02 Jul 2014

AUDITIONS AND A TONY-WINNING COMEDY AT THE QC THEATRE WORKSHOP

By Tyson Danner

Having completed its 2013-14 season with the acclaimed production of True West, Davenport's QC Theatre Workshop is gearing up for its third season of performances with two exciting and funny presentations: the Tony Award-winning comedy 'Art,' running August 15 through 30, and Bat Boy: The Musical, with auditions for the October show taking place on July 26.

Translated by Oscar winner Christopher Hampton from the original French play by Yasmina Reza (author of 2009's Tony champ God of Carnage), 'Art' is a biting and hilarious exploration of male camaraderie, competitiveness, and ego. Reza's comedy revolves around the purchase of an enormous white painting, with white lines, that threatens the relationship of three longtime friends: Serge, who can't grasp his pals' disapproval of his new artwork; Marc, who can't fathom the $200,000 purchase of an all-white painting; and Yvan, who can't understand why everyone can't just get along.

Described by the New York Times as "very funny" and "an impeccably tailored piece of work," 'Art' received the 1998 Tony for Best Play and went on to run for 600 performances. The show was also produced by the area's Curtainbox Theatre Company in 2010, and the QC Theatre Workshop's Artistic Director Tyson Danner is delighted that the cast for that production - Adam Michael Lewis, Aaron Randolph III, and Mike Schulz - is returning, in their original roles, for this new take on 'Art.'

"At the Workshop, we are incredibly lucky to attract such stellar performers show after show," says Danner, "and these guys were all eager to reunite. I can't wait for our audiences to see what a riot they will be!"

Each member of the show's acting trio is already acquainted with the Workshop venue: Lewis appeared there in the Prenzie Players' 2013 production of Two Gentlemen of Verona; Randolph was the author of last summer's original drama A Green River; and Schulz performed in the company's springtime presentation of True West.

 

But while this stage reunion is taking place with the full support of 'Art''s Curtainbox director Dave Furness and producer Kimberly Kurtenbach Furness, Danner - who will direct the Workshop's production- stresses that the season-opener is not simply a remount of a previous area presentation.

 

"I am glad we can offer this play to our community again. Having been out of the area during the previous production, I'm looking forward to leading the production with a fresh perspective," says Danner. "Plus, 'Art' will take place exactly two years after our first production, and it couldn't be a better match. I love that we get the chance to produce this comedic flip-side of RED."

 

'Art' will be staged at the QC Theatre Workshop (1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport) from August 15 through 30. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m., and due to occasional strong language, the show is recommended for mature audiences.

 

Meanwhile, three weeks prior to 'Art''s opening, the theatre will host auditions for its October production (performance dates TBA) of the off-Broadway smash Bat Boy: The Musical, which will take place at the Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.

 

Loosely based on the notorious Weekly World News story about a half-boy/half-bat who was discovered living alone in a cave, Bat Boy is the hysterical, clever, and surprisingly touching tale of a strange young creature and the townsfolk who despise him - a genre-bending hit that led the New York Times to rave, "It's remarkable what [this show's] intelligent wit can accomplish."

 

James Fairchild, from last fall's Workshop production of Last Call: The Songs of Stephen Sondheim and director of the District Theatre's A New Brain, will direct Bat Boy. Roles are available for male and female actors of all ages and types, with most characters open to the double- (and even triple- ) casting of performers. Those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script, and should prepare 32 bars, or one verse and chorus, of either a pop-rock song or an up-tempo musical-theatre selection. No monologues will be required, but those auditioning should come prepared to tell a joke.

 

As with the Workshop's eight previous productions, both 'Art' and Bat Boy: The Musical will be presented under the company's popular "Pay What It's Worth" policy, which allows patrons to determine their own ticket prices following each performance.

 

or info@QCTheatreWorkshop.org, or visit QCTheatreWorkshop.org.

 

Bat Boy: The Musical auditions

Saturday, July 26, 1 - 3 p.m.

 

'Art' performances

Friday, August 15, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m.

 

Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 23, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 24, 3 p.m.

 

Friday, August 29, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 30, 7:30 p.m.

 

QC Theatre Workshop

1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport, Iowa, 52804

(563)650-2396

info@QCTheatreWorkshop.org

QCTheatreWorkshop.org

Facebook.com/QCTheatreWorkshop

 

02 Jul 2014

Musical Performers Tune Up July at Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Summer events take a tuneful turn next week at the Rock Island Library in July, with two new musical performers for children and families.

On Monday, July 7, the library will host a "Boogie in the Barnyard" dance party featuring musician, author, and chicken dancer John Duggleby. The all ages music event is from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Duggleby, of Madison, Wis., plays about 75 one-man shows per year, at venues ranging from coffeehouses, to senior centers, to libraries, to festivals. Along with his own material, his songbook ranges from Stephen Foster and George M. Cohan to Beatles and Bruce Springsteen, performed on guitar and who knows what else. Oh, and yes ... there will be chicken dancing, so warm up your wings!

Duggleby is the author of 10 books, including "Artist in Overalls, the Life of Grant Wood," and hundreds of magazine articles. He made his professional performing debut at age five at the Sunset Supper Club in Muscatine, Iowa, singing, "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" after the piano man bribed him with a nickel. As an adult his bio states he "labored in several underappreciated folk, 60s rock, Cajun, bluegrass and world music ensembles." John also leads drum circles and kitchen bands for groups including seniors, kids and disabled people, as well as hosting a monthly Songwriters Showcase at a Madison-area listening room.

On Thursday, July 10, award-winning children's musician Jeanie B! brings her rock and roll music show for kids and families to two Rock Island Library locations. The free performances are from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

The winner of the 2012 Parents' Choice for her CD, Sugar Buzz, and a 2006 Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award for Mommy Knows Best, Jeanie B! is a lifetime singer/songwriter who started playing guitar at age 12.  Her sound is kid's music for everyone, leaning toward rock and roll, folk and country. Her high-energy concerts have been called "Velcro for kids" and are packed with dancing, sing-a-longs and interactive music. She involves the audience with movement, dancing, singing, and jumping, providing a rocking good time for both parents and children.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

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02 Jul 2014

Man arrested for assaulting female at SCC

By Lieutenant Bryce Schmidt

On Wednesday, July 02, 2014 at approximately 1010 hours, the Scott County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Scott Community College (SCC) reference a report of a female who had been physically assaulted.

Just minutes prior to the assault, the 47 year old female parked at SCC to watch a PV/Central high school baseball game. As she was exiting her vehicle, she was approached and physically pushed back into her vehicle by a male subject. The female struggled back, honking her vehicle horn and yelling.

She drew the attention of spectators at the game. The male subject took off running toward SCC, as a few spectators ran after him and kept view of his whereabouts. The spectators initiated a call to the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) who in turn dispatched Deputies. A Deputy was able to take the male subject into custody shortly thereafter without incident.

The female while visibly upset by the incident, was not seriously injured.

The female did not know the male subject prior to the incident.

The male subject was identified and charged as follows:

Name: Anthony Duane Williams, Jr, age 24, a resident of Rock Island.

Charges:

1 count of Burglary 2nd Degree, a class "C" felony.

1 count of Driving While Revoked, a simple misdemeanor.

William's total bond on the charges filed is $ 10,300.00.

A photo of Williams can be seen at www.scottcountyiowa.com under "Sheriff's Office Inmate Listings" for today's date.

The case remains under further investigation.

No further information is being released at this time.

"A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."

02 Jul 2014

Gov. Branstad announces appointees to Regional STEM Advisory Boards

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to fill Iowa's Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Boards.

The following individuals' appointments began July 1, 2014, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

North Central Regional STEM Advisory Board

Mrs. Jan Westrum, Boone

Ms. Robin Anderson, Mason City

Dr. Paul Bartelt, Forest City

Dr. Douglas Jacobson, Ames

 

Northeast Regional STEM Advisory Board

Mr. James Brown, Jr., Cedar Falls

Dr. Scott Greenhalgh, New Hartford

Mr. Mason Kuhn, Cedar Falls

Mr. Steve Demuth, Decorah

Ms. Lisa Digman, Bellevue

 

Northwest Regional STEM Advisory Board

Mrs. Mary Trent, Carroll

Dr. Jasper Lesage, Sioux Center

Ms. Sherry McGill, Sergeant Bluff

Ms. Nancy McDowell, Sheldon

 

South Central Regional STEM Advisory Board

Mr. John Chai, Norwalk

Ms. Kimberly Wayne, Des Moines

Dr. Jerry Deegan, Clive

Ms. Katherine Harrington, West Des Moines

 

Southeast Regional STEM Advisory Board

Mr. Patrick Barnes, Bettendorf

Ms. Kimberly Beals, Swisher

Professor Tonya Peeples, Coralville

Mr. Craig Martinson, Central City

Ms. Adriana Donofrio, Cedar Rapids

 

Southwest Regional STEM Advisory Board 

Mr. Chris Russell, Omaha

Mrs. Kimberly Carter, Council Bluffs

Ms. Carol LaFaver, Creston

Mrs. Lori Stitz, Harlan

 

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02 Jul 2014

Online Dating Scams

By Ginny Grimsley
Avoid a Scam, or Worse, When Navigating the Dating Scene

Not only have online dating sites opened up a whole new dynamic for singles looking for company - attitudes about the viability of these sites have become more positive.

The Pew Research Center recently published the following survey results:

• Almost 60 percent of Americans say online dating sites are a good way to meet people, up from 44 percent in 2005.

• While one-third of those who use the sites never go on an actual date - that leaves 66 percent of users who do.

• One in five young adults have used a dating site, and they're growing in popularity with older adults, too.

"I was one of those older adults who found online dating sites to be a convenient way to meet women for potential romance," says Charles W. Massie, a baby boomer who wrote about his online dating experience in a new novel, "Stains on the Gavel" (www.starshowpublications.com).

"Middle-aged singles have a smaller pool to draw from because so many men and women are married with families by then. That makes finding love tough."

Massie, an entrepreneurial businessman with his own business and a full schedule, says he was elated when things progressed quickly online with a hot prospect.

"I almost couldn't believe how lucky I was," he says. "Unfortunately, I did believe it, which led to this woman taking advantage of me in the worst way."

The woman set him up in an elaborate ruse that resulted in him going to jail on false charges, while she took possession of everything he owned.

"Something that was too good to be true wound up becoming a nightmare," says Massie, who suggests these red flags:

•  She likes everything about you. "To put it simply, I quit thinking with my brain," he says.

No matter how smart, established or successful you may be in other aspects of life, just about everyone of any age loves being love-drunk; it's not just for teens like Romeo and Juliet. But what are the chances that a smart and very attractive woman, about whom you know next to nothing, likes everything you like, do and are?

"The food I liked, the hobbies I liked, the music I liked and political affiliations were identical to hers," he says. "That was a red flag."

•  She asks you to move in almost immediately. Most smart young women are somewhat cautious while getting to know a potential new love interest.

"This woman, however, was all too eager for me to leave my home state to move into her home," Massie says. "That should tell you one of at least two things: she's either desperate for someone because she's emotionally unstable, or she has no fear of you, which could mean she's working an angle."

•  She really is, physically, too good to be true. It's possible that a hot date that's "out of your league" will come to love you for who you are - in time! On the other hand, when you weigh all of the conditions that may include the fact that you don't really know her, nor she you; that you are financially sound and she is not; that she suggests a living situation that's moving far too fast; that you've only known each other for a matter of weeks, and never met in person - "yeah, at that point, you should be at least a little skeptical," he says.

About Charles Massie

Charles Massie is an engineer, former member of the U.S. Navy and businessman, overseeing several companies including Massie Engineering Associates and InfoTech Consulting. He's also a prolific writer and owner of Starshow Publications. "Stains on the Gavel," www.starshowpublications.com, continues the story of his online dating and criminal justice nightmare, which began in his first novel, "Pinned: A Kentucky True Crime."

02 Jul 2014

IOWA IRISH FEST SEEKS HIGHLAND GAMES ENTRANTS

By Lori Blackburn
We want you for our traditional Gaelic heaving, lifting and tossing competitions.
WATERLOO, Iowa–Iowa Irish Fest is hosting the Highland Games on Friday and Saturday, August 1-2, in Waterloo's Lincoln Park. A demonstration will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and the competition will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Traditional Gaelic games include heavy and light athletics. Heavy athletics are events in which participants must lift, heave, toss or throw objects, while light athletics are typically running and jumping events.
"I think it's really important to keep traditions like the Highland Games going," said Jennifer Cain, Iowa Irish Fest Highland Games committee chair. "We almost lost these ancient traditions, so it's great to see these events are still going strong, not just at Iowa Irish Fest and in Iowa, but across the nation."
At Iowa Irish Fest, the Highland Games are centered on the heavy athletic events. This year's Highland Games will include :
  • Clachneart–Also referred to as the stone of strength, this is a stone weighing 16 to 22 pounds. Throwers run seven-and-a-half feet up to a toe board to throw the Clachneart like a shot put.
  • Braemar Stone–This event is similar to the Clachneart except the stone weighs between 22 and 30 pounds and is thrown from a standing position.
  • Weight Throws–Contestants throw a heavy and light metal implement for distance. The implements weigh 56 and 28 pounds, respectively, and arethrown from behind a toe board with one hand.
  • Sheaf Toss–A hay fork is used to toss a sheaf, (or burlap bag of twine) for height. The sheaf weighs between 16 and 20 pounds and can be launched more than 30 feet in the air.
  • Weight Over Bar–Also called the Test of Champions, contestants must toss a 56 pound weight for height.
  • Caber Toss–The caber is a tapered, 15-20 foot pole that weighs between 90 and 140 pounds. Contestants hold the pole upright before tossing it end-over-end for accuracy.
  • Irish Super Heavy Two-Handed Stone Throw–This event requires male contestants to lift a 112 pound stone and run a short distance with the stone held at chest height or above the head. The stone is heaved forward with both hands at the end of the running distance. For women, the stone is 56 pounds.
Contestants must wear a kilt to compete, and event winners will each receive a trophy. There will also be light-weight versions of the Highland Games for children to learn more about the events and practice their skills.
Entrants can register at www.IowaHighlandGames.org/Events/IIF. Registration will be limited to two sections of competitors.
The annual Iowa Irish Fest is put on by the Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association, an organization intended to foster and develop Irish fellowship and outreach into the community with Irish cultural events and programs. Iowa Irish Fest will be held on August 1-3, 2014. Admission to the fest is just $15 for all three days, and children 12 and under are free. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.IowaIrishFest.com.
###
02 Jul 2014

U.S. Coast Guard finalizes changes to the inland navigation rules and their annexes

By U.S. Coast Guard HQ Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard announced Wednesday the publication of the final rule finalizing changes to the inland navigation rules and their annexes in 33 Code of Federal Regulations parts 83 through 88.

This action aligns the Inland Navigation Rules in the Code of Federal Regulations with the amendments made by the International Maritime Organization to the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, to which the United States is a signatory. Also, the action incorporates recommendations made by the Navigation Safety Advisory Council.

The changes to the current rules will reduce regulatory burdens by adding more options for vessel lighting, alleviating bell requirements, explaining whistle equipment options and adding more options for navigational equipment. These changes also address the technological advancements of wing-in-ground craft and increase public awareness of the inland navigation requirements by reorganizing and making format changes.

The final rule can be found at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-07-02/pdf/2014-14413.pdf.

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Date: Jul 2, 2014

02 Jul 2014

OFFICIAL BLUES FESTIVAL UPDATES! FESTIVAL IS ALL SET FOR 2ND STREET IN DAVENPORT

By MVBS

The 30th anniversary Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is on for July 3-5 in downtown Davenport!  Despite the massive flooding, the Festival is happening, and the weather prediction for the festival weekend is for dry and pleasant temperatures.

Here is a list of important information about the blues Festival:

  • The location is on 2nd Street in Davenport, between Brady and Ripley Streets.
  • The main gate with will call and media check-in is at Harrison Street on the north side of 2ndStreet.  A second gate is at the east end of 2nd, at Brady Street.
  • Because River Drive will be closed, there is no access to the parking garage closest to the River Music Experience (at River Drive and Main Street).
  • Red White and Boom has cancelled the fireworks for Thursday July 3rd.
  • The Bandshell (Big Stage) will be at Ripley & 2nd, and the "Tent" stage will be in the courtyard just east of the River Music Experience at 2nd and Main.
  • Admission is $10 for Thursday July 3, $25 for Friday July 4, and $25 for Saturday July 5.
  • Correction: The free workshops will be held in the performance hall on the second floor of the River Music Experience, and the free retrospective Photo Exhibit will be housed in the same room.  Hours are 2:30-8:00 p.m. on July 4 and 5.
  • Correction: BlueSKool will be held on the community stage at Falbo's Pizza on the first floor in the River Music Experience.  Hours are 3:30-7:00 p.m. on July 4 and 5.
  • Gates open at 4:30 on Thursday July 3, and at 2:30 on July 4 and 5.
02 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, July 1, 2014**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 3443

An Act Concerning: State government

Repeals outdated mandates based on recommendations from the Budgeting for Results Commission.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately, except for several provisions that take effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

 

###
02 Jul 2014

FELIZ DOMINATES SNAPPERS IN BANDITS' WIN

By Marco LaNave
Brian Holberton and Brett Phillips each hit home runs to lead 3-1 Quad Cities triumph

BELOIT, Wis. (July 1, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz struck out seven batters and allowed a lone unearned run in a season-high seven innings, while catcher Brian Holberton and right fielder Brett Phillips hit solo home runs to lift the visitors to a 3-1 victory over the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field Tuesday night.

In his longest outing since a seven-inning start last Sept. 6 in the New York-Penn League playoffs, Feliz (4-2) out-dueled Snappers right-hander Junior Mendez (2-4), who also went seven innings, allowing two runs - one earned. Each pitcher walked only one batter, and Feliz struck out seven, while Mendez fanned six. Feliz has allowed one unearned run while striking out 17 in 14 innings against Beloit.

Through four scoreless innings, each team had one hit. With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Mendez had set down 12 straight batters before Holberton launched a 1-0 fastball over the fence in right-center field for his sixth home run. In the bottom of the inning, Feliz had retired 11 batters in a row before a one-out double by Snappers right fielder Tyler Marincov. A wild pitch and walk put runners at first and third bases, but Feliz got catcher Jose Chavez to fly out to right field to keep the 1-0 lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, River Bandits center fielder James Ramsay hit a leadoff single, went to third base after two groundouts and scored on a passed ball by Chavez to extend the lead to 2-0. In the bottom of the sixth, a one-out throwing error by second baseman Jose Fernandez allowed center fielder B.J. Boyd to reach first base. Third baseman Matt Chapman then swatted his second double of the game to left-center field, scoring Boyd to make it 2-1. During the next at-bat, however, River Bandits catcher Jake Rodriguez threw to shortstop Thomas Lindauer to pick off Chapman, eliminating what would be the Snappers' last opportunity with the tying run in scoring position.

Rain interrupted play for seven minutes in the top of the seventh inning, but Mendez completed a season-high seven-inning start. Feliz worked around a two-out single in the bottom of the inning, before Quad Cities (6-6 second half, 41-40 overall) turned to right-hander Frederick Tiburcio to start the bottom of the eighth inning with a 2-1 lead. Tiburcio fanned the last two batters in a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

In the top of the ninth, Phillips blasted the first pitch from right-hander Bobby Wahl over the right-field fence for his fifth home run, widening the lead to 3-1. Wahl worked two innings out of the bullpen for Beloit (2-9, 32-49).

Tiburcio also worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning to convert his fifth straight save opportunity. Quad Cities won its seventh straight game over Beloit, which has also lost seven straight overall

Winners of four straight series openers and now 5-4 on their 11-game road trip, the River Bandits continue their series in Beloit at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Quad Cities left-hander Evan Grills (2-3) is scheduled to face Beloit right-hander Hunter Adkins (0-1).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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