14 Oct 2011

Augustana students performed in first orchestra concert of the season

By Keri Rursch
ROCK ISLAND, IL (10/13/2011)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Culver, will open its season with the inventive Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 and Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 104, called the "London Symphony." The concert will take place on Saturday, October 15, at 8 p.m. in Centennial Hall (3703 7th Ave). The Rachmaninoff concerto will feature Dr. Mary Neil, professor of music at Augustana, on piano.

The Augustana Symphony Orchestra is a full-size orchestra of approximately 75 members.

From your area this includes:

Anne VanSpeybroek, a Junior from Rock Island, Ill., majoring in Music Performance- Instrumental.

Ashley Finley, a Sophomore from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Music Education Instrumental.

Nick Kendell, a Sophomore from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Undecided.

Lindsey Sikorski, a First Year from East Moline, Ill., majoring in Undecided.

Adam Bengfort, a First Year from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Undecided.

Abigail Jones, a Sophomore from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Biology/Environmental Studies.

Peter Wiese, a Junior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in Neuroscience/Mathematics.

Student-musician Tim Christiansen, a senior from Park Ridge, Ill., enjoys the orchestral part. "Rachmaninoff was infatuated with and mesmerized by orchestral textures-varying interactions between the orchestra and soloist. Sometimes they agree, disagree and dance with one another," said Christiansen.

Rachmaninoff's second piano concerto is one of his enduringly popular works and helped him gain fame as a concerto composer. This work was well received from its first performance and served as a sign that Rachmaninoff was no longer suffering from depression that had lasted several years.

Joseph Haydn composed 104 symphonies, the "London Symphony" being his last, and became known as the "Father of the Symphony" for his contribution to the development of this particular musical form.

Dr. Culver finds this Haydn symphony progressive for its time. "It is a transparent symphony-it requires great concentration and the full orchestra to be attentive to details," Culver said.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

14 Oct 2011

GUITAR CONCERT FOR HUNGER RELIEF

By Anne Wachal
Professional classical guitarist Peter Fletcher of New York will perform a concert to benefit area hunger relief efforts on Thursday, October 20th, 7:30 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1809 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf.  The program will feature music from a variety of composers and musical periods, including Bach, Ponce, Grieg, Tarrega, and Ravel.

Admission will be a suggested donation of $10, and additional donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be welcomed.  Net proceeds will benefit the Churches United food pantries and the Student Hunger Drive.

Mr. Fletcher will also perform a program of Brazilian music on Friday, October 21st, 12:00 noon, at the Bettendorf Public Library.  Details about the guitarist are available at his web site, www.peterfletcher.com.  The organizer of the Thursday concert is Don Mitchem.  For more information, call 563-359-1447 or 563-528-2736.
11 Oct 2011

Local Students involved in Central College music ensembles

By Rachel Vogel

PELLA, IA (10/10/2011)(readMedia)-- The following students are participating in music ensembles at Central College:

Meghan Brophy, native of Bettendorf, Iowa, in Community Chorus, directed by Mark Babcock

Megan Querry, native of Bettendorf, Iowa, in Community Chorus, directed by Mark Babcock

Justine Jackovich, native of Eldridge, Iowa, in Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Mitchell Lutch

Hannah Seibel, native of Eldridge, Iowa, in Vocal Jazz Combos, directed by Gabriel Espinosa

Ellen Korn, native of Davenport, Iowa, in Community Chorus, directed by Mark Babcock

Steven Gordon, native of Davenport, Iowa, in Community Chorus and A Cappella Choir, directed by Mark Babcock

Central College offers 18 music ensembles, ranging from the 60-voice A Cappella Choir to the Flying Pans Steel Pan Band. The music ensembles are open to music majors and non-majors alike, and several tour annually.

Central College is a private, four-year, residential, liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa. Central's academic program offers 39 majors leading to a bachelor's degree along with pre-professional programs and advising. Central was recognized in the 2011 U.S.News & World Report's annual rankings of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

More information about Central College is available at www.central.edu or by calling 877-462-3687.

03 Oct 2011

Skynny SKYNYRD At The REDSTONE ROOM Saturday October 15th. 9PM

By Skynny Skynyrd
During the '70s, Lynyrd Skynyrd pushed southern rock into the mainstream. Embracing the term "redneck" as a badge of honor, the band not only sang nostalgically about times past but also subtly incorporated its social and political viewpoints, especially when it came to the unjust exploitation of the working man. For over thirty years, Lynyrd Skynyrd's music has been celebrated by a variety of fans, ranging from youngsters picking up a guitar for the first time and belting out the first riff of "Sweet Home Alabama" to famous musicians like Kid Rock and Travis Tritt.

"Nuthin Fancy: A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd" meticulously replicates the stage performance of Lynryd Skynyrd, mastering every detail from the original band's clothing to its ripping piano and guitar solos. Each member of Nuthin Fancy has at least twenty years of musical experience, which has assisted them in collectively developing a sense of professionalism and unity unparalleled by other cover bands. "They sound so much like the real Skynyrd," commented one observer, "that I have to keep reminding myself they're not the real thing."

SKYNNY SKYNYRD is the best, most authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band playing today. But don't take our word for it; Ronnie Van Zant's best friend, Gene Odom of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band, shares this opinion.  Gene Odom says, "Skynny Skynyrd Is THE BEST SKYNYRD SHOW he's seen and heard!"   Wow!   That statement blew us away, too.   Gene went down with the Freebird Plane in 1977 & has written three books about the band.  So, that was one heck of a compliment!

SKYNNY SKYNYRD performs all of Lynyrd Skynyrd's hits: Sweet Home Alabama, Gimme Three Steps, What's Your Name, Call Me The Breeze and Ronnie Van Zant's timeless classic that changed a generation and a nation forever, Freebird. The list goes on and on...Lynyrd Skynyrd's music has never been more popular and will never go out of style; SKYNNY SKYNYRD is a stunning re- creation of Lynyrd Skynyrd in both music and showmanship.

Lynyrd Skynyrd's music appeals to audiences of all ages: kids, parents, and grandparents can come together and enjoy the music that made southern and classic rock what it is today. The music of Lynyrd Skynyrd has always been mainstream and that will never change. That's why Lynyrd Skynyrd's music has been featured in over a thousand TV commercials, TV movies, major motion pictures and corporate ads all over the world. SKYNNY SKYNYRD delivers and energetic hit packed show that satisfies everyone's appetite for his or her favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song and personality.
And SKYNNY SLYNYRD will be performing that show at the River Music Experience's REDSTONE ROOM on Saturday October 15th.Doors open at 8pm and the Show starts at 9PM.  Like I said, this is a Show The Entire Family Could Enjoy Together.   A Rock N' Roll 101 Class of some of America's Greatest Songs performed just like Skynyrd did it in 1977.    Classic Skynyrd T-Shirts & CDS will be on sale at this show too!   Tickets are just $5 bucks.   A Bargain!
03 Oct 2011

Augustana students performed a disaster relief concert

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (09/29/2011)(readMedia)-- More than six months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the people of Japan are still trying to rebuild their lives. To reverently remember and show sympathy for the Japanese people, members of the Augustana College Symphonic Band performed a disaster relief concert on Saturday, September 24.

Free will donations were collected at the concert. Donations totaled $1,550, and funds raised will be distributed through the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.

"It is easy to forget about such disasters, yet much of Japan is still uninhabitable-much remains to be done," said Augustana's Director of Bands James Lambrecht, who has programmed select musical works related to Japan in order to expose the students and Augustana community to Japanese musical culture.

From your area, the students involved included:

Anne VanSpeybroeck, a Junior from Rock Island, Ill. majoring in Music Performance.

Jennifer Youngs, a Senior from Taylor Ridge, Ill. majoring in Psychology/Political Science.

Gaetano Iaccarino, a Senior from Davenport, Iowa majoring in Anthropology/Music.

Grace Drenth, a Junior from Davenport, Ill. majoring in Psychology.

"This was a celebration of music, and it was also a meaningful gesture to the people of Japan that Augustana College is committed to helping those in need-no matter where they live." said Augustana senior Gaetano Iaccarino, Davenport, Iowa.

Augustana's music department shares a special connection with Japan. Lambrecht departed for his second guest residency at the prestigious Musashino Academia Musicae, Tokyo, only two days after the concert. While in Japan, Lambrecht will conduct the Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble with music programmed in response to the devastating events.

For more information, please contact Keri Rursch, director of public relations, at kerirursch@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7721.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty and has a student-faculty ration 11:1. Augustana continues to do what is was always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in out complex, ever-changing world.

03 Oct 2011

Singer's Quad Cities visit to benefit both kids, military

By Jessica Kiefer
Singer-songwriter Darden Smith will be a featured guest in the Quad Cities during a three-day event with the Rock Island Arsenal chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army October 18-20. The event will include a visit to the Rock Island Arsenal Youth Center on both October 18 and 19 where 20 military youth will engage in Smith's established "Be An Artist Program," aiming to encourage creativity through personalized, innovative songwriting sessions. Three 50-minute sessions will bring together students in grades 4, 5 and 6.

The finale fundraiser concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third Street, on Thursday, October 20. All proceeds will benefit soldier support programs funded through AUSA, the voice of the U.S. Army on Capitol Hill and at the grassroots level. The organization's role as a conduit in aligning resources and needs for soldiers and their families continues to benefit servicemen and women nationwide.
03 Oct 2011

The Beggarmen in Concert at Riverside Theatre

By Sarah Burnett

September 27, 2011 - Iowa City, IA

 

Get in the mood for The Cripple of Inishmaan at Riverside Theatre with one of the region's best Irish musical ensembles, The Beggarmen, on Saturday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Theatre.

 

All music featured in Riverside Theatre's upcoming production of The Cripple of Inishmaan will be provided by The Beggarmen.

 

Since their first performance at a small pub in Iowa, The Beggarmen has gone on to headline folk festivals and concert halls throughout the Midwest, greeting audiences with their unique style of Irish music.

 

Original founding member Brad Pouleson (vocals, low and high whistles, uilleann pipes, and mandolin) is joined by veteran Celtic/folk guitarist and singer Keith Reins, renowned fiddler and singer Tara Dutcher and Joe Dutcher on bodhran, Irish flue, and vocals.

 

Also appearing at the concert will be world class Irish step dancer Taylor J. Best, who is a student at the University of Iowa.

 

Tickets for the concert are $20 and can be ordered through the Riverside Theatre Box Office at 213 N. Gilbert St., (319) 338-7672 or purchased at the door the night of the concert.

All proceeds from the event to benefit Riverside Theatre.
03 Oct 2011

Quad City Wind Ensemble to Present 2011 Fall Concert

By Patrick Driscoll
The Quad City Wind Ensemble, celebrating its 26th concert season, will be holding its Fall Concert, "Symphonic Moments", on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in Allaert Auditorium of the Galvin Fine Arts Center located on the campus of St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., in Davenport, IA. The concert will feature as soloist, Quad City Symphony Principal Trumpet player, David Greenhoe. The program includes works by Dutch-born Johan de Meij, native French composers Jean-Baptiste Arban and Charles Gounod, Gioachino Rossini, Richard Wagner and others.

Founded in 1987 by Charles B. DCamp, Professor Emeritus from St. Ambrose University, and comprised of 59 of the finest area adult musicians, the Quad City Wind Ensemble is conducted by Brian L. Hughes. Dr. Myron Welch, retired Director of Bands at the University of Iowa, who conducted the group in May of 2010 proclaimed that, "The Quad City Wind Ensemble is the finest adult wind ensemble in the entire state of Iowa and among the best in the nation".

Admission for the concert is $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors (65+) and FREE for all students. There will be a reception following the concert. The QCWE is currently accepting advertisements and individual donations for the 2011-2012 program book. For additional information, please contact Patrick Driscoll at 563-508-8656. You are also encouraged to visit our website:

www.quad-city-wind-ensemble.webs.com.

- end -

03 Oct 2011

Nova Singers Opens 26th Season with Voices and Keys

By Nicole Andersen

Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of Voices and Keys, Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg, and on Sunday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Moline.

 

Discover the stunning blend of piano and choir in Nova Singers' 26th season opener.  These concerts feature the dramatic and virtuosic Mid-Winter Songs by Morten Lauridsen, a set of five songs that revolve around a common winter motif. Also included in the program are several charming part songs by Schubert and Brahms, and American folk songs, all featuring dazzling accompaniments.  Joining Nova Singers for these opening concerts is guest pianist Ashlee Mack.

 

Specializing in contemporary music, pianist Ashlee Mack has performed solo and chamber music with new-music organizations such as the Society for Chromatic Art, Vox Novus (New York City), New Music Forum (San Francisco), and the Iowa Composers Forum. She has given recitals across the United States, in Germany (Breisach and Freiburg), and Italy (American Academy in Rome). Her performances of Odds and Ends by Robert Morris and For Milton by Christian Carey will be featured on an upcoming CD commemorating Milton Babbitt. Her recording of James Romig's Transparencies was recently released on Navona Records (distributed by Capstone). Mack earned her degree in piano performance at Bucknell University where she studied with Lois Svard. She has furthered her studies with pianists Michael Adcock (Washington, DC) and Alan Huckleberry (University of Iowa). Mack is currently the Coordinator of Piano Instruction at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share this fantastic listening experience with you.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the spirit and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities for over twenty-five years, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

 

Tickets for this concert are available through Nova's office and at the door.  Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for seniors.  Students are admitted free of charge.  Voices and Keys is sponsored by OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Nova Singers' 2011-2012 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. For information about tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers performances, please call Nova Singers at 309-341-7038 or email nova@knox.edu. Information is also available at www.novasingers.com.
13 Sep 2011

PRESS RELEASE: JIM BRICKMAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION RETURNS TO DAVENPORT NOV 28

By Melissa Kucirek

Jim Brickman's A Christmas Celebration (www.JimBrickman.com) hits the road for the Holiday Season once again with an evening of dazzling solo piano, vibrant vocals, and the warmth and humor that has made this concert a seasonal tradition for the past fifteen years. The five-time Platinum-selling pianist and songwriter, in addition to featuring favorite holiday music, will introduce fans to his upcoming album releases, All is Calm and Romanza.

Jim returns to Davenport, Iowa, on Monday, November 28, at the RiverCenter Adler Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating costs $67 (includes meet and greet), $47, $37 and $27. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 9. Purchase tickets at the Adler Theatre Box Office (136 E 3rd Street), all Ticketmaster outlets, via phone at 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Once more this year, sold-out audiences will experience the romance and spirit of the holidays in an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and memories. Jim and his special guests, singers Anne Cochran and Benjamin Utecht, plus electric violinist Tracy Silverman, will blend fan favorites and seasonal classics with brand-new Brickman compositions.

"It's my favorite time of year," Jim says, "and celebrating across the country with fans and friends makes it that much more special."

To complement the tour this fall, Jim will release two Target exclusives: All is Calm, a CD that celebrates the warmth of the holiday season; and Romanza, a disc filled with romance and inspiration from Italy. Please check www.JimBrickman.com regularly for more information.

About Jim Brickman

Jim has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals and star-studded guest vocals. Jim's lineup of collaborators include such gifted singers as Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Gerald Levert, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Michael Bolton, Sara Evans, Donny Osmond, Olivia Newton-John, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Five American Idol Finalists.

Since the 1994 release of his debut album No Words, Jim Brickman's romantic piano sound has made him a marquis name among contemporary instrumental hit-makers. His signature style of playing and songwriting has also brought him six Gold- and Platinum-selling albums, the most charted Adult Contemporary hits of the decade (30), two Grammy nods (in 2003 and 2009), two SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" awards, a Canadian Country Music Award and a Dove Award (presented by the Gospel Music Association).

Jim is a strong supporter of Public Television, and has had four PBS concert specials: Jim Brickman at the Magic Kingdom ?The Disney Songbook (2005), My Romance, An Evening with Jim Brickman (2000), Love Songs and Lullabies (2002) and Beautiful World (2009).

Other artistic endeavors include a weekly radio show, Your Weekend with Jim Brickman; two best selling books, Simple Things and Love Notes; performances at Carnegie Hall and at the White House; as well as standing-room-only concerts from Spain to Thailand. Jim supports several charitable foundations for children, including Autism Speaks, Camp Heartland, and UNICEF, and has a scholarship foundation in his name at his alma mater, The Cleveland Institute of Music.

 

About Benjamin Utecht

With a microphone in one hand and a Super Bowl ring on the other, Benjamin is making his touring debut with Jim Brickman in A Christmas Celebration. Since retiring from the National Football League in 2009, he has sung the National Anthem for both President Bush and at the Cincinnati Reds' 2010 home opener. He's had the honor of performing with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (conducted by the legendary Erich Kunzel), the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Sandi Patty (gospel music's most-awarded female artist of all time). Look for Benjamin's holiday album, Christmas Hope, which will be released in October, 2011.

About Anne Cochran

Anne Cochran has had the good fortune to perform at  Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, and her now-classic single "After All These Years" was a Top 5 hit. She has happily shared the stage with Jim Brickman, Collin Raye, Donny Osmond, Dave Koz, Tracy Silverman, Jeff Timmons, Kristy Starling, Mario Frangoulis, Michael Feinstein, Mike Eldred, Wayne Brady, Michael Bolton and Linda Eder.

 

About Tracy Silverman

Tracy Silverman has redefined the violin with his instantly recognizable trademark sound. Lauded by the BBC as "the greatest living exponent of the electric violin," the Juilliard graduate's groundbreaking work with the six-string electric violin has forever transformed violin playing, much as Hendrix did with the electric guitar. Tracy produced and performs on Jim Brickman's hit CDs Simple Things, Love Songs and Lullabies, Escape and Homecoming, and appeared on all four of Jim's popular TV specials.

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