05 Jun 2012

DAYTROTTER POSTS 2000TH SESSION FEATURING GLEN CAMPBELL

By Daytrotter

This Friday, June 1st, Two-Thousand And Twelve, we here at Daytrotter -- on the muddy Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois -- are posting our 2000th Daytrotter session. Point your browser to www.daytrotter.com and come celebrate with us.

We pulled out the stops and are commemorating the milestone with the debut session from country legend Glen Campbell. The Rhinestone Cowboy performs three classic cuts and the heartbreaking lead track from his new and final studio album.

In a symbolic nod to the sheer volume of killer, one-of-a-kind live sessions that we've posted since the site launched in February 2006, our 2001st posting is from the great Delta Spirit -- their 5th!

In celebration of our 2000th Daytrotter session, we are offering $20 annual memberships to Daytrotter for the next 24 hours only.

Coming at you from The Horseshack in downtown Rock Island, IL, Daytrotter brings you 5 new sessions a day, every day -- 140 Daytrotter session songs each week.

These fine people, traveling through America's heartland, take two hours out of their travels between shows to stop in for a session in downtown Rock Island, Ill. They use borrowed instruments, play with their touring mates, utilize an often unkempt toilet, eat some food and then cram back into their vans for the last half of the drive. What they leave behind is a pile of ashes, sometimes a forgotten stocking hat and four absolutely collectible songs - song as they are on that particular day, on that particular tour; dirty and alive

Recorded with minimal mic'ing, through discrete preamps and with some limiting, to the mixing console, they are printed to 1/4" analog tape running at 15 inches per second (usually BASF 468). There is no set formula or pattern to the recordings, and they are all live, no overdubs, straight to tape.

Here's to the next 2000 sessions and here's to the great artists we've worked and will someday work with!


05 Jun 2012

POLYRHYTHMS VERY 1ST ARTIST RETURNS FOR THIRD SUNDAY # 66

By Nate Lawrence
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June 17th, POLYRHYTHMS brings piano Great Willie Pickens; the same Willie Pickens who performed five years ago at the very first Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinee event. A celebrated educator performer, Pickens returns to the Redstone Room, in the RME on the corner of 2nd & Main, Davenport, IA, to see where his jazz demystifying teachings have taken us 66 Third Sundays later. Third Sunday Jazz Events begin with a workshop at 3 pm and is followed by a matinee concert from 6 - 8 pm.

"As our inaugural performer, Mr. Pickens set the bar for artistry and teaching at the Third Sunday Jazz Workshop & Matinee series", said Nate Lawrence of Polyrhythms.  "Generous in sharing the benefit of his experience, his counsel imprinted upon us the importance of providing top quality content and to not insult the kids by dumbing it down.  How could we go wrong?"

A piano powerhouse, WILLIE PICKENS began his career on Eddie Harris' 1961 national hit record, Exodus, since then playing with James Moody, Roy Eldridge, Max Roach, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, Quincy Jones, Bunky Green, Ira Sullivan, Wynton Marsalis, and so many more. But instead of joining the national and international jazz scene, Willie chose to make his home in Hyde Park, becoming a public school teacher, an active member of the Hyde Park Union Church, and a mentor to scores of upcoming musicians. Just passing his 81st birthday, Pickens is more in demand and playing better than ever. The Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich writes that Willie's intense dramatic performances result from his "large and complex chords, his great splashes of color and dissonance in the right hand and his barrelhouse octaves in the left." Pickens is joined by Ron Wilson on bass and Manuel Lopez III on drums.

Pickens was born into a Milwaukee family that valued music. Willie's mother, herself an amateur pianist, saw to it that Willie's emerging talent was developed by encouraging his formal study of the instrument. His stepfather, an avid jazz fan and alto sax player, introduced him to the music of Art Tatum via the radio; as there were few jazz venues in Milwaukee.  Pickens also discovered the likes of Nat "King" Cole and Bud Powell?artists that would have a profound influence on his musical development.

In 1954, Pickens earned a teacher's certificate from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee and went on to the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, in 1958, to receive his B.S. in Music Education.  Ultimately, Willie's love of jazz would drive his musical career. Having "caught the bug" playing with saxophonist Bunky Green and pianist Billy Wallace, Pickens moved to Chicago as soon as he'd finished his degree. "Chicago was where the action was," he says, and started his baptism by fire in the city many regarded as the hub of the jazz piano world.

Although Pickens met with moderate success as a young musician, he married and started a family in 1959 and quickly realized that "if you've got kids, you've got to be sure how much money is coming in every week."  Since then, Willie has had distinguished dual careers as a performer and educator: he has served as band director for Lindblom and Wendell Phillips high schools and as Chair of the Department of Music at Phillips; he started Kenwood Academy's first jazz band; he has also directed the City of Chicago's All-City High School Band and taught at the American Conservatory of Music.  Today, he continues to teach piano part-time in the Northern Illinois University's jazz program and serves in the Ravinia/Chicago Public School Jazz Mentors Program.

At 81, Pickens continues to be one of Chicago's most in-demand pianists for visiting artists.  He has performed several times at the famed Chicago Jazz Festival, to rave reviews, and has been the featured pianist on impresario Joe Segal's Jazz Cruises.  He has also performed with fellow pianist Marian McPartland, both in concert and on her well-loved NPR show, "Piano Jazz".

Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Matinee & Workshop Series at the RME's Redstone Room is scheduled for, June 17th, and features an all-ages workshop at 3 pm, followed by the matinee performance from 6-8 pm.   Admission to the workshop session is Free for Kids, $5 for adults.  General admission for the 6 - 8 pm concert is $10 or $15 for reserved seating.  For ticket information, call Polyrhythms: 309 373-0790.  For more information, visit our website: www.polyrhythms.org.

Sunday June 17th, Doors open at 5:30 pm.  Come and experience great jazz with the legendary Willie Pickens Trio "live" at the Redstone Room.

Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Series is made possible with major support of the Riverboat Development Authority, the Scott County Regional Authority, and the RME as well as the support of AT&T, the Doris & Victor Day Foundation, West Music, Davenport Clarion Hotel, KALA, IL Senator Mike Jacobs, Peeples Heating & Air Conditioning, the Austin Family Charitable Fund, Greatest Grains, Skylark Recording Studio and DJ Mixxin Mel.

 

04 Jun 2012

Nova Singers & Friends Present: Out of the Ordinary -Remembering Brian Nelson

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers will kick off their 27th Season with their third "Out of the Ordinary Concert: Remembering Brian Nelson" on Sunday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 1600-20th Street, Rock Island, Illinois. Current members, alumni, and friends of Brian Nelson will perform everything from classical to gospel to Shakespeare, from sing-alongs to limericks. Brian Nelson began his career with Nova Singers in their first season, 1986-87.

Our concert represents the eclectic musical taste of Brian Nelson. The audience will enjoy hearing songs from musicals such as "If I Were a Rich Man", "Fugue for Tinhorns", "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning", "If Ever I Would Leave You" and "On the Good Ship Lollipop". The Prenzi Players will present a short scene in which Brian Nelson played the role of Falstaff. Three magnificent tenors will lead us in a few Kingston trio tunes. "Rock Island Line" will be presented in story and song. Classical cello and vocal pieces will round out the program. And, yes, there will be a limerick contest. The Nova Singers will be performing a piece from their latest Christmas CD as well as "Amazing Grace/ Promised Land" and the Moses Hogan favorite, "God's Gonna Set This World on Fire".

This special event is a fund-raiser that will support the Nova Singers' 27th Season.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students are free. Tickets will be available

at the door. For more information, please contact Nova Singers at nova@knox.edu , 309-

341-7038 or visit Nova Singers Facebook page!

04 Jun 2012

Concert Announcement: Guy Penrod coming to the Adler Theater!

By New Anthem

Guy Penrod

Adler Theatre, Davenport

7:30 p.m. Friday, July 13

Reserved tickets ($18, $24 & $30) on sale today: Friday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Adler Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at select Ticketmaster outlets. The Adler Theatre is located at 136 East Third Street in downtown Davenport.

Penrod's latest recording, Hymns, debuted at #1 on Nielsen Soundscan's Southern Gospel retail chart and #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart following its release in March. His 2010 Dove Award-nominated release, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and southern gospel radio singles.

A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

For more information: www.GuyPenrod.com
04 Jun 2012

Rock the Grove - Saturday June 9, 2012

By New Anthem

Long Grove Christian Church

202 South 1st Street

Long Grove, Iowa 52756

Free admission!

Free food, games, kids fun starts 5:00 pm.

Show starts 7:00pm

With guest: Steve Ernst

Quick Artist Agency presents:

Photoside Café

No tickets needed!

Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

In case of bad weather, event will be held inside the church.

More information:

http://www.newanthem.com/prime.htm

or call 563-570-8638

 

Who is Photoside Cafe?
Photoside Cafe is an aggressive, acoustic, rock band from Chicago, IL that is most often compared to the likes of Dave Matthews with an edgier sound.
The foursome met at Greenville College, a school noted for its music program, and have already created a solid fan base throughout the Midwest; playing on multiple stages in such notable music festivals as Ichthus Fest and Cornerstone Festival. They have shared the stage with several rising artists including Toby Mac, Relient K, and Switchfoot.
The chemistry within the group is outstanding, and it shines onstage. Each member brings elite individual talent into the mix, making the final product the perfect combination of talent and creativity. With their blazing songs and lyrics, Photoside Cafe blends all the right elements to create an ambiance that is nothing short of remarkable.
"Once again Photoside did a fabulous job at Cornerstone Festival this summer. For the first time we gave them a spot on our Mainstage and they didn't disappoint. this band continues to impress me with their musicianship, stage presence, and attitudes (and after 38 years in the music business I have grown pretty picky). I can't wait to work with them again next summer. I highly recommend this group and I am confident you and your crow will love them." -John Herrin, Festival Director of Cornerstone Festival 2010
"Photoside Cafe is an Ichthus Festival favorite. They have a great sound that appeals to a wide audience-- but it doesn't blend in with all the rest. They have a great sound with thoughtful lyrics. And they're great musicians who always leave the audience wanting more. We've become big fans of Photoside Cafe and believe you will too." Mark Vermilion, CEO of Ichthus Ministries

 

Who is Steve Ernst?
Steve Ernst is an extremely talented and musically diverse worship leader from Davenport, Iowa, who leads Jesus Country, the region's only weekly country western worship service, at St. John's United Methodist, and also leads contemporary worship at First Baptist Church. Steve's ability to play across all musical styles, including rock, folk, jazz, blues, country, and ballads... from fingerpicking to power chords... gives him unique access to Christian music. In 2006, Steve Ernst was the acoustic guitarist for the Festival of Praise Band that opened the Casting Crowns show for 10,000 people at LeClaire Park in Davenport.

See and print the flyer!

http://www.newanthem.com/grove.pdf

 

30 May 2012

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO CONCLUDE TENURE WITH THE QUAD CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

By Jared Johnson
Jeff vom Saal, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, has announced his intention to leave his employment with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Jeff, his wife Robyn, and their two children will be moving to the San Francisco area at the end of this summer, where Robyn will be taking on an expanded role with her current employer. In a letter to the Board of Trustees, Jeff vom Saal said, "This has been a very difficult decision for my family to make, as we have been delighted with our time in the Quad Cities."  Jeff is currently exploring several employment opportunities in the orchestra industry near San Francisco.

Jeff vom Saal was named Executive Director in 2007, during the Music Director search that brought Conductor Mark Russell Smith to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. During Jeff's tenure as Executive Director, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra has expanded its annual concert offerings, including recently two free public performances during Red, White, and Boom! The QCSO's Masterworks series has also increased its subscriber base by 20%. This time period boasts many memorable artistic achievements such as Midori's residency, the multi-media performance of The Planets, and most recently Mark Russell Smith's production of War Requiem. "Ultimately, being a musician myself, I'm probably most proud of the personal relationships I've been able to develop with our orchestra," said Jeff vom Saal. "We've been able to maintain good communication and transparency through some tough financial times and even union negotiations."

"The Board is sorry to hear of Jeff's decision, but we are also very excited for Jeff and his family," said Board of Trustees President Julie McHard. "We've accomplished a lot as an organization during Jeff's time with us and his will be a tough act to follow." The Board of Trustees' executive committee has begun meeting to plan for a search to replace vom Saal.
23 May 2012

The 28th Annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Slashes Ticket Prices!

By MVBS

"Let's Party!" Friday with Kenny Neal on the Bandshell and Super Chikan in the Tent "High Octane Blues" Saturday, with 10 acts on 2 stages, BlueSKool, and free Workshops "RiverRoad" Sunday, honoring MVBS Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Bobby Rush and Lonnie Brooks

DAVENPORT, Iowa?The 28th annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival June 29-July 1 is sure to be the best bang for the blues buck! With three-day festival tickets only $37.50 in advance, attendees will enjoy some of the best contemporary and traditional blues in the world?for less than $2 per act.

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society (MVBS) today announced the festival lineup of 24 acts?including blues legends, up-and-comers and award winners?who will be performing on two stages June 29-July 1, at LeClaire Park in Davenport, Iowa. Produced by MVBS, the event is one of the longest-running blues festivals in the nation, and the only major blues festival in the U.S. produced entirely by volunteers.

The festival kicks off with "Let's Party" Friday and a new start time?6:30 p.m.?with gates opening at 5:30. Revving up the fun is youngster phenom Matthew Curry and his band The Fury on the Bandshell stage, while Earnest Guitar Roy takes us down to Mississippi on the Tent stage. Blues Music Award nominee and Roomful of Blues alumnus Sugar Ray Norcia on harmonica leads his band the Bluetones next on the Bandshell, followed by Baton Rouge's award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Kenny Neal. Over in the Tent, International Blues Challenge semi-finalists Liz Mandeville and Donna Herula show why they represented the Windy City in Memphis, and Super Chikan with his band The Fighting Cocks will be crowing Mississippi style.

"High Octane Blues" Saturday offers an eclectic mix that's sure to stir the blues-loving soul. The Terry Quiett Band from Kansas kicks it off on the Bandshell, followed by Ohio's Ray Fuller & the Bluesrockers, the Memphis soul of "The King of Beale Street" Preston Shannon, and Guitar Shorty?a one-time brother-in-law of Jimi Hendrix, and ending up with headliner Coco Montoya, protégé of legends Albert Collins and John Mayall. First up in the Tent is Bryce Janey from Marion IA, who represented the
state of Iowa at the International Blues Challenge in the solo-duo category in Memphis. Next is Blues Music Award nominee Doug MacLeod, who will also present a free workshop about slide guitar. The Ernest Dawkins Quartet from Chicago adds jazz to the mix, followed by the deep blues of Kansas harmonica-guitar duo Moreland and Arbuckle. Sure to blow the roof off the Tent is headliner piano powerhouse Kelley Hunt and her band.

On "RiverRoad" Sunday, the festival honors Mississippi soul-blues icon Bobby Rush, whose show in the Tent will be part acoustic and part his usual party with dancing girls. Legendary guitarist Lonnie Brooks will also receive a RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Award, on the Bandshell, before a long set with his sons?stars themselves?Ronnie Baker Brooks and Wayne Baker Brooks. Rounding out the Bandshell performances are Oakland CA pianist Lady Bianca and Kansas City siblings Trampled Under Foot. The Tent performances start with the River Music Experience's Winter Blues Kids led by Hal Reed and Ellis Kell, followed by the country blues of Paul Geremia (who also gives a workshop on 6 and 12-string guitar styles), and the smoldering soul of Mississippi's Johnny Rawls.

The mission of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society is to educate the public about the native art form of blues-related music and to keep the blues alive. On Saturday and Sunday, The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival offers free workshops for adults in the Freight House (on Ripley Street across the tracks from LeClaire Park), a free photo exhibit of blues artists and past festivals also in the Freight House, and BlueSKool for children in LeClaire Park. The workshops and BlueSKool give participants a chance to
learn from the masters.

Sponsors for this year's festival include River Cities' Reader, the Illinois Arts Council, the Riverboat Development Authority, the City of Davenport, KALA radio, Alcoa, Humanities Iowa, Premier Jewelry and Loan, and The Lodge Hotel & Conference Center.

Advance three-day festival tickets are available for only $37.50 or $12.50 per day through Thursday June 28. Advance tickets can be purchased at Hy-Vee stores in the Quad Cities, Clinton, and Muscatine; at Rascals (1414 15th Street, Moline); at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf; and at the MVBS office (by check only) at 102 S. Harrison in Davenport (call first: 563-32-BLUES).

One-day tickets will be sold at the gate for only $15 each day. Children ages 14 and under will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult with a ticket.

It takes over 200 volunteers to produce the Festival. The MVBS is still seeking volunteers for shifts June 29-July 1. Volunteers receive free admission on their day of service as well as a commemorative t-shirt. Volunteers should register online at www.mvbs.org.

For 27 years, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival has attracted legendary blues acts, making it one of the most highly regarded blues festivals in the nation. According to the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, the festival's economic benefit to the area is $2.3 million annually. For more information about the festival, lodging and the complete schedule of artists, visit www.mvbs.org.

###

23 May 2012

'Nothing Compares' to the Iowa State Fair's Free Stage Line-up

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (05/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The 2012 Iowa State Fair free stage line-up is packed with a variety of entertainment and acts. From musical legends to Vaudeville comedy, "Nothing Compares" to this much entertainment, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 9-19.

Boyz II Men holds the distinction as the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. For the past two decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits, like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You." Most recently, Boyz II Men marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled "Twenty."

Honored with 17 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, WAR is one of the greatest rock groups of all time. WAR's album, "The World Is A Ghetto," attained the number one spot on Billboard Magazine. Their classic songs include, "Low Rider," "Slippin' Into Darkness" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?"

The Fair brings theater to the stage with the Handsome Little Devils' Squirm Burpee Circus, an exhilarating, fantastical adventure featuring classic Vaudeville comedy, high-skill circus acts and a plot rooted in American melodrama.

Thirty-six acts, including more crowd-pleasing favorites like The Afters, Here Come the Mummies, and Hunter Hayes will be featured on the Fair's five free stages. Throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers can enjoy more than half a million dollars worth of free entertainment.

Discounted admission tickets are available now through August 8, with savings up to 30 percent. Purchase tickets now online at www.iowastatefair.org. The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office opens July 9 for walk-up orders.

A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage sponsored by KCCI NewsChannel 8

August 9-10 The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 11 Brother Trucker (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 12-13 Handsome Little Devils (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 14 Brett Eldredge (8 p.m.)

August 15 Dia Frampton (8 p.m.)

August 16 Glen Templeton (8 p.m.)

August 17-18 The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 19 Here Come the Mummies (7:30 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 9 JJ Grey and Mofro (8 p.m.)

August 10 Action Item (8 p.m.)

August 11 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 12 The Afters (8 p.m.)

August 13-17 Hypnotist Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 18 The Downtown Fiction (8 p.m.)

August 19 Street Corner Symphony (7 p.m.)

Budweiser Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 9-10 Bob Wootton (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 11-12 Elvis Impersonator Travis LeDoyt (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 13-14 Restless Heart (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15-16 Strawberry Fields (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 17-18 Dave Mason Duo (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 19 WAR (8 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 9 Steve Holy (8 p.m.)

August 10 Mockingbird Sun (8 p.m.)

August 11 Will Hoge (8 p.m.)

August 12 Blackberry Smoke (8 p.m.)

August 13-14 Hairball (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15 Hunter Hayes (8 p.m.)

August 16 Country Gold featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Narvel Felts, Rex Allen Jr. and The Quebe Sisters (6 & 8:30 p.m.)

August 17 Marlee Scott (8 p.m.)

August 18 JT Hodges (8 p.m.)

August 19 Boyz II Men (7 p.m.)

Fun Forest Stage sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union

(All shows ASL interpreted)

August 9-19 Babaloo (11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.)

August 9-19 Matt's Family Jam (11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.)

August 9-19 VSA Iowa Presents (various artists) (Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.)

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

* * *

18 May 2012

Make Your Dreams Come True, Urges Hollywood Director

By Rick Martin
TV/Movie Veteran Shares His Secrets for Beating the Odds

Nearly half of us have given up on the notion that we can get ahead by digging in and working hard, but the American Dream still has a champion in Hollywood TV and film director Guy Magar (La Femme Nikita, The A-Team, Battlestar Galactica).

As with so many stories out of Hollywood, Magar's reads like a made-for-TV movie. A young Egyptian refugee immigrates to the United States and latches onto two dreams: becoming a filmmaker and finding his one, true love. Despite being a kid from the New York suburbs with no connections to the film industry, he finds a way to manage the first. And, after years of searching, he finally gets the girl, too.

"We had a magical Camelot wedding only a movie director could conjure - complete with sword-dueling to rescue the bride who got kidnapped when she arrived by horse-drawn carriage. It was my Errol Flynn life moment!" recalls Magar. But, into his 25th year of marriage, he learns the love of his life has a fatal illness.

"Everyone needs to dream and anyone can make those dreams come true - if they pursue them with passionate drive," says Magar, who shares his story for the first time in his memoir Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot (www.kissmequickbeforeishoot.com).

He discounts the ABC News/Yahoo poll that found that, at the height of the recession, 43 percent of us had lost faith in the American Dream.

"People have suffered because of the economy, but there have always been economic ups and downs - and there have always been Americans making their dreams come true," he says. "My dreams were seemingly unattainable, but I made them happen because mine was a passionate pursuit -- I never stopped trying and that's what it takes."

"Today, I have my beautiful wife, Jacqui, here by my side, healthy and happy, because I dreamed of finding a cure for her and I didn't stop searching - against all odds -- until we found it."

How can anyone overcome seemingly insurmountable odds? Magar offers his recipe for success:

• Dare to dream. "It sounds simple, but so many people don't bother," Magar says. "Instead of envisioning the magical possibilities, they see only obstacles and challenges." If you have a career dream, find a way to experience it through school or internships to make sure it's a profession you love. Dreams require passion, and you may not have enough to fuel a hard journey if you haven't tested the waters first. At 25, Magar enrolled in film school to find out whether he actually liked the process of filmmaking and had a talent for it. That experience lit a fire.

• Don't settle. "I knew I wanted to marry nothing less than my true love, and that required a lot of patience!" he says. "I didn't meet Jacqui until I was 34." It's easy to jump the gun at 22, or panic at 32, but when you have a dream you're passionate about, you need to believe in yourself and hold fast, he says. How do you know love when you find it? "When you're absolutely sure that you'd be the biggest fool to pass this up," he says.

• Work at it like there's no tomorrow. Magar's first feature film, Retribution, required 12-hour days seven days a week for three months - just for the prep work of finding locations, working on the script, casting, sets and costumes. He knew how to get it done. When Jacqui was diagnosed with an especially aggressive form of leukemia in 2008, Magar was even more dogged.  "I dreamed of finding a way to heal Jacqui, and if that required researching every new treatment and calling every cancer center in the country, that's what I would do." He finally found a promising clinical trial at a Minnesota cancer center that was being replicated at City of Hope near Los Angeles. "Jacqui is now celebrating her third year of remission," he says - with a big smile.

Magar immigrated to New York City with his family in 1958 after a military coup radically changed Egypt. The family came with nothing, and Magar spoke no English. Eventually, their situation improved and Magar finished his growing-up years as a middle-class kid in an idyllic little New York town. It wasn't until after he'd graduated from Rutgers College - with a degree in philosophy - that he discovered his love for telling stories visually through film.

"If I - an Egyptian immigrant kid - can become a Hollywood movie director married to the love of my life, anyone can make their dreams come true," he says.

About Guy Magar

TV and film director/writer/producer Guy Magar has worked for more than 30 years in the motion picture industry. His TV credits include Dark Avenger, The Young Riders, and Blue Thunder. His feature films include Lookin' Italian, starring Matt LeBlanc and Lou Rawls; Stepfather 3, which launched HBO's World Premiere Series, and Retribution, to be re-released for its 25th anniversary on DVD this summer. Guy is also the founder of Action/Cut Seminars which has taught filmmaking to thousands of students with a film dream.

17 May 2012

Violin & Piano Recital

By Dr. Ellen Bowlin

Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 4pm at the Wallenberg Hal inside Denkman Hall at 3520 - 7th Avenue, Rock Island on the campus of Augustana College.

The Piano and Violin Recital will feature David Bowlin on violin and Robert Elfline at the piano playing the music of Franz Schubert, Aaron Copland, Roger Sessions and others.

Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults and $5 for students.  For more information, please visit www.chambermusicqc.com or call 309-797-0516.

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