeply soulful and uplifting gospel-drenched blues, street corner doo-wop, ballads, R&B, country and funk" (New York Times).  Their brand of roots music was recognized this year when the National Endowment for the Arts awarded the Holmes Brothers a National Heritage Fellowship in the Folk and Traditional Arts.  The NEA Fellowships recognize the recipients' artistic excellence and support their continuing contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage.

The Holmes Brothers - Wendell Holmes (guitarist/pianist/vocalist/songwriter), Sherman Holmes (bassist/ vocalist/songwriter) and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon (drummer/vocalist) - are true treasures of American roots music. For 35 years, The Holmes Brothers' joyous and moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock 'n' roll and country has been captivating audiences around the world. Their spine-tingling three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell's gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy's soaring falsetto and Sherman's rich baritone, brings the spirit of gospel-inflected deep soul music into every song they perform. Equally gripping is the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman's bass playing and Popsy's drumming, perfectly complementing Wendell's blues-soaked guitar solos and church-inspired piano playing. The band expertly blends Saturday night's roadhouse rock and blues with the gospel passion of Sunday morning's church service. Rolling Stone says The Holmes Brothers play "impressive, fervent country soul."  Entertainment Weekly goes farther, declaring "The Holmes Brothers are juke joint vets with a brazenly borderless view of American music...timeless and rapturous."

The band's new Alligator Records album, Brotherhood, was produced by Glenn Patscha (Ollabelle, Marc Cohn), Chris Bruce (Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Seal) and Hector Castillo (Brazilian Girls, David Bowie). It is another stellar chapter in The Holmes Brothers' storied and still-evolving history. It's also their most bluesy album to date, filled with roadhouse wisdom, late-night doo wop, a proto rock 'n' roll punch, soulful R&B and closing with an amazing dose of Sunday morning spirit. Featuring fourteen songs?including eight new Holmes Brothers originals and six carefully-chosen covers?Brotherhood finds The Holmes Brothers at the top of their game, creating timeless roots music.  Brotherhood is a testament to the uplifting musical power that comes from the close-knit, fraternally telepathic relationship of The Holmes Brothers.

All of The Holmes Brothers' musical gifts are displayed in full force on Brotherhood. With their deeply soulful singing, uplifting harmonies and unsurpassed musicianship, The Holmes Brothers' ability to deliver gospel fervor and raw blues intensity is as legendary as their ability to bring audiences to their feet. The band is eager to bring their new release to the stage. "We're looking forward to exposing the new songs to our fans, and bringing new fans to our songs," says Wendell. "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready, and The Holmes Brothers are always ready."

The Holmes Brothers have seemingly done it all?from winning multiple Blues Music Awards to sharing stages and recordings with Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Osborne, Willie Nelson, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Ben Harper, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle. With Brotherhood, The Holmes Brothers prove yet again they are, as USA Today says, "glorious...full of soul and surprises."  "Fervent, inspired and joyful blues, R&B, soul, roadhouse rock and gospel...beautiful harmonies, true magic."-NPR

Their journey started in Christchurch, Virginia, where Sherman and Wendell were raised by their schoolteacher parents, who nurtured the boys' early interest in music. As youngsters they listened to traditional Baptist hymns, anthems and spirituals as well as blues music by Jimmy Reed, Junior Parker and B.B. King. According to Wendell, "It was a small town, and my brother and I were about the only ones who could play anything. I guess you could say we were large musical fish in a small pond. So we played around in all the area churches on Sundays." The night before, though, they would play blues, soul, country and rock at their cousin's local club.  "When he couldn't get any good groups to come from Norfolk or Richmond, he'd call us in," Wendell recalls. "That's how we honed our sound. We used to say we'd rock 'em on Saturday and save 'em on Sunday."

Sherman studied composition and music theory at Virginia State University, but in 1959 he dropped out and headed to New York for a promising job with a singer named Jimmy Jones (of "Handy Man" fame). His younger brother Wendell joined him in New York after completing high school. The two brothers played in a few bands before forming The Sevilles in 1963. The group lasted only three years, but they often backed up touring artists like The Impressions, John Lee Hooker and Jerry Butler, gaining a wealth of experience. Sherman and Wendell met drummer Popsy Dixon, a fellow Virginian, at a New York gig in 1967. Dixon sat in with the brothers and sang two songs. "After that second song," recalls Wendell, "Popsy was a brother." They continued to play in a variety of Top 40 bar bands?Wendell even toured with Inez and Charlie Foxx ("Mockingbird")?until 1979, when the three officially joined forces and formed The Holmes Brothers band.

In the early years, the band worked primarily at Dan Lynch's, a New York club that featured weekly jam nights and performances by a wide variety of blues acts, most notably The Holmes Brothers. More importantly, the club served as a meeting ground for many members of New York's blues community, including future members of Blues Traveler, Joan Osborne, and producer/harmonicist Andy Breslau, who brought the group to Rounder Records.

Since their debut on Rounder in 1989, The Holmes Brothers have toured virtually non-stop. They've performed in 50 different countries, including dates across the United States, Canada, throughout Europe, and in Singapore, Japan, Russia, Turkey, South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to their four critically acclaimed Rounder albums, they recorded Jubilation for Peter Gabriel's Real World label in 1992, becoming the first American group to record for the standout world music imprint. 1996 found The Holmes Brothers starring in the independent motion picture Lotto Land, for which they also recorded the soundtrack. Their albums all received massive praise. "Mind-blowing," said the Boston Herald. "Rich and satisfying," raved The Washington Post.

The Holmes Brothers joined Alligator Records in 2001, releasing the Joan Osborne-produced Speaking In Tongues to overwhelming popular and critical acclaim. They followed with 2004's Simple Truths, 2007's State Of Grace and 2010's Feed My Soul (which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart), each release earning the band more fans and more accolades. The success of their albums led to multiple appearances on national television, including visits to The Late Show With David Letterman and two trips to Late Night With Conan O'Brien, as well as a rousing performance on CBS Saturday Morning. Profiles and concerts on NPR have put them in front of millions of listeners. They have appeared on Weekend Edition, All Things Considered, A Prairie Home Companion and performed on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert. They played their original song "Opportunity to Cry" with Willie Nelson for the Willie Nelson & Friends: Outlaws And Angels TV special. The Holmes Brothers continue to tear up the highway, touring across the country and around the world. Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune said The Holmes Brothers are a "joyous, foot-stomping carnival...a gift to the world of music."

Sold-out event to continue conversation about providing Iowa's children with a world-class education

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today are hosting the second Iowa Teacher and Principal Leadership Symposium at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. The purpose of the event, which is sold out, is continuing the conversation about how to give Iowa children a world-class education.  More than 450 educators, parents, legislators, school board members and others are expected to attend.

WATCH THE SYMPOSIUM LIVE: http://bit.ly/IAEDLeaders

"Iowa's education system must keep pace with the demands of a knowledge-based, global workforce," said Branstad. "Iowa's new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System will create the capacity to do that by better utilizing the expertise of top teachers to fine tune instruction for individual students. We'll learn more from symposium speakers about how to make the most of this new approach to instructional leadership. "

Iowa is the first state to launch a teacher leadership system of this magnitude, with every school district having the option of participating over the next three years. The goal is for 25 percent of highly qualified teachers to take on new leadership roles, such as instructional coaches and mentors, to improve instruction and raise student achievement. When fully phased in during the 2016-17 school year, the Iowa Teacher Leadership and Compensation System is estimated to cost $150 million annually.

"Nothing inside schools has a bigger impact on learning than highly effective teaching," said Reynolds. "Iowa has many first-rate teachers, and we are looking forward during the symposium to learning more about exciting developments in teacher leadership in Iowa and beyond."

Featured symposium speakers include Vivien Stewart from the Asia Society, Ee-Ling Low from the National Institute of Education in Singapore, Barnett Berry from the Center for Teaching Quality, Iowa 2014 Teacher of the Year Jane Schmidt and Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year Aiddy Phomvisay. Also featured are Iowa's first 39 school districts to launch the state's new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System; two Iowa school districts that started teacher leadership systems with a federal grant; and a student panel on the difference great teaching makes.

Participants, attendees and those wishing to follow the symposium are encouraged to use the #IAEdLeaders hashtag on social media. For more information about the symposium: https://educationleadership.iowa.gov/

Governor Quinn Statement Regarding Passing of Gene Callahan

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passing of Gene Callahan:

"Gene Callahan was one of those rare fixtures in the political world - a true gentleman who could work with anybody, any time, to get things done.

"It is hard to believe the 40-plus-year 'Callahan era' has come to a close.  Few of us can remember a time when Gene was not involved in public service. Thankfully, he has instilled those same values in his daughter Cheri Bustos, who has taken his ethic of hard work and honesty to the U.S. Congress.

"Illinois has suffered two huge losses recently - first former Senator Alan Dixon, and now the Senator's long-time friend and advisor, Gene Callahan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the thousands of people whose lives Gene touched during his long and storied life."

Simon statement on the passing of Gene Callahan

CHICAGO - Aug. 4, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement on the passing of longtime friend and advisor Gene Callahan.

"Illinois will miss Gene Callahan. And the Simon family in particular has lost a dear friend.

"Gene served as chief of staff for my dad, a mentor for my brother, and a trusted advisor for me. He was always focused on what was best for the people of our state, not short-term political advantage. His ethical standards were the highest - standards I try to live up to daily.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Gene's family and all whose lives he touched."

Schilling Statement on Passing of Gene Callahan

EAST MOLINE, Ill.–Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) released the following statement today about the passing of Gene Callahan, a dedicated public servant to the State of Illinois and father to Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline):

"Illinois lost a great statesman today. Gene Callahan admirably dedicated his life to public service and had a positive impact on the State of Illinois. My prayers go out to Congresswoman Bustos and her entire family."

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COMPTROLLER TOPINKA STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF GENE CALLAHAN

CHICAGO - Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka released the following statement in response to the passing of longtime civil servant Gene Callahan:

"Illinois lost a true statesman this morning with the passing of Gene Callahan. Gene was passionate about public service. Although he worked in government and politics for decades he was able to rise above partisanship and work with anyone for the good of the order. He was truly one of the good ones. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

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Legislation Will Help Protect Health and Wellness of All Illinois Residents

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed critical legislation to address urban flooding and to help ensure clean drinking water supplies and a cleaner environment. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"Water is a tremendous resource except when you have too much of it or it's not fit to drink," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will help us better control the damaging urban floods we've had recently, and will help maintain our clean drinking water systems."

"These laws continue to support the Governor's work to provide additional protections for the state's cities and our water resources," Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director Lisa Bonnett said. "They include additional environmental protections that will provide for clean and healthy water for Illinois residents."

"Urban flooding is an equal opportunity problem," Ryan Wilson, Stormwater Program Manager at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on sustainable cities, said. "Our own research shows that urban flooding can happen anywhere, not just in floodplains. The legislation Governor Quinn signed today will help Illinois communities better understand urban flooding, and identify innovative stormwater solutions that can protect our homes, our investments and our environment from the threat of increasingly frequent and severe storms."

Senate Bill 2966, sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), creates the Urban Flooding Awareness Act. The new law forms a working group with representatives from state, federal and local agencies and other interested parties who will review and evaluate the latest research, policies and procedures regarding urban flooding. The group will then submit a report by June 30, 2015 to the Governor and General Assembly with recommendations on how best to prevent and control urban flooding. The law is effective immediately.

"Flooding in urban areas is a growing challenge that demands the combined expertise of local, state and federal agencies," Senator Steans said. "We're taking the problem seriously and making sure we know what's happening and why so we can adopt effective measures that protect lives and property."

"With recent heavy rainfall, our neighborhoods, cities and state saw a dramatic increase in flooding, causing serious damage to property," Representative Cassidy said. "This bill will bring together stakeholders, experts and State agencies to examine the causes of urban flooding and how our infrastructure and technology can mitigate the impacts in the future."

In addition, Senate Bill 2770, sponsored by State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) and State Representative Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), requires each community water supply system to designate an operator who will be directly responsible for that system's water supply and distribution. An initiative of the IEPA, it also updates the duties and responsibilities of operators to ensure they hold the proper certification and skills to operate the community water supply. The law is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 2928, sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) and State Representative JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch), which allows law enforcement agencies to collect pharmaceuticals and other controlled substances from residents and safely store and transport them for disposal at IEPA-approved sites. Increased options for residents to safely and properly dispose of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances will help ensure that fewer unused medications are flushed down the toilet, which has serious negative impacts on water supplies. The law is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn has a long record of support for measures that ensure a clean and healthy environment. On July 23 Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 2780, which expands the Governor's Clean Water Initiative to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects. In 2013, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 1869 which gives Illinois municipalities greater ability to build and invest in innovative stormwater management infrastructure to help mitigate damaging floods such as green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, tree boxes, porous pavement, native plantings, constructed wetlands and more. The law expanded existing law to include these items, among others.