03 Feb 2012

The perfect Valentine's Day

By QCSO

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is hosting a Valentine's Day Gala on Saturday, February 11, at the hip and historic Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. This black-tie optional event begins at 4:30 PM with hosted beer and wine, delicious appetizers, and a live jazz trio, followed by a latin-infused gourmet dinner in the luxuriant Gold Room.

 

The $125 reservation includes tickets to the QCSO's Valentine's Day concert down the hall in the Adler Theatre featuring romantic favorites including Scheherazade, Bolero, and the Concierto de Aranjuez with guitarist Robert Belinic.

 

After the concert you are welcomed back to the Gold Room where you can dance the night away to the sultry sounds of the Candymakers and savor an assortment of delectable desserts.

 

Silent auction items include an all-expense paid, three-night trip for two to Riviera Maya, Mexico; an authentic Italian dinner for 10 prepared by QCSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith; a $5,000 diamond pendant courtesy of Holland Jewelers, and more....

 

Click here to make your reservations or call 563.322.QCSO.

 

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Blackhawk are available at an exclusive QCSO rate; call 563.322.5000 to find out more.

 

All funds raised at the Valentine's Day Gala support the many cultural and educational endeavors of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

03 Feb 2012

LOOKING FOR PIANO PLAYERS - Piano Celebration gearing up for another successful event in 2012

By Sara Vidoni

Piano Celebration, hosted by Piano for a Richer Life, is looking for piano players of all levels to perform!  Last year over 400 talented local celebrities, student pianists and piano enthusiasts of all ages performed at Northpark Mall in Davenport with a dual purpose: to raise funds to support Ronald McDonald House and get the message out that piano study equals brain development!

Iowa City Ronald McDonald House serves the families of thousands of children suffering from critical conditions.  The House receives no state or federal tax dollars, relying 100% on private gifts.

Numerous University studies prove that piano study leads to increased brain development, academic achievement and builds confidence while keeping you happy and healthy.  "Piano Celebration helps to get the important message out - while raising substantial dollars for Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City," quotes Jim Foster, the spokesman for Piano for a Richer Life.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 21st 10am-5pm and Sunday, April 22nd noon-5pm at Northpark Mall in Davenport, Iowa. Three conservatory grand pianos will be placed outside of Dillard's, Younkers and JC Penny's stores.

Contact Lynn Kroeger at 563-285-8421 to schedule a performance time or to give a financial contribution. Donations can also be made during the performances at any of the three concert locations.

Over the past 9 years Piano Celebration has raised over $248,000 for Iowa City's Ronald McDonald House, and this year the goal is $35,000.  Admission is free and the public is welcome!

31 Jan 2012

CELEBRATED FOLK MUSICIAN FROM FINLAND AND NEW FINNISH-AMERICAN BAND TO PERFORM IN DAVENPORT

By Jonathan Rundman
Minneapolis, MN - World-renown Finnish composer and master fiddler Arto Järvelä will tour the Midwest USA this March in support of his new solo album Arto Järvelä plays Fiddle, Volume 2.
Joining Järvelä on tour will be the new Finnish-American acoustic folk band Kaivama. The Minneapolis-based duo of fiddler Sara Pajunen and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Rundman released their self-titled debut CD in June of 2011 and have spent the past year on tour from coast to coast.
The artists will play individual sets, as well as collaborating together during the performances.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10th, doors 7:30PM, music 8PM
all ages, $10 at the River Music Experience: Performance Hall, 129 N. Main Street, Davenport IA 52801
About Arto Järvelä:
Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Arto Järvelä is one of Finland's most accomplished folk musicians and a third generation fiddler in the Kaustinen tradition. He has represented Finnish music and culture in more than 30 countries and returns to the United States after previous tours with the legendary Finnish fiddle band JPP, as well as a solo 2009 artist-in-residence position at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
About Kaivama:
Finnish-American musicians Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman have teamed up to form a new folk music duo called KAIVAMA. The name KAIVAMA stems from the Finnish word "kaivaa:" to delve or dig. Pajunen's unique prowess on the fiddle and Rundman's versatility on guitar, harmonium, piano, and banjo allow KAIVAMA to explore a surprising variety of sonic textures. Audiences from performance halls to folk festivals to rock clubs are captivated by this duo's instrumental skill and fresh approach in creating music that is alternately joyous, primitive, experimental, haunting, and time-honored.
31 Jan 2012

Vh1 NOW CASTING! PREGNANT MOTHERS PREGNANT DAUGHTERS

By Alicia Arnold
Are you currently pregnant and your DAUGHTER is ALSO expecting?  If this is your unique situation, Vh1 and Ellen Rakieten Entertainment want to document your lives! This docu-series will follow the exciting and dramatic journey of a mother and daughter who are pregnant at the same time.  We want to share the amazing, the challenging, the funny, and the complicated moments in both of your lives; from the pregnancy through childbirth and everything in between.

If both you and your daughter are outgoing and open to sharing your stories, please contact the casting team ASAP (our deadline is quickly approaching!) at: mothersanddaughtersExpecting@gmail.com.

Tell us why you should be part of this docu-series and explain what's going on in your lives since you've both become pregnant. Also be sure to include your phone number, email address, and city and state that you live in.  Applicants should be 18 years of age or older.

Follow us! @PregnantwithMom
Like us! https://www.facebook.com/PregnantMothersPregnantDaughters
Contact Alicia with questions: 646.278.7652
31 Jan 2012

Adler Theatre - Trace Adkins Pre-sale & Other Happenings

By Adler Theatre
Trace Adkins to Bring Songs & Stories Tour to the Adler!

Trace Adkins will perform on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Adler Theatre.  You are invited to purchase tickets in advance beginning on Tuesday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. until Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 p.m. Click on the orange "Find Tickets" button below, enter in the number of tickets you wish to purchase, price level and venue special offer code ADKINS.  Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Along with a powerful performance, this intimate evening will incorporate stories, both humorous and meaningful, that pay homage to Adkins' working-man roots and rich musical heritage. traceadkins.com
Trace Adkins
Thursday, May 10; 7:30 pm
Adler Theatre

Pre-Sale
Tuesday, January 31; 10:00 am - Thursday, February 2; 11:00 pm

Find Tickets

Enter Code: ADKINS for pre-sale tickets!
coming soon
The Color Purple
Tuesday, February 7; 7:30 pm
Adler Theatre

On Sale Now

Find Tickets
Rodney Carrington
Thursday, February 9; 7:00 pm
Adler Theatre

On Sale Now

Find Tickets
For more event information, adlertheatre.com
25 Jan 2012

Chris Koza headlines Cool Beanz Coffeehouse

By Youa Vang
Minneapolis indie-rock artist, Chris Koza is headlining Cool Beanz Coffeehouse on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Heading out on the road, Chris will be performing pieces from his solo endeavors The Dark Delirious Morning, A Friend of a Friend, Patterns, and Exit Pesce, which you can stream here: www.chriskoza.com/discography

Chris will also perform selections from his band, Rogue Valley. The group wrote, recorded and released a four album project depicting the seasons (I. Crater Lake, II. The Bookseller's House, III. Geese in the Flyway and IV. False Floors) in one year.  www.lostinroguevalley.com

Chris Koza performs as both a solo artist, as part of ensemble shows, and primarily with his band Rogue Valley.  His song-writing carries a strong emphasis on the lyrical and poetic elements, with styling and textures rooted in folk and Americana traditions.  It is impossible to ignore his influences through a classic and contemporary pop music lineage including the likes of The Zombies, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Velvet Underground, Tom Waits, Jackson Browne, Greg Brown, Elliot Smith, Ryan Adams, Brendon Benson, and Fleet Foxes, to name a few.

Rogue Valley is a band born of grandiose ambition: in a single year, they have written, recorded, and successfully released four full length albums, each one sonically steeped in the season of its creation. Together, the four albums tell a sweeping story of love, loss, regret and hope that is inseparable from the geography of classic American wanderlust. The 46 songs act as chapters, standing strongly on their own, yet creating an undeniably rich experience when taken as a whole. Few bands are so productive in an entire career, yet Rogue Valley and songwriter Chris Koza have realized a breadth of ambition that is beyond simple prolificacy - the entire series stands out for its dynamism, craft, impeccable production and fantastic songwriting.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Rock Island, IL

Cool Beanz Coffeehouse

1325 30th Street

Rock Island, IL 61201

AA, Free, 7 pm

309-558-0909

25 Jan 2012

Nova Singers Presents: Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky, Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm, at First Lutheran Church, Galesburg, and Sunday, February 12 at 4:00pm, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.

As different as night is from day, so are the selections for this thematic program.  The lush somorities of Eric Whitacre's Nox Aurumque, the poignant sadness of Tormis' Singing Aboard Ship, and the uplifting inspiration of Clausen's In Pace make this a concert that should not be missed!  Additionally, Nova will bring to the audience Szeroka Woda, a set of Polish folk songs, arranged by Górecki, as well as the smooth, soothing sound of Cells Planets, arranged by Vince Peterson.

Artistic Director Dr. Laura Lane is very moved by the stories found in the music, saying, "There are so many powerful stories in this program. In Nox Aurumque, an angel is being forced to go to war and doesn't think she can. In Singing Aboard Ship, women sing as they watch their husbands and sons being taken away to serve on a ship."

Nova Singers will also be joined by local high school singers for our annual Project Sing! performances. The 2012 guests include students from the Macomb High School Concert Choir, directed by Melanie Butcher, performing in the Galesburg concert, and students from the Moline High School Concert Choir, directed by Ron May, performing in the Davenport concert.  Dr. Lane is excited to be working with high school students again.  "The Project Sing students are doing a fantastic job!  I believe this will be one of the best collaborations between high school students and Nova Singers that we've ever done."

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, delivers this singular program to feed your musical tastes.  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.

 

Sun & Moon, Sea & Sky is sponsored by the Riverboat Development Authority.  Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
25 Jan 2012

My 2012 CD In The Mix

By Frank Drew
Hi it's me, Frank Drew Jazz/Funk musician.  I just put out a CD called "In The Mix."  Check it out at www.reverbnation.com/frankdrew.  You can download a couple of songs,  leave feeback or become a fan.  Thank you and God bless.
23 Jan 2012

Barbershop Quartet to Deliver Singing Valentines

By Amos Glanz
A barbershop quartet will deliver a Singing Valentine to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day.  Four singers dressed in tuxedos will serenade her or him, then present a single red rose and a photograph of this special Valentine.  It's truly a unique way to say, "I  love you" on Valentine's Day.

For more information and order form, call Valentine Central  563-340-8743, or visit http://www.thechordbusters.com and select "Order a Valentine".

23 Jan 2012

Private Drum Lessons

By Josh Duffee

I currently have openings in my private drum studio here in Davenport.  Both my wife (Crystal) and I teach out of our home privately during the week, and we're located behind Gilda's Club in Davenport off of River Drive.

I haven't sent an e-mail out like this in over two years because my schedule has been full, but now I have a few spots open for students looking for a private drum instructor.  Here's what I offer in my studio:

*Snare Drum Technique / Rudiments / Studies / Solos
*Mallet Technique / Scales / Studies / Solos
*Timpani Technique and Studies / Solos
*Auxillary Percussion Techniques
*Drumset Studies and Styles (Rock, Latin, Jazz, Brush Technique)
*Drumset Solos and Proper Techniques
*Play-a-long with music students bring to lessons or I have in my library
*All the above will involve reading, playing and writing actual music
*Basic knowledge of Music Theory

My rate is one of the best rates in the Quad Cities for private lessons.  Most monthly half-hour lessons go for $80 a month, but here is what I charge for a month:

(4) One-hour private lessons = $110 per month flat fee

The normal rate for hour lessons is $160 per month, so my rate is considerably less than the normal rate.  I can teach one or all of the above items during the lesson.  This will give the parents, students and teacher something to choose from for lesson options.  I'm able to meet with the student for a total of 4 hours a month, compared to 2 hours with 30 minute lessons a month.  The hour lessons have shown quicker development in the overall skills with each of my students.

Teaching and performing music is a passion of mine, and this shows through my students too with high ratings during solo contests, plus district and state honors for my students too.  The students pick up on my drive to perform and teach, and this motivates them to exceed any goal they have set for themselves musically. 

If you know any student or parent interested in starting percussion or drum lessons, please forward my information on to them.  I can be contacted through e-mail (jgoldkette@msn.com) or phone ((563) 823-0174) the best.  The spots normally fill up fast when I send these e-mails out, so please inform whomever is interested to act quickly because spots are first-come first-serve.  If there are any questions, please call me so we can discuss them and get them answered right away.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Josh Duffee

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