12 Jun 2015

Blues Festival Receives Eddy Award

By Karen McFarland

The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is the proud recipient of River Action's Eddy Award for Art for 2015.  The Eddy Award acknowledges "those who act as an eddy, 'going against the current' to accomplish excellence on the Mississippi River."

In his remarks at the ceremony April 24, River Action President Joe Chambers noted that:  "The Blues Fest draws a national crowd to the Quad Cities to hear world class musicians playing the blues.  The Fest and its spin-off performances expand the QC's cultural offerings, and help make the Quad Cities a cool place to live."

Mississippi Valley Blues Society President Scott Klarkowski and director Karen McFarland were on hand to accept the award, a stunning abstract trophy of an eddy swirling against the Mississippi current.  It joins the 2014 award to MVBS from the Blues Foundation for Keeping the Blues Alive?U.S. Festival.

"MVBS is so thrilled to receive the Eddy!" said McFarland.  "This award confirms that the music we present at the Blues Festival in LeClaire Park makes a difference in the community."

The Eddy Awards recognize "tenacity and perseverance," said Chambers.  "The blues were born out of hard times and pain.  The blues sing the feelings of those who suffer in the low points of life, who overcome adversity, and at the same time the blues celebrate life.  So, the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest must be recognized for surviving five floods!"

The floods occurred in 1993, 2001, 2008, 2013, and 2014.  The cumulative effect of the last three floods in addition to rain days prompted the MVBS Board of Directors to move the 31st annual BluesFest to the traditionally dryer (cross your fingers) Labor Day Weekend this year, on September 5 and 6.

River Action is also celebrating its 31st year of stewardship of the Mississippi River.  Perhaps best known for Ride the River and installing lights on the Centennial Bridge framing LeClaire Park, River Action has been awarding the Eddy since 2000 and is currently fundraising for a bike and footpath across River Drive where the first train bridge once stood.

12 Jun 2015

NAMM Announces West Music as a Top 100 Dealer

By Kelly Goerdt

West Music recognized for fifth year in a row as one of the top music products and instrument stores in America

Coralville, IA - June 9, 2015 -  The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recently announced that West Music, headquartered in Coralville, IA, has been recognized as a Top 100 Dealer.  This recognition honors the industry's best, brightest, and most proactive music retailers.

"For the fifth straight year, West Music is honored to be recognized as a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants. This perennial recognition is a direct result of our committed associates' passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience through quality products and services and our belief that participation in music has a positive impact on every person's life." said Robin Walenta, President of West Music.

Top 100 Dealer

The retail music product stores that receive the distinction of being a "Top 100 Dealer" are judged by a panel of industry experts on criteria including:


  • Showing a clear understanding that the success of a retail store is directly related to customer satisfaction.

  • Providing a retail experience worth returning for and recommending others to.

  • Designing a floor plan, merchandising and marketing that encourages repeat sales.

  • Preparing for future success with sound planning, marketing and training initiatives.

  • Using the web and social media in engaging, effective ways.

"The NAMM Top 100 Dealers go beyond running a successful business, they are ambassadors for music and music education in their communities," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "They generously share their passion for music with both longtime customers and those just beginning their musical journey. What they add to their communities can best be measured in the number of lives positively impacted through music."

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry.  NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,900 members located in 100 countries.  NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan.  For more information about NAMM, please visit namm.org, call 1.800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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03 Jun 2015

TINKERBELLES PLAY 40 SHOWS IN 10 DAYS JUNE 19TH - 28TH TO START WORLD RECORD

By TeePeeSpeek Records

STREAM FINE ASSES 7" VIA PUNKTASTIC

If Fitzcarraldo attempted to move a steamship over a peruvian hill without any promise of rubber or Lewis and Clark had set out west for no reason other than "to see if they could make it" then Chicago's "ugly-pop" duo Tinkerbelles would fit rather nicely in the same nonsensical category. Expecting to play a whopping 40 shows in 10 days, Tinkerbelles will be touring through the midwest June 19th - 28th on The Lagunita's Brewing Company Sponsored "40 Walls Tour".

"We did some research and couldn't find anything on a record yet so we figured we'd try to set the bar sort-to-speak." says drummer/singer Christian Dawson about the record for highest frequency of shows in a 10 day period. "I can imagine show #36 or #37 will get pretty grim." he laughs. "Shit! By show 13 I'll be tapping out for sure!" bassist/singer Adam Mohundro responds with a shit eating grin. They'll be filming the endeavor for an upcoming doc if you can't make it out, but I'd strongly advise to at least check out their limited edition "asparagus scented piss-colored" 7" vinyl Fine Asses ep as I'm sure they'll be non-existent after this tour. Regardless of whether they make it or not, it'd be worth seeing the human-beings in Tinkerbelles turn into gelatinous slime by June 29th.

Friday 6/19
Bric-a-Brac Records - Chicago, IL
Naragansett Skatepark - Chicago, IL
The Mutiny - Chicago, IL
Ski House - Evanston, IL
Saturday 6/20
The Record Lounge - Lansing, MI
Clique Coffee Bar - Grand Rapids, MI
Dodds Record Shop - Grand Rapids, MI
The Flamingo Lounge - Grand Rapids, MI
Sunday 6/21
B-24's Espresso Bar - Ypsilanti, MI
Roger's Party - Cleveland, OH
Buzzbin Music Shop - Canton, OH
Sadie Rene's - Canton, OH
Monday 6/22
Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza - Kettering, OH
Plaid Room Records - Loveland, OH
Westerville Skatepark - Westerville, OH
Maudie's - Cincinnati, OH
Tuesday 6/23
Luna Music - Indianapolis, IN
Exile On Main Street - Champaign, IL
Carrie Winter Skatepark - Olney, IL
Skihaus - Carbondale, IL
Wednesday 6/24
House Springs Skatepark - House Springs, MO
Belleville Skatepark - Belleville, IL
Music Record Shop - Saint Louis, MO
Foam - Saint Louis, MO
Thursday 6/25
Springfield Skatepark - Springfield, IL
Thirty-Thirty Coffee - Peoria, IL
Gabe's Oasis - Iowa City, IA
Trumpet Blossom Cafe - Iowa City, IA
Friday 6/26
Daytrotter - Rock Island, IL
Ragged Records - Davenport, IA
Phillips Park Skatepark - Aurora, IL
The Drunken Donut - Joliet, IL
Saturday 6/27
Techny Prairie Skatepark - Northbrook, IL
The Asylum - Lake Bluff, IL
Burnhearts Bar - Milwaukee, WI
Bremen Cafe - Milwaukee, WI
Sunday 6/28
Wilson Beach Skate Park - Chicago, IL
Saki Records - Chicago, IL
East Room - Chicago, IL
The Mutiny - Chicago, IL
02 Jun 2015

Free summer concert series in The District!

By Micaela Booth

Midweek Music is a free live lunchtime concert each Wednesday 6/3-8/26

(ROCK ISLAND, IL - May 29, 2015) - Renaissance Rock Island is pleased to present Midweek Music beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Midweek Music is a free lunchtime concert series taking place on The Great River Plaza from 12-1 p.m. every Wednesday in June, July, and August.

Enjoy musical performances as you eat lunch outside on the beautiful Great River Plaza. Each Wednesday a local musician will entertain downtown Rock Island visitors during the lunch hour. To stay updated on who is performing check www.ridistrict.com or The District's Facebook and Twitter page (www.facebook.com/ridistrict, www.twitter.com/districtri). We encourage attendees to grab lunch from a downtown restaurant, and take it to go so you can enjoy the music on the plaza!

Midweek Music is presented by Renaissance Rock Island.

The event is free. For more information and to print a map of participating locations, please visit www.ridistrict.com.

02 Jun 2015

West Music Quad Cities to Host Redstone Rumble

By Leif Rehnberg

Moline, IL - June 1, 2015 - West Music Quad Cities is ready to rock into the summer by hosting The Redstone Rumble on Sunday, June 7 beginning at 2:00PM.  The Redstone Rumble will be held in the Redstone Room at River Music Experience, 129 N Main Street in Davenport, IA.  The public is invited to attend this family-friendly concert and enjoy great live music from local musicians and students. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, contact Leif Rehnberg, West Music Quad Cities Store Manager, at 309-764-9300 or lrehnberg@westmusic.com.

The Redstone Rumble is a celebration of the musical partnerships between West Music Quad Cities studio teachers, local musicians, and West Music lesson students.  The public will be able to see over 20 different bands as they take the stage live with their instructors.  The concert highlights the musical bond that spans generations as local musicians of all ages perform together.  West Music Quad Cities instructors and local musicians performing at Redstone Rumble include Dana Starkell, Tony Carducci, Andy Cowan, Wes Weeber, Terry Hanson, Nicholas Nolte, Megan Bartlett, Luke Hull, Earle Johnson, Bryan West, Ken Smith, and Emily Cochran.  This event is one of many hosted by West Music throughout the year for students, teachers, friends, and the general public. This is a great opportunity for students to come together and perform for a live audience while showcasing  their passion for music and their creativity. Best of all, The Redstone Rumble brings to life West Music's mission to create musical communities and to help people experience the power of making music.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.
29 May 2015

West Music Quad Cities to Host Steinway Living Legends Tour

By Kelly Goerdt

Moline, IL - June 5, 2015 - West Music Quad Cities is proud to host the Steinway Living Legends Tour running June 5 through June 13.  For this limited time, West Music Quad Cities will have three select pianos in-store that have been played by some of the world's greatest piano artists, including Billy Joel, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., Lang Lang, and more.   People interested are encouraged to visit West Music Quad Cities to see and play the very Steinway pianos that music legends have performed and recorded upon.   Artists that have played on the Living Legends pianos include :


Billy Joel

Diana Krall

McCoy Tyner

David Benoit

Lang Lang

Emanuel Ax

Yefim Bronfman

Bruce Hornsby

Allen Toussaint

Ramsey Lewis

Harry Connick Jr.

Fred Hersch

Regina Spektor

Jason Moran

Keith Jarrett

West Music Quad Cities is located at 4305 44th Avenue in Moline, Illinois.  Due to the limited time these pianos will be present in the store, it is encouraged to call ahead to set up a private appointment. Please contact the West Music Pianos team by calling 309-764-9300 or visiting pianos.westmusic.com to schedule your time to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.


About Steinway and Sons Piano Company

Since 1853, Steinway pianos have been handmade to last for generations.  A treasured possession that grows in value over the course of time.  Steinway is the choice of 99% of concert artists, and it is, quite simply, the standard by which all other pianos are compared.  Details about Steinway & Sons may be obtained by calling (800) 366-1853 or by visiting www.steinway.com.


About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.
29 May 2015

MVBS Presents Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones with Dennis Gruenling

By M V B S

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society announces that Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones with Dennis Gruenling will be playing at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf, IA on Tuesday, June 16 starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost to see this performance is $8 for Mississippi Valley Blues Society members, or $10 for non-members (applications will be available at the door).

Those who heard the band at the 2014 BluesFest know that Music News Nashville is right:  "Like World Champions, blues musicians Dennis Gruenling and Doug Deming are individually great talents who are even better when they come together as one of the most prolific duos on today's contemporary American Blues scene."   Sunday Night Blues Project notes:  "Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones are making a new thing out of the old-skool blues, and the results are highly addictive...Dennis rips the roof off with a chromatic harp workout.  The whole band just swings with loads of energy and style."

Eastside Detroit native Doug Deming, now hailing from Florida's Gulf Coast, has garnered widespread attention for his deft guitar work and memorable songwriting. With a nod to the likes of T-Bone Walker and Charlie Christian, as well as Luther Tucker and Robert Jr. Lockwood, he leaves a mark on your memory every time he plays?whether he's swingin' on the big jazz box or playing straight up blues on the solid body Fender guitar. Doug starting his music career in the early '90s while playing the local Detroit scene. Major players began to take notice, and Doug spent many years backing the day's top touring blues artists, including Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman Kim Wilson, legendary Louisiana swamp bluesman Lazy Lester, Gary Primich, Chicago greats Johnny "Yard Dog" Jones, and A.C. Reed, as well as Detroit's own Queen of the Blues, Alberta Adams.

On the road, Doug teams up the Jewel Tones lineup (Andrew Gohman on upright and Fender bass and Devin Neel on drums) with award-winning harp man and VizzTone label mate  Dennis Gruenling, one of the most innovative harp blowers on the planet. For the past fifteen years, Dennis has played with many top-notch traditional blues acts such as Snooky Pryor, Pinetop Perkins, A.C. Reed, Nappy Brown, and Homesick James, as well as his own original jump blues outfit "Jump Time". For years critics and musicians worldwide have been praising how he blends both the blues harmonica and swing saxophone traditions, as he pioneers a whole new sound and direction for the harp.  Dennis is also in demand as a harmonica teacher and lecturer worldwide, in addition to the blues history knowledge he airs on his weekly "Blues & the Beat" radio program (WFDU-FM). Equally adept at performing, composing, arranging, and teaching, what fans remember most is the fun, energy, and emotional intensity of each and every show he is a part of.

This event is being presented by The Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The objective of the Society is to educate the general public about the native art form of blues-related music through performance, interpretation and preservation, thus enhancing appreciation and understanding.

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29 May 2015

Bruce Katz Tour Stops in Bettendorf, Iowa Saturday June 6

By M V B S

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society announces that keyboard wizard Bruce Katz and the Bruce Katz Band will be making a stop at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf, IA on Saturday, June 6 starting at 8:30 p.m. The cost to see this brilliant performance will be $8 if you are a Mississippi Valley Blues Society member, or $10 if you have not joined the blues society (applications will be available at the door).

In a recent review of Bruce Katz's new CD, Homecoming, Jim Kanavy of Blues Biscuits describes the Bruce Katz Band:  "It's like Mozart with a jazz trio playing at Junior's Juke Joint on a Thursday night. At a recent show, Bruce was heard to say, several times, that 'It's all Blues'." And the Toledo City Paper says that "His sound resembles what would have happened had a jam session broken out between Jimi Hendrix, Professor Longhair and Frank Zappa."

Bruce Katz was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and from 1996 - 2010 he was on the faculty at the Berklee College of Music in Boston as an associate professor. Playing music, both Blues and Jazz, has been his thing for many years and it shows in each of his performances.

In the early '80s Bruce's first major supporting gig was for Big Mama Thornton; he then worked and toured with Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Witherspoon, Johnny Adams, and Tiger Okoshi. Burned out from life on the road, he enrolled at New England Conservatory, earning a master's degree in Jazz. Five months after graduation, Bruce met Ronnie Earl, who hired him as one of theBroadcasters. Bruce is also known as the dexterous pianist for the Gregg Allman Band.

Bruce has released 6 CDs with a seventh, Homecoming, newly released. He has also appeared on nearly 70 others CDs with the likes of Ronnie Earl, Delbert McClinton, John Hammond, Duke Robillard, Little Milton, Jimmy Witherspoon and many, many others. His list of national recognized awards go on and on, but to name two, Bruce is a three-time Blues Music Award nominee for "Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year," and a member of the New York State Blues Hall Of Fame.

This event is being presented by The Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The objective of the Society is to educate the general public about the native art form of blues-related music through performance, interpretation and preservation, thus enhancing appreciation and understanding.

# # #
29 May 2015

Mississippi Valley Blues Society Presents Three Shows in June

By M V B S

Mark your calendars for three great shows in June presented by the MVBS at the Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA.

  • Saturday June 6, 8:00 p.m.–Bruce Katz
  • Tuesday June 16, 7:00 p.m.–Doug Deming, Dennis Gruenling & the Jewel Tones
  • Sunday June 21, 6:00 p.m.–Daddy Mack Band

Visit the website at mvbs.org to donate to the MVBS GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the 31st annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival September 5 and 6 in LeClaire Park, Davenport IA.

Also check the website to buy raffle tickets for a Blues Cruise for Two on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise in January 2016.  All proceeds go to the September BluesFest.

27 May 2015

Join the Cello-Bration for an Epic Evening of Art and Music

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - To foster awareness of the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) and raise funds to support its Music Education programs, the 100 Years, 100 Cellos program was initiated by the Volunteers for Symphony. The upcoming Cello-Bration at the Figge Museum is the grand finale of this epic promotion.
100 Years, 100 Cellos is an innovative program benefitting music education. One-hundred full-size cellos were transformed into beautiful works of art by artists from the Quad-Cities area and beyond. The Cello-Bration, featuring all 100 cellos, will be held 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2015, at the Figge Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA. Attendees can meet with the cello artists and bid on the cellos during an auction (bidding ends at 9 p.m.). Community members who are unable to attend can bid online for the cellos at www.biddingforgood.com/100cellos.
"All funds raised from sponsorship and auctions of the cellos will benefit the QCSO and its education programs," said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. "We invite the community to come to the Cello-Bration and experience the visually stunning display of all 100 beautiful cellos in one place at the same time."
Attendees can enjoy a delicious array of vegetables, cheese, sausage, fruits, antipasto olives and peppers, assorted relishes, dip and crackers, as well as a cash bar. Musical entertainment will include both trumpets and cellos. Big River Brass will do a brass fanfare and Happy Birthday (with a cello cake), and a cello ensemble will also play. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for students, and $20 for Volunteers for Symphony members.
The Figge Museum will have a free gallery preview of the cellos May 26-29 in the Figge Museum lobby during regular business hours. In addition, a glossy 110-page commemorative book displaying each artist's painted cello will be available for purchase for $35. The book was designed by the students of the Creative Arts Academy of the Quad Cities under the direction of Clint Balsar.
The QCSO is the largest provider of instrumental music education engagement programs in the Quad-Cities area, reaching more than 10,000 students each year.
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 were displayed throughout the Quad Cities at indoor locations selected by their sponsors from March to mid-May. Each cello was labeled, stating its art title, the name of its artist, and sponsor.
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.
For more information on the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, call (563) 322-7276 or visit www.qcso.org.
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