03 Apr 2015

Classic Comedy Hits the Big Screen with 'Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks' this April

By Fathom Events
Fathom Events and Comedy Dynamics are set to bring "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks" to select U.S. cinemas on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. local time. This Hicks performance, recorded at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal in 1992, showcases the extremely influential, hilarious and before-his-time comedian at the top of his game.   The event will include approximately 90 minutes of stand-up and special content from Hicks' Relentless special, plus it features a montage of unseen clips from previous standup routines narrated by his brother, Steve Hicks, as well as home videos from the Hicks family estate.
"Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks" will be shown at the following movie theaters in your area on April 27:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
For a complete list of theaters for "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks," click here.
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Feel free to contact us for review tickets, more information on "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks," or any of Fathom's upcoming events.
For artwork/photos related to "Comedy Dynamics Presents" click here.
To view the official trailer, click here.
03 Apr 2015

Dueling Pianos for Mothers Day at TLP

By James Beaudry

MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Timber Lake Playhouse, the professional theatre company in Mount Carroll, in collaboration with Timber Lake Resort and Campground will present a one night only performance of the nationally renowned Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos Show at the playhouse on Saturday, May 9th. The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m., with cash bar opening at 6:30. Tickets are $20 and are available April 1st online and through the TLP box office.

Henry's Double K in Mount Carroll will be taking separate reservations for a pre-show all you can eat buffet at the restaurant that evening. The $15 buffet will include roast pork, chicken breasts, cheesy potatoes, vegetable, salad bar, rolls and coffee. Contact Henry's Double K at 815-244-0810 for more information. Sievert's Steaks & Stuff in Mount Carroll will offer 10% off pizzas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Felix and Fingers began in 2010 when Dave Radford and Mike Potts came together to create their own unique take on dueling pianos. Dave have recently been a top ten male finalist on American Idol, and Mike had spent several years touring the world as a musician on cruise ships. Since 2010, they have grown from playing the Chicagoland area to playing venues throughout the entire country.

Timber Lake Playhouse's 54th Summer Season officially begins June 4th with the Tony Award winning musical Hairspray. The Felix and Fingers show is part of a pre-season kick-off that also includes the Lena! Las Vegas Casino Night on Saturday, April 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Casino Night event will take place at The Rafters in Lena, IL. Tickets are $50 and include the Cheezer's Palace Mac & Cheese Bar, roving appetizers, a starting purse, chances to win prizes, and access to gaming tables. Table games are provided by U. S. Poker and Casino Parties of Bensonville and will include blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas hold'em.

For tickets to either of the TLP kick-off events, contact the playhouse at 815-244-2035, visit the website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, or stop by our office at 8216 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll Monday through Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll. The Rafters is located at 9426 W. Wagner Rd. in Lena.

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03 Apr 2015

CELEBRATE WITH US AT THE "PARTY OF THE CENTURY"!

By QCSO

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra concludes its historic season with two HUGE celebrations surrounding the Yo-Yo Ma performance on May 14. Welcome to the Party of the Century!

YO-YO MA PRE-CONCERT CELEBRATION

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the gorgeous Gold Room at the historic Hotel Blackhawk, you can toast the Symphony at our hosted bar, enjoy delicious and filling small plates, and share in the excitement for the upcoming Yo-Yo Ma concert!  As the first stop in our 100 Years, 100 Cellos Project, ten painted cellos by our Lead Artists will be auctioned live to benefit the music education programs. At the conclusion of the event, simply walk over to the Adler Theatre for the concert. Free parking, as always, is available at the Hotel Blackhawk.
Tickets to the Pre-Concert Celebration are $100 per person (limited space)

CELEBRITY CELLO SILENT AUCTION
Two celebrity cellos will be available for bid through a special silent auction concluding at the end of the Yo-Yo Ma Dessert Reception in the Mississippi Room at the River Center.

01 Apr 2015

Iowa State Fair Grandstand Tickets on Sale April 18

By Gary Slater

DES MOINES, IA (03/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows will go on sale Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2015 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

In addition to the previously-announced star-studded line-up, ROCK-A-THON starring: Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, Firehouse and Eddie Trunk will take the Grandstand Stage Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. The rock festival's array of performers include leading front man Dee Snider of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, and multi-platinum pop-metal band Warrant.

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now at www.iowastatefair.org. Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and print their own tickets at no extra charge. Fairgoers can also purchase punch cards online and have them mailed to them directly for a nominal fee.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 6, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (assuming tickets remain; no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2015 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up presented by U.S. Cellular

  • Thursday, Aug. 13 Casting Crowns with special guest for KING & COUNTRY 8 p.m. $32
  • Friday, Aug. 14 Justin Moore with special guest Easton Corbin, 8 p.m., $35
  • Saturday, Aug. 15 Def Leppard with special guests Styx and Tesla, 7 p.m. $53
  • Sunday, Aug. 16 REBA with special guest Caroline Kole, 8 p.m., $45
  • Monday, Aug. 17 Carrie Underwood with special guest Michael Ray, 8 p.m., $60
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18 To Be Announced
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m.; $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
  • Thursday, Aug. 20 Alabama and special guest Chris Janson, 8 p.m., $40
  • Friday, Aug. 21 To Be Announced
  • Saturday, Aug. 22 Meghan Trainor with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $40
  • Sunday, Aug. 23 ROCK-A-THON starring: Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, Firehouse and Eddie Trunk, 6 p.m., $30

"Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

27 Mar 2015

QCSO Wins Prestigious Award!

By QCSO

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE QCSO!
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra has been named 2015 Professional Orchestra of the Yearby the Illinois Council of Orchestras in recognition of its exemplary achievements.  The award will be presented on Sunday, April 12, at Centennial Hall, Rock Island, during the Masterworks VI: Peace and Brotherhood - Ode to Joy performance.

Did you attend Masterworks V: The American Tapestry featuring Joel Fan, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor?  

Your opinion is very important to us, and we hope you will take a few minutes to complete our survey.  Your valuable input will be used to enhance our future concerts.

Click here to take our survey

27 Mar 2015

Nova Singers Scheduling Auditions

By Nicole Warren

Nova Singers, the region's premier professional vocal ensemble, is currently scheduling auditions for the 2015-16 season.

Singers with extensive choral experience and vocal training are invited to audition. Interested individuals may contact Nova Singers' founder and music director, Dr. Laura Lane, at 309-341-7229 or llane@knox.edu for more information or to schedule an audition.

The award winning Nova Singers have remained committed to the highest artistic standards since their founding in 1986. The ensemble has performed throughout the Midwest, as well as at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association.

Each year Nova presents an eight-concert season of outstanding choral music in Galesburg and the Quad Cities. Nova Singers has also released eight professional recordings.

  

 

Sincerely,

Nova Singers

P.O. Box 1302

Galesburg, IL 61402

nova@knox.edu

27 Mar 2015

Grateful Dead Experience: The Schwag

By Jenny Hart

FRIDAY, APRIL 10
at RIBCO
1815 Second Avenue
Rock Island, IL 309-793-1999
Showtime : 9:30 p.m.
Ages 21+ - Tickets : $10

VENUE WEBSITE:

http://www.ribco.com/

BAND WEBSITE :
http://www.theschwag.com/

VIDEO OF BAND :
http://youtu.be/RGMLYGKtuJs

BAND FACEBOOK PAGE :
https://www.facebook.com/schwagofficial

BAND BIOGRAPHY :
The Schwag is a band of musicians dedicated to carrying on the vibe and music of the legendary Grateful Dead. Founded in 1991 the band has performed over 3000 concerts all over the United States in their career so far. This group averages 150 shows a year and has a working songlist of over 200 songs from the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band catalog. For four years band leader Jimmy Tebeau also toured the country as the bass player for JGB (Jerry Garcia Band). The Schwag has opened for many noteable acts including String Cheese Incident, Marshall Tucker Band, Leftover Salmon, Sammy Hagar, Little Feat, and Railroad Earth. For many years The Schwag hosted its own Schwagstock music festivals drawing crowds of an average of 5000 people per event several times per summer. The band owned the venue Camp Zoe in Missouri where the festivals were hosted. Some of the bands opening for The Schwag at these festivals were George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Keller Williams, Big Brother & the Holding Company, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Some of the guest musicians to play with The Schwag over the years include Chuck Berry, Bill Nershi from String Cheese Incident, Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon, Butch Truck from The Allman Brothers Band, Fred Tacket from Little Feat, Mike Gordon from Phish, and Vince Welnick from The Grateful Dead. Honorary band members for full Schwag shows include Merl Saunders, Melvin Seals, Johnnie Johnson, Jason & Travis & Kang from String Cheese Incident, and Devon Allman (Gregg's son.) From May of 2013 to May of 2014, The Schwag was primarily on hiatus, as lead singer Jimmy Tebeau served time in federal prison in Yankton, South Dakota for a music/drug related crime. The Schwag band is now stronger than ever on a perpetual tour performing a different show every night of a high energy organic interpretation of the Grateful Dead.

26 Mar 2015

The Cello-bration Begins!

By Mark McLaughlin
'100 Years, 100 Cellos' Project to Support the Music Education Programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - To raise awareness of the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) and funds to support its Music Education programs, the 100 Years, 100 Cellos program of the Volunteers for Symphony (VFS) is now underway. One-hundred full-size cellos were transformed into beautiful works of art by artists from the Quad-City area and beyond. All funds raised from sponsorship and auctions of the cellos will benefit the QCSO and its education programs.
The 100 cellos used for the "100 Years, 100 Cellos" campaign arrived Feb. 6, 2015, at Asbury Methodist United Church in Bettendorf, IA, and from there they were distributed to the artists. Ninety of the final decorated cellos will be displayed throughout the Quad Cities at indoor locations selected by their sponsors from March to mid-May. Each cello will be labeled, stating its art title, the name of its artist, and sponsor.
"The painted cellos displayed around the community will make a beautiful statement about the link between the visual and audio arts," said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the QCSO. "They will bring a powerful general awareness of the arts in the Quad Cities."
According to Loeb, the QCSO's 100th Anniversary Masterworks Season opened with a spectacular appearance by acclaimed pianist André Watts and will end with an epic performance of Beethoven's glorious Symphony #9: Ode to Joy. "As a world-class grand finale, the QCSO will host a one-night-only performance by legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma on May 14, 2015," he added. "The 100 Years, 100 Cellos project will capitalize on the excitement of our 100th Anniversary Season to the benefit of our Music Education programs."
"The Volunteers for Symphony is heading up the 100 Years, 100 Cellos project," said Laurie Skjerseth, who with Mary Kae Waytenick serve as Co-Presidents of the VFS. "Several exciting events will be taking place, and we invite the community to take part in this fantastic collaboration of the art world meeting the music world."
Waytenick and Skjerseth are both past music educators who believe in the importance of music education shaping a child's life. They see the 100 Years, 100 Cellos project as a source of funds that will anchor the music outreach program of the QCSO for many years to come.
"A collaboration between musicians and artists is not that uncommon, but the scope of this project is both mind-boggling and attention-grabbing," said Waytenick. "These artists are painting and using other techniques to create their visual representation of that cello. This could be, for example, its distinctive sound or its role in the orchestra. I'm calling this
entire event a 'cello-bration.' Laurie and I are grateful that we have over 100 members in the Volunteers for Symphony. We are using every one of them to pull this project together."
The Volunteers for Symphony and QCSO staff are still seeking more corporate and individual sponsorship of 90 of the cellos. The remaining 10 cellos will be painted by selected 'Lead Artists' and then live-auctioned at the Yo-Yo Ma pre-concert dinner on May 14, 2015.
QCSO Music Education Programs
The funds raised from this initiative will help support QCSO music education programs. These include School Engagement classroom visits, Symphony Day, Students@Symphony, Instruments for Kids, and the QC Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYEs). "Music education is a central part of the QCSO mission, and 100 Years, 100 Cellos will help us greatly expand our positive impact and eventually grow the audiences and patrons of the future," Loeb said.
Sponsors were offered the opportunity to decorate their individual cellos and to decide where they will be placed. "We compiled a list of artists, art educators and art students willing to volunteer their services to decorate a sponsored cello," Loeb said. "All cellos will be featured in a beautiful, collector's quality commemorative 100 Years, 100 Cellos book."
All of these efforts will culminate in a ticketed event at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA, on May 29, 2015, the actual 100th Anniversary of the QCSO. At this event, attendees will enjoy a display of all 100 painted and decorated cellos.
How the Community Can Participate
Potential sponsors and other community members interested in participating in the 100 Years, 100 Cellos project should email the QCSO at 100cellos@qcso.org or complete the online form at https://qcso.org/support-qcso/100-years-100-cellos-project/.
"We look forward to hearing from many area residents, companies and organizations," Loeb said. "If you have never collaborated with the QCSO before, this will be the perfect opportunity to get involved."
For more information on the 100th Anniversary Season, visit https://qcso.org/concerts. Performance tickets are available at the QCSO Box Office at 327 Brady St., Davenport. You can also call the QCSO for more information at (563) 322-7276 or visit www.qcso.org.
-- End --
26 Mar 2015

'R5: All Day, All Night' to Rock Movie Theaters Nationwide For One Night Only on April 16

By Rick Martin
R5's Ross Lynch, Riker Lynch, Rocky Lynch, Rydel Lynch and Ellington "Ratliff" will rock select U.S. movie theaters on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. (local time) with "R5: All Day, All Night." This exciting concert event will feature over 90 minutes of highly-anticipated R5 content, including the band's standing-room-only performance at The Roxy Theatre, a 45-minute documentary that will take fans all through the band's career, never before seen interviews. Additionally, "R5: All Day, All Night" features special plugged-in and acoustic performances.
"R5: All Day, All Night" will be shown at the following movie theaters in your area on April 16:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theaters, click here.
Feel free to contact us for review tickets, more information on "R5: All Day, All Night", or any of Fathom's upcoming events. For artwork, clickhere.
26 Mar 2015

Music News from Augustana College

By Lauren Reid

Augustana students performed in St. Patrick's Day Concert

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Flute Choir performed a St. Patrick's Day Concert on Tuesday, March 17 in Wallenberg Hall. Ten student musicians shared their talents with the Augustana community, helping to celebrate this holiday. Selections included Jonathen Cohen's "Piccolos in the Pub" and David Bailey's "A Lively Irish Medley" among others.

Students from your area include :

Kayla Jackson, of Rock Island, IL

Ashley Martin, of Moline, IL

Ingrid Schneider, of Davenport, IA

Jens Hurty performed senior recital at Augustana College

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/23/2015)(readMedia)-- Augustana senior, Jens Hurty, a vocal music performance major of Moline, Ill., performed his senior recital on Saturday, March 21 in Wallenberg Hall. He performed "The Song that Goes Like This" from Monty Python's Spamalot by John De Prez and Eric Idle and Johann Sebastian Bach's "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein" from Matthaus-Passion, among others. He was accompanied by Robert Elfline on piano and Kelsey Schauer, a mezzo-soprano.

Student recitals at Augustana College are a requirement for those pursuing a major in music performance. Other students pursuing a major or minor in music related to composition, general music, or education are highly encouraged to perform in a recital to showcase their progress and musicality.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

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