25 Apr 2012

QC Wind Ensemble Spring Concert

By Patrick Driscoll
The Quad City Wind Ensemble announces its Spring Concert, "Songs and Dances" to be performed on Sunday, April 29th at 3pm.  The concert will feature the winner of the Dr. Charles B. DCamp Young Performer's Solo Competition, Crystal Mondragon. She is a senior at United Township High School in East Moline and studies flute privately with Lynne Stukart.
Ms. Mondragon will perform "Poem" by Charles Griffes accompanied by the wind ensemble.  In addition, the QCWE will perform a variety of song and dance works from the concert band and wind ensemble repertoire, including works by Leo Delibes, Percy Grainger, Philip Sparke, David Holsinger, Eric Ewazen, Arturo Marquez, and John Philip Sousa. 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. See attached media release for details. We hope you can join us at the Galvin Fine Arts Center on the campus of St. Ambrose for this special event!
23 Apr 2012

Foster Family Music Featured in National Magazine

By TAG Communications

The Bettendorf company is the cover story on the March/April issue of Music Inc. (story continued below)

Foster Family Music Center, located in Bettendorf, Iowa, is the cover story and lengthy feature article in the March/April issue of Music Inc. magazine. The publication is a leading music industry trade magazine that is distributed to music stores throughout North America.

 

During the past 10 years, the piano industry has been in a state of decline nationally. The market is now smaller than it has been in 60 years, resulting in manufacturer consolidations and the disappearance of most piano retailers. Since 2001, seven local piano retailers in the Quad Cities have closed or stopped offering new pianos for sale.

 

A combination of technology-centered activities like video games and computers, along with an expanded emphasis on team sports and hectic schedules have resulted in fewer families engaging in piano lessons.

 

The article in Music Inc. magazine focuses on how Foster Family Music has changed their business model over the past decade to adapt, refocus and find their niche in the piano industry. The family-owned company has done this by embracing the use of technology in piano study and performance, as well as promoting awareness for brain development/piano study connections that parents otherwise might not hear about.
13 Apr 2012

CHRISTIAN SINGER TO PERFORM IN DAVENPORT WITH A MESSAGE OF INCLUSION

By Rev. Rich 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 seven CDs to his credit, will visit MCC of the Quad Cities to deliver his message of inclusion at 7:00pm on Saturday, May 12th with a full concert, and again as part of morning worship on Sunday, May 13th at 11:00am.A four-time Pride in the Arts Awards recipient from The Stonewall Society and 14-time nominee, Shawn Thomas'

A four-time Pride in the Arts Awards recipient from The Stonewall Society and 14-time nominee, Shawn Thomas' newest musical effort is a two-disc set called "Covered and Created," which features 10 tracks previously recorded by other artists (the  Covered" disc) and 10 new original works (the "Created" disc).

In 2010, he released a book describing his experience as being both gay and Christian. Titled "Unashamed: Coming Out of the Second Closet," the volume deals with being in the crosshairs from both groups, as many Christians think his sexuality is incompatible with faith and many in the GLBT community believe his faith runs contrary to GLBT causes. In its pages, Thomas explains that neither assumption is true.

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.

"Covered and Created" as well as Shawn's book 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 Ciites is located at 3019 N Harrison in Davenport, and can be contacted at 563-324-8281 or on the web at www.mccqc.com.
13 Apr 2012

Iowa State Fair Grandstand, Admission Tickets on Sale Saturday

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (04/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2012 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

In addition to the previously-announced star-studded line-up, George Thorogood and The Destroyers will open for the Hank Williams Jr. "Taking Back the Country Tour." Thorogood, along with his band, has been thrilling audiences with his brand of rock and blues since the 70s and is best known for his hit song "Bad to the Bone."

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now through the Fair's website www.iowastatefair.org. Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and print their own tickets at no extra charge. Food tickets, Fair Play Packs, midway tickets and 11-day punch cards will also be available to order online beginning Saturday.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 9, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

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

2012 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 9

TobyMac with special guests Tenth Avenue North and Jamie Grace, 8 p.m., $32

Friday, August 10

Happy Together Tour 2012 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 11

Larry the Cable Guy with special guest Reno Collier, 8 p.m. $35

Sunday, August 12

An Evening with Miranda Lambert, 8 p.m., $48

Monday, August 13

Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 14

The Band Perry with special guest Easton Corbin, 8 p.m., $35

Wednesday, August 15

Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull, 2 p.m., $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 16

An Evening with Big Time Rush, 7 p.m., $38

Friday, August 17

Hank Williams Jr. "Taking Back the Country Tour" with special guest George Thorogood and the Destroyers, 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 18

Demolition Derby, 11:30 a.m., $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 18

Journey with Pat Benatar and Loverboy, 8 p.m., $48

Sunday, August 19

Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge, 7 p.m., $59

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

# # #

10 Apr 2012

The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert!

By Adler Theatre

The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon's popular preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, will perform at the Adler Theatre on Friday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets in advance on Thursday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Click on the orange "Find Tickets" button below.  Use the password: FRESH.  Reserved tickets are $29.50 & $39.50.  Service fees will vary.  Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m.  freshbeatbandlive.com

03 Apr 2012

Nova Singers Scheduling Auditions

By Nicole Warren

Nova Singers, the region's premier professional vocal ensemble, is currently scheduling auditions for the 2012-2013 season.

Singers with extensive choral experience and vocal training are invited to audition. Singers may choose to audition for the entire 2012-13 season or for the Brahms Requiem, which Nova Singers will perform October 20-21, 2012. 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.
02 Apr 2012

German Men's choir free concert

By Kelly Lao

The Mannerchor Penzlin 1907 E.V. will be performing for free at Marycrest Senior Campus' Upham Theater, located at 1607 W12th St in Davenport, on Monday April 16th at 7pm. The Mannerchor Penzlin 1907 E.V. is a men's choir from Northern Germany.

Founded in 1907, the choir has existed for over 100 years, was active during the GDR and continued and extended its work after the unification of Germany. The choir has a diverse repertoire reaching from classical to modern arrangements, but its central aim is the preservation of German folk and Shanty (sailor songs).

This April, 30 members of the choir will perform its multifarious repertoire throughout the Midwest. Christian Bomeier is the conductor. This event is sponsored by the Riverboat Development Authority.

02 Apr 2012

Nova Singers Presents: Drum Song, featuring Nikki Malley

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Drum Song, Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 pm, at Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg, and Sunday, April 15 at 4:00pm, at First Congregational Church, Moline.

Experience the soaring voices of the Nova Singers punctuated by the rhythms of marimba, bass drum, cymbals, bongos, steel drums, and more! This unique program features love songs by Stephen Paulus, Curse Upon Iron by Veljo Tormis, and the newest composition by Galesburg composer Daniel Godsil entitled High Flight.

"I'm thrilled to be performing with my dear friend and colleague, Nikki Malley," says director Laura Lane. "We've long wanted to collaborate on a program of music for voices and percussion, and here it is!  We have Nikki playing tons of instruments including: marimba, vibes, Shaman drum, bass drum, chimes, bongos and temple blocks, to mention a few. Plus, Galesburg composer Daniel Godsil has written a new piece, called High Flight, for Nova and Nikki, which will really show off Nikki's skills on the vibraphone; we premiere it on these concerts.

 

Joining Nova Singers is guest soloist Nikki Malley, percussion. Malley, Director of Jazz Studies at Knox College, is a jazz and classical percussionist, and has performed throughout central Illinois for the past seventeen years.  An accomplished vibraphonist, she plays tympani with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony and directs both the Knox Jazz Ensemble and the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival.  Malley received her bachelor's degree in music from Knox College, her master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently completing her doctorate in musicology at the University of Iowa.

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, invites you to what promises to be a unique and exciting concert.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the beauty and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities since 1986, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. For information about group rates, tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu.  Also, please take the opportunity to visit our Facebook page under the keywords 'Nova Singers.

 

Drum Song is sponsored by Blick Art Materials and G&M Distributors.  Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

28 Mar 2012

Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012

By Fathom Events
On Thursday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. (local time) the Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012 is set to take Dead Heads back to the summer of '89 as NCM Fathom Events and Rhino Entertainment present a never-before-seen concert recorded at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre on July 18, 1989. Movie theater audiences will experience the two-and-a-half hour concert in its entirety, including fan favorite songs, as well as a rare split of "Sugar Magnolia," "Dear Mr. Fantasy," and "Hey Jude Medley." As an introduction to the concert, audiences will also be presented with a slideshow of rare and never-before-seen photos of the band, accompanied by a previously unreleased live track recorded in the spring of 1990.
Tickets for Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012 are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies will be playing at the following theaters in your area on April 19:
RAVE Davenport 53 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807 7:00 PM


28 Mar 2012

News from the QCSO

By Jared Johnson

Season Finale full of fun and fanfare!

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra season has been at times light and at times full of import, but this weekend's season finale shows that they still have a few tricks up their sleeve. This concert will include the orchestral premiere of local composer William Campbell's Coyote Dances, the felicity and grace of Lydia Artymiw's piano performance, and a suite from Richard Strauss' popular comic opera Der Rosenkavalier specially collected by Music Director Mark Russell Smith to include the famous climactic trio performed by Kara Shay Thompson, Sarah Shafer, and Abigail Nims. By the conclusion of this season finale, you will be dancing in the aisles and singing in your heart.

William Campbell is associate professor of music theory and composition at St. Ambrose University and has long had an abiding interest in mythology and the archetypal characters who inhabit myths. Campbell's Coyote Dances began life as part of a dance score commissioned by the New Articulation Dance Company of Tucson, Arizona. The inspiration for the collaboration came from Native American myths, particularly the "trickster" stories found in the lore of several tribes. Campbell originally wrote the piece as an electro-acoustical work, but in 2004 arranged it for concert band at the request of an ensemble in Missouri. In this guise, Coyote Dances has enjoyed considerable performance success. Campbell has now returned to his Dances and arranged it as an orchestral work for the Quad City Symphony Orchestra who will give this version its world premiere this weekend.

Masterworks 6 will be presented 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at the Adler Theatre, Davenport; and again at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 1, in Centennial Hall, Augustana College, Rock Island. Tickets can be purchased at 800.745.3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by clicking here.



Win $50,000 in the Symphony Raffle

In honor of our 97th season, the QCSO is selling 1000 $97 raffle tickets which could win you $50,000!

In addition to that exciting Grand Prize, nearly $5000 in preliminary cash prizes are to be awarded at Quad City Symphony Orchestra concerts this season, including a $250 "early bird" prize Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1, during Concert Conversations an hour before the performance. Winners of the "early bird" prizes remain eligible for the Grand Prize, so the earlier you buy your ticket, the better your chances of winning!

Buy your tickets today at the QCSO Box Office or at our table in the concert lobby! Find out more and get the full rules by clicking here.

 

Derby Day is just around the corner

Derby Day is moving to The Outing Club in Davenport this Saturday, May 5, so be sure to mark your calendars today! You don't want to miss the mint juleps, horse races, live music, and delicious Derby cuisine. All proceeds from this event go to benefit youth music education right here in your community. The fun starts at 2:00 p.m. and concludes with a live auction after the running of the Kentucky Derby.

Reservations are $75 per person or $520 for a table of eight. Make reservations now by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276) or by clicking here.

 

Rhythm Unleashed on May 19

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Principal Percussionist Aaron Williams is very excited to present Rhythym Unleashed, a collection of works from composer Marc Mellits, in the RME's Redstone Room on May 19 at 8:00 p.m. Mellits' unique blending of classical instrumentation with rock rhythms is as sensual as it is intelligent.

Helping Williams bring this vibrant music to life will be QCSO musicians: Principal Cellist Hannah Holman, Pianist Mary Neil, and Percussionist Tony Oliver. The team will perform a variety of Mellits' repertoire, including 5 Quiet Machines, Disciples of Gouda, Mara's Lullaby, and Paranoid Cheese.

Tickets for Rhythym Unleashed are $18 for adults and $7 for students.

 



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