Today's music comes in many varieties - some good some bad. Some like music that makes them sway, some like music they can sing to, and some like music that they can head bang along with. The thing that much popular music has in common now is the lyrics. Many artists sing of immoral and often illegal acts in their songs. The worst part is that the younger generation is singing along with this kind of music. What many of the generation will agree on is not that they like the lyrics, but that they like the music. What would happen if they music was still the same and the lyrics were a bit different? That is the kind of thing that The Kross radio station is trying to do. There are many non-secular stations and artist, but what about the metal heads? What about the people who really like to jam with music? That's why The Kross is a Christian Rock station.

The Kross believes that Christians are still God loving Christians no matter what they look like or what type of music they enjoy. In fact, they embrace many in the community that were left out of their churches because they did not assimilate into the church image. Through their uplifting music, The Kross tries to reach out and engage this generation of people that have left the church because they no longer feel comfortable being there. Because they no longer want to be a part of church, their music is the only thing that will grab their attention. The positive messages shared across The Kross radio may be the most positive, or the only positive, message they have heard all day.

The music shows love and acceptance of its listener's and calls on others to do the same. To show how other's can help, The Kross has created the Selfless Project in which others can be involved in reaching the Christians who have left the church. The video explains why the station got started and how they are getting others involved. By coming together for one cause, just a few can reach thousands of people who need help across the world.

The Kross is streaming worldwide through the internet and also playing through Google Play and Apple apps. The music is completely free to listeners. They do not have to listen to ads, watch videos, or pay for the apps. This is one of the many ways that The Kross is unique and seeks to reach out to this younger generation of 18-33 year old age group that consistently leave the church by the hundreds. Many of this age are tech savvy, but may not be making much income. Once they hear of a place to listen to free music, they will be sure to check it out.

The video is only a few short minutes: www.thekross.com

Nova Singers Presents:

 

"Out of the Ordinary- Kicking Off the 30th Anniversary"

 

Nova Singers and friends will present an "Out of the Ordinary" concert on Sunday, June 14, at 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 1600- 20th Street, Rock Island, Illinois. In honor of Nova Singer's upcoming 30th Anniversary Season, every 30th purchaser of a ticket will receive a complimentary coupon good for free admission to Nova Singer's first concert performances of the 2015-16 season, on October 10-11.

At the "Out of the Ordinary" concert, members of the Nova Singers ensemble and other area singers will perform songs from Broadway musicals, Irish and English folk tunes, handbell and cello solos, piano duets, American art songs and contemporary Christian songs.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students are free. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased in advance online at www.novasingers.com. Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the door and will be counted toward the 30th Anniversary Season giveaway.

This special event is an annual fundraiser supporting Nova Singers, a 20-voice chamber choir led by founder and artistic director, Dr. Laura L. Lane.

The 30th Anniversary concerts will include :

  • Encore! Audience Favorites! (October 10-11). Featuring past season favorites, a Nova Alumni singalong and Project Sing! with area students.
  • A Nova Christmas (December 18-19). The area's favorite holiday concert.
  • The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (February 13-14). Joining Nova Singers -- the professional bluegrass group Monroe Crossing!
  • Voices of the Prairie (April 9-10). Music of and about the Prairie Midwest, including poetry of Carl Sandburg, in a first-ever fine arts collaboration with Midwest Paint Group & The Figge Art Museum
For more information, please contact Nova Singers at nova@knox.edu. For information about recordings or upcoming season events, contact 309-341-7038, www.novasingers.com or visit the Nova Singers Facebook page.
Community invited to enjoy an afternoon of 1920's jazz entertainment
DAVENPORT, IA (May 7 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is pleased to invite the Quad Cities community to its annual Spring Fling from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.  Entertainment will be provided by local jazz artist Josh Duffee.
Regarded as one of the world's greatest 1920's style percussionist, Duffee brings his jazz quartet to Senior Star at Elmore Place for an entertaining afternoon of 1920's jazz music and dancing.  Duffee performs internationally with his various bands and also locally, at the Hotel Blackhawk in downtown Davenport every Sunday morning for their acclaimed jazz brunch.
"We welcome the opportunity to share this afternoon jazz dessert party with our friends and neighbors," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "Presenting local artists and musicians is a great way to feature the tremendous talents in the Quad Cities," he added.
Seating is limited for this popular and free event so please RSVP no later than May 15 by calling 563.359.0100.
For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.359.0100 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.
About Senior Star at Elmore Place
Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.
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'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 are being displayed throughout the Quad Cities at indoor locations selected by their sponsors from March to mid-May. Each cello is labeled, stating its art title, the name of its artist, and sponsor.

"The painted cellos displayed around the community make a beautiful statement about the link between the visual and audio arts," said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the QCSO. "They 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. "The 100 Years, 100 Cellos project will capitalize on the excitement of our 100th Anniversary Season to the benefit of our Music Education programs," he said.

"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."

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.

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.

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On sale Saturday, May 16 at 10 am

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees The Beach Boys with special guests The Boat Drunks, the Midwest's best Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, will perform for one night only, Wednesday, July 29th at the iWireless Center. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 16 at 10 am. A special Mother's Day presale will begin Friday, May 8 at 10 am.

Since their inception over 40 years ago, the Beach Boys have released a stream of hit singles and sold millions of albums. Their timeless hits include classics such as "Kokomo", "Fun Fun Fun", "Help Me Rhonda", "Surfin' U.S.A.", "Good Vibrations" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice". In 1988, the Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2001, the band was honored at the Grammy Awards, receiving The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. Rolling Stone even voted "Good Vibrations" the "Number One Song of the Century." They have performed more shows than any other major rock act.

Ticket start at only $39.50 with a limited number of $69.50 tickets also available. There will also be a limited number of $99 four-packs available beginning May 16. Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more receive special discounts by calling 309-277-1356.

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TICKETS FOR DISNEY LIVE! THREE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES PRESENTED BY STONYFIELD YOKIDS ORGANIC YOGURT ON SALE MAY 12th IN THE QUAD CITIES

May 4, 2015 - Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. An enchanted quest featuring more than 25 Disney characters, this stage production from Feld Entertainment®, the producers of Disney On Ice, performs at iWireless Center on October 16, 2015.Tickets are on sale May 12.

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they take audiences on a captivating journey and magically bring to life three timeless fairy tale adventures. Discover Snow White as she searches for her one true love; Cinderella getting ready for her magical night at the ball; and Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, as shefinds happiness in the most unusual place. Anchored amidst a transforming set, captivating choreography, innovative lighting and breathtaking costumes, this authentically-woven tale of "happily-ever-after" is a heart-warming Disney experience for the entire family.

To learn more about Disney Live!, go to www.disneylive.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

MOLINE, IL

iWireless Center (1201 River Dr., Moline, IL 61265)

Show Date & Time: Friday, October 16, 2015  4:00PM & 7:00PM

Ticket Prices: Ticket start at $15.00

To order tickets by phone: 800-745-3000

Online: www.ticketmaster.com

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About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information on Feld Entertainment is available online at  www.feldentertainment.com.

Local students perform in Augustana Percussion Ensemble concert

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Percussion Ensemble performed their spring concert on Saturday, April 25 in the Ensemble Room in Bergendoff Hall. Ten student musicians shared their talent with the Augustana community. Selections included several traditional pieces and "Rock Trap" by William Schinstine, among others. The students were accompanied by Marisa Hollems on piccolo.

Students from our area included Samuel Ferry of Rock Island and Caitlin Thom of Bettendorf.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Symphony Orchestra performed its spring concert on Saturday, May 2 in Centennial Hall. Over sixty student musicians shared their talent with the Augustana community. Selections included Aaron Copland's "Our Town - Music from the Film Score" and "Siegried Idyll" by Richard Wagner, among others. Students were joined by faculty members from the music department.

Students from our area included Charles Bald of Blue Grass, Alyssa Kendell of Davenport, Mariah Logan of Moline, Adam Bengfort of Davenport, Makenzie Logan of Moline, Nicholas Clark of Moline, Samuel Ferry of Rock Island, Corey Jacobs of Rock Island, Tanner Logan of Moline, Kayla Jackson of Rock Island, Ingrid Schneider of Davenport, Andrew Bainter of Coal Valley, and Benjamin McKay of Rock Island.

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

ITHACA, NY (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Caitlin Walton, a Davenport native and junior music education major in the School of Music at Ithaca College, performed at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall with the Ithaca College Choir, Wind Ensemble and Contemporary Ensemble.

Titled "MusIC of Our Time," the program presented a blend of contemporary and new works.

Since the early 1970s, the School of Music has sponsored nine concerts at Lincoln Center, showcasing the high level of innovation and artistry among the school's faculty and students in one of the most prestigious venues in New York City.

The performance was made possible through a gift from Charles Hack '69 and Angella Hearn.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

Moline, IL - May 9, 2015 -  In partnership with the Quad Cities Ukulele Club, West Music Quad Cities is excited to host Uke-A-Palooza, an extravaganza celebrating the ukulele. This daylong event will take place at West Music Quad Cities, 4305 44th Avenue in Moline, IL on Saturday, May 9, 2015 beginning at 11:00AM.   Participants will be able to choose from a variety of workshops covering ukulele technique, maintenance, and more.  Additionally, West Music Quad Cities is offering special pricing on ukulele accessories and print music. For more information, please contact Leif Rehnberg, West Music Quad Cities Store Manager at lrehnberg@westmusic.com or by calling 309-764-9300.

About The Quad Cities Ukulele Club

The Quad Cities Ukulele Club (QCUC) was formed in early 2012 by Erin Mahr, a resident of the Quad Cities.  The club is open to any and all ukulele enthusiasts and meets bi monthly at West Music Quad Cities, as well as performs at many community functions. Participants are encouraged to show up, trade ideas, and have fun!  Find out more about QCUC by visiting their Facebook page.

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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The Old Creamery Theatre will host Courtyard Concerts this summer, one Friday per month, May through September featuring local bands and food, excluding the month of August. The concerts are free and open to the public.

The shows will all take place from 5:15pm to 7:15 pm in the Old Creamery's Courtyard on the following evenings:

May 8, June 5, July 24 , and September 11. The Courtyard Concert on May 8 features Craig Erickson, a singer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and producer.

Raised in the heart of Midwest, his stylistic brew includes blues, fusion, rock, jazz, funk, reggae, acoustic, and more.

Island Vybz will be at our Courtyard Concert on May 8 selling their delicious food.

Billy Heller hits our courtyard stage on June 5, Milk & Eggs come out to Amana on July 24, and Two Bit Maniac takes the stage on September 11.

Call the box office at 319-622-6262 or go online to www.oldcreamery.com for more details.  To read more about Craig Erickson visit craig-erickson.com/bio/

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2015, the company is celebrating 44 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

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