23 Apr 2013

GAY CHRISTIAN SINGER TO PERFORM IN ROCK ISLAND AND MOLINE WITH A MESSAGE OF INCLUSION

By Rev. Richard Hendricks
At 6 feet and 5 inches tall, Shawn Thomas stands out in virtually any crowd, but there are several things that
make him unique among Christian recording artists. He writes and records his own songs, he tours at no cost, and his ministry includes an outreach to the GLBT community.

Thomas, a Florida-based singer-songwriter with ten solo CDs to his credit, will visit MCC of the Quad Cities in
Rock Island to deliver his message of inclusion at 11am on Sunday, May 5th as part of morning worship, and
again that evening with a full concert benefitting the church at Fargo Lounge in Moline at 5pm.

A four-time Pride in the Arts Awards recipient from The Stonewall Society and fourteen-time nominee, Shawn
Thomas' newest musical effort is a praise and worship collection of original songs called, "Voice of Worship."
The lyrics for each song on the project are based on one or more texts from Old and New Testament scripture.
He explains, "In the past few years there've been a few choices I've made in expressing myself a little more
openly that have brought on a bit of (for lack of a better word) 'controversy' to what I was doing - whether it
be from the Christian community or the GLBT community. I realized as a result, focus was being taken away
from the grace message that is what I truly hope to be able share; So, I thought for this project, why not go
directly to scripture and let that be the lyric and completely take my 'voice' out of it."

On December 19, 2012, Shawn Thomas was officially inducted in to the GLBT Hall of Fame. According to the
press release posted on the Hall of Fame website, he was approved for membership based on: "...the work
Shawn Thomas has done to provide a positive and healing atmosphere for today's GLBT Christian... [including building] bridges of understanding and acceptance for the GLBT community within the non-GLBT Christian community... [and highlighting] the negatives thrust onto out GLBT Christians by the GLBT community."

With a minister as a father and a talented musician as his mother, Shawn's ministry is the natural combination
of his musical and spiritual influences. A member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Shawn Thomas emerges not only as an outstanding performer and singer, but as a dynamic and versatile worship leader and presenter His intention is to share the message of God's of love and grace through music in order to build unity, understanding, and acceptance while still encouraging personal responsibility, self-reliance, and the
development of conviction and values.

"Voice of Worship" and other CD releases are available for sale on popular internet sites including iTunes.com
and Amazon.com, and is distributed by Aaron's Rainbow Project and Shawn Thomas Studios, West Palm Beach, FL. For more information about Shawn Thomas and his ministry, visit www.shawnthomasonline.com and www.aaronsrainbowproject.com.

MCC of the Quad Cities is currently worshipping at the TriCity Jewish Center, 2715 30th St., Rock Island, and
the Fargo Lounge is located at 4204 Ave. of the Cities in Moline. The Benefit Concert is part of a chili cook-off
beginning at 4:30pm. For more information, contact the church at 563-324-8281.
22 Apr 2013

Just Announced,,,,,An Evening with Chicago

By Stephani Nagle

Monday, June 17 - 8:00 pm

i wireless Center

On Sale Friday, April 26 at 10 am!

The legendary pop band Chicago will perform live for one night, Monday, June 17 at the i wireless Center. Ticket prices are $35.00 and $45.00 with a limited number of $65 VIP seats also available and go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 am.

With their unique blend of jazz, blues, classical, rhythm and blues, and pop Chicago continues to thrill audiences across the world. With a career that spans five decades, they are undoubtedly one of the most successful American rock bands of all time.

Leading the U.S. singles chart in the 1970s Chicago has sold over 100 million albums; with 22 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. They are the first American band to have charted Top 40 albums in five separate decades. They boast 21 Top 10 singles including "Hard Habit to Break," "Saturday in the Park," "If You Leave Me Now," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," "Look Away," "Old Days" and "You're The Inspiration."

Tickets start at just $35.00 and go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the i wireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.iwirelessCenter.com and www.chicagotheband.com.

19 Apr 2013

Paul McCartney's ROCKSHOW Comes to the Big Screen Beginning May 15

By Versa Manos
SpectiCast and Eagle Rock Entertainment partner to bring this digitally remastered classic concert film, ROCKSHOW, back to the big screen in over 750 cities worldwide for the first time in over 20 years.

Philadelphia, PA - SpectiCast, in association with Eagle Rock Entertainment, is pleased to announce ROCKSHOW, a film depicting the legendary Paul McCartney and Wings on their epic 1975-1976 Wings Over The World tour. This galvanizing performance will premiere on the big screen in theaters in the UK on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 and worldwide beginning on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Although filmed on this tour at the enormous Kingdome in Seattle, ROCKSHOW, originally a cut down version of the concert, was not premiered until November 1980 in New York and April 1981 in London.
The film will premiere in the UK on Wednesday May 15 and at BAFTA in London on the same day.  Paul McCartney will be in attendance at the red carpet event. For the rest of the world, fans will have a unique opportunity to see the film beginning the very next day, Thursday, May 16.  The film will be shown at nearly one thousand playdates at theaters in over 700 cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cape Town, Sydney, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest, Prague, Hamburg, San Paolo, Rio DeJaneiro, Buenos Aires, and many other cities across the U.S, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and South America.  These special theatrical presentations will include a bonus 12-minute interview with McCartney.
For Wings Across America, Paul brought with him one the most sophisticated and dazzling rock shows of the mid-Seventies (it was a time when nobody worried about extravagance or expense) and the band would eventually perform to more than 600,000 people at 31 shows in the US and Canada, ending with three mind-bending nights at The Forum in Los Angeles. It's no exaggeration to say that the demand that greeted Paul McCartney & Wings (Linda McCartney, Joe English, Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch) in the spring of 1976 as they embarked on what would become their one and only North American tour was overwhelming.  Having released four consecutive chart busting albums including Red Rose Speedway, Band on the Run, Venus and Mars and Wings at the Speed of Sound - not to mention 1973's Academy Award-winning James Bond theme "Live and Let Die" - Paul's solo career was in full flight... and having not performed in the States for 10 years, either solo or with The Beatles, excitement had reached fever pitch.
Now Paul gives fans the chance to be able to immerse themselves in a concert that is destined to live forever.
@PaulMcCartney
Tickets for ROCKSHOW are available at participating theater box offices and online at http://www.rockshowonscreen.com. This digitally enhanced film event will be screened in over 750 select theatres across the world.
ABOUT THE FILM
SETLIST                       
1.-3. "Venus And Mars"/"RockShow"/ "Jet"
4. "Let Me Roll It"
5. "Spirits Of Ancient Egypt"
6. "Medicine Jar"
7. "Maybe I'm Amazed"
8. "Call Me Back Again"
9. "Lady Madonna"
10. "The Long And Winding Road"
11. "Live And Let Die"
12. "Picasso's Last Words"
13. "Richard Cory"
14. "Bluebird"
15. "I've Just Seen A Face"
16. "Blackbird"
17. "Yesterday"
18. "You Gave Me The Answer"
19. "Magneto And Titanium Man"
20. "Go Now"
21. "My Love"
22. "Listen To What The Man Said"
23. "Let 'Em In"
24. "Time To Hide"
25. "Silly Love Songs"
26. "Beware My Love"
27. "Letting Go"
28. "Band on the Run"
29. "Hi, Hi, Hi"
30. "Soily"
Running time: 141 minutes, including an exclusive 12-minute prerecorded interview with Paul McCartney only available as part of the theatrical release.
About Eagle Rock Entertainment
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world. Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programmes, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle's TV library features over 2,000 hours of programming and there are over 800 titles currently available worldwide on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally.
About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues.
SpectiCast's distributes 3D and 2D content over several digital media platforms including DCP, Blu-ray and its proprietary Digital Theatre Network™ to deliver the highest quality digital audiovisual experience using the industry's most advanced technologies. SpectiCast provides exhibitors with a low cost and high quality digital deliver system to exhibit the world's best independent film and alternative content. For distributors, producers and content rights holders, SpectiCast provides access to hundreds of art house, independent, and chain theaters as well as performing arts centers, museums, schools, and other non-traditional exhibition venues over a network that has world-wide reach. SpectiCast is a privately owned and operated firm based in Philadelphia, PA.
18 Apr 2013

An Evening with Smokey Robinson

By Stephanie Nagle

Friday, June 7 - 8 pm

His First Appearance in the Quad Cities

On Sale Friday April 26 at 10 am

Don't miss an unforgettable night of classic hits on Friday, June 7 at 8 pm when Motown Legend Smokey Robinson performs at the i wireless Center for one night only. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 am.

 

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group's single of Robinson's "Shop Around" became Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," "The Tracks of My Tears," "Going to a Go-Go," "More Love," "Tears of a Clown" and "I Second That Emotion." Smokey's solo career included top hits "Cruisin", "Being With You"," Just to See Her" and "One Heartbeat".

 

During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit, became Vice President of Motown Records and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric.   In 1987, Robinson was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 1989, he was inducted to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. In 1991 he won the Heritage Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. In 1993, Robinson was awarded a medal at the National Medal of Arts. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a beloved icon in our musical heritage.

 

Ticket prices are $29.50 and $49.50 with a limited number of $69.50 tickets also available. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 am and are available at the i wireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online and www.ticketmaster.com. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Genesis Health Systems.

16 Apr 2013

A Night of Music at the Figge

By Emily Timmons

Davenport, Iowa (April 16, 2013) - The Figge features two musicians this Thursday, April 18 for a FREE night of music.

University of Iowa violinist Katie Wolfe, who has played in eleven countries all over the world, will play in the Figge Lobby at 6 p.m., and will welcome a brief question and answer session following her performance.

Singer-songwriter Abbie Sawyer, the lead singer of soul-rock-Indie band Bermuda Report, will perform a musical tour of five artworks from the Figge's permanent collection and special exhibitions at 7 p.m.

After each performance, Sawyer will discuss the connections between her musical interpretations and the artworks. Come ready to share your own interpretation of both the sights and sounds of this one-night-only experience.

Each Thursday, the Figge offers a different experience to the public, such as a lecture, class, performance or other special activity. Most Thursdays begin at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and light snacks. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

-end-
15 Apr 2013

Mother's Day Weekend! Chonda Pierce returns to Davenport!

By Adler Theatre

Chonda Pierce

"Girl Talk"

7:00 p.m. May 9

Adler Theater
136 East Third Street
Davenport, Iowa

With special guest: Geoff Moore

A Mother's Day Weekend to Remember!

Chonda Pierce, The Queen of Clean Comedy is hitting the road to bring you her cheerful unpretentious Southern charm, a healthy dose of laughter and a whole bag of new tricks you won't want to miss.

Girl Talk with Chonda Pierce and special guest Geoff Moore is an unscripted and fun-filled take on a talk show atmosphere.

Tickets are on sale now!
* Tickets are $22 & $27
* Groups of 10+ are $19 (price level 2 ticket area only)
* Call (563) 326-8522 or email the Box Office at boxoffice@riverctr.com to arrange group seating.

Tickets available here:
* Adler Theatre Box Office
* Online at Ticketmaster here: Get Tickets
* Charge by phone at 800-745-3000
* and at all Ticketmaster outlets

Adler Theatre Box Office:
136 East Third Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801
Phone 563-326-8555
The Adler Theatre Box Office operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Box Office is closed on weekends and evenings, unless it is an event day where hours will vary.

Internet Purchasing: Online at Ticketmaster here: Get Tickets

Charge By Phone: call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000

Ticketmaster Outlets:
· Bettendorf, IA: HY-Vee, 2900 Devils Glenn Rd.
· Davenport, IA: HY-Vee, 2200 West Kimberly Rd.
· Davenport, IA: Walmart, 3101 West Kimberly Rd.
· Davenport, IA: Walmart, 5811 Elmore Ave.
· Moline, IL: Walmart, 3930 - 44th Avenue Dr.
· Silvis, IL: HY-Vee, 2001 5th St.

Event website and information: Adler Events

11 Apr 2013

Thunder Power releases new video for "Winter Lingering"12

By Will
With one last wintry blast taking hold of much of the US, it seemed like an appropirate time for Thunder Power to release their new video for their track "Winter Lingering." It's the Omaha-based group's second official video for a song off of their recent album "Volumes," which was released in December 2012 via Slumber Party Records. The video is based around the amazing world of comic artist Chris Ware (author of "Jimmy Corrigan," "Rusty Brown," "Building Stories," et al).
Here's a link to the video (feel free to share!): http://youtu.be/gqjG3X9ESdI
ABOUT THE VIDEO
The video for "Winter Lingering" is set in an Omaha inhabited by the likes of Rusty Brown, Chalky White and Jason Lint -- characters from comic artist Chris Ware's ongoing graphic novel "Rusty Brown."
ABOUT "VOLUMES"
After six years of what seems to be an ever-revolving cast, Thunder Power remains the collective musical outlet of a group of friends residing in Omaha, anchored by constant members Alex Boardman, Will Silvey Simons and Ian Simons.
After putting out four EPs (two solo, two split), they finally released their debut LP "Volumes" this past December on Slumber Party Records. "Volumes," recorded at ARC Studios in Omaha, features 11 tracks that capture the band's musical approach of attempting to reach peak instrumental lushness, all balanced by the off-putting beauty (and sometimes frailness) of introverted songwriting.
Thunder Power's next show is May 31st at Slowdown in Omaha where the vinyl ediion of "Volumes" will be availble for purchase for the first time.
11 Apr 2013

Last chance to see the Chicago Zither Club performance

By Kelly Lao
Last chance! Sign up Today to see the Final Performance of the
Chicago Zither Club!


Sunday, April 28th
$70 members
$80 non-members
Don't miss this once in a lifetime performance with Germany's own Tomy Temerson as well as musicians from around the U.S. Special guests include our own Davenport Zither Ensemble!

The performance will take place at the Cultural Center of the Society of Danube Swabians at 625 Seegers Road in Des Plaines, IL (www.donauchicago.com) and will begin at 3:00 pm. There will be a complimentary sweets table, and a cash bar.

Support this beautiful, traditional music and travel with us to witness this unique event!
Register by Calling 563-322-8844
or Clicking Here:
10 Apr 2013

Nova Singers Scheduling Auditions

By Nicole Warren

Nova Singers, the region's premier professional vocal ensemble, is currently scheduling auditions for the 2013-2014 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 nine professional recordings.
10 Apr 2013

Pop Sensation Carly Rae Jepsen Completes Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

By Lori Chappell
Grandstand Tickets on Sale May 4

DES MOINES, IA (04/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Carly Rae Jepsen will perform at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 17, with special guest The Wanted. The show completes this year's Grandstand line-up. Tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2013 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

With 9.1 million singles sold and a record-breaking nine consecutive weeks at number-one, Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" catapulted the Canadian singer's success and made her an over-night viral sensation. The multi-platinum song earned two Teen Choice Awards and two Grammy Award nominations as well as over four hundred million hits on YouTube. British pop artists The Wanted will open the August 17 show.

Grammy Award-winning rock artists Train will perform hit songs like "Drops of Jupiter," "Calling All Angels" and "Marry Me" on August 16. They will be joined by double-platinum contemporary artist Matt Nathanson.

Country superstars Alan Jackson and Gary Allan will take the stage August 18. Jackson's authentic lyrics and connection to traditional country roots helped him produce anthems like "Chattahoochie," "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" and "Small Town Southern Man." Allan's ten studio albums have produced hit song after hit song including "Nothing on but the Radio," "Watching Airplanes" and "Every Storm."

Shows featuring Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith round out this year's country selections. Bentley will perform with special guest Justin Moore on August 11. Kip Moore will open for Keith's August 15 performance.

Contemporary Christian artists Casting Crowns will bring their soulful tunes to the stage opening night, August 8. They will be joined by special guest Jeremy Camp.

Launched into stardom with her hit show on Nickelodeon, Victoria Justice has quickly made her mark on the music scene. She will be joined by The Sing Off's season three champions, Pentatonix, on August 13.

Former Saturday Night Live stars Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon and Dennis Miller will offer their own unique flavor of comedy in a stand-up routine that's sure to have Fairgoers laughing on August 10.

The Grandstand will be filled with hits from the 60s and 70s on August 9 with the Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis.

Motor sports action kicks into high gear August 12 with the Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models. The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull roars into the Grandstand August 14. The Demolition Derby and Figure Eight will tear up the track for a morning session on August 17.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, May 4, 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. All track events are general admission. Beginning July 8, 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 (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

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

2013 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 8 Casting Crowns with special guest Jeremy Camp, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 9 Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 10 Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon from SNL, 8 p.m., $38

Sunday, August 11 Dierks Bentley with special guest Justin Moore, 8 p.m., $39

Monday, August 12 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $17 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 13 Victoria Justice with special guest Pentatonix, 8 p.m., $29

Wednesday, August 14 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, August 15 Toby Keith's Hammer Down Tour presented by Ford F-Series with special guest Kip Moore, 8 p.m., $49

Friday, August 16 Train with special guest Matt Nathanson, 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 17 Demolition Derby: Modified Weld, Stock Weld and Compact Weld; Figure Eight: Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive, 11:30 a.m., $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 17 Carly Rae Jepsen with special guest The Wanted, 8 p.m., $35

Sunday, August 18 Alan Jackson and Gary Allan, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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