29 Jul 2015

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

By Micaela Booth

(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.

27 Jul 2015

The Ex-Bombers to bring femme fatale pop music to RIBCO

By Scott Walus

ROCK ISLAND - Seedy beatnik pop duo The Ex-Bombers will demonstrate the possibilities of maximum minimalism at Rock Island Brewing Company at 1812 2nd Ave. in Rock Island on August 7 in support of their latest vinyl-only LP on Cavetone Records, "Five Star Night."

Since 2010, the pair have released provocative records and toured around the greater Midwest, bringing a raw cabaret element to live shows and turntables alike. The uniqueness of their sound is exemplified in each sultry rhythm and narcotic melody made by the duo's contrasting vocals, 8-string octaved bass, and tom-less drum set.

In a convergent world fueled by immediate gratifications, The Ex-Bombers have rejected putting music "out there" through digital channels, opting instead for the human connection found in selling records post-live performance and through independent record stores.

Drummer and singer Keri Cousins explained the significance of this particular tour, "For the last five years we've heard about how we need to start doing things in the typical way. We find our way infinitely more gratifying and the more that we do it our way, the more we are welcomed back to cities. This tour is the most recent example."

Many neon nights have transpired since Charleston Illinois' notorious femme fatale and film noir beat released their critically-acclaimed debut LP "The Tightwire" in 2012. The sultry sound of each neon night runs deep between the grooves of "Five Star Night."

Sonically, the album represents both the logical extension of "The Tightwire" as well as its logical departure. "Make no mistake. This is a pop record," said 8-string bassist and vocalist Scott Walus, "However, this particular pop record was created by the seediest of duos, by a femme fatale and a film noir beat."

The band's vinyl-only release represents a radical culmination of some prevailing cultural and economic trends. According to the 2014 RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) music industry shipment and revenue statistics, only digital streaming revenue and vinyl sales increased from 2013-2014. All other forms of music revenue decreased.

While many listeners have chosen to go the ephemeral route of streaming, a growing minority are choosing the permanence found only in a record collection. Like all Cavetone Records releases, "Five Star Night" has no digital component and can only be heard on a record player.

"This album is really meant to be listened to as a complete piece of art. Each side tells a story in glorious mono," said Cousins. "The live show injects the album with a theatrical feel. It is experiential, intriguing, and wonderfully temporary. It's the perfect compliment to our vinyl."

At this performance they will partner with Gentle Edward Records to performa with Dynoride, Waking Robots, and Condor & Jaybird. Admission is five dollars and music begins at 9 p.m.

23 Jul 2015

Quad City Symphony Orchestra Announces Auditions for 2015-16 Season

By Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Auditions Include Strings, Woodwinds and Brass

Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO), has announced auditions for the 2015-16 season. Audition application deadline is Monday, August 3, 2015.

Audition date for the following open positions is Sunday, August 16, 2015: first and second section violin, associate principal bass, string substitutes and fourth horn.

Audition date for English horn is Saturday, October 3.

Audition date for second bassoon is Saturday, November 7.

Applications to audition must be postmarked or emailed by Monday, August 3, 2015.

"The QCSO encourages musicians who would like to be a part of the continued history-making of this organization to audition for one of our openings. In addition to being part of an outstanding performing ensemble, our expanding education engagement programs offer musicians more opportunities to play, teach, and earn in the QC region," said Rich Stodd, Director of Orchestra Operations.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is a per-service orchestra. Mail or email a one page resume and send a $50 deposit check payable to "QCSO", which will be returned at the audition, by Monday, August 3 to:

Rich Stodd, Director of Orchestra Operations
327 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52801
Email: rstodd@qcso.org

The QCSO's thrilling 101st season builds on the blockbuster 100 year anniversary celebration.  The season begins with Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops on September 12, 2015.

22 Jul 2015

MVBS Presents Golden State/Lone Star Revue, Monday July 27

By Steve Brundies

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents the Golden State/Lone Star Revue with Mark Hummel, Little Charlie, and Anson Funderburgh at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf, IA on Monday, July 27.

Larry Davison and Charlie Hayes will start off the night of blues at 5:00 p.m. and the trio of masters will take the stage starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost to see these performances will be $20 if you are a Mississippi Valley Blues Society member, or $25 if you have not joined the Blues Society (applications will be available at The Muddy Waters door). Rolling Smoke will be cooking up BBQ and will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society.

The Golden State/Lone Star Revue consists of five remarkable musicians from the Golden State of California and the Lone Star state of Texas who all love the blues, know the blues, and rock the blues like a barefoot lady dancing her heart out under the moon.

Mark Hummel and his harmonica have been steadily on the road since 1984, and he has released 17 albums and CDs since starting out. His latest is a Little Walter Tribute called Remembering Little Walter on Blind Pig Records with legendary harmonica players Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Sugar Ray, and James Harman. Mark was nominated for Blues Music Awards three years in a row for "Best Harmonica."  He has been performing and producing the Blues Harmonica Blowouts in California since 1991 and has performed at multi-artists events with the top players in the genre all across the planet.

"Little Charlie" Baty is the former leader and masterful guitarist from Alligator Records recording act Little Charlie & the Nightcats. Charlie and the Nightcats recorded 12 albums on Alligator and have been one of the West Coast's most successful blues acts, touring the globe for over 25 years. They've played every major Festival you can think of and every blues joint from Maine to Spain. Guitar World declares, "Baty's straight blues playing is eye-popping...he stretches solos to the breaking point, skittering on the edge, where one wrong note will bring the whole thing crashing down."

Anson Funderburgh is a native of Texas, and has spent the majority of his adult life playing the blues. Anson has earned the respect of artists like Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ronnie Earl. Over the years, these musicians have called on Anson to lend his tremendous guitar talents to their projects. Funderburgh recorded with the Fabulous Thunderbirds on their Butt Rockin' album, and went solo in 1981, when the New Orleans-based BlackTop label released Talk to You by Hand, the label's first release. After releasing nine albums on BlackTop, in 1999 Funderburgh changed record labels with the release of Change in my Pocket for Bullseye Blues, a CD which won several W.C. Handy Awards. "Funderburgh remains a musician's musician. He'll explode into a fiery and melodic solo, and then seamlessly recede into a song at just the right moment to propel the rhythm...he makes sure the songs both breathe and burn." --- Blues Revue.

Rounding out the Golden State/Lone Star Revue are RW Grigsby on bass and famed Texas drummer Wes Starr. Between these two old Rome, GA cronies, they've played with a who's who of famed musicians: Omar & the Howlers, Jr. Brown, Jimmy Vaughan, Asleep At The Wheel, Gary Primich, Kim Wilson, Mike Morgan, Carlene Carter, Hal Ketchum, Earl King, James Cotton, and many more.

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.

22 Jul 2015

West Music Recognized by Lieutenant Governor As Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner

By Kelly Goerdt

Coralville, IA - July 21, 2015 -  West Music is proud to announce their recent recognition as a Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner, in conjunction with the Employer Volunteer Initiative (EVI) Advisory Council. West Music was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds at a reception held today at West Music Coralville, which included remarks from the Lieutenant Governor as well as West Music President, Robin Walenta.  West Music won in the medium-sized company category with 659 volunteer hours reported in a six-week time frame.

"One of West Music's core values as a company is "Cultivate Community' and our associates have embraced that core value.  We all share in the commitment to cultivate stronger, healthier communities through volunteer service. Throughout this challenge, our scope was wide and our reach was far, covering the entire eastern half of the state from Des Moines to the Quad Cities, from Decorah to the southern borders - participating in many social service events, regional community festivals, and fine arts advocacy." remarked Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.

The Give Back Iowa Challenge, a new initiative from the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, served as a campaign to encourage employees to volunteer and log their hours as part of a six-week challenge, April 14-May 31, across the state of Iowa.  Winners were selected in three categories based on the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee. In its inaugural year, the Give Back Iowa Challenge had 50 participating organizations representing 48,686 employees in Iowa that logged 41,702 volunteer hours impacting Iowa communities.

About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts.  The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need.  The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base.  Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure.  More information is available at www.volunteeriowa.org.
21 Jul 2015

Newly Remodeled MidAmerican Energy Stage to Debut at 2015 Fair

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IA (07/21/2015)(readMedia)-- "Nothing Compares" to free entertainment at the Iowa State Fair! Be sure to "Find A New Path" to the newly remodeled MidAmerican Energy Stage this August 13-23 and enjoy a variety of free acts and entertainment.

Formerly known as the Fairview Stage, the MidAmerican Energy Stage, located on Expo Hill, is currently undergoing renovations and will be complete in time for the Fair. The stage will debut with new restrooms and additional seating so Fairgoers can enjoy the array of acts such as 38 Special, Village People, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Home Free, and Here Come the Mummies.

Demolition to the stage began in fall 2014, and other additions include dressing rooms and a loading dock. The renovations are possible because of a donation from MidAmerican Energy and Iowa Realty.

"Thank you to MidAmerican Energy for the support with this project. The Iowa State Fair would not be what it is today without their generosity and the generosity of all Iowans across the state," said Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director Peter Cownie. "We are so pleased to have the support which will allow for a better experience for future generations of Fairgoers."

In addition to the free music acts, Fairgoers can also enjoy the Opening Ceremonies and Ribbon Cutting at 9 a.m. on August 13 at the MidAmerican Stage, as well as special events like the 4x4 Stomper Pull, held on August 22 at 9:30 a.m.

For a list of all entertainment and events at the 2015 Iowa State Fair, visit our website at http://www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

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17 Jul 2015

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS WILL PERFORM AT THE IWIRELESS CENTER NOVEMBER 13, 2015

By Stephani Nagle

[Moline, IL] - [June 15, 2015] Mannheim Steamroller will present the best the holiday has to offer this season. The group will perform live for one show only in the Quad Cities at the iWireless Center on Friday, November 13.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 24 at 10 am and are available at the iWireless Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, but phone at 800-745-3000, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

This year marks the 31st Anniversary of the Christmas Tour and release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the Holiday Season music category.

Grammy Award® winner Chip Davis will direct and co-produce Tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment. The show features classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller and dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

In addition to being a holiday tradition for many families, the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour regularly attracts repeat attendance from multi-generational guests and is one of the longest running tours in the music industry.

Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 40 million albums, 28 million in the Christmas genre. Their holiday albums have become synonymous with Christmas and consistently occupy top spots on Billboard's Seasonal Charts every year.

With 19 gold, 8 multi-platinum and 4 platinum-certified records, Chip Davis is among an elite group of artists that include U2, Jay-Z, and The Beach Boys with such certifications.

 

About Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller

From his longtime home in Omaha, Neb., Mannheim Steamroller creator Chip Davis makes innovative music inspired by the sounds of another age. This former teacher and jingle writer founded the music industry's largest independent recording label, American Gramaphone, in 1974 when industry executives said Davis' innovative 18th century instrumental rock sound would never sell. In addition to a Grammy Award, Davis is largely credited with establishing the New Age music category that revolutionized the making and marketing of holiday music. His first Christmas album was released in 1984; the album's success made Christmas records a "must do" for all music artists. With more than 40 million total records sold including 28 million Christmas albums, Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis is the #1-selling Christmas artist of all time.

Davis, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the music industry, offers a rich array of lifestyle products on www.mannheimsteamroller.com including hot chocolate, food, apparel and novelty items. His latest achievement is creating a cutting edge psychoacoustic technology that is being used in major medical institutions such as Mayo Clinic and is also being studied by NASA for potential use in space.

About MagicSpace Entertainment

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by ChipDavis is produced by MagicSpace Entertainment. The company is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 30 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in North America, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 250 events in 75 cities per year.  They have offices in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT.  www.magicspace.net

15 Jul 2015

Long Standing Iowa Blues Festival Cancelled

By Kristy Bennett
The Mississippi Valley Blues Society (MVBS) regrets to announce that due to financial challenges, the 2015 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, planned for LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa, September 5 and 6, has been cancelled. The MVBS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, had started the festival over 30 years ago to create a live music festival to expose the regional area to the native art form of blues-related music, and to raise awareness and funds for blues education programs. Since then, MVBS has presented over 1000 local, regional, and nationally known acts, and has become an award winning, top Blues festivals in the country.

According to MVBS President, Steve Heston, "We are not able to proceed with a major event this year, so we will instead concentrate on continuing our existing programs, look to build funding, and possibly hold a festival in 2016."

Some of the current programs of the MVBS include an active Blues in the Schools educational program that reaches over 7,500 students annually, as well as our Concert Series that brings live blues to the Quad Cities, and our radio shows on KALA. The MVBS has one of the most active Blues Education programs of any Blues Society in the country. Each year, the Blues Society plans and coordinates 4-9 weeks of Blues in the Schools programming. This includes 4-5 week-long artist residencies and one month-long summer residency. Performances are free, and expose a wide segment of our community to blues-related music and the rich history and heritage of that music.

"We are saddened to have to make this decision; however, if we take this opportunity to re-group and are able to gain some financial support, we can come back next year with some world-class musicians playing the blues."

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15 Jul 2015

Lineup and New Festivities Announced for Iowa Irish Fest, July 31 - Aug. 2

By Rick Martin

Get ready to revel on at the largest Irish festival in Iowa, featuring both fan favorites and new additions, including an Irish wedding and rugby tournament. Gaelic Storm, The Elders and Screaming Orphans headline the fun-filled Iowa Irish Fest weekend of Irish culture, music, food and sports.

WATERLOO, Iowa?The ninth annual Iowa Irish Fest, sponsored by Veridian Credit Union, will open Friday, July 31, and run through Sunday, Aug. 2, at Lincoln Park and the surrounding streetscapes of downtown Waterloo. From international performers and Gaelic art to traditional Irish food and an Irish wedding, the 2015 Iowa Irish Fest has it all. Kicking off with a parade at 4 p.m. Friday, Iowa Irish Fest will permeate downtown Waterloo with the sights, sounds and flavors of Irish heritage.

"We are excited to present another weekend of Irish culture, food, music and sports?including a rugby tournament---during the 2015 Iowa Irish Fest," said Chad Shipman, Iowa Irish Fest director. "The rugby tournament is a great new addition to the festival. We anticipate the tournament will bring even more people to the Cedar Valley to experience Irish culture."

Six downtown stages will host dozens of local, regional and international performers, cultural education seminars, kids' contests and more. The Nagle Stage on Park Avenue will feature the headliner shows. More traditional acts will perform on the Lincoln Savings Bank Stage at E. 4th and Lafayette Streets. A third music stage will be inside Jameson's Public House on E. 4th Street. The Wells Fargo Cultural Events Center Stage will be located at the northeast corner of Lincoln Park. Additional cultural activities and Irish whiskey tastings will occur inside the Elks Club. The family area Life 101.9 stage will be located at E. 4th and Mulberry Streets.                      

Iowa Irish Fest staple Gaelic Storm will be back, along with a crowd favorite, the Trinity Irish Dancers. The Elders and the Screaming Orphans will join Gaelic Storm as the three headliners for the weekend.

Gaelic Storm will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on Nagle Stage. They balance tradition with modern influences to create a blend of Celtic rock and folk. Their innovative sound has landed them on top of the Billboard World Chart four times. With 10 albums and nearly 3,000 live performances under their belt, it's no wonder Gaelic Storm made Full Irish, their greatest hit album. Gaelic Storm will release their latest album, Matching Sweaters, on July 24, and it will be available for fans at the Iowa Irish Fest. Gaelic Storm performances are brought to the Iowa Irish Fest by sponsor VGM and Associates.

"We love having Gaelic Storm come and perform," said Doug Larrabee, entertainment chair. "They certainly have developed a following at Iowa Irish Fest. Attendees enjoy Gaelic Storm's high energy, stage presence and the fun ways they turn attendees into participants during their performances."

Also headlining this year's festival are international touring artists, The Elders. This six-man band's ability to bring together the art of storytelling and elements of progressive and traditional Celtic music has won them a broad international fan base. They will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday on Nagle Stage.

The Screaming Orphans, a band of four sisters from Bundoran, Ireland, are headlining all three days of the festival. They will perform at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nagle Stage, and at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on the Lincoln Savings Bank Stage. The sisters grew up singing traditional Irish music before deciding to start their own pop rock band when they were teenagers.

This year, Iowa Irish Fest will expand the sports offerings beyond the Highland Games and annual 5k to include the first annual Iowa Irish Fest Rugby Invitational, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the East High School practice field, located two blocks from the festival grounds at 214 High Street. All players receive a weekend pass to the festivities, as well as discounted passes for their friends and family. The winning team will receive jerseys, a trophy and a cash prize.                               

The weekend will also include :

  • Irish cultural events and storytelling performances

  • An Irish wedding, Friday night at the Wells Fargo Cultural Events Center Stage (first wedding ever hosted at Iowa Irish Fest)

  • Soda bread and Irish Stew competition

  • Variety of food vendors offering traditional Irish and American favorites, with Jameson's Public House featuring a traditional Irish breakfast Sunday morning

  • Whiskey tastings, ancestry workshops, Sunday brunch and the Gary Kelly festival art unveiling at the Elks Club

  • Irish Fest merchandise, kilts and Irish heritage items for sale

  • Highland Games, 5-8 p.m. Friday (demonstration) and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (games)

  • Fifth annual ShamRock N Run 5k walk/run, 9 a.m. Saturday

  • Family fun area with inflatable amusements, face painting and kids' contests

  • Outdoor Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday

The annual Iowa Irish Fest is organized 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 2015 will run from July 31-Aug. 2. Admission is $15 for all three days, and children 12 and under are free. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.IowaIrishFest.com. Click here to purchase online tickets: http://iowairishfest.ticketmob.com/event.cfm?cart&id=101755

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10 Jul 2015

Vander Veer Outdoor Movie This Friday Night!

By Davenport Parks & Recreation

Presented by Davenport Parks & Recreation and Ascentra Credit Union

Friday, July 10, 2015

Vander Veer Park

Join us for Maleficent!

Thank you to Ascentra Credit Union for sponsoring an evening of fun in the park! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and settle in for a movie on the lawns at Vander Veer. Experience our Summer Theme, Quest through the Enchanted Park, and play games prior to the movie.

 

The movie will be shown at dusk on the lawns in the middle of the Park. Children's activities will take place at 6:00 p.m., and concessions will be available.

 

This event is FREE to the public!

 

Call: 563-323-3298 with questions!

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