23 Oct 2012

"Tarantino XX" Celebrates Director's Career with Special Editions of "Reservoir Dogs" & "Pulp Fiction" in Theaters This December

By Robert Jackson Jr.
Miramax, NCM® Fathom and IGN present Quentin Tarantino's masterpieces "Reservoir Dogs" and "Pulp Fiction" in select theaters for only one night only this December. "Tarantino XX: 'Reservoir Dogs' 20th Anniversary Event" will hit select movie theaters nationwide on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm local time and "Tarantino XX: 'Pulp Fiction' Event" will follow on Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 pm local time (both events will have matinees in select markets).  Each night of "Tarantino XX" will also include a special feature covering Tarantino's 20-year career, and a selection of hand-picked movie trailers from films that inspired him as a filmmaker.
Tickets for "Tarantino XX: 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Pulp Fiction'" are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com beginning Oct. 23.
"Tarantino XX: 'Reservoir Dogs' 20th Anniversary Event" (December 4th) and "Tarantino XX: 'Pulp Fiction' Event" (December 6th) will be showing at the following cinemas in your area at 7 pm (local time):
Davenport 53 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53rd St Davenport IA 52807
For a complete list of participating theater locations visit here ("Reservoir Dogs") and here ("Pulp Fiction"). Theaters and participants are subject to change.
22 Oct 2012

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY TO BE PRESENTED NOVEMBER 16 AND 17

By Rick Martin

The program will support both WQPT and WVIK

 

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS and WVIK, public radio are teaming up to present "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" by Joe Landry. The theatrical production, set in a radio station in 1946, will be presented at Potter Theatre on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois on November 16 at 7:30 pm and November 17 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm.  Eight actors bring more than 50 characters to life.  The production will be taped for broadcast on both stations during the holiday season in December.

Tickets are $20 each and available by logging on to www.augustana.edu/tickets or calling 309-794-7306.

The cast includes Mike Millar as George Bailey, Jenny Winn as Mary, Erin Lounsberry as Violet and others, Jason Platt as Potter and others, Michael Carron as Clarence and others, Tamra McConoughey as Sadie and others, Scott Tunnicliff as the Announcer and others and Tom Vacarro as Harry and as the foley artist (sound effects).  Jonathan Turner will provide piano accompaniment.

"We have wanted to expand our partnership with WVIK, who air our public affairs program "The Cities with Jim Mertens" and to create more local programming for both of our stations. With my theatre background it just seemed like a great idea to work with our public radio station to do a play that is set in a radio station in 1946. And the fact that we are performing in Potter Theatre at Augustana just seemed like a perfect venue considering this is "It's a Wonderful Life," said director Lora Adams, who is also the Director of Marketing and Local Content for WQPT.  "Ticket sales will be split between both stations and WQPT will use our share to produce more local arts programming," Adams said.

For more information you can go to www.wqpt.org/wonder.

Production funding and sponsorships come from the Illinois Arts Council, WQPT, a media service of Western Illinois University, WVIK, Augustana College and KWQC.

# # #

22 Oct 2012

Internationally renowned Hornheads to perform with Pleasant Valley High School Jazz Bands

By Drew Anderson

Bettendorf - The Pleasant Valley High School Band program is excited to have the internationally renowned Hornheads join them as guest artists on their November 12th Jazz Band Showcase concert. The Pleasant Valley Junior High Jazz Band and three Pleasant Valley High School Jazz Bands will open the concert at 6:45pm in the Pleasant Valley High School Auditorium. The Hornheads will go on stage following the Pleasant Valley jazz bands. Admission will be $10 for adults; $5 for students and Century Club members.

The Hornheads, an extraordinarily talented group of horn players, has been gathering international acclaim from artists and critics alike, since 1991. On tour with Prince and the New Power Generation from 1991-1994, the Hornheads performed for over 2 million concert goers in twenty countries. Q Magazine, London, described them as "a peerless horn section...playing in bare brilliant syncopation, punching with a staccato precision beyond the grasp of science or Synclavier."

Performing on over sixty CD projects, the Hornheads have recorded with national and international artists such as Prince, Chaka Kahn, The Jonas Brothers, Mavis Staples, Phil Upchurch, Ricky Peterson, Jimmy Jam, Mandy Moore, Pedro Abrunhosa, Yumi Matsutoya, Babyface, Illya Kuryaki and the Valderramas, France Gal, Tevin Campbell, Rosie Gaines, Larry Graham, Sétimo Céu, Carmen Electra, Gegé Telesforo, and Ben Jor.

Individually, as top call session and show players, the Hornheads have performed and/or recorded with artists such as Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Louie Bellson, Ray Charles, Clark Terry, Sammy Davis Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Burt Bacharach, Natalie Cole, Donny Osmond, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bolton, Trisha Yearwood, Lenny Kravitz, The Time, and many others.

As a solo ensemble performing at jazz festivals, arts series, universities, and high schools, this a cappella group brings their distinctive flair to jazz and funk music, combining virtuosic improvisation with sizzling ensemble work to create a truly unique music experience. They delight audiences with their artistry, versatility, musicality, and precision, covering American masters from Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk, to Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Stevie Wonder, while completing their repertoire with dynamic Hornheads' originals.

###


22 Oct 2012

Silicon Valley Vet Takes Readers on Corporate Ride in 'P.I.G. Mantras'

By Rick Martin

Silicon Valley veteran Romina Wilcox (www.RominaWilcox.com) has published her third novel set in the cyber-corporate world, this time telling a tale that will make readers both laugh and sympathize.

"The P.I.G. Mantras" is the story of Maite Burns, a 20-year-old who needs to get a job to support her husband. (She doesn't mind; he's the love of her life, and she will do anything to protect her marriage.) She sets her sights on Silicon Valley. Determined to prove that she can become a respected career woman without traditional qualifications, she drops out of junior college and jumps head-first into the highly educated, highly motivated workplace of Silicon Valley.

Maite is hired as a temporary administrative assistant and works her way up through the ranks as she tackles a series of challenges - anxiety, self-doubt and the persistent fear of failure.

"She draws her inspiration from the women she admires - powerful, successful women, from Eleanor Roosevelt and Nancy Reagan to Oprah Winfrey and Vera Wang," Wilcox says. "Specifically, she looks to their words for strength as she deals with the vagaries of five quirky, demanding bosses and their staffs.

"The P.I.G. Mantras" is Wilcox's first foray into "chick" literature - a departure from her previous cyber thrillers.

But -- "it speaks to anyone - man or woman - trying to reinvent themselves in this difficult job market," writes Amazon reviewer Dana Micheli. "Who among us has not been tortured by a nasty, narcissistic or neurotic boss (or all of the above)? The best part is that we get to laugh as we learn the lessons."

Adds reviewer Carole Cox:

"(The book) gave me the chance to come to terms with my own insecurities and maturation as an employee. We are not alone in our fear of failure, our need to provide for our family and our hope to become a valuable employee."

About Romina Wilcox

Romina Wilcox has worked for giant semiconductor companies supporting top Silicon Valley executives for 15 years. She has a liberal arts degree, a certificate in computer programming and has had computer forensic training from Southeast CyberCrime Institute. Her first cyber-thriller, "Cold Eyes" - an intrigue of murder, cybertheft and love - received honorable mention at the 2007 New York Book Festival. Wilcox lives in the heart of Silicon Valley with her husband and their three children.

19 Oct 2012

River City Radio Hour

By Heidi M. Sallows
It's that time again

3rd Year of The

River City Radio Hour

Presenting:

Joshua Forbes, TenorSax/Flute

Jon Moss, Bass

Corey Kendrick, Piano

Glorie Iaccarino, MC/Oral Essay

October 19, 2012

1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, IL

Social Hour @ 5:30p.m.

Dinner @ 6:30p.m. • Show @ 7:30p.m.

The Moline Commercial Clubs' Chef Linda will be serving a magnificent dinner

prior to the show, by reservation only. Please call 309-762-8547 to make reservation.

Elevator is at the16th Street entrance.

Tickets for Dinner & Show: $25.00/person

Tickets for the show: $5.00/person

*This event is open to the public and the audience can attend the show without dinner.

Priority seating is given to guests who make dinner reservations.

18 Oct 2012

The 27th season of the Quad City Wind Ensemble kicks off Sunday, October 21st, 2012 at 3:00pm

By Tyne Rieck

The 27th season of the Quad City Wind Ensemble kicks off Sunday, October 21st at 3:00pm. The theme of the concert is "Reflections," music that features nature and the seasons, and will feature principal saxophonist Dane Marolf.

Mr. Marolf will perform "Fantasia for Alto Saxophone" by Claude T. Smith accompanied by the wind ensemble. Conducted by Brian L. Hughes, the QCWE will also perform a variety of pieces from the concert band and wind ensemble repertoire, including works by Brian Balmages, Nancy Galbraith, Andrew Boysen, and Alfred Reed. The concert will immediately be followed by a reception with free refreshments and homemade treats.

Admission in $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and FREE for all students through 12th grade. Season tickets will also be available at the door for $32. See attached poster for details. We hope you can join us at the Galvin Fine Arts Center on the campus of St. Ambrose
for this special event!

For additional information, please visit www.qcwindensemble.org, or http://www.facebook.com/qcwindensemble

18 Oct 2012

Holiday Pops on sale now!

By QCSO

Holiday Pops featuring Mark Wood quickly approaching

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Quad City Arts kick off the holiday season on November 17 with an extravaganza featuring electric violinist Mark Wood, Quad City Arts Visiting Artist and founding member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Conductor Michael Gagliardo leads a cast of local talent like never before assembled, including the Quad City Symphony Orchestra; the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Davenport; the Holiday Pops Children's Chorus; and for the first time ever, the Holiday Pops Youth Ochestra. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the i wireless Center with the holiday favorites you've come to expect, mixed with many of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's greatest hits.

Tickets are currently on sale at the i wireless Center box office, by phone at 800.745.3000, or online at www.qcsymphony.com. One dollar from every ticket will benefit the Genesis Music Therapy Programs.

Holiday Pops is sponsored by John Deere.

Masterworks 2

Mozart & Beethoven

Saturday, November 3

7:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre

Davenport

Get tickets here

 

Masterworks 2

Mozart & Beethoven

Sunday, November 4

2 p.m.

Centennial Hall

Augustana College

Rock Island

Get tickets here

 

Holiday Pops

featuring Mark Wood

Saturday, November 17

7:30 p.m.

i wireless Center

Moline

Get tickets here

18 Oct 2012

Rap group, RusHour, to perform Thursday at its former school

By M. McNeil
Glenview Middle School Students celebrate the National LIGHTS ON day with dance and music

(East Moline, IL)  More than 100 students will celebrate October 18th as National Lights ON Day--a day designed to draw attention to vital afterschool programs--by watching two kinds of dance?Rap and Philippine.

The school's mini assembly is scheduled for Thursday, October 18th at 3:45 pm in the school's north gym.  On hand will be the very popular local rap group, RusHour, (made up of former Glenview students) and The Philippine Dance Troupe Company of the Quad Cities.   The media is invited to attend the assembly and interview the performers, Lights ON student and staff.

Who:  Glenview Lights on Students
What:  Cultural dance and music display
When:  Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Where:  Glenview Middle School East Moline
3100 7th Street East Moline, IL 61244
North Gym
Why:  Celebrate National Lights ON day in the community


East Moline will join more than 7,500 communities and 1 million Americans celebrating Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide event organized by the Afterschool Alliance to rally support for afterschool programs.

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. In the U.S. today, 15.1 million children go home alone after school.


###
16 Oct 2012

Film's Re-Release Highlights How Halloween & Hollywood Changed in 1978

By Rick Martin
Outside-the-Box Producer Discusses Value of New Blood
in the Industry

Once upon a time - before the late 1970s - it was a holiday for children.

Using Halloween as a theme, however, an independent film producer saw opportunity by getting inside the minds of adults. Irwin Yablans, (www.irwinyablans.com), pioneered a highly profitable new genre, Horror, by rebranding an overlooked holiday and introducing Hollywood to new talent.

In his new memoir, "The Man Who Created Halloween," Yablans details his fortuitous journey from Brooklyn's tenements to Hollywood and behind-the-scenes tales from the iconic movie.

"I suppose it is a bit of a Cinderella story, if Cinderella were a pugnacious Jewish guy who fought his way out of a run-down Brooklyn tenement and made a living out of rebranding a kiddie holiday with Hitchcockian chiller-flicks," says Yablans, who created the "Halloween" franchise of movies as an independent producer.

The film that kicked it all off is being rereleased in theaters this holiday season for the first time in 34 years. Showings can be found online, at http://www.screenvision.com/cinema-events/halloween/.

Yablans also worked as sales chief at Paramount Pictures and was head of Orion Pictures. But it was when he did things his own way, as an independent producer, that he made his mark on the world. He says the following factors and people significantly contributed to the success of his project:

• New blood (with John Carpenter): Thirty-five years ago, Carpenter was an "almost consumptively thin guy" who just graduated from USC's film school. Yablans admired Carpenter's film pedigree - both were fans of legendary director Howard Hawks - and liked the young talent's film, "Assault on Precinct 13," which was distributed by Compass International Pictures, Yablans' company.

• Michael Myers (the original): Yablans quickly became good friends with a friendly new distributor in England, Mr. Myers, who appreciated Carpenter's work for its economy and originality. Later, Yablans went with his gut feeling to have Carpenter direct "Halloween," and the name Michael Myers would forever have a new connotation.

• New blood/familiar lineage (with Jamie Lee Curtis): "Curtis had that perfect blend of youthful newness and Hollywood lineage, which was perfect for 'Halloween,' " says Yablans. "She had an impressive amount of maturity and charm, as she was just 18; but she is also the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh." Curtis' mother starred in the iconic shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," the primary influence of "Halloween." "I'm still proud of the fact that we cast Curtis as the heroine Laurie," he says.

• It's all in your mind (Halloween as a concept): Yablans grew up listening to radio shows that relied on "theater of the mind" narratives to capture the imaginations of listeners. He used the same approach with the "Halloween" series, the first of which premiered in 1978. His films spawned a wave of iconic horror characters, and a new way to do business in Hollywood.

• Co-producers (Moustapha Akkad and Joseph Wolf): Akkad and Wolfe had a dynamic relationship with each other, and they helped Yablans and Carpenter with the $325,000 budget it took to make "Halloween," which went on to gross more than $100,000 million - the most successful independent film of its time.

About Irwin Yablans

Irwin Yablans is the executive producer and creator of the "Halloween" film series, which forever changed the horror genre and the old studio system. His new autobiography, "The Man Who Created Halloween," details a true rags-to-riches tale of a boy who grew up in a roach-invested tenement in Brooklyn to become the man who transformed society's view of a children's holiday. Yablans' influence in Hollywood includes setting the standard for a new breed of independent producers and filmmakers, the discovery of famed director John Carpenter and advocating for studio support of one of the most acclaimed films in history, Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now." Yablans self-published his debut book through CreateSpace, Amazon.com's independent publishing platform.

15 Oct 2012

Teens Taking Over 'The Voice' & 'X-Factor'

By Rick Martin
20-year-old Top 40s Singer Offers Tips for Kids
with Big Dreams

If Sydney Rose, 20, could talk to the young contestants wowing audiences on "The Voice" and "The X-Factor," she'd tell them: Even if you don't make it to the end, if you have a vision and a talent, don't ignore it.

The singer/songwriter whose debut pop single, "Breaking Rules," hit No. 21 on the national radio Top 40 chart in October, says she tried to put her dream on hold - and couldn't.

"I've been in love with music all my life," says Rose (www.sydneyrosemusic.com). "I've learned it's an important part of who I am and you can't ignore that, no matter what your age."

Rose grew up honing her singing skills, then learning guitar ("My first chord was D") and dancing. She overcame any lingering shyness about performing before audiences by joining two other girls in a pop/dance group called Rosemadayne.

But when it came time to attend college, she decided it was best to put her dream on a back burner.

"I was afraid," she says. "I wanted to experience college without the pressure of a music career, but I actually felt more pressure without my dream and I knew I had to nurture that passion that is so a part of me."

That's when she wrote her newest album, "Rise," an up-tempo celebration of life. It's getting airplay on radio stations across the country, a development that never ceases to amaze and delight the rising star.

"Listening to myself on the planet 96.7 right at this moment!!!" she posted recently on Twitter (@itssydneyrose). "This is surreal!!!! #bestdayeverever."

Rose offers tips for other young people who are determined to follow their dreams:

• Get your support team together: Whether it's parents, other family members, friends or teachers, you'll need people who encourage and help guide you. Coaches, mentors or instructors can help you improve - because no matter what your talent and how much of it you've got, you can always expand your abilities with help. Depending on your age, that may require financial and transportation support. "I started voice lessons when I was a tween, and to this day I get intensive voice training," Rose says. "But the more skills you have, the better, so I also started working on dance when I was 13 years old. No matter what type of creative talent you have - singing, acting, writing or painting - if you want to become a professional, you need training." Anyone who is supportive in your life, including friends, other family members and teachers, are reminders of why dreams matter to you.

• Set realistic goals: You may dream of being in the movies or on TV, but don't expect to start there! "I happily performed at bar and bat mitzvahs (bonus! - I met my manager through those), book stores, Best Buy stores, and at my vocal school," Sydney says. "These were great opportunities to get used to being in front of live audiences and learning how to interact with the audience." The smaller goals are there for you to reach the bigger ones - Rome was not built overnight, she says. Those who are supportive will remind you of the big picture.

• Remember, it's OK to be scared: Doing something for the first time can be really scary, and it's perfectly normal to be nervous. But don't let that stop you from getting out there and trying! "From experience, I know that almost anything that seems scary the first time gets much easier, and less scary, every time you do it," Sydney says. "Don't let fear keep you from ever taking the next step."

• Have fun! "With 'Rise,' I wrote songs that are fun and upbeat. I thought, 'If I'm going to do this for the rest of my life, I have to have an amazing time. Right?' she says. Part of what has helped the album's success is that she was genuinely happy and having a good time when she recorded it. No matter what you're doing, your true emotions tend to color your work - they're hard to hide, so work with them.

About Sydney Rose

Sydney Rose is a 20-year-old recording artist who has worked toward her success the old-fashioned way - through training, practice and dedication. She credits great coaches for helping her develop her talent for singing, dancing and songwriting, and she has become a rising star on the pop music circuit. Her new album, "Rise," is now available on iTunes.

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