2 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
com
ILLINOIS POLITICS
Why Are State-Government Watchdogs
Gnawing on Governor’s Thrift Like a Bone?
G
overnor JB Pritzker signed the $45
billion infrastructure bill into law last
week during a three-day fly-around to
several Illinois cities.
It’s a good bet that the billionaire Pritzker
paid for the plane that took him and whatever
staff he brought to the various venues, since
he’s regularly done that since taking office in
January. The state hasn’t had an appropriation
to pay to operate its fleet of aircraft since Gov-
ernor Bruce Rauner halted their use during a
long period of political gridlock.
Illinois is close to 400 miles long and over
200 miles wide. Flying is far more efficient
and much less exhausting than driving to
cities throughout this state in a day or two or
even three. The governor should have better
things to do with his time.
The state-owned airplane fleet was a con-
stant source of irritation to good-government
types back in the day, and we regularly saw
news articles about their use and/or over-use.
The Associated Press, for instance, pub-
lished a story in 2007 about how then-Gover-
nor Rod Blagojevich had taken almost 1,000
flights on state planes in five years. Blagojevich
was known to commute back and forth from
his home in Chicago to Springfield on days
when the General Assembly was in session.
Several politicians, including former Gov-
ernor Pat Quinn, were legitimately criticized
over the years for taking state planes to official
government events and then hosting cam-
paign events nearby. The government flights
essentially helped subsidize their campaigns.
But the debate shifted during Governor
Rauner’s one and only term. The mega-rich
Republican was criticized by a reform group
in 2017 for renting a helicopter with his own
personal money to visit a flooded area in Lake
County. The executive director of the Illinois
Campaign for Political Reform said at the
time that there should be some sort of public
disclosure when private funds are used for
state purposes.
And Governor Pritzker was just criticized
by another reform group for paying for pri-
vate jet-rides for him and his staff to official
events in Washington, DC and New York. “It
feels wrong,” said the executive director of
Common Cause Illinois, according to Chi-
cago’s NBC 5. The reformer said the use of
private money for public purposes concerned
him.
It may “feel wrong” because of the amount
of money involved, but there are some
elected officials of more modest means who
choose not to accept travel and mileage
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.
reimbursements, or per diems or whatever.
For that matter, some public school teachers
dip into their own pockets to pay for class-
room supplies. What do we do about them?
Not long after Pat Quinn was elevated to
governor after Blagojevich was impeached
and removed from office, an Associated Press
story favorably highlighted Quinn’s decision
to pay for most of his overseas travel as lieu-
tenant governor out of his own pocket. The
story also reported that Quinn refused to
accept a daily meal-allowance when traveling
and often paid for his own hotel rooms. “The
thrift y image is in contrast to Blagojevich,
who was criticized for his frequent use of state
aircraft,” the article’s author claimed.
Not a single good-government group spoke
up back then to say Quinn’s alleged thriftiness
with state money by paying his own way “feels
wrong.” But two rich guys in a row have taken
heat for using their own money for trips on
private aircraft instead of billing taxpayers.
I get the class-consciousness angle here.
“Get a load of Mr. Bigshot flying around on
private jets.” But the guy is rich beyond most
of our comprehensions; and, just like Rauner
before, Illinoisans knew that when they
elected him. Candidate Pritzker flew around
the state on a fleet of private planes, and now
now open!
slices. salads. sauces.
lo-zones. margs. beer.
SLICES.COM
429 E 3rd Street | downtown Davenport, iowa
lunch. dinner. late nite. tue-Sun. 563-424-1130
By Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
Governor Pritzker is doing the same.
Maybe there’s a dollar-point above which
personal-spending for public purposes could
be disclosed. But it “feels” like such a law
would be targeting one guy. And to what end?
Are we really entitled to know how much an
elected official spends out of his or her own
bank account rather than charging taxpayers?
The reformers need to think this whole
thing through and come back with an actual
policy-proposal that goes beyond feelings and
addresses the potential for real abuses. The
Center for Illinois Politics announced last
week that it would host a public forum about
this topic so it could be thoroughly discussed.
Fine by me.
Either way, pick a lane. Don’t spend decades
complaining about the use of state-owned
planes, and then suddenly shift to criticizing
privately-funded flights.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily
political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
New Column Published
Weekly at RCReader.com
TM
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 3
MUSIC By Max Allison

Son Volt
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. @ The Rust Belt, 1201 Seventh Street, East Moline, IL
Vol. 26 · No. 963
JULY 2019

RIVER CITIES’ READER

532 W. 3rd St.
Davenport IA 52801
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PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

The River Cities’Reader is an independently owned publication and
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Quad Cities’culture.”

PRINTED MONTHLY
Newly printed complimentary editions are available monthly
at select locations in the region. For a complete list, visit
www.rcreader.com/distribution. Son Volt @ The Rust Belt – July 12 (photo by David McClister)

J
PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING: ay Farrar’s longstanding alternative Son Volt’s newest album Union doubles Though some aspects of Son Volt feel
PRINT ADVERTISING SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE IS THE 15TH
OF EACH MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S EDITION.
rock/country flagship Son Volt plays down on many of the tropes that brought antiquated in the current landscape of
The Rust Belt on July 12. the band fame while paring away some rock, the band possesses enough person-
WEBSITE & WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING DEADLINE IS
EVERY MONDAY FOR THURSDAY PLACEMENTS. At this point, 25 years into its existence, of the more rowdy rock energy in favor ality and clear passion to make them stand
Son Volt has long since outgrown the ste- of slower and more somber songwriting. out against a backdrop of more phoned-in
Visit QCAdvertising.com for full reotype of being the other side of the coin The title track lopes along with a weary commercial fare. Farrar has been truck-
publishing calendar, sponsorship
to Midwest juggernauts Wilco – though energy informed by the state of world pol- ing along for 25 years, doing his thing,
opportunities, ad sizes, and pricing.
comparisons between the two bands can’t itics, conveyed with Farrar’s admittedly and his dedicated fan base attests to his
PUBLISHER help but continue due to their shared gen- opaque lyrics that pit “rural versus urban” consistency and his genuine motivations.
Todd McGreevy • todd@admospheres.com esis in seminal alternative country band and “red versus the blue” – invoking “the To remain steadfastly rooted in the realm
Uncle Tupelo. Lead singer/guitarist/song- union” in a dual sense of both the Civil of singer/songwriter country rock in 2019
EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER writer Farrar has spread his talents over War and the current, ever-divided state is in itself a kind of quietly defiant gesture,
Kathleen McCarthy • km@rcreader.com
nine Son Volt albums to date, including of America. The slightly more sprightly and one that resonates with listeners who
ARTS & CALENDAR EDITOR this year’s Union, and continually dem- “The Reason” ambles at a more mid-tempo are still seeking some form of authenticity,
Mike Schulz • mike@rcreader.com onstrates his comfort within any number rocker pace, but never rises above a low however familiar it may be, in the grips of
of country rock-adjacent styles: heavy ZZ roar. The track benefits from some lovely a chaotic world.
ART DIRECTOR Top-core highway riffi ng, moody slide Byrds-esque guitar work that chimes
Nathan Klaus • nathan@rcreader.com guitar ballads one step removed from along through close harmonies and Son Volt plays East Moline venue The
outlaw country, and slow-burning rock descending lead lines. “The Symbol” has a Rust Belt on July 12 with an opening set by
DISTRIBUTION & OFFICE MANAGER
Michael Locander • michael@rcreader.com stompers fit to soundtrack a particularly sparse guitar arrangement, but Farrar car- Logan Ledger, admission to the 7 p.m. show
lit party in a barn on the outskirts of town. ries all the weight himself with a heartfelt is $25-30, and more information and tick-
IT-SYSMIN Th rough all of these styles, Farrar’s vocal take with lyrics that speak on behalf ets are available by visiting MoellerNights.
William Reveal voice remains a welcome constant. Though of migrants expelled from the U.S. whose com.
his melodies sometimes rise into a sweeter children were born in this country.
ADVERTISING SALES
Michael Locander • sales@rcreader.com higher register or meld with his bandmates
into layered harmonies, for the most part
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS he sticks to what could be described as an
Amy Alkon, Max Allison, Rochelle Arnold, “everyman” vocal style with more neutral
Rob Brezsny, Pamela Briggs, Max Cannon,
melodic arcs that rarely stray into show-
Madeline Dudziak, Caitlin Johnstone,
Daniel McAdams, Rich Miller boating. One gets the sense that he writes
songs with the intention that anyone could
PRINT COPY DISTRIBUTORS sing them with a guitar around a campfire,
Cheri Delay, Greg Fitzpatrick, Marie Mack, or piled onto the porch with a makeshift
Jay Strickland
band of friends. Even within the context
of his heavier rockers, Farrar’s voice tends
KNOW MORE. to hit with a pleasant mid-tempo lilt – the
kind of vocal style that needs plenty of
DO MORE. space in the arrangement to ring out, to
the point that the band often takes a step
© 2019 River Cities’ Reader back and lets him take the spotlight before
rocketing back into action for the instru-
mental passages.
 4 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
VISUAL ARTS
Openings & Gallery Events
Red, White, & Bloom, annual fourth-of-July celebration;
for information, call 309-794-0991… Quad City Botanical
Center, 7pm Wed Jul 3
Opening Reception for Hans Olson: Big Sky, held
in conjunction with the exhibit of paintings by the…
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 5:30pm Fri Jul 5
Figge Art Museum Guided Tours, on Saturdays
& Sundays; join a docent for a look at the museum’s
exhibitions; for information, call 563-326-7804,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 1:30pm Sat Jul 6 thru Sun Jul 21
The cArt!, on Saturdays and Tuesdays; find our art cart
in selected galleries for in-depth conversations about
art; books, objects, gallery games and information,
along with a trained docent, will be available for guests
to explore art topics in new ways; for information,
call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St.,
Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, 1am Sat Jul 6 thru
Tue Jul 30
Artist Talk: Randy Richmond, held in conjunction
with the exhibit of 10 large-format photographs
inspired by Western art historical tradition; the subjects
of Richmond’s photographs are careful arrangements
of found objects combined with taxidermy animals or
mounts from the collections of St. Ambrose University
and the Nature Center at Nahant Marsh; free thru Aug. 11;
for information, call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum,
225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org,
5:30pm Thu Jul 11
Free Senior Day, meet for a 1:30pm tour in the Figge’s
Quad City Bank & Trust Grand Lobby and a 2:30pm
movie in the auditorium; for information, call 563-326-
Quad-City Times Bix 7 @ Downtown Davenport – July 27
7804, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 1:30pm Thu Jul 11
Thursdays at the Figge, art-themed activities,
discussions, tours, refreshments, and more; guests
are invited to experience the current exhibitions
and permanent collection gallery as well as shop
the Museum Store; tonight: Artist Talk with Randy
Richmond; free; for information, call 563-326-7804,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 5pm Thu Jul 11
Thursdays at the Figge, art-themed activities,
discussions, tours, refreshments, and more; guests
are invited to experience the current exhibitions
and permanent collection gallery as well as shop the
Museum Store; tonight: a documentary screening of
“Stout Hearted”; free; for information, call 563-326-
7804, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 5pm Thu Jul 18
Art Extravaganza, Showstopper Sculpture Contest
participant displays and art activities; free; for
information,… Moline Public Library, 2pm Sat Jul 20
Art in the Garden, featuring works by local and
regional 2D and 3D artists,… Quad City Botanical Center,
9am Sat Jul 20
Plein Air Paint Out, join artist Pat Bereskin in the
third annual event; painters… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 8am Sat Jul 20
Thursdays at the Figge, art-themed activities,
discussions, tours, refreshments, and more; guests
are invited to experience the current exhibitions
and permanent collection gallery as well as shop the
Museum Store; tonight: Self-Guided Tours; free; for
information, call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum, 225
W. 2nd St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, 5pm
Thu Jul 25
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Final Friday at Bucktown, for information, call 563-
424-1210… Bucktown Center for the Arts, 6pm Fri Jul 26
Exhibits & Shows
Hans Olson: Big Sky, exhibit of paintings by the
Midwestern native… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy,
thru Thu Jul 25
Carla Markwart: Chicago & Me”, Wed.-Sat. 11am-
6pm; free; for information, call 563-508-4630… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, thru Fri Jul 26
Art by the Foot, featuring works by artists in the Quad
City area, including Clinton, Henry, Mercer, Muscatine,
Rock Island, and Scott counties; Tue.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat.
11am-5pm; free thru Aug. 11; for information, call 309-
793-1213, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport
IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Wed Jul 31
ArtWorks Expo High School Pastel Competition
Exhibit, exhibit supported by the Rock Island Art…
Midcoast at Bucktown Gallery, thru Wed Jul 31
Christopher Reno - Renee Meyer Ernst, exhibit of
paintings by Reno of Galesburg… Quad City Arts Center,
thru Wed Jul 31
Electrified, exhibit featuring featuring various video
and light… Quad City Arts Art @ the Airport, thru Wed
Jul 31
I-74 Bridge Virtual Reality Tour, check out the
VR headset and remote… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, thru Wed Jul 31
Peggy Gratton, exhibit of paintings; Mon.-Fri. 6am-
7:30pm, Sat. 8am-5:30pm,… MidCoast Centre Station
Gallery, thru Wed Jul 31
QC Pride Group Exhibition, exhibit of works in a
variety of… The ARTery, thru Wed Jul 31
Submerged in the Sublime: The Landscape
Photography of Kim Keever, exhibit of works
by the New York-based photographer; Keever takes
photographs of compositions he creates using various
paints and inks added to the water inside a 200-gallon
tank to produce compelling atmospheric effects;
Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Thu. 10am-9pm, Sun. noon-5pm;
free thru Aug. 11; for information, call 563-326-7804,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Wed Jul 31
Vanessa German: Miracles and Glory Abound,
exhibit by the multi-disciplinary artist and founder
of Love Front Porch and ARThouse, a community arts
initiative for the historic African American neighborhood
of Pittsburgh; this exhibition features her “power
figures,” which are rooted in spirituality and ritual;
Tue.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 11am-5pm; free thru Aug. 11;
for information, call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum,
225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru
Wed Jul 31
Vik Muniz: Hand Remade, Muniz is known for
manipulating familiar materials by hand, like chocolate
sauce, diamonds or pieces of garbage, and re-
composing iconic images from art history or pop culture;
the exhibit features the “Pictures of Garbage” series as
well as recent work from the “Handmade” series; the
Oscar-nominated film “Waste Land” also will be on view
in the exhibition; Tue.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 11am-5pm;
free thru Aug. 11; for information, call 563-326-7804,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Wed Jul 31
Randy Richmond: Verisimilitude, an exhibit of
10 large-format photographs inspired by Western
art historical tradition; the subjects of Richmond’s
photographs are careful arrangements of found objects
combined with taxidermy animals or mounts from the
collections of St. Ambrose University and the Nature
Center at Nahant Marsh; Tue.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 11am-
5pm; free thru Aug. 11; for information, call 563-326-
7804, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, Sat Jul 6 thru Wed Jul 31
David Anderson & the Plein Air Paint Out Exhibit:
Riverview, Wed.-Sat. 11am-6pm; free; for information,
call 563-508-4630… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, Sat
Jul 27 thru Wed Jul 31
Classes
Beginning Oil Painting, Saturdays thru July 27; learn
to see, draw, and understand… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 9:30am Sat Jul 6
Creation Studio Drop-In, on Mondays; free;
for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm
Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 22
Embellished Seahorses, an activity in the Southwest
Craft Night series; materials supplied;… Rock Island
Public Library - Southwest Branch, 6pm Tue Jul 9
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Create with the Figge: Found Objects, featuring the
artwork of Vanessa German; free; for information, call
309-524-2470… Moline Public Library, 6pm Thu Jul 11
SEW Much Fun: Jewelry Case, sew a small project
with our do-it-yourself project night; materials… Rock
Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 5:30pm Thu
Jul 11
How Pin-teresting! with Jenn Voss, if you’re stuck
with the kids, bring them to the… LeClaire Community
Library, 6:30pm Thu Jul 18
Watercolor Basics, with instructor Bob Zeidler;
Bob will cover the best tools… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 9am Sat Jul 20
Life Drawing, bring your own materials; with facilitator
Evanny Henningsen; $15 per… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 1pm Sun Jul 21
Adult DIY: String Art, heart, star or moon templates
and materials will be provided;… Silvis Public Library,
5:30pm Mon Jul 22
Earth Day Everyday Art, build a mini terrarium with
glass jars; free; for information,… Rock Island Public
Library - 30/31 Branch, 5:30pm Wed Jul 24
Adult DIY: Pour Painting, materials will be provided;
free; for information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or…
Silvis Public Library, 5:30pm Mon Jul 29
MUSIC
Concerts
Kedr Livanskiy, concert with the dance-music/
electronica artist from Russia, featuring sets by… Rozz-
Tox, 8pm Wed Jul 3
Moeller Nights: Cory Chisel & Friends Salute Tom
Petty, a celebration of the late chart-topping musician;
$30… The Rust Belt, 7pm Wed Jul 3
Been There Done That, outdoor event in the Moline
Centre Summer Concert Series; food… Bass Street
Landing Plaza, 7pm Thu Jul 4
Bettendorf Park Band, an event in the 2019 Summer
Concert Series; in case… Bill Bowe Memorial Bandshell,
7:30pm Thu Jul 4
Bix Youth Band, an event in the 2019 Summer Concert
Series; in case… Bill Bowe Memorial Bandshell, 7:30pm
Fri Jul 5
Derek Monypeny, concert with the experimental
guitarist/oud/bulbul tarang player, featuring an
opening… Rozz-Tox, 9pm Fri Jul 5
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Bandshell
Stage: Avey/Grouws Band (5pm) - Heather
Gillis (6:45pm) - Ronnie Baker Brooks (8:15pm) -
Samantha Fish (10pm), for information, e-mail mvbs@
mvbs.org or call 563-322-5837… The Bend / Murphy
Park, 5pm Fri Jul 5
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Pedigo-Jones
Stage: Hal Reed & Mississippi Journey (6pm)
- Blues Rock-It (7:45 & 9:30pm), for information,
e-mail mvbs@mvbs.org or call 563-322-5837… The Bend
/ Murphy Park, 6pm Fri Jul 5
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Bandshell Stage:
Robert Kimbrough Sr. Blues Connection (2pm)
- Lizzie Neal (3:30pm) - Victor Wainwright (5pm)
- Tab Benoit (7pm) - North Mississippi Allstars
(9pm), for information, e-mail mvbs@mvbs.org or call
563-322-5837… The Bend / Murphy Park, 2pm Sat Jul 6
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Pedigo-Jones
Stage: Grand Ave Ruckus (1pm) - Nic Clark (3
& 4:30pm) - Joe Marcinek (6:15 & 8:15pm), for
information, e-mail mvbs@mvbs.org or call 563-322-
5837… The Bend / Murphy Park, 1pm Sat Jul 6
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Afterfest Jam
with the Avey/Grouws Band, for information, e-mail
mvbs@mvbs.org or call 563-322-5837… Triple Crown
Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 11pm Sat Jul 6
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 5
Dawn and On Music Festival: Dead & Gone (noon)
- Rude Punch (1pm) - The Golden Fleece (2:15pm)
VISUAL ARTS
- ESSO Afro Jam Funkbeat (3:30pm) - Chicago
Farmer (4:45pm) - Jon Stickley Trio (6pm) - Sun
Beard (7:30pm) - Steady Flow (9pm) - The Dawn
(10:30pm), the fifth-annual area music festival with
Hans Olson: Big Sky
with live music running from… Schwiebert Riverfront
Park, noon Sat Jul 6
Through Thursday, July 25 @ Beréskin Gallery
Dawn & On Festival Late-Night After-Party: Still & Art Academy, 2967 State Street, Bettendorf, IA
T
Shine & The Tripp Brothers, free with your DAO
wristband or $5 without; for information,… RIBCO, he glories of Midwestern landscapes and
11:55pm Sat Jul 6 idyllic farm scenes will be on display at
Moeller Nights: Lung, concert with the two-piece the Beréskin Gallery & Art Academy
rock band comprised of Kate Wakefield and… Triple through July 25, with the Bettendorf venue cel-
Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 7pm Sat Jul 6
ebrating the works of a gifted artist and Fair-
50 Shades of Rock, a concert in the Summer Music field, Iowa, resident in the multi-hued, evocative
Series; food and beverages… Runners Park, 4pm Sun painting exhibition Hans Olson: Big Sky.
Jul 7
Born in 1955, Hans Eric Olson grew up in
Moeller Nights: Michigan Rattlers, concert with the Mason City, Iowa, and he states that drawing
Midwestern folk rockers; $15… Triple Crown Whiskey Bar lessons began almost as early as he can remem-
& Raccoon Motel, 7pm Sun Jul 7
ber. He was driven to create and was often found
The Night People, an event in the Summer Concert refining his works, experimenting with the vari-
in the Park series;… Moline Township Activity Center,
6:30pm Mon Jul 8
ous methods of painting, or studying the lives of
the masters before him. Three days after gradu-
Generations Band, free event in the 63rd Starlight ating from his small high school, Olson left in
Revue Lincoln Park Concert… Lincoln Park, 7pm Tue
Jul 9 search of an artist to apprentice with, ending up
in Los Angeles. Sheer luck landed him a job with
Moeller Nights: Eric Dodd, concert with the a publishing house where he helped to illustrate
Nashville-based country singer/songwriter; $14… Triple
various books while working with a small,
Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 7pm Tue Jul 9
exclusive group of talented artists. He trained
Dave Rudolf, a Music on the Lawn concert with the much like the old world masters in a painstak-
Grammy nominee;… Butterworth Center, 6:30pm Wed
Jul 10 ing technique called “glazing.” in which layer
upon layer of very thin oils are placed on the
Crooked Cactus Band, outdoor event in the Moline
Centre Summer Concert Series; food… Bass Street canvas.
Landing Plaza, 7pm Thu Jul 11 After years spent painting out West, Olson
Hans Olson: Big Sky – through July 25
decided to do something he had never before
Dani Lynn Howe & Band (5pm) - Davisson
Brothers Band (7pm), country musicians perform a considered since graduating from high school the stress of this crazy world. Since returning to
mainstage concert in the 40th Annual… Iowa 80 Truck 23 years earlier: He felt a calling to return to the Iowa, I have become increasingly interested in
Stop, 5pm Thu Jul 11
Midwest, and began painting the motifs that plein-air painting. It challenges me to concen-
Mo & Co, rock music in the 8th Annual Summer Concert inspired him in his youth. “It took almost a year trate every sensory nerve on the information in
Series; held… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu to appreciate the natural beauty of this area after front of me. I love the experience – from sight
Jul 11
coming from the island of Maui,” says the artist. to sound, from temperature to atmosphere, and
Ben Bedford, easy-listening concert with the Illinois “Now I look forward to the change of seasons then channeling all those feelings from head to
singer; free; for information, call… Moline Public Library, with great anticipation. The simple landscape hand, re-creating the vision in front of me on
noon Fri Jul 12
with its huge sky and rolling prairies inspires canvas. It is truly a spiritual experience for me.
Bettendorf Park Band, with an ice cream social me now.” Plein-air takes me out of my mind and into
presented by Bettendorf Presbyterian Church;… Bill
Bowe Memorial Bandshell, 7:30pm Fri Jul 12
Olson currently resides in Fairfield, where he peace and happiness.”
spends many hours exploring the natural beauty
Live @ Five: Jason Carl & the Whole Damn Band, of the Midwest. His current interest lies in the Regular gallery hours for the Beréskin Gallery
free, all-ages concert in the annual courtyard series; for
information,… RME Courtyard, 5pm Fri Jul 12 plein-air style of painting, in which the artist & Art Academy are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednes-
paints directly from nature, quickly trying to days through Saturdays, admission is free, and
Moeller Nights: Son Volt, concert with the capture the rapidly changing light and shadows more information on Hans Olson: Big Sky – along
alternative-rock and -country band, featuring an
opening set… The Rust Belt, 7pm Fri Jul 12 of the landscape. “I paint because I cannot not with other venue exhibits, events, and classes – is
paint, if that makes any sense,” says Olson. “It available by calling (563)508-4630 or visiting
Sawyer Brown, country musicians perform a is my spiritual path, one that delivers me from BereskinArtGallery.com.
mainstage concert in the 40th Annual… Iowa 80 Truck
Stop, 7pm Fri Jul 12
The Manny Lopez Big Band, Lopez and his 13 piece
big band will be playing… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 6pm
Fri Jul 12
Walter Trout, concert with the award-winning blues
guitarist, singer, and songwriter, featuring an… The
Redstone Room, 7:30pm Fri Jul 12
The Kentucky Headhunters, country musicians
perform a mainstage concert in the 40th Annual… Iowa
80 Truck Stop, 1pm Sat Jul 13
The Nirvana Experience, concert with the ultimate
Nirvana tribute band including every song from
“Nevermind” as well as obscure tracks from the band’s
earlier days; $15-20; for tickets and information, call
844-852-4FUN, Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center,
7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA, RhythmCityCasino.com,
8pm Sat Jul 13
10 of Soul, a concert in the Summer Music Series; food
and beverages… Runners Park, 4pm Sun Jul 14
 6 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com

Crooked Cactus Band, free event in the 63rd Starlight

Revue Lincoln Park Concert… Lincoln Park, 7pm Tue
Jul 23

North of 40, outdoor event in the Moline Centre

Summer Concert Series; food… Bass Street Landing
Plaza, 7pm Thu Jul 25

Bettendorf Park Band: Favorites Concert, an event

in the 2019 Summer Concert Series; in case… Bill Bowe
Memorial Bandshell, 7:30pm Fri Jul 26

Tunes at the Tulip, enjoy listener-friendly music from a

variety of artists in the… Hauberg Civic Center Mansion,
7pm Fri Jul 26

Rude Punch, a concert in the Summer Music Series;

food and beverages… Runners Park, 4pm Sun Jul 28

Coupe de Ville, an event in the Summer Concert in the

Park series;… Moline Township Activity Center, 6:30pm
Mon Jul 29

Coupe de Ville, free event in the 63rd Starlight Revue

Lincoln Park Concert… Lincoln Park, 7pm Tue Jul 30

I’m with Her @ Codfish Hollow Barn – July 11 Dan + Shay, vocalists and songwriters Dan Smyers
and Shay Mooney perform a … Mississippi Valley
CONTINUED

Fairgrounds, 8pm, Tue Jul 30

MUSIC / Concerts
Bix Youth Band, held in conjunction with the 48th-
annual annual celebration of the… LeClaire Park, 6pm
Sun Jul 14
Songbird Quartet, jazz music in the 8th Annual
Summer Concert Series; held… Bettendorf Public
Library, 6:30pm Thu Jul 18
The Stone Flowers, outdoor event in the Moline
Centre Summer Concert Series; food… Bass Street
Landing Plaza, 7pm Thu Jul 18
Bob Gaston C.A.S.I. New Horizons Band, with an
ice cream social presented by CASI; in case… Bill Bowe
Memorial Bandshell, 7:30pm Fri Jul 19
Kidstock at Camp Abe Lincoln Concert, camp-
ending concert for the students who took part in
workshops… YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln, Fri Jul 19
Live @ Five: Tony Hoeppner & Friends, free, all-ages
concert in the annual courtyard series; for information,…
RME Courtyard, 5pm Fri Jul 19
Windy City Dueling Pianos, high-energy live music
played on two pianos by highly skilled… The Circa ’21
Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Jul 19
Denny Laine, concert with the classic-rock singer/
guitarist and former lead singer of… The Redstone
Room, 8pm Sat Jul 20
Moeller Nights: Exits, concert with the touring indie
rockers; $8… Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel,
7pm Sun Jul 21
Polyrhythms’ Third Sunday Jazz Workshop &
Matinee Series: Three Dawgs & a Bone, concert
with Jim Dreier on drums, Scott Barnum on bass,… The
Redstone Room, 3pm Sun Jul 21
The Stone Flowers, a concert in the Summer Music
Series; food and beverages… Runners Park, 4pm Sun
Jul 21
Troy Rangel & Friends, an event in the Summer
Concert in the Park series;… Moline Township Activity
Center, 6:30pm Mon Jul 22
Bix Society Concert, held in conjunction with the
48th-annual celebration of the area-born … Grumpy’s
Saloon, 6pm, Wed Jul 31
Brooks & Dunn. country-music duo consisting
of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn performs …
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 8pm, Wed Jul 31
Special Events
Kidstock at Camp Abe Lincoln, thru July 19; ages
8-17 enjoy an in-depth special music… YMCA Camp Abe
Lincoln, 1pm Sun Jul 14

CURRENT EXHIBITION

Randy Richmond:
Verisimilitude
JULY 6, 2019-JANUARY 5, 2020

Sponsored by: Hunt and Diane Harris Family Foundation

John Danico Family • Carolyn Levine

Randy Richmond, American b. 1963, Requiem, 2018, archival pigment print, image courtesy of the artist.

Davenport, Iowa • 563.326.7804

www.figgeartmuseum.org
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Trax from the Stax, a music-listening program
designed to provide the opportunity to share…
Bettendorf Public Library, 7:30pm Thu Jul 18
Kidstock: Session II, Mon.-Fri. thru August 2; ages 8-18
take part in workshops… RME (River Music Experience),
1pm Mon Jul 22
LITERARY ARTS
Readings & Discussions
RockTown Reads Summer Challenge, at all Rock
Island libraries; featuring reading challenges… thru
Wed Jul 31
River Valley District Library Summer Reading
Program, for readers of all ages; for information,…
River Valley District Library, thru Fri Jul 19
Summer Reading Program: It’s Showtime @ Your
Library!, interactive reading program and programs for
all… Moline Public Library, thru Sat Jul 27
See YA, join our adult book club with a teen book
twist;… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 6:30pm Mon Jul 8
Short and Sweets, a short story book club paired
with sweet treats; free;… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Mon Jul 8
Get Lit: Why Not Me?, free; for information, call
563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com…
Bettendorf Public Library, 7pm Tue Jul 9
Rambling Readers, on Thursdays; meet up for a
45-minute walk-and-talk session about… Celebration
Belle Landing, 8:30pm Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
A Novel Naptime, a book club for parents and their
preschoolers; parents discuss… Moline Public Library,
10:30am Wed Jul 17
MUSIC
Sessa Saturday, July 13, 9 p.m. @ Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL
T
ransfixing Brazilian singer-songwriter
Sessa brings his beautiful, tropicália-
informed music to the Rozz-Tox stage
on July 13.
São Paulo-born artist Sessa has put in
nearly a decade of work with psych-rock
ensemble Garotas Suecas, and in collabora-
tion with eclectic New York-based bandleader
Yonatan Gat. While Garotas Suecas bore the
obvious influence of fuzzed-out psych-pop
experimenters Os Mutantes, casting off see-
sawing jams that swung between heavy riff-
ing and gentle vocal interludes, Sessa’s solo
music aligns more closely with the catalog of
Brazilian über-kingpin Caetano Veloso. Like
Veloso, Sessa’s gorgeous voice has the poten-
tially to instantly spark goosebumps in the
listener. His voice can tumble up and down
scales with melodic precision while main-
taining a weary, almost stoned energy – as if
he’s telegraphing his voice to us through the
clouds gathering on the edge of our line of
view out over the mountains in the distance.
Listening to Grandeza, his first proper
solo album under his own name, feels like a
tour through the styles that defined the enor-
mously influential tropicália movement of
the mid-20th Century in Brazil. Indeed, the
catalog of Caetano Veloso alone can serve as a
kind of road map for the styles that Sessa tries
on here. He mostly sticks to more stripped
Abby Jeanne @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel – July 13
Brush Back, a discussion of Sara Paratsky’s book with
the 30/31 Book… Rock Island Public Library - 30/31
Branch, 6:30pm Wed Jul 17
Contemporary Books Discussion Group, free;
for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 7pm
Wed Jul 17
Book ‘em Mystery Book Club, free; for information,
call 309-524-2470… Moline Public Library, 6:30pm Thu
Jul 18
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on
My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of
down arrangements focused on guitar and
hand percussion, with flourishes of spellbind-
ing background vocals, landing somewhere
in the vicinity of Veloso’s classic one-man-
on-stage-with-a-guitar album Totalmente
Demais. Like that album, Grandeza carries
enormous weight even with its essentially
bare-bones production style. Tracks such as
“Tesão Central,” carried over percussion and
vocals only, skirt closer to the capoeira fever
dreams of Veloso’s Transa, while “Flor do
Real” evokes the lightly orchestral arrange-
ments of Veloso’s self-titled 1969 album
subtitled Álbum Branco. “Sangue Bom,”
with its slowly swelling atonal horn section
and smeared vocal wanderings channels the
hallucinogenic collage aesthetics of Veloso’s
Araçá Azul (this writer’s personal favorite of
the catalog, for what it’s worth).
If comparing Sessa’s music so directly
to Caetano Veloso feels reductive on one
hand, you have to remember that filling the
shoes of one of the giants of 20th-Century
music is no easy task, and any comparison
to Veloso’s work comes bundled with the
implicit acknowledgment that Sessa’s music
is extremely compelling and finely wrought,
regardless of influence. Also, I would feel
more guilty about the comparison if Sessa
didn’t so openly rep Veloso in the discourse
surrounding his music. He accompanies
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
Relating & Communicating, a discussion of Alan Alda’s
book with the Environmental Book Club;… River Action,
7pm Tue Jul 23
The Word is Murder, a discussion of Anthony
Horowitz’s novel with the Southwest Branch… Rock
Island Public Library - Southwest Branch, 6pm Tue Jul 23
Book to Film, we will discuss books that will soon be
made into… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 6:30pm Wed Jul 24
Last Monday Book Club Discussion, light
refreshments will be paired with good conversation,
books for … Silvis Public Library, 6:30pm Mon Jul 29
Sessa @ Rozz-Tox – July 13
Grandeza with a personal note stating that
the album is “also about my love for Brazilian
music and its many shapes and colors,” and
this sentiment comes through beautifully in
his compositions.
With album highlight “Dez Total (Filhos
de Gandhy),” Sessa makes a direct reference
to another classic in the Brazilian canon: Gil-
berto Gil and Jorge Ben’s legendary Gil e Jorge,
which itself contains a song called “Filhos
De Gandhi.” Meanwhile, the somber bossa
nova guitar of “Infi nitamente Nu” skirts
closer to the music of timeless legends (and
trópicalia precursors, to say the least) such
as Tom Jobim or João Gilberto – animated
by hyper-complex harmonies dripping with
7
The Martian, a discussion of Andy Weir’s science-
fiction novel nominated as one … Davenport Publish
Library – Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm Wed Jul 31
Workshops
Summer Book Arts Academy: Paper Marbling,
a hands-on workshop series offering community
members an opportunity to… Davenport Public Library
- Main Branch, 4:30pm Wed Jul 10
Summer Book Arts Academy: Calligraphy with
Paul from Art Legacy League, a hands-on workshop
series offering community members an opportunity
to… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 4:30pm
Wed Jul 24
THEATRE
Performances
Holiday Inn, stage musical based on the classic 1942
film starring Bing Crosby… Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse,
thru Sat Jul 20
A Green River, the Mississippi Bend Players present
Aaron Randolph III’s drama about a returning soldier
with post-traumatic stress, directed by Philip Wm.
McKinley; Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm; $10-20; for tickets
and information, call 309-794-7306, Brunner Theatre
Center, Augustana College, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
MississippiBendPlayers.com, Fri Jul 5 thru Sun Jul 14
Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning
storybook musical; scheduled performances Tue.-Sun.;
$20-30; for… Timber Lake Playhouse, Fri Jul 5 thru Sun
Jul 14
By Max Allison
strange suspensions and surprising chordal
shifts, focused above all on the lone voice of
the guitar. The effect here is one of eternal
return, of influences transcending time and
finding new life in a modern landscape in
which these sounds, while still ever-present
thanks to the Internet and streaming, might
not find such direct expression within the
work of today’s artists.
Sessa plays Rozz-Tox on July 13 with an
opening set by Dark Family, admission to the
9 p.m. concert is $10-13, and more information
is available by calling (309)200-0978 or visit-
ing Rozz-Tox.com.
 8 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
CONTINUED
THEATRE / Performances
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, family
comedy based on the fractured fairytale by Jon
Scieszka… Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Sat Jul 6
The Bacchae, Genesius Guild’s production of Euripides’
Greek tragedy, directed by Patti… Lincoln Park, 8pm Sat
Jul 6 thru Sun Jul 7
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Time Rice’s biblical-musical
classic; Thu.-Sat. 7:30pm,… Clinton Area Showboat
Theatre, Sat Jul 6 thru Sun Jul 21
Missing Link, Jack Sharkey’s slapstick marital comedy,
directed by Joe DePauw … Richmond Hill Barn Theatre,
Thu Jul 11 thru Sun Jul 21
42nd Street, Tony-winning tap musical, directed and
choreographed by Christina Myatt; Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm,
Sun. 2pm; $11-16; for tickets and information, call
309-762-6610, Quad City Music Guild - Prospect Park
Auditorium, 1584 34th Ave., Moline IL, QCMusicGuild.
com, Fri Jul 12 thru Sun Jul 21
Something Intangible, Bruce Graham’s tale of two
brothers running a movie studio in 1941, directed
by Mike Turczynski; Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 3pm; for
information and tickets, call 309-762-0330, Playcrafters
Barn Theatre, 4950 35th Ave., Moline IL, Playcrafters.com,
Fri Jul 12 thru Sun Jul 21
Hamlet, Genesius Guild’s production of William
Shakespeare’s tragedy; Sat. & Sun.… Lincoln Park, 8pm
Sat Jul 13 thru Sun Jul 21
Dan + Shay @ Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds – July 30
Charles Wesley Godwin @ RIBCO – July 12
Mamma Mia!, Tony-nominated musical smash based
on the repertoire of Swedish-pop group… Timber Lake
Playhouse, Thu Jul 18 thru Wed Jul 31
Mamma Mia!, Countryside Community Theatre’s
production of the Tony-nominated ABBA musical; Fri.…
North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium, Fri Jul 19
thru Sun Jul 28
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, family
comedy in the Magic Owl Children’s Theatre program;
$8;… Timber Lake Playhouse, 2pm Tue Jul 23 thru Tue
Jul 30
Shear Madness, slapstick mystery in which the
audience gets to question suspects… Circa ’21 Dinner
Playhouse, 7:45pm Wed Jul 24 thru Wed Jul 31
The Who’s Tommy, Tony Award-winning rock opera
based on the classic album; Thu.-Sat.… Clinton Area
Showboat Theatre, Thu Jul 25 thru Wed Jul 31
Legally Blonde: The Musical, Tony-nominated
musical based on the Reese Witherspoon film comedy;
Fri.… Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center, Fri Jul 26
thru Sun Jul 28
Dames at Sea, the Mississippi Bend Players present
the tap-dancing musical-comedy celebration of 1930s
Hollywood, directed by Shelley Cooper, music directed
by Saul Nache; Fri. & Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2pm; $10-20; for
tickets and information, call 309-794-7306, Brunner
Theatre Center, Augustana College, 3750 7th Ave., Rock
Island, IL, MississippiBendPlayers.com, Fri Jul 26 thru
Sun Jul 28
Ecclesiazusae, Genesius Guild’s production of
Aristophanes’ classical Greek comedy, adapted by…
Lincoln Park, 8pm Sat Jul 27 and Sun Jul 28
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Special Events
Readers’ Theatre: Sunday in the Park Alive, with
Chuck Oestreich; participants will read lines written with
a… Lindsay Park, 2pm Sun Jul 14
K-3rd SKIT Camp, thru July 19; students will work with
the director, music… The Spotlight Theatre, 9am Mon
Jul 15
DANCE
Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance Classes,
offering classes in Ballet Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap,
Conditioning, Creative… Ballet Quad Cities School of
Dance, thru Wed Jul 31
Steph DeLacy Master Class: Tap, join QC area
choreographer DeLacy for a cardio + technique-
driven… The Spotlight Theatre, 10am Sat Jul 13
Polka Club of Iowa, Inc., Eastern Chapter Dance:
Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen (1:30pm),
featuring the band from Mt Vernon, IA; $10/person, ages
21… Walcott Coliseum, 1:30pm Sun Jul 21
COMEDY
The Laugh Hard Comedy Show, throughout the
show, the performers do shots and toasts with… The
Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Sat Jul 6
Circumstantial Comedy Show, on Sundays; for
information, call 563-424-5506… Brew, 10pm Sun Jul 7
thru Sun Jul 28
Stand Up Comedy Open Mic, on Mondays, hosted by
Douglas Hernandez; for information, call 309-517-1944…
Broken Saddle, 8pm Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
Butchers Hook Comedy w/ Ryan Proctor, on
Tuesdays; a stand-up-comedy open mic night; for
information, call… Meat Market, 9pm Tue Jul 9 thru
Tue Jul 30
Sadhole Comedy Open Mic, on Tuesdays; every
comic gets five minutes, with the ability… Broken
Saddle, 7:30pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
ComedySportz, interactive comedy with the area’s
long-running improv troupe; $12; for… The Spotlight
Theatre, 7pm Sat Jul 13 thru Sat Jul 20
The Laugh Hard Comedy Show, event featuring
some of the funniest stand-up comedians from across…
The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Jul 26
ComedySportz Kids’ Matinee, interactive comedy
with the area’s long-running improv troupe; $12; for…
Davenport Junior Theatre, 3pm Sat Jul 27
MUSEUMS
An Austrian Overture: Classical Composers, follow
the evolution of music told through… German American
Heritage Center, thru Wed Jul 31
Better Than Sliced Bread: German Inventors &
Discovery, learn more about famous inventions and
discoveries… German American Heritage Center, thru
Wed Jul 31
Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action, featuring the
theme of action adventures popular… Family Museum,
thru Wed Jul 31
The German Immigrant Experience, visitors will
learn about immigrants’ journey by… German American
Heritage Center, thru Wed Jul 31
Fantastic Foam and More, a demonstration
by Absolute Science; you will experience items
disappearing… German American Heritage Center, 2pm
Sat Jul 6
Historic Summer Walking Tour, on Saturdays; learn
where German immigrants worked, lived, and created…
German American Heritage Center, 10:30am Sat Jul 6
thru Sat Jul 27
Fermentation 101, learn a safe, easy and economical
way to preserve food… German American Heritage
Center, 2pm Sun Jul 7
Create Your Own Superhero Camp, thru July 12,
for grades 4-6; whether you’ve never drawn… Putnam
Museum & Science Center, 9am Mon Jul 8
Museum on the Go, Family Museum staff will bring
fun, free outdoor activities for… Veterans Memorial Park,
10am Fri Jul 12
Special Needs Night, the museum will open its doors
after hours for an… Family Museum, 5:30pm Fri Jul 12
Look & Do Day, see an artist at work, then make your
own masterpiece… Family Museum, 10am Sat Jul 13
Teen Scherenschnitte Workshop: 2D Class, Keith
Bonnstetter joins us to teach the art of paper-design…
German American Heritage Center, 1pm Sat Jul 13
Teen Scherenschnitte Workshop: 3D Class, Keith
Bonnstetter joins us to teach the art of paper-design…
German American Heritage Center, 2:30pm Sat Jul 13
A German Journey: My Fascination with German
Lieder, German art songs have always been a central
part of… German American Heritage Center, 2pm Sun
Jul 14
Meteorology Mania, thru July 19, for grades 3-5; for
campers fascinated by… Putnam Museum & Science
Center, 9am Mon Jul 15
Family Date Night: To Infinity & Beyond!, join us
for a Toy Story-filled night; make your own… Family
Museum, 5:30pm Fri Jul 19
Museum on the Go, Family Museum staff will bring
fun, free outdoor activities for… Forest Grove Park, 10am
Fri Jul 19
To the Moon, on this day 50 years ago, astronauts set
foot on… Family Museum, 10am Sat Jul 20
Engineering Kids Camp: Grades 4-6, July 22 or 23;
an exciting, engaging experience for your… Putnam
Museum & Science Center, 9am Mon Jul 22 and Tue
Jul 23
Engineering Kids Camp: Grades 2-3, an exciting,
engaging experience for your young innovator; fun,
imaginative… Putnam Museum & Science Center, 9am
Wed Jul 24
Engineering Kids Camp Girls’ Day: Grades 4-8, an
exciting, engaging experience for your young innovator;
fun, imaginative… Putnam Museum & Science Center,
9am Thu Jul 25
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Engineering Kids Camp: Grades 7-8, an exciting,
engaging experience for your young innovator; fun,
imaginative… Putnam Museum & Science Center, 9am
Fri Jul 26
Museum on the Go, Family Museum staff will bring
fun, free outdoor activities for… Schwiebert Riverfront
Park, 10am Fri Jul 26
Survival: Camp Z, thru Aug. 2, for grades 4-6; join
other survivors to… Putnam Museum & Science Center,
9am Mon Jul 29
MOVIES
Coffee and a Movie Morning, includes a free movie,
coffee, light refreshments, and discussion; for… Rock
Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 9:30am Mon
Jul 8
Explore Space through Movies, on Mondays;
celebrate Summer Reading by joining us for a…
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 2pm
Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
WALL-E, a screening in the Movies at Main series; every
week… Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 2pm
Thu Jul 11
Recent Releases, see a film recently released on DVD;
free; for information,… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Fri Jul 12
Afternoon Classic Films, join us as we watch classic
films from the 1930’s-1060’s… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Wed Jul 17
Captain Marvel, a screening in the Marvel Movie
Nights series; free; for… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, 5:30pm Thu Jul 18
Cinema at Southwest, a free movie and light
refreshments; for information, call 309-732-7323… Rock
Island Public Library - Southwest Branch, 10am Thu Jul
18
Muppets from Space, a screening in the Movies at
Main series; every week… Davenport Public Library -
Main Branch, 2pm Thu Jul 18
Apollo 11, a screening of the documentary in the 50th
anniversary of… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown
Library, 10am Fri Jul 19
Mars Needs Moms, a screening in the Movies at Main
series; every week… Davenport Public Library - Main
Branch, 2pm Thu Jul 25
SPORTS
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Beloit Snappers,
minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information,
call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines
St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Thu Jul 4
Hairbanger’s Ball @ Daiquiri Factory –July 20
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Beloit Snappers,
minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information,
call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines
St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Fri Jul 5
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Cedar Rapids
Kernels, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 6:35pm Sat Jul 6
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Cedar Rapids
Kernels, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 5:15pm Sun Jul 7
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Cedar Rapids
Kernels, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 6:35pm Mon Jul 8
John Deere Classic, annual professional golf
tournament on the PGA Tour… TPC at Deere Run, Mon
Jul 8 thru Sun Jul 14
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Dayton Dragons,
minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information,
call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines
St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Wed Jul 17
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Dayton Dragons,
minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information,
call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines
St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Thu Jul 18
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Dayton Dragons,
minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information,
call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines
St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Fri Jul 19
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Bowling Green Hot
Rods, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 6:35pm Sat Jul 20
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Bowling Green Hot
Rods, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 5:15pm Sun Jul 21
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Bowling Green Hot
Rods, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 1:15pm Mon Jul 22
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Peoria Chiefs, minor-
league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information, call
563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines St,
Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Wed Jul 24
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Peoria Chiefs, minor-
league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information, call
563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines St,
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
THEATRE
The Mississippi Bend Players’
A Green River
Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 14 @ Augustana College’s
Brunner Theatre Center, 3750 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island, IL
Keenan Odenkirk and Marjorie Gast in A Green River – July 5 through 14
D
irected by acclaimed Broadway
veteran Philip Wm. McKinley and
written by gifted local playwright
Aaron Randolph III, the intense and
moving drama A Green River, running
July 5 through 14, serves as the second
production in the Mississippi Bend Play-
ers’ military-themed summer season, an
exhilarating work described by the River
Cities’ Reader’s Thom White as “not to be
missed – not only for being exceptional
theatre, but for carrying an important and
timely message.”
In A Green River, former football hero
and Army soldier Erik White, having
been stationed overseas, has returned
home to a world he no longer recognizes.
Haunted by his past and unable to fully
confront his post-traumatic stress, Erik
must consequently face the challenges of
everyday life – including his relationships
with his wife and family – while continu-
ing to struggle with a war he can’t leave
behind. A breathtaking drama presented
in an almost cinematic style, A Green
River mixes naturalistic dialogue with a
non-linear structure that allows the audi-
ence to truly experience a troubled soldier’s
state of mind, resulting in what the Argus/
Dispatch’s Jonathan Turner deemed “a
powerful, profound play” that is “dead-on,
heartrendingly real.”
The Mississippi Bend Players’ presenta-
tion of A Green River stands as the drama’s
first professional production, having been
previously produced at Davenport’s QC
Theatre Workshop in July of 2013 and
Augustana College that December. With
the work’s eight-person ensemble on stage
for the whole of its intermission-less 90
minutes, this new presentation boasts
all-new staging by director McKinley, the
MBP’s Executive Artistic Director whose
Broadway résumé includes Spider-Man:
Turn Off the Dark and the Tony-winning
9
The Boy from Oz. McKinley’s previ-
ous MBP credits include helming 2017’s
Zombie Prom and last year’s world-pre-
miere comedy Beginner’s Luck, and addi-
tional area productions directed by the
artist include the Curtainbox Theatre
Company’s Wit and St. Ambrose Univer-
sity’s world premiere Créme de Coco.
Playwright Randolph, the artistic direc-
tor of the QC Theatre Workshop, has writ-
ten extensively for local venues, his other
works including the Workshop’s world
premiere of Broken and adaptations of The
Little Prince and Inheritors, St. Ambrose
University’s The Plagiarists, and Davenport
Junior Theatre’s 20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea. A Green River protagonist Erik White
and his lifelong love Amy are portrayed by
Keenan Odenkirk and Marjorie Gast, MBP
veterans who appeared in last season’s pro-
ductions of The Glass Menagerie, Big River,
and Beginner’s Luck. And completing the
show’s ensemble are fellow MBP veterans
Megan Cox (Brighton Beach Memoirs),
Jeremy Mahr (Wait Until Dark), Shel-
ley Cooper (director of Big River and the
forthcoming Dames at Sea), and Reader
employee and MBP Producing Artis-
tic Director Mike Schulz (Biloxi Blues);
Augustana graduate Joshua Malone (New
Ground Theatre’s Elephant’s Graveyard);
and Danny Fapp, an Arizona-based actor
making his MBP debut.
A Green River will be staged at Augusta-
na’s Brunner Theatre Center July 5 through
14, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fri-
days and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $15-20, with discounted $10
admission for all military and veterans, and
each performance will feature a talk-back
and Q&A session with military veterans and
the show’s cast and director. For more infor-
mation and reservations, call (309)794-7306
or visit MississippiBendPlayers.com.
10 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
MUSIC
Black Pumas and Los Coast
Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 304 East Third Street, Davenport, IA
T
wo flavors of beat-heavy, exploratory soul/
R&B come to Davenport’s Triple Crown
Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel on July 16 in
the form of the Austin-based bands Black Pumas
and Los Coast.
Black Pumas have been making waves on
national and international touring circuits with
their brand of genre-melding omni-pop that
combines eminently pleasing vocals in the spirit
of classic soul icons such as Sam Cooke and Otis
Redding with an eclectic production style that culls
in magpie fashion from numerous pop and soul
traditions. Lead singer Eric Burton sits at the shin-
ing center of each arrangement, belting out vowel-
smearing vocal lines that rise from a low rumble up
into soaring falsetto moments. He carries with him
an undeniable star power, and a confidence on the
mic that translates perfectly from controlled studio
sessions to the realm of live performance.
The first moment that Burton’s voice hits each
arrangement brings with it a kind of pleasant
anachronistic surprise, as his delivery seems so
acutely tuned into the earliest era of soul music,
back when the institutions of gospel and religious
music draped over and influenced the style of
increasingly mainstream R&B. Meanwhile, R&B
sought to break from tradition and establish its
own set of tropes and lyrical themes that could
exist outside of the strict tenets of liturgical music.
Cut to modern day, and Black Pumas’ music finds
Burton singing with a passion and intensity that
UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, July 13, 8 PM
Tickets: $15 in Advance
$20 Day of Show
would be as much at home in a church service as in
a small, steamy venue splashed with low lighting
and swirls of smoke gathering in the corners.
The band’s production straddles eras and tradi-
tions in a similar fashion, as any given track will flit
from lush passages of Al Green-core soul balladry,
draped in dry, layered guitar chords and swirls of
electric keyboard and organ, out into interludes
of loose-limbed live and programmed percus-
sion that land closer to the post J Dilla beats and
throwback soul acts such as Meyer Hawthorne or
Aloe Blacc on the roster of Stones Throw Records.
Grammy-winning producer/guitarist Adrian
Quesada can take credit for the hyper-professional
level of production quality here, as these tracks
seem primed to bump from car speakers on a hot
summer evening, or color in the atmosphere on the
soundtrack of any modern TV drama. Quesada’s
percussion-heavy production style sets the drums
and bass in the forefront of his mixes, resulting in
a more active series of grooves for Burton’s vocals
to weave through, as the more treble elements pop
into view in a loose mosaic of contrasting voices.
Black Pumas’ self-titled debut album just landed
in in late June, and the band deftly proves that they
can hold our attention of the course of an entire
full-length. Highlight “Fire” jitters with a rattling
Mission: Impossible-core guitar line that immedi-
ately calls Portishead “Sour Times” to mind, but
Quesada spices up the arrangement even more
with flights of tightly harmonized horns that call
Thursday, August 1, 8 PM
Tickets: $15 in Advance
$20 Day of Show
Must be 21 years or older to attend.
®
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
By Max Allison
Black Pumas @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel – July 16
back more directly to hazy reggae and dub produc- vocal style. Still capable of breaking into higher
tion. The band strips away some of the embellish- registers when the time calls for it, Privott spends
ments for the gorgeous ballad “OCT 33,” which most of his vocal takes in a raw, half-sung shout
sports a slow-descending, chromatic chord pro- style that meshes well with the band’s more upbeat
gression that channels “While My Guitar Gently tracks. Guitarist John Courtney leaps into the spot-
Weeps,” as seen through the lens of early soul. light every so often with a fiery solo that sparks the
Burton shines here, as his vocals crest into gor- band’s compositions closer to the world of psy-
geous upper register moments while the produc- chedelic jam band fare, or southern rock á la The
tion slowly introduces Wurlizter organs, bongos, Allman Brothers. Watching live videos, you can
and subtle background vocals. visibly witness his bandmates start to grin when
Fellow Austin band Los Coast provides a nice his solos start to heat up against their winding
complement to Black Pumas’ music, and makes backbeats.
perfect sense as a fellow touring act. Their music
falls closer to groovy, party-starting funk, ani- Black Pumas and Los Coast play the Triple
mated by bouncy organ lines and skronky guitar Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel on July 16,
work. Lead singer Trey Privott wails into the mic admission to the 7 p.m. show is $15, and more infor-
in a charmingly gruff, rough-around-the-edges mation is available by visiting MoellerNights.com.
CARLOS
MENCIA
Sunday, August 11, 7 PM
Tickets: $25 - $35
Mature audiences only.
All tickets available for purchase inside Rhythm City at The Market, by
phone at 563.328.8000 or online at rhythmcitycasino.com.
 Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
CONTINUED
SPORTS
Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Thu Jul 25
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Peoria Chiefs, minor-
league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and information, call
563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines St,
Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/tickets, 6:35pm
Fri Jul 26
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Burlington
Bees, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 6:35pm Tue Jul 30
Quad Cities River Bandits vs Burlington
Bees, minor-league baseball; $5-14; for tickets and
information, call 563-324-3000, Modern Woodmen Park,
209 S Gaines St, Davenport IA, MILB.com/quad-cities/
tickets, 6:35pm Wed Jul 31
OTHER EVENTS
Fireworks Watch Party, gather your family and enjoy
the riverfront fireworks of Red… Quad City Botanical
Center, 7pm Wed Jul 3
Red, White and Bloom Fireworks Watch Party, bring
your picnic basket and enjoy the fireworks from our…
Quad City Botanical Center, 7pm Wed Jul 3
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show, on
Wednesdays & Sundays; the one-hour, fun-filled family
show is… Backwater Gamblers Home Show Site, 6:30pm
thru Wed Jul 31
2019 Firecracker Run & Parade, the run starts at
7:30am with the parade at 1pm… Downtown East
Moline, 7:30am Thu Jul 4
First Friday in LeClaire, with fun food and cocktail
sampling at the Mississippi River… Downtown LeClaire,
5pm Fri Jul 5
Viva La Divas Drag Show, featuring award-winning
performers from across the Midwest; $10-12; for
tickets… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Jul 5
Nature Hike, join a naturalist for a guided hike along
the trails… Nahant Marsh, 9am Sat Jul 6
Cruise-in Cookout, free to attend with or without a
car; for information,… Moline Viking Club, 4:30pm Tue
Jul 9
Go ALL in QC:2019 Improvements Tour, see this
process up close with other Davenport Public Library…
Scott Area Recycling Center, 10:30am Tue Jul 9
An Afternoon of Bunco with the Friends of
the Library, enjoy an afternoon of game play and
Denny Laine @ The Redstone Room – July 20
conversation with friends;… River Valley District Library,
1pm Wed Jul 10
40th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree, annual
celebration featuring an Antique Truck Display, Super
Trucks Beauty… Iowa 80 Truck Stop, Thu Jul 11 thru
Sat Jul 13
Bottom’s Up Quad City Burlesque Student
Showcase, local burlesque with the Quad Cities’
premiere troupe and its… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm
Sat Jul 13
Pagan Pride Festival QC, inaugural festival music,
dancing, vendors, live glass-blowing, and more; for…
Institute of Therapeutic Massage, 10am Sat Jul 13
Tree Planting in Pigeon Creek Park, volunteers will
be planting 100 hardwood trees in a five… Pigeon Creek
Park, 9am Sat Jul 13
Social Conversations, practice your English with no
pressure, and make friends from… Davenport Public
Library - Main Branch, 4pm Wed Jul 17
2019 Rock Island County Fair, annual outdoor
festival with carnival rides, games,… Rock Island County
Fairgrounds, Wed Jul 17 thru Sat Jul 20
Steak Fry, guests have the option to cook their own
steak or… Moline Viking Club, Fri Jul 19
Cars & Coffee on the Levee, … LeClaire Levee, 8am
Sat Jul 20
Night Sky Viewing with the Popular Astronomy
Club, Jupiter, Saturn, M51 (Whirlpool galaxy), Garnet
Star and other beautiful… Niabi Zoo, 8pm Sat Jul 20
Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises, cruises
at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; for information, call 800-331-
1467… Riverboat Twilight, 11am Sat Jul 20
Bottom’s Up Quad City Burlesque, local burlesque
with the Quad Cities’ premiere troupe and area… The
Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Sat Jul 20 thru Sat Jul 27
Summer Genealogy Night Potluck, join us for
an event of genealogical fun and camaraderie;…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 3pm Sun Jul 21
Quad City Music Guild Tour, hosted by the Moline
Public Library; free; for information, call 309-524-2470,
Quad City Music Guild - Prospect Park Auditorium, 1584
34th Ave., Moline IL, MolineLibrary.com, 2pm Wed Jul 24
48th Annual Street Fest, annual outdoor party on
2nd Street featuring live music,… Downtown Davenport,
Fri Jul 26 thru Sat Jul 27
2019 Quad-City Times Bix 7, covering seven miles,
runners from around the world compete in… Downtown
Davenport, 8am Sat Jul 27
Chess Club, free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or
e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public
Library, 11:30am Sat Jul 27
2019 Mississippi Valley Fair, annual outdoor fair with
contests, games, live music, pageants, food... Mississippi
Valley Fairgrounds, Tue Jul 30 and Wed Jul 31
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
Phil Vassar Charity Concert @ The Rust Belt – July 8
LECTURES
Set Sail with Don Allebach, a Channel Cat Talk hosted
by River Action; participants tour… Riverbend Commons
Dock, 9am Wed Jul 3
WWII Lecture Series: Battle of the Atlantic, with
Kevin Braflaadt of the Rock Island Arsenal; this is an…
River Valley District Library, 2pm Tue Jul 9
Raptors Along the River with Naturalist Dave
Murcia, a Channel Cat Talk hosted by River Action;
participants tour… Riverbend Commons Dock, 9am Tue
Jul 9 and Thu Jul 11
Photography: On and Near the River with Brian
Tugana, a Channel Cat Talk hosted by River Action;
participants tour… Riverbend Commons Dock, 9am
Wed Jul 10
World War II History Series: Battle of the Atlantic,
follow the path of World War II in talks by… Rock Island
Public Library - Downtown Library, 6pm Wed Jul 10
World War II Lecture Series: Battle of the Atlantic,
follow the path of World War II in talks by… Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Wed Jul 10
Barge Fleeting with Walt Bassow, River Action
hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Upper Mississippi… River
Action, 6:30pm Wed Jul 10
Energy Healing: The Journey into Healing, a Quad
Cities Institute of Noetic Sciences meeting with a…
Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu Jul 11
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald: A Brief
History of the Kennedy Family, delve into the history
and stories of the Kennedy family… Black Hawk College
Outreach Center, 9:30am Thu Jul 11
Barge Fleeting with Walt Bassow, River Action
hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Upper Mississippi… River
Action, 9am Sat Jul 13
Coffee Chemist, Dunn Brothers Coffee will show you
the journey to crafting… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 2pm Sat Jul 13
Sylvan Island Area: History, Recreation, and
Sustainability, Dr. Norm Moline, Augustana College,
River Action hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Sylvan
Island… River Action, 6:30pm Wed Jul 17
Historic Bridges of the Quad Cities with Historian
Curtis Roseman, Ph.D, a Channel Cat Talk hosted by
River Action; participants tour… Riverbend Commons
Dock, 9am Thu Jul 18
The Kennedy Tragedies and Scandals, delve into
the history and stories of the Kennedy family… Black
Hawk College Outreach Center, 9:30am Thu Jul 18
11
Sylvan Island Area: History, Recreation, and
Sustainability, Dr. Norm Moline, Augustana College,
River Action hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Sylvan
Island… River Action, 9am Sat Jul 20
Produce: Picking the Good and Not the Bad, Anne
Haring will take some of the anxiety about buying…
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch,
6:30pm Mon Jul 22
“Where Does All the Sand and Gravel Come
From?” with Brian Dockery of RiverStone Group,
a Channel Cat Talk hosted by River Action; participants
tour… Riverbend Commons Dock, 9am Tue Jul 23 and
Thu Jul 25
Quarters One: Jewel of the Island, learn about
Quarters One, the second-largest federal residence in
the… Quad City Botanical Center, 11:30am Wed Jul 24
Historic Moline with historian Curtis Roseman,
River Action hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Moline
waterfront… River Action, 6:30pm Wed Jul 24
Camelot, delve into the history and stories of the
Kennedy family… Black Hawk College Outreach Center,
9:30am Thu Jul 25
Historic Moline with historian Curtis Roseman,
River Action hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Moline
waterfront… River Action, 9am Sat Jul 27
Beiderbecke and Bellson with Josh Duffee of the
Bix Society, a Channel Cat Talk hosted by River Action;
participants tour... Riverbend Commons Dock, 9am Tue
Jul 30
River Confluence: Historical Importance,
Recreations Potentials with Dr. Norm Moline, River
Action hosts a Riverine Walk; meet at Hennepin Lock
31… River Action, 6:30pm Wed Jul 31
COURSES
Lunchtime Meditation Class, Tue.-Thu.; learn how to
create inner peace and contentment through… Lamrim
Kadampa Buddhist Center, noon thru Wed Jul 31
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Nutrition Classes, learn about the Buy. Eat. Live
Healthy program at 563-359-7577;… thru Wed Jul 31
Thursday Meditation Class, on Thursdays; learn how
to meditate and use mindfulness practices… Lamrim
Kadampa Buddhist Center, 6:30pm Thu Jul 4 thru Thu
Jul 25
Adulting 101, on Saturdays; this series of seven classes
is designed to… River Valley District Library, 11am Sat
Jul 6 thru Sat Jul 20
12 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
CONTINUED
COURSES
Buddhist Studies Class, on Sundays; take a deep dive
into Buddhist thought and… Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist
Center, 5pm Sun Jul 7 thru Sun Jul 28
Sunday Buddhism Class, on Sundays; learn how to
cultivate positive states of mind… Lamrim Kadampa
Buddhist Center, 11am Sun Jul 7 thru Sun Jul 28
Highway Construction Careers Training Program
Orientation Session, the 13-week program starting
August 12 aims to increase the… Black Hawk College -
Quad City Campus, 2pm Mon Jul 8
How to Tech Series, on Mondays; discuss a new app
or website; bring your… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 3pm Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul
22
Rock Island Meditation Class, on Tuesdays; learn
how to meditate and use mindfulness practices… Quad
City Botanical Center, 6:45pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Book-a-Librarian, one-on-one technology and
reference assistance by appointment; reserve a half-
hour… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library,
9am Fri Jul 12
Book-a-Librarian, one-on-one technology and
reference assistance by appointment; reserve a half-
hour… Rock Island Public Library - 30/31 Branch, 9am
Fri Jul 19
Cooking with Catalina, learn how to make Aguas
Frescas (Fruit Slushies); recipe sheets… Silvis Public
Library, 1pm Sat Jul 20
Generational Perspectives, an overview of the core
skills employed in patient advocacy;… Black Hawk
College Outreach Center, 5:30pm Wed Jul 24
Book-a-Librarian, one-on-one technology and
reference assistance by appointment; reserve a half-
hour… Rock Island Public Library - Southwest Branch,
9am Fri Jul 26
MEETINGS
Quad City Go Club Weekly Meetup, on Wednesdays;
beginners and masters of the board game welcome…
Rozz-Tox, 5:30pm thru Wed Jul 31
Goose Hollow Meditation Garden, at 1006 Western
Ave., Davenport; for information, call 309-236-7113;
free;… Goose Hollow, thru Wed Jul 31
Ecumenical Fellowship Church Luncheon,
lunchtime discussion; for information, call 309-236-7113
… Greatest Grains, noon Sat Jul 6
Victims of Animal Control, lunchtime discussion; for
information, call 309-236-7113… Greatest Grains, noon
Sat Jul 6
Victims of DHS, lunchtime discussion; for information,
call 309-236-7113… Greatest Grains, noon Sat Jul 6
Home Bible Study/Vesper Services w/ Pot Luck,
on Sundays in parsonage; for information and directions,
call 309-236-7113… 6pm Sun Jul 7 thru Sun Jul 28
LeClaire Chamber Networking Event, … Mississippi
River Distilling Company & Cody Road Cocktail House,
5:30pm Tue Jul 9
Fireside Knitters, on Tuesdays; adult knitting group
from beginner to expert; free;… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 5:30pm Tue Jul 9 thru
Tue Jul 30
Gettin’ Stitchy With It, for anyone with an itch to
stitch, whether you are… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, 2pm Thu Jul 25
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
HEALTH
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Nutrition Classes, learn about the Buy. Eat. Live
Healthy program at 563-359-7577;… thru Wed Jul 31
Seeking Life-Coaching Research Study
Participants, three free Life Coaching sessions, contact
Dr. LeBlanc at bleblanc@mymail.bhc.edu;… thru Wed
Jul 31
Meditation Garden, open for prayer sunrise to sunset;
for information, call 309-236-7113… Meditation Garden,
thru Wed Jul 31
Wisdom and Wellness, learn health and wellness skills
from area experts; a new… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 4pm Wed Jul 3
NAMI Peer Support Group, on the 2nd & 4th Mon. of
the month; the… Butterworth Center, 6:30pm Mon Jul 8
thru Mon Jul 22
Buddhist Meditation, on Tuesdays; for information,
call 309-794-0991 or email vs@qcgardens.com… Quad
City Botanical Center, 7pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Families Anonymous Group, on Tuesdays; for those
whose lives have been affected by a… The Spotlight
Theatre, 7pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Yoga, on Tuesdays; for information, call 309-794-0991…
Quad City Botanical Center, 5pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul
30
Zumba, Thursdays thru Aug. 15; Zumba combines
motivating music and high energy… Black Hawk College
- Quad City Campus, 7pm Thu Jul 11
SENIORS
Bunco, on Wednesdays; $2-5; for information, call 563-
386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm thru
Wed Jul 31
Cribbage, on Wednesdays; $2-5; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm
thru Wed Jul 31
Early Bird Bingo, on Wednesdays; no admission fee,
card costs are $0.25 &… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
6pm thru Wed Jul 31
Energizing Yoga, on Wednesdays; $7-10; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 2pm thru Wed Jul 31
Pinochle, on Wednesdays; $2-5; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm
thru Wed Jul 31
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), on
Wednesdays; 11:30am weigh-in, noon meeting; $1; for
information, call… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
11:30am thru Wed Jul 31
T’ai Chi Ch’un, on Wednesdays; $24-36/6 weeks; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 10:25am thru Wed Jul 31
Zumba Gold, on Wednesdays; $3-5; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am
thru Wed Jul 31
Reflexology Clinic, on Wed. & Thu.; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm
thru Wed Jul 31
Billiards, Mon.-Fri.; $2; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 8am thru Wed
Jul 31
Low-Impact Exercise, Mon.-Fri.; $2-5; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am
thru Wed Jul 31
Senior Bingo, free; for information, call 309-755-9614…
East Moline Public Library, 3pm Thu Jul 4
Knitting & Crocheting, on Thursdays; volunteer club;
for information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 12:30pm Thu Jul 4 thru Thu Jul 25
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Line Dancing II, on Thursdays; $3-5; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
2:30pm Thu Jul 4 thru Thu Jul 25
New Horizons Band Practice, on Thursdays; $2-5; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 12:30pm Thu Jul 4 thru Thu Jul 25
Euchre, on Thursdays & Fridays; $2-5; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
12:45pm Thu Jul 4 thru Fri Jul 26
CASI Book Club, $2-5; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am Fri Jul 5
Ceramics I & II, on Fridays; $7-11; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am Fri
Jul 5 thru Fri Jul 26
Golden Tones Chorus Practice, on Fridays; $2-5; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9am Fri Jul 5 thru Fri Jul 26
Senior Theatre: Second Avenue Players, on Fridays;
$2-5; for information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 10:30am Fri Jul 5 thru Fri Jul 26
Zumba, on Fridays; $3-5; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 8am Fri Jul 5
thru Fri Jul 26
Bridge, on Mondays & Fridays; $2-5; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 12:30pm
Fri Jul 5 thru Mon Jul 29
Ceramics I, on Mondays & Fridays; $7-11; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9:30am Fri Jul 5 thru Mon Jul 29
Genesis Blood Pressure Checks, on Mondays; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9am Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
Genesis Foot Clinic, on Mon. & Tue.; reservations
required; for information, call 563-320-3978… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 8am Mon Jul 8 thru Mon
Jul 29
Shuffleboard, on Mondays; $2-5; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 2:15pm
Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
Ugly Quilts, on Mondays; no sewing experience
necessary; free; for information, call… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 8am Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
Zumba Gold Toning, on Mondays; $3-5; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 10:15am Mon Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
Movie Matinee, $2-5; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Jul 9
Canasta, on Tuesdays; $2-5; for information, call 563-
386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Jul
9 thru Tue Jul 30
Line Dancing I, on Tuesdays; $3-5; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am Tue
Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Line Dancing Lesson, on Tuesdays; free; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 8:30am Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Senior Technology Clinic, on Tuesdays; $5-7; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 1pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Spiritual Devotions, on Tuesdays; free; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 8am Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Grief Support Group, donations encouraged; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9:30am Wed Jul 10
Walgreens Medication Review & Blood Pressure
Check, free; for information, call 563-386-7477… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 10am Thu Jul 18
Classic Movie, $2-5; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Jul 23
Grief Support Group, donations encouraged; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9:30am Wed Jul 24
KIDS’ STUFF
Computer Gaming, on Wednesdays; kids are invited to
play Minecraft, Roblox, and… Davenport Public Library -
Main Branch, 3pm thru Wed Jul 31
Once Upon a Wednesday Storytime, on
Wednesdays; free; for information, call 563-326-7832…
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6pm
thru Wed Jul 31
STEAM-A-Rama, on Wednesdays; themed
programming for grades K - 5; free;… Moline Public
Library, 2pm thru Wed Jul 31
Starfinder Adventures, on Wednesdays; registration
required; free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or
e-mail… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm thru Wed Jul 31
Teen Gaming, on Wednesdays; hang out with friends
and try out new… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 3pm thru Wed Jul 31
Toddler Storytime, on Wednesdays; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am thru Wed Jul 31
Toddler Tales Storytime, for ages 5 & under; each
storytime features multiple stories… Rock Island Public
Library - Southwest Branch, 10:30am thru Wed Jul 24
Yoga & Stories, on Wednesdays; free; for information,
call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.
com… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm thru Wed Jul
24
Preschool Storytime, Tue.-Fri. at 10am and Mon. at
6:30pm; for information, call… Bettendorf Public Library,
thru Wed Jul 31
Space Camp: Galaxy Slime, registration required;
free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am
Wed Jul 3
TAB Craft Volunteer Time, on Thursdays; drop-in and
help the Teen Advisory Board prep… Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Thu Jul 4 thru
Thu Jul 25
Teen Advisory Board (TAB), free, but registration
required; for information, call 309-523-3440… River
Valley District Library, 5pm Fri Jul 5
YA Crafts: Binary Beading, join Ms. Jade to make a
beaded pin using binary… River Valley District Library,
6pm Fri Jul 5
Baby Storytime, on Fridays; free; for information, call
563-326-7832… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 10am Fri Jul 5 thru Fri Jul 26
Story Travelers, free; for information, call 563-344-
4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf
Public Library, 2pm Sat Jul 6
Book Buddies, recommended for ages 0-4; free; for
information, e-mail admin@silvislibrary.org or… Silvis
Public Library, 10am Sat Jul 6 thru Sat Jul 20
Child’s Play | Create : Explore : Experience, on
Saturdays; free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or
e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public
Library, 10am Sat Jul 6 thru Sat Jul 27
Sunday Funday, for information, call 309-794-0991…
Quad City Botanical Center, 1pm Sun Jul 7
2019 Eco-Kids Camp, thru July 12; ages 5-12 are
invited to a weeklong morning… Quad City Botanical
Center, 9am Mon Jul 8
3D Moon Phases, learn about the the lunar cycle
while making clay models… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 2pm Mon Jul 8
Art with the Figge for Teens, make an advanced art
project with the help of art… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, 1pm Mon Jul 8
Cartoon Camp, thru July 11 for grades 1-8; basic
cartooning from funny… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 9am Mon Jul 8
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
THEATRE
Seasons of Love Songs: Holiday Inn
Through Saturday, July 20 @ Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse,
1828 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL
P
araphrasing from the latest presenta-
tion at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse,
“If you need musical medication, the
Holiday Inn fi lls the prescription.” And
opening night for this Irving Berlin spectacle
was certainly therapeutic, delivering a fan-
tastic, high-energy, fast-paced, never-a-dull-
moment performance. With its seasoned
dancers and strong vocals, you’ll thoroughly
enjoy this production. It does not disappoint.
That Friday’s show was dedicated to the
talented former Bootlegger Tom Lawrence,
who recently passed away. Tom, worked at
Circa ’21 for nearly 30 years, was also my
coworker and close friend during my own
performing-wait-staff days, and as the the-
atre’s producer Dennis Hitchcock said in his
opening-night announcements, “Tom had
the voice of a 1940s crooner.” As for the cur-
rent team of Bootleggers, they put on a ter-
rific pre-show, as usual.
Based on the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire
fi lm, Holiday Inn delivers lively Irving Berlin
songs such as “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”
and “Blue Skies.” And displaying a lot of pep
in his step, Tristan Tapscott, portraying the
Crosby character Jim Hardy, knocked it out
of the park with stellar vocals and an overall
engaging performance. He definitely left it all
on the stage.
Set in August of 1946, Holiday Inn finds
the song-and-dance trio of Hardy, Ted
Hanover (Will Nash Broyles), and Lila Dixon
(Erin Churchill) performing at a club in New
York City. Jim proposes to Lila, telling her
that he bought a farm in Midville, Connecti-
cut, and wants to leave show business for a
simpler life, but Lila is not so crazy about
the idea. Meanwhile, Ted and his manager
Danny (Tom Walljasper) book the trio for
a six-week tour that Jim decides not to join,
and Ted and Lila proceed with the tour as a
duo. Jim consequently meets Linda Mason
(Brooke Myers), an aspiring performer-
turned-schoolteacher who previously lived
on the newly bought farm, and the pair strike
up a romance. Linda then introduces Jim to
Louise Badger (Morgan Dayley), a spunky,
overly enthusiastic farmhand, and together
they come up with a plan to launch holiday
productions at the inn.
Dayley’s tall stature certainly made her
stand out, but her acting chops made an even
bigger impression on me – she was obnox-
iously funny and commanded the stage
during every moment of her performance.
Myers and Tapscott exquisitely blended their
voices to create beautiful harmonies as they
gazed into each other’s eyes. Stepping into
a very adult-like role, young Julian Ander-
son lacked no confidence in his portrayal of
Charlie Winslow, a local boy who represents
the bank that’s trying to collect a bill for back
taxes. Winslow was adorable as he cruised
13
By Rochelle Arnold
Ensemble members in Holiday Inn
around on a scooter delivering the news
that Jim was in the red. And although Wal-
ljasper’s role as Ted’s high-strung manager
Danny was small, he once again brought his
unique, personal, always-entertaining flair
for character work.
The entire Holiday Inn ensemble danced
their hearts out, and at one point near the
end of the first act, in the “Shaking the Blues
Away” number choreographed by direc-
tor Shane Hall, the cast even tap-danced
while jumping rope. Another favorite dance
number came during the Independence Day
sequence, as Broyles threw imaginary fire-
crackers as he simultaneously tap-danced
in circles. But really, with its music direc-
tion by Ron May and sound design by Bret
Churchill, the entire show was captivating.
The scenic artistry by Jeff Weber and
Morgan Griffin was very pleasing to the eye
while being sweetly simple, consisting of
items such as a gigantic champagne bottle
and oversized silver bells with holly that
dangled from the set. Alex Hanna’s light-
ing design also complemented the stage
with a glowing, warm effect that made the
farm look truly inviting. And the costume
designs by Gregory Hiatt were extravagant
and smart, with the women decked out in
colorful and intricate bonnets with full
flower foliage during the “Easter Parade”
sequence. All of Hiatt’s costumes, though,
were topnotch, with great fits and looks that
reflected the 1940s.
Holiday Inn kept my attention the entire
time because it moved from scene to scene
quite quickly and nothing seemed to drag at
all – which, for a musical, was quite refresh-
ing. Once again, I found myself in awe of the
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse and the high level
of talent that it brings to the Quad Cities.
Holiday Inn runs at the Circa ’21 Dinner
Playhouse (1828 Third Avenue, Rock Island)
through July 20, and more information and
tickets are available by calling (309)786-7733
extension 2 or visiting Circa21.com.
 14 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
CONTINUED
KIDS’ STUFF
David Casas Magic Camp for Ages 13-15, thru
July 12; students will learn basic sleight of hand… The
Spotlight Theatre, 4:30pm Mon Jul 8
David Casas Magic Camp for Ages 9-12, thru July 12;
students will learn basic sleight of hand… The Spotlight
Theatre, 3pm Mon Jul 8
Drawing for the Portfolio, thru July 11, for grades
6-12; ideal for teens who… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 1pm Mon Jul 8
Kids’ Constellation Canvas Art, join Ms. Cathy for
part one of a two part… River Valley District Library,
10am Mon Jul 8
QCCAN Reading Dogs, QCCAN’s Reading Assistance
Dogs are specially trained, along with their… Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 5:30pm Mon
Jul 8
STEAM Hogwarts for Muggles, thru July 11, for
grades K-6; learn about the science… Bereskin Gallery &
Art Academy, 9am Mon Jul 8
STEAMazing Science & Art: Art with the Figge,
hands-on fun and learning for grades K-6; free; for
information,… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown
Library, 3pm Mon Jul 8
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #5, thru July
12, for ages 10-13; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 9:30am
Mon Jul 8
Teen Groot Planters, you know you want a little
Guardian of the Galaxy… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 3pm Mon Jul 8
Video Gaming for Teens & Tweens, we will be
playing the Nintendo Switch and the NES… River Valley
District Library, 1pm Mon Jul 8
Jolly Rancher Readers, join us for book talks, games,
and a summer play;… Silvis Public Library, 4pm Mon Jul
8 thru Mon Jul 29
Preschool Storytime, on Mondays; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832… Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 3:30pm Mon Jul 8 thru
Mon Jul 29
Preschool Storytime, on Mondays; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Mon Jul 8 thru
Mon Jul 29
Tales for Tots!, on Mondays; ages birth to age three
and a caregiver… Bettendorf Public Library, 10am Mon
Jul 8 thru Mon Jul 29
A Universe of Stories: Magic the Gathering
Booster Box Draft, registration required; free;
for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm
Tue Jul 9
Dance Spectacular Productions presents Outer
Space Buddies, this interactive children’s educational
program infuses dance and anti-bullying; we’re…
LeClaire Community Library, 2pm Tue Jul 9
KinderNature, free admission, with a storytime and
crafts; for information, call… Quad City Botanical Center,
10:30am Tue Jul 9
Petite Picassos Story & Art, hands-on creation
experience for ages five and under includes a… Rock
Island Public Library - 30/31 Branch, 10:30am Tue Jul 9
Skate City, QCA Library Night, participants of River
Valley District Library’s Summer Reading Program may…
River Valley District Library, 6pm Tue Jul 9
Teen Pop with a Cop, a Silvis Police Officer will chat
with teens and answer… Silvis Public Library, 5pm Tue
Jul 9
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Blackfoot Gypsies @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel – July 14
Girls Who Code, on Tuesdays; an after-school club
for girls in 6th through… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 3pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Pajama Storytime, on Tuesdays; free; for information,
call 563-326-7832… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 6pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Space Foodcraft, on Tuesdays; create the best snacks
found in this galaxy or… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 3pm Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Stories in the Park, on Tuesdays; free; for information,
call 563-326-7832… Vander Veer Botanical Park, 11am
Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Teen & Tween Summer Afternoon Movie, on
Tuesdays; join us for some new and classic movies that…
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 2pm
Tue Jul 9 thru Tue Jul 30
Anime-Manga Club: Anime Series Showing, enjoy
an anime series showing at the library; snacks and…
Silvis Public Library, 5pm Wed Jul 10
Rope Warrior, lasso some excitement with the Rope
Warrior; this interactive show… Rock Island Public
Library - Southwest Branch, 10am Wed Jul 10
ScribbleMonster, art themed fun in this large scale
program; free; for information,… Moline Public Library,
1pm Wed Jul 10
ScribbleMonster, free; for information, call 563-344-
4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf
Public Library, 11am Wed Jul 10
Themed Parks: Aqua Fun, at the Riverside East
shelter; fun water activities with the… Moline Public
Library, 10:30am Wed Jul 10
UFO DIY, design and build your own mini UFO and alien
using… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Branch, 2pm Wed Jul 10
Big Picture: In the House Morning Session, on
Wednesdays; ages 5-12 enjoy an art lesson and activity;
for information, call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum,
225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org,
10:30am Wed Jul 10 thru Wed Jul 31
Big Picture: In the House Afternoon Session, on
Wednesdays; ages 5-12 enjoy an art lesson and activity;
for information, call 563-326-7804, Figge Art Museum,
225 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org,
1:30pm Wed Jul 10 thru Wed Jul 31
Pen and Ink, Thursdays thru Aug. 1, for grades 6-12;
course projects cover… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy,
11am Thu Jul 11
QC CAN Therapy Dog Reading Program,
participants will learn about the different kinds of
therapy dogs… River Valley District Library, 6pm Thu
Jul 11
RUN! BTS Army, follow the pop culture trend of K-pop
music; view RUN!… Rock Island Public Library - 30/31
Branch, 5:30pm Thu Jul 11
Reading Assistance Dogs, free; for information, call
563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com…
Bettendorf Public Library, 6pm Thu Jul 11
Summer Book Explorers, grades 3-5 discuss a book
and work on crafts and… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 1pm Thu Jul 11
Teen DIY Universe: Newly Discovered Planet
Terrarium, hang out and make a galaxy-inspired craft;
free; for information,… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 3pm Thu Jul 11
Teen Paint & Smoothie Night, grades 6-12 make their
own smoothies to enjoy while painting; free;… Moline
Public Library, 6pm Thu Jul 11
Family Storytime, program includes stories, a song or
rhyme and a craft;… Silvis Public Library, 6pm Thu Jul 11
thru Thu Jul 18
Coding Club, on Thursdays, for grades 3-5; the club is
for beginners… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 3pm Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Dance Me a Story: Exploring Literature through
Ballet, on Thursdays; this fun, interactive program
from Ballet Quad Cities encourages people of all ages
to explore literature through the medium of dance;
reach the story, turn on the music, grab a costume and
learn the choreography; many stories will be based on
well-known fairy tales; free; for information, call 563-
326-7804, Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport
IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, 10:30am Thu Jul 11 thru Thu
Jul 25
Preschool Story Time, age-appropriate stories and
activities for school readiness for 36 months… Moline
Public Library, 10am Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Ready, Set, Kindergarten!, on Thursdays; fun activities
to help your child get ready… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, 4pm Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Storytime!, on Thursdays; free; for information, call
563-326-7832… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Avenue Branch, 10am Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Tales for Tots!, on Thursdays; ages birth to age three
and a caregiver… Bettendorf Public Library, 6:30pm Thu
Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Thursday Theater, on Thursdays (not July 4); free; for
information, call 563-344-4175 or… Bettendorf Public
Library, 1pm Thu Jul 11 thru Thu Jul 25
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Birds of Prey, join a naturalist from the Wapsi River
Center of Scott… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 1pm Fri Jul 12
Teen Kawaii Sticker Workshop with Bright Bat
Designs, learn how to draw & make stickers in Japan’s
cute… Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 2pm Fri Jul 12
Toddler Tales Storytime, for ages 5 & under; each
storytime features multiple stories… Rock Island Public
Library - Downtown Library, 10:30am Fri Jul 12 thru Fri
Jul 19
Bug Bonanza, a badge opportunity for Brownies;
insects are all around us… Quad City Botanical Center,
10am Sat Jul 13
Crafternoon: Crumbled Paper Art, get crafty at the
library; materials provided to create your… Silvis Public
Library, 2pm Sat Jul 13
Lego Club, free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or
e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public
Library, 11:30am Sat Jul 13
Touch a Truck, come see some of your favorite vehicles
as we partner… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 10am Sat Jul 13
Universe of Stories: Build a Rover, registration
required; free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or
e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public
Library, 1:30pm Sat Jul 13
Health Careers Adventure Camp, thru July 19; for
students entering grades 7-8; $200; for… St. Ambrose
University, 8:30am Mon Jul 15
National History Day Boot Camp, thru July 18; for
students entering grades 6-9; $60; for… St. Ambrose
University, 9am Mon Jul 15
Pioneer Times, thru July 18 for grades 1-6; handcrafted
pioneer items will… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy,
9am Mon Jul 15
STEAM Hogwarts for Muggles, thru July 18, for
grades K-6; learn about the science… Bereskin Gallery &
Art Academy, 9am Mon Jul 15
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #6, thru July
19, for ages 8-9; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 9:30am
Mon Jul 15
Young Writers Camp, thru July 18; for students
entering grades 2-8; $115; for… St. Ambrose University,
Mon Jul 15
Big/Little Book Club, Littles (kids in 3rd-5th grade)
and their Bigs (adults or… Davenport Public Library -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm Wed Jul 17
Evening Story Time for Littles, for ages 0-36 months;
a chance for our youngest patrons to… Moline Public
Library, 6pm Wed Jul 17
Family Movie Night, enjoy a PG-rated movie as a
family; popcorn and refreshments… Silvis Public Library,
4:30pm Wed Jul 17
Dave Rudolf @ Butterworth Center -- July 10
Joe Arnotti, Alyssa Flowers, Brad Hauskins, Madison Duling, and Brooke Myers in
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs @ Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse – through July 6
Out of the Box Rockets, free; for information, call
563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com…
Bettendorf Public Library, 1:30pm Wed Jul 17
Petite Picassos Story & Art, hands-on creation
experience for ages five and under includes a… Rock
Island Public Library - Southwest Branch, 10:30am Wed
Jul 17
Paint the Moon!, release your inner space artist and
make a cool, 3-D… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount
Street Branch, 6pm Thu Jul 18
Teen DIY Universe: Alien Perler Bead Magnets,
hang out and make a galaxy-inspired craft; free; for
information,… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Avenue Branch, 3pm Thu Jul 18
Art with the Figge for Kids, special guests from the
Figge Museum of Art will focus… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 1pm Fri Jul 19
Kid’s Movie Sing-a-long, join the fun and sing along
to a children’s favorite; free;… Moline Public Library, 1pm
Fri Jul 19
A Universe of Stories Book Discussion, free;
for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library,
10am Sat Jul 20
Don’t Let the Pigeon Plan a Party, Mo Willem’s
Pigeon has taken over the Library and is… Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 10am Sat Jul 20
Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead! Creating Light Patterns,
ages 6 & up create light patterns with CDs, paper… Silvis
Public Library, 2pm Sat Jul 20
Space Exploration Day, help us celebrate Space
Exploration Day by discovering more of… Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Sat Jul 20
Teddy Bear Space Camp: Pick-Up & Presentation,
free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm
Sat Jul 20
Animal Camp, thru July 25, for grades 3-12; drawing,
painting and sculpting… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 1pm Mon Jul 22
Book Explorers: John Scalzi Fan Club -- Red
Shirts, book discussion and fan chat with titles from the
popular… Bettendorf Public Library, 2pm Mon Jul 22
Grout Museum presents Space Explorers,
reconnoiter like an astronaut in this hands-on workshop;
use a… LeClaire Community Library, 2pm Mon Jul 22
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
Intro to Stopmotion Animation, thru July 25, for
grades 6-12; students will explore five… Bereskin Gallery
& Art Academy, 9am Mon Jul 22
Jester Puppets Present Space Cadets, using their
unlimited imaginations, kids travel through space with
cadets… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library,
2pm Mon Jul 22
Jester Puppets’ Original “Space Cadets”, free;
for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am
Mon Jul 22
Mary Macaroni, join in the fun songs and movements
of Mary Macaroni; free;… Moline Public Library, 10am
Mon Jul 22
Plein Air Painting, thru July 25, for grades 4-12;
students will interpret a… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 9am Mon Jul 22
Steampunk Creature Stopmotion Animation, thru
July 25, for grades 6-12; students will be introduced…
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 1pm Mon Jul 22
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #7: AM, thru
July 26, for ages 6-7; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 9:30am
Mon Jul 22
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #7: PM, thru
July 26, for ages 6-7; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 1:30pm
Mon Jul 22
Outer Space Escape Room, you’ll have thirty minutes
to find the clues, open the… Rock Island Public Library -
Downtown Library, 6pm Tue Jul 23
Teen Tie Dye Party, dye and t-shirts will be provided,
you bring the creativity;… Silvis Public Library, 5pm Tue
Jul 23
Toddler Tales Storytime, on Tuesdays; for ages 5 &
under; each storytime features… Rock Island Public
Library - 30/31 Branch, 10:30am Tue Jul 23
Nintendo Switch Tournament: Mario Kart 8
Deluxe, join us for a Switch tournament; eat pizza &
snacks,… Silvis Public Library, 5pm Wed Jul 24
Out of This World Orbs!, free; for information, call
563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com…
Bettendorf Public Library, 2pm Wed Jul 24
Space Camp: Flying Saucers, free; for information,
call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.
com… Bettendorf Public Library, 11am Wed Jul 24
Theme Parks: Super Silly at Prospect Park, fun
activities with the library and parks department; free;
15
for information,… Moline Public Library, 10:30am Wed
Jul 24
Family Storytime: Therapy Dogs, read to one of our
therapy dogs and enjoy a… Silvis Public Library, 6pm
Thu Jul 25
Teen DIY Universe: Star Origami, hang out and
make a galaxy-inspired craft; free; for information,…
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 3pm
Thu Jul 25
Teen Escape Room, ages 8-18 use clues and skills to
escape from a… Moline Public Library, 2pm Thu Jul 25
Petite Picassos Story & Art, hands-on creation
experience for ages five and under includes a… Rock
Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 10:30am Fri
Jul 26
All-Ages Star Wars Spelling Bee, compete in spelling
things/names/places and more from the Star Wars…
Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 3pm
Sat Jul 27
Book Buddies: Sensory Session -- Straws and
Threading, recommended for ages 0-4; our sensory bin
transforms into a… Silvis Public Library, 10am Sat Jul 27
Cookie Decoration Challenge, registration required;
free; for information, call 563-344-4175 or e-mail info@
bettendorflibrary.com… Bettendorf Public Library, 2pm
Sat Jul 27
Fortnite, hang out with other teens and play Fortnite
in the… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Branch, 3pm Sat Jul 27
Jedi Academy, join us at Jedi Academy and learn the
power of… Davenport Public Library - Fairmount Street
Branch, 10am Sat Jul 27
Lego Club: Chain Reactions, ages 5-11 design and
build amazing moving machines with Legos;… Silvis
Public Library, 2pm Sat Jul 27
Summer Reading Challenge Ending Party, kids
who complete the 2019 summer reading challenge will
be… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library, 6pm
Sat Jul 27
Storytime with WQPT, the WQPT theme is space; free;
for information, call 563-326-7832… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am Mon Jul 29
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #8: AM, thru
Aug. 2, for ages 4-5; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 9:30am
Mon Jul 29
Surviving Summer Zoo Camp Session #8: PM, thru
Aug. 2, for ages 4-5; each of the five… Niabi Zoo, 1:30pm
Mon Jul 29
Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!, cake and crafts until
gone, Balloon Twister from 11am-1pm; this is... Silvis
Public Library, 9am Wed Jul 31
Harry Potter Escape Room, escape the Harry Potter
Room before time runs out, join us... Silvis Public Library,
1pm Wed Jul 31
June 11 Crossword Answers
16 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com

Crossword
MY AABBCC’S •JULY 9, 2019 Jun. 11 Answers: Page 15

ACROSS 77. Thaumaturge: Hyph. 37. “_ Irish Rose”

1. Burrowing creature 80. Marsh plant 38. Preserved
5. Long low sound 81. Captioned drawings 39. Means of misleading: 2 wds.
10. Bath _ 83. Merits 40. Circus performer
15. Carpet surface 84. Lacking resonance 41. Pitcher
19. _ avis 85. Neat and orderly 43. Despoiler
20. Proportion 86. Binge 44. Bladed tools
21. Hide 87. Shank 45. Of a wood
22. Poker action 89. Art galleries 50. _ du ventre
23. Organic compounds: 2 wds. 92. Molecule parts 52. Cap
25. Child’s plaything 93. Canada’s gendarmerie 53. Source
27. Arabian Sea archipelago 97. Something that obfuscates: 2 wds. 54. Like the Sahara
28. Plait 99. Lump in one’s throat: 2 wds. 55. Unwilling
30. Skincare essential 101. Surmounting 57. Eyelashes
31. Beverages 102. Ward off 58. Grain portion
32. Bouquet 103. Firth 59. Certain retailer
33. Puccini role 104. Largest continent 61. Honeymooner
34. Pushover 105. Os 62. Frame over a fire
37. Put up with 106. Openings 63. Ship of 1492
38. Movie enthusiast 107. Ray flower 64. Belts
42. Genuine 108. High-priced 65. Bennies
43. Demagogue: Hyph. 66. “The Road Not _”
46. Gaping opening DOWN 67. Of questionable merit
47. Appends 1. Pack 68. Secular
48. Parting word 2. Panchen _ 69. Risible
49. One of the Olympians 3. Seed cover 70. Carried
50. Cupola 4. Orders 73. Gear for a jester
51. “Little Women” woman 5. Quite serious indeed 74. Mentioned earlier
52. French composer 6. Events at Epsom Downs 75. Protection for a fullback: 2 wds.
53. Fraud 7. Bustard genus 77. Lesion
55. NBA player 8. Relief 78. Stories
56. Antedates 9. Nares 79. Affectionate
58. Tired, in a way 10. Cunning guy 82. Group of players
59. Doomed one 11. Shad genus 84. Bluefin
60. Bakes, said of clay 12. Throws 86. One meter, cubed
61. Bear 13. Key on a keyboard 87. Advances
62. Common plant 14. Some horizons 88. Needing practice
63. More wan 15. Nova _ 89. Strikebreaker
64. Stigmatize 16. Mata _ 90. _ -relievo
65. Defends 17. Likewise 91. Crackpot
68. Lawful 18. Low area 92. Profess
69. Swoon 24. Like a mechanic’s coveralls 93. Place in Africa
70. Vacation destination 26. Epic poet 94. _ dixit
71. Go, team! 29. Was contingent 95. Essayist of note
72. Wall pier 32. Monks’ superior 96. Burn
73. Back, in a way 33. Pinchpenny 98. Ab _
74. Strong suit 34. Distinguishing mark 100. CSI evidence
75. NZ bird 35. Neatness
76. Hilo’s airport code 36. Trick with data: 2 wds.
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 17

Movie Reviews By Mike Schulz • mike@rcreader.com

He Wants to Hold Her Hand

YESTERDAY
I should probably be knocking wood as
I type this. But if my heart ever suddenly
stops while you’re in the vicinity, don’t call
for a defibrillator – call for Danny Boyle
instead. Boyle, of course, is the Oscar-win-
ning director of Slumdog Millionaire whose
other credits include Trainspotting and its
2017 sequel, 28 Days Later …, Steve Jobs,
and 127 Hours, the James Franco drama in
which Boyle brought excitement and visual
flair to the tale of a man with his arm stuck
between two rocks for 90 minutes. He’s back
now with Yesterday, the latest über-adorbs
rom-com by screenwriter Richard Curtis
(Four Weddings & a Funeral, Notting Hill,
Love Actually), and I swear, if Boyle can give
life to this inventive yet treacly piece of sen-
timental uplift – and he absolutely does – he
could no doubt bring me back to life, too.
It feels churlish to criticize Yesterday for
not being more than it is, partly because it’s
the rare wide release this summer that isn’t
a sequel and/or reboot, and partly because
Himesh Patel in Yesterday
it does boast an atypically ingenious prem- It’s that last bit, in Yesterday’s telling, that affection. Charming though it occasionally momentum and wizardly filmmaking
ise by Curtis – the sort of conceit that might drove me a little crazy. Everyone I know still is, Curtis’ idea of romance is mired in panache to even the script’s drearier ele-
have led to utter magic had it been written who saw the trailer was jazzed for the film; stereotypes and clichés that simply don’t ments, and the director and his editor Jon
by Charlie Kaufman. After one unfulfilling one of Jack’s friends comparing the title work on-screen the way they used to, and Harris provide consistently crackerjack
gig too many, the modestly talented, hope- song, unfavorably, to Coldplay’s “Fix You” when Ellie tearfully confronts Jack with the timing. As Richard Curtis-y as this outing
lessly under-the-radar busker Jack Malik and Sheeran suggesting a title switch to question of why he never once asked her out, is, there’s hardly a frame in which it isn’t
(Himesh Patel) considers retirement from “Hey, Dude” seemed to promise an enter- it’ll likely take considerable willpower on also instantly recognizable as a Danny
singing/songwriting, much to the chagrin tainment rife with knowing, witty laughs. every viewer’s part to not shout back, “Why Boyle picture … and that’s even before the
of his manager, driver, and one-woman And laughs are certainly present, if in didn’t you ask him out?” For chrissakes! eternally great Kate McKinnon shows up as
cheering squad Ellie Appleton (Lily James). smaller quotients than we may have hoped. Somewhat incredibly, Curtis appears a venal record producer, spouting tough love
While biking home, however, the Earth (The biggest chuckles come from the revela- on far firmer ground when he’s out of his without a trace of sensitivity (“You’re very
experiences a global power outage during tions of what other iconic names and prod- traditional rom-com comfort zone. To be unattractive – skinny yet somehow round”)
which Jack is hit by a bus, waking with two ucts have vanished along with the Beatles.) sure, Yesterday is rife with the sorts of stock and determinedly shaking this oh-so-polite
fewer teeth and the realization that no one Yet far too much of the movie is devoted, in sitcom elements that Curtis would likely be British comedy out of its self-deprecating
except him has any memory or knowledge now-irritating Curtis fashion, to its central lost without. If one of our romantic leads is doldrums. The affable, mildly endearing,
of the Beatles and their considerable cata- near-romance. And the question of whether about to make a life-altering declaration to overall-underwhelming Yesterday needed
log. (A Google search of “Beatles” leads to Jack and Ellie will finally hook up after 15 the other, you can safely bet that a ringing Danny Boyle like nobody’s business. It may,
photos of insects, and even the band albums years of platonic friendship is so less inter- cell phone or knock on the door will inter- however, have needed Kate McKinnon just
in Jack’s collection no longer exist.) After esting than the Beatles angle that it didn’t rupt the moment of soul-baring. Yet despite as much. Halfway through the film, there’s
what feels like mere seconds of shock, Jack at all surprise me when one of Ellie’s maud- 15 minutes of shaky set-up (plus some dis- a reference to an alternate-reality sketch-
accepts this as the chance of a lifetime, and lin “I’ve loved you forever and you never tracting looping of Patel’s dialogue), the comedy series – one that everyone but Jack
begins performing solo renditions of John, noticed!” speeches was augmented by the screenwriter eventually scores big with apparently recognizes – called Thursday
Paul, George, and Ringo classics, taking guy sitting behind me who muttered, “Oh, scenes of Jack fervently trying to recall Night Live. If a world without the Beatles is
full credit for their genius. Ellie is aston- for chrissakes … .” James is as radiant and the Beatles’ trickier lyrics, and his parents’ nightmarish to consider, I’m thinking one
ished. Professional musicians – including, beguiling as always, and newcomer Patel is absent-minded attention to the debut of “Let without McKinnon would be equally unset-
in a substantial role as himself, Ed Sheeran an able singer and a sweet comic presence, It Be,” and Curtis’ initial, brilliant implica- tling.
– are agog. The public is ravenous for more. even if Jack does spend so much time in pop- tion that people hearing the Beatles today
And as his fame escalates, Jack, being a fun- eyed shock that you tend to forget the man would be completely indifferent to their For reviews of Toy Story 4, Annabelle
damentally decent, Richard Curtis-y sort, has eyelids. But I’d argue that audiences, songs were a taste-maker á la Ed Sheeran Comes Home, The Secret Life of Pets 2,
begins actively panicking about when, if myself included, have perhaps run out of not around to legitimize them. (Charlie Men in Black: International, Child’s Play,
ever, the other shoe is going to drop, and patience with movies in which two obvi- Kaufman would have taken that premise Dark Phoenix, and a few other recent
just what Ellie will think of his ruse when ously made-for-each-other characters fail and ran with it.) releases that aren’t sequels or reboots, visit
and if it does. to admit their love after 15 years of mutual But Boyle, bless him, lends forward RCReader.com/movies.
18 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
The Incredible Sulk
I’m a married lesbian working on having
another baby with my fab wife. My new best
friend is an attractive straight girl who lives
in another state. We talk and text every day. It
isn’t sexual or romantic at all, but my friend
gets me in a way that, I’m sorry to say, my wife
does not. My wife seems jealous. I’ve noticed
her moping around when I’m on the phone
and sometimes rolling her eyes when I’m
laughing with my friend. How can I reassure
her without giving up my new friend?
– Concerned
Spouses can’t meet each other’s every need
– and shouldn’t be expected to. Like, if you’re
doubled over in pain, you don’t just hand your
wife some dish-washing gloves and a knife and
be all, “Kitchen-floor appendectomy, babe?”
Still, it makes sense that your wife is getting
all green monster-y. Human emotions, includ-
ing jealousy, are a tool chest for solving the
mating and survival problems that have kept
popping up throughout human history.
Jealousy is a guard-dog emotion, rising up
automatically when we sense that our partner-
ship might be threatened – such as by an attrac-
tive rival moving in on our boo. Research by
evolutionary psychologist David Buss finds that
our jealousy, in turn, triggers mate-retention
behaviors, such as going around all hangdog
mopey-pants to try to guilt our partner into
spending less time with their sparkly new
friend.
Now it seems like you could just reason with
your wife: “Come on … my friend’s fiercely
hetero, she lives in another state, and I’m having
another baby with you.” However, though we
each have the ability to reason, reasoning takes
effort, while emotion comes up automatically,
without mental elbow grease. So it turns out
that emotion does a lot of our decision-making,
and then we dress it up as reason after the fact
(maybe like a little Socrates action figure).
Your best bet is be extra-loving to your wife
– basically to lovey-dovey her off the ledge. Psy-
chologist Brooke C. Feeney’s research on the
“dependency paradox” finds that the more an
insecure partner feels they can count on their
partner for love and comforting, the less fearful
and clingy they tend to be.
In other words, you should consistently go
a little overboard in showing affection, like by
sending your wife frequent random texts (“in
supermarket & thinking about how much i
love u”), caressing her face, doing little sweet
things. Basically, stop just short of boring her
Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405. E-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com,
visit @amyalkon on Twitter, and listen to Amy’s weekly radio show at BlogTalkRadio.com/amyalkon. Order Amy
Alkon’s new book Unf_-ology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2018).
©2019, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. New column published weekly at RCReader.com
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
to death with how much you love her. This,
in turn, should make her more likely to yawn
about your friendship than go all junior pros-
ecutor: “Did you just shave your legs for that
phone call?!”
Mourning Wood
My male neighbor was married to a won-
derful woman for 15 years. She died, and he
was grieving heavily for several months, tell-
ing my husband and me she was the love of
his life and he didn’t “know how to do life”
without her, etc. Well, six months later, he was
dating, and in less than a year, he’s engaged to
somebody new! I’m beginning to wonder if all
his “I’m so grief-stricken” was just for show.
– Irate
The way you see it, he went through some
Stages of Grief: (1) Wow, this is terrible and
life-shattering. (2) Boobs!
However, it isn’t surprising that you’re “irate”
at what you perceive to be a suspiciously speedy
recovery. Evolutionary psychologist Bo Wine-
gard and his colleagues believe grief evolved to
be, among other things, a form of advertising.
“Prolonged and costly” grief signals a person’s
“propensity” to develop deep emotional attach-
CURRENT EXHIBITION
ments to others. This, in turn, suggests they can
be trusted as a friend, colleague, or romantic
partner.
The reality is, there are individual differences VANESSA GERMAN
in how people respond to loss that don’t always
square with widely held beliefs about how grief
is “supposed” to work. These beliefs, explains Miracles and
Glory Abound
grief researcher George Bonanno, “tend to
create rigid parameters for ‘proper’ behav-
ior that do not match what most people go
through.” They end up fostering doubt and sus-
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
picion about what’s actually successful coping.
“When we cast suspicion on a bereaved person
just because we think she coped with death too Exhibition sponsored by:
well or got on with her life too quickly, we only Mark and Gma Howze
make her loss more difficult to bear.”
GLH Galleries
Understanding this, maybe you can try to
be happy for the guy and support him in his Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis
new relationship. Don’t assume that his find- Quad City International Airport
ing new love means he’s forgotten his late wife
Barbara Leidenfrost in loving memory
or no longer misses her. Consider, as Bonanno
of her husband, Oscar Leidenfrost
observes, that if somebody had a wonderful
relationship, they may feel an acute void and
long to have the wonderfulness back. And to Vanessa German, American, b. 1976, oh for the
healing of the blues (detail), 2016, mixed media
be fair, there was some passage of time here. It’s assemblage, Figge Art Museum, Museum
not like the guy was all up in his phone at the purchase: Friends of Art Acquisition Fund and
funeral, drying his tears in between swiping funds provided by Linda and J. Randolph Lewis,
right on Tinder. 2017.27. Image courtesy of the artist and
Pavel Zoubok Fine Art, NY
Davenport, Iowa • 563.326.7804
www.figgeartmuseum.org
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): When
the universe began 13.8 billion years
ago, there were only four elements:
mostly hydrogen and helium, plus tiny
amounts of lithium and beryllium. Now there
are 118 elements, including five that are key com-
ponents of your body: oxygen, carbon, nitrogen,
calcium, and phosphorus. All of those were cre-
ated by nuclear reactions blazing on the insides
of stars that later died. So it’s literally true to say
that much of your flesh and blood and bones and
nerves originated at the hearts of stars. I invite
you to meditate on that amazing fact. It’s a favor-
able time to muse on your origins and your
ancestry; to ruminate about all the events that
led to you being here today – including more
recent decades, as well as the past 13.8 billion
years.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Most
American women couldn’t vote until a
hundred years ago. Women in Japan,
France, and Italy couldn’t vote until the
1940s. Universal suffrage has been a fundamen-
tal change in how society is structured. Similarly,
same-sex marriage was opposed by vast majori-
ties in most countries until 15 years ago, but has
since become widely accepted. African-Ameri-
can slavery lasted for hundreds of years before
being delegitimized all over the Western world
in the 19th Century. Brazil, which hosted 40 per-
cent of all kidnapped Africans, didn’t free its
slaves until 1888. What would be the equivalent
of such revolutionary transformations in your
own personal life? According to my reading of
the astrological omens, you have the power to
make that happen during the next 12 months.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini
musician Paul Weller is famous in the
U.K., though not so much elsewhere.
According to the BBC, he is one of Brit-
ain’s “most revered music writers and perform-
ers.” To which I say: revered, maybe, but mentally
healthy? Not so much. He bragged that he broke
up his marriage with his wife Dee C. Lee because
“things were going too well, we were too happy,
too comfortable, everything seemed too nice.”
He was afraid that “as a writer and an artist I
might lose my edge.” Don’t you dare allow your-
self to get infected with that perverse way of
thinking, my dear Gemini. Please capitalize on
your current comfort and happiness. Use them
to build your strength and resilience for the
months and years to come.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cance-
rian voice actor Tom Kenny has played
the roles of over 1,500 cartoon charac-
ters, including SpongeBob
SquarePants, Spyro the Dragon, Jake Spider-
monkey, Commander Peepers, and Doctor
Octopus. I propose that we make him your role
model in the coming weeks. It will be a favorable
time for you to show your versatility; to demon-
strate how multifaceted you can be; to express
various sides of your soulful personality.
LEO (July 23-August 22): Leo author
Donald Miller reminds us that fear can
have two very different purposes. On
the one hand, it may be “a guide to keep
us safe,” alerting us to situations that could be
dangerous or abusive. On the other hand, fear
may work as “a manipulative emotion that can
trick us into living a boring life.” After studying
your astrological indicators for the coming
weeks, Leo, I have come to the conclusion that
fear may serve both of those functions for you.
Your challenge will be to discern between them;
to know which situations are genuinely risky and
which situations are daunting but promising.
Here’s a hint that might help: trust your gut feel-
ings more than your swirling fantasies.
VIRGO (August 23-September 22):
Why do flocks of geese fly in a V-for-
mation? Because to do so enhances the
collective efficiency of their travel.
Each bird generates a current that supports the
bird behind it. Let’s make this phenomenon one
of your power metaphors for the coming weeks.
What would be the equivalent strategy for you
and your tribe or group as you seek to make your
collaborative efforts more dynamic and produc-
tive? Unforeseen help will augment any actions
you take in this regard.
LIBRA (September 23-October 22):
“A conversation is a dialogue, not a
monologue,” mused Libra author
Truman Capote. “That’s why there are
so few good conversations: Due to scarcity, two
intelligent talkers seldom meet.” That cynical
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
formulation has more than a few grains of truth
in it, I must admit. But I’m pleased to tell you that
I suspect your experience in the coming weeks
will be an exception to Capote’s rule. I think you
have the potential to embark on a virtual binge of
rich discussion and intriguing interplay with
people who stimulate and educate and entertain
you. Rise to the challenge!
SCORPIO (October 23-November
21): In accordance with astrological
rhythms, you are authorized to make
the following declarations in the next
two weeks: (1) “I refuse to participate further in
this situation on the grounds that it might
impinge on the expansiveness of my imagina-
tion.” (2) “I abstain from dealing with your skep-
ticism on the grounds that doing so might
discourage the flights of my imagination.” (3) “I
reject these ideas, theories, and beliefs on the
grounds that they might pinch, squash, or deflate
my imagination.” What I’m trying to tell you,
Scorpio, is that it’s crucial for you to emancipate
your imagination and authorize it to play unin-
hibitedly in the frontiers of possibilities.
SAGITTAR IUS (November
22-December 21): Dear Sagittarius: I
invite you to make a copy of the testi-
monial below and give it to anyone
who is in a position to support your Noble Exper-
iment. “To Whom It May Concern: I endorse this
Soulful Sagittarius for the roles of monster-
tamer, fun-locator, boredom-transcender, ela-
tion-inciter, and mountaintop visionary. This
adroit explorer is endowed with charming zeal,
disarming candor, and abundant generosity. If
you need help in sparking your enthusiasm or
galvanizing your drive to see the big picture, call
on the expansive skills of this jaunty
puzzle-solver.”
CAPRICORN (December 22-January
19): Life will conspire to bring you a
surge of love in the coming weeks – if
you can handle it. Can you? Will you be
able to deal adeptly with rumbling love and icy
hot love and mostly sweet but also a bit sour love?
Do you possess the resourcefulness and curiosity
necessary to have fun with funny spiritual love
and running-through-the-labyrinth love and
unexpectedly catalytic love? Are you
19
By Rob Brezsny
open-minded and openhearted enough to make
the most of brilliant shadowy love and unruly
sensitive love and toughly graceful love?
AQUARIUS (January 20-February
18): I don’t endlessly champion the “no
pain, no gain” theory of personal
growth. My philosophy holds that we
are at least as likely to learn valuable lessons from
pleasurable and joyful experiences as we are
from difficult and taxing struggles. Having said
that, I also think it’s true that our suffering may
lead us to treasure if we know how to work with
it. According to my assessment, the coming
weeks will bring one such opening for you. To
help you cultivate the proper spirit, keep in mind
the teaching of Aquarian theologian and author
Henri Nouwen. He said that life’s gifts may be
“hidden in the places that hurt most.”
PISCES (February 19-March 20): The
Japanese word “wabi-sabi” refers to an
interesting or evocative imperfection
in a work of art that makes it more
beautiful than if it were merely perfect. “Duende”
is a Spanish word referring to a work of art that
gives its viewers the chills because it’s so emo-
tionally rich and unpredictably soulful. In the
coming weeks, I think that you yourself will be a
work of art with an abundance of these qualities.
Your wabi-sabi will give you the power to free
yourself from the oppressive pressures of seeking
too much precision and purity. Your duende can
give you the courage you need to go further than
you’ve ever dared in your quest for the love you
really want.
Homework: “Know thyself – or else! Follow your
dreams – or else!” Please comment at
TruthRooster@gmail.com and visit
FreeWillAstrology.com.
New column published
weekly at RCReader.com
Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s
EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES
& DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES
The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at
1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700
20 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
Live Music Live Music Live Music
Email all listings to calendar@rcreader.com • Deadline 5 p.m. Thursday before publication
Michigan Rattlers @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel – July 7
WEDNESDAY 3
2019/07/03 (Wed)
Blackfoot Gypsies – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo – Abides
Bar & Grill @ Backyard Bowl, 2020
1st St. W., Milan IL
Kedr Livanskiy – Bold Little
Airwave – Pulsing – Rozz-Tox,
2108 Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Moeller Nights: Cory Chisel &
Friends Salute Tom Petty – The
Rust Belt, 1201 7th St., East Moline
IL
The Night People (5:30pm) –
Davenport Elks Lodge #298, 4400
W. Central Park Ave., Davenport IA
Star Spangled Bangers: Billy the
Kid – Trewin Blackfeather –
Benny the Jet – Lucid 16 – La
Rello – Yungmanderek – The
Zeffsterr – Vitra Vision – DJ Nova
– Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.,
Iowa City IA
Star–Spangled Blues w/ Hal Reed &
Mississippi Journey – The Diner,
421 W. River Dr., Davenport IA
Tucker & Douglas – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
THURSDAY
2019/07/04 (Thu)
4 Bandshell Stage: Avey/Grouws
Been There Done That – Bass Street
Landing Plaza, 17th St., Moline IL
Bettendorf Park Band – Bill Bowe
Memorial Bandshell, Middle Park,
Bettendorf IA
The Cadillac Cowboys – Riverside
Casino and Golf Resort, 3184
Highway 22, Riverside IA
Eastern Iowa Brass Band (2pm)
– The Village Green, at the
intersection of Parkside Drive and
Main Street, West Branch IA
Moeller Nights presents Barn
on the Fourth : Oxymorrons
– Foxwarren – Heart Bones –
Hannah Cohen – Good F--- (6pm)
– Codfish Hollow Barn, 5013 288th
Ave., Maquoketa IA
FRIDAY
2019/07/05 (Fri)
5 Bettendorf IA
Acid Leather – Traffic Death –
Mutilated by Zombies – Iowa City
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City IA
Billy Idol – Riverside Casino Event
Center, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside
IA
Bix Youth Band – Bill Bowe Memorial
Bandshell, Middle Park, Bettendorf
IA
Brotherhood of the Mudkat –
Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa
City IA
Burden the Bear – Frankie Joe &
Kinfolk – Bodyheat – RIBCO, 1815
Second Ave., Rock Island IL
The Cadillac Cowboys – Rhythm City
Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Crooked Cactus Band – River House,
1510 River Dr., Moline IL
Derek Monypeny – Marc Hans
Showalter & Bob Bucko Jr. – Rozz-
Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Fair Warning Band – 11th Street
Precinc t, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Final Mix Band – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Iowa City Jazz Festival: The Nayo
Jones Experience (6pm) – Jane
Bunnett & Maqueque (8pm)
– Thumbscrew (10:30pm) –
University of Iowa Pentacrest,
University of Iowa, Iowa City IA
Lewis Knudsen – Mississippi River
Distilling Company & Cody Road
Cocktail House, 303 N. Cody Rd.,
LeClaire IA
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Band (5pm) – Heather Gillis
(6:45pm) – Ronnie Baker Brooks
(8:15pm) – Samantha Fish
(10pm) – The Bend / Murphy Park,
900 Bend Boulevard, East Moline IL
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Pedigo-Jones Stage: Hal Reed
& Mississippi Journey (6pm) –
Blues Rock-It (7:45 & 9:30pm) –
The Bend / Murphy Park, 900 Bend
Boulevard, East Moline IL
Molly Durnin – The Faithful Pilot Cafe
& Spirits, 117 N Cody Rd, LeClaire IA
Thumbscrew – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
SATURDAY
2019/07/06 (Sat)
6 Victor Wainwright (5pm) – Tab
The Acoustic Project – Treehouse
Pub & Eatery, 2239 E. Kimberly Rd.,
Boogie Nights Summer Throwback
Party – Iowa City Yacht Club, 13 S
Linn St, Iowa City IA
CJ Ryder & the Past Masters
– Rhythm City Casino Resort
Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
The Cadillac Cowboys – Riverside
Casino and Golf Resort, 3184
Highway 22, Riverside IA
Coal Valley Daze: Gray Wolf Band
– Downtown Coal Valley, , Coal
Valley IA
Code 415 – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport
IA
Cracker – The Mill, 120 E. Burlington
St., Iowa City IA
Crooked Cactus – 11th Street
Precinc t, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Dawn and On Music Festival:
Dead & Gone (noon) – Rude
Punch (1pm) – The Golden
Fleece (2:15pm) – ESSO Afro Jam
Funkbeat (3:30pm) – Chicago
Farmer (4:45pm) – Jon Stickley
Trio (6pm) – Sun Beard (7:30pm)
– Steady Flow (9pm) – The Dawn
(10:30pm) – Schwiebert Riverfront
Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island IL
Dawn & On Festival Late-Night
After-Party: Still Shine – The
Tripp Brothers – RIBCO, 1815
Second Ave., Rock Island IL
Frankie Jo & Kinfolk (5pm) –
Mississippi River Distilling
Company & Cody Road Cocktail
House, 303 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
Funktastic Five – River House, 1510
River Dr., Moline IL
Iowa City Jazz Festival: United Jazz
Ensemble (11:30am) – North
Corridor Jazz All Stars (12:30pm)
– Sasha Berliner (2pm) – Ryan
Keberle’s Catharsis (4pm) – Craig
Taborn Daylight Ghosts Quartet
(6pm) – Danilo Perez Trio w/
Chris Potter (8pm) – University
of Iowa Pentacrest, University of
Iowa, Iowa City IA
Larry Boyd (6pm) – Cool Beanz
Coffeehouse, 1325 30th St., Rock
Island IL
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
B a n d s h e ll St ag e: Ro b e r t
Kimbrough Sr. Blues Connection
(2pm) – Lizzie Neal (3:30pm) –
Benoit (7pm) – North Mississippi
Allstars (9pm) – The Bend /
Murphy Park, 900 Bend Boulevard,
East Moline IL
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Pedigo-Jones Stage: Grand Ave
Ruckus (1pm) – Nic Clark (3 &
4:30pm) – Joe Marcinek (6:15 &
8:15pm) – The Bend / Murphy Park,
900 Bend Boulevard, East Moline IL
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Afterfest Jam with the Avey/
Grouws Band – Triple Crown
Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 304
E Third St., Davenport IA
Moeller Nights: Lung – White
Batzzz – Blue Movies Trio – Triple
Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon
Motel, 304 E Third St., Davenport IA
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (6pm)
– Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.,
Iowa City IA
Skyla Burrell Band – Flatted Fifth
Blues & BBQ, 300 Potter Dr.,
Bellevue IA
SUNDAY
2019/07/07 (Sun)
7 Lefthand
50 Shades of Rock (4pm) – Runners
Park, 742 15th Ave., East Moline IL
Basketball Divorce Ct – Blist Her
– Rational Anthem – Iowa City
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City IA
Iowa City Jazz Festival: George
Jazz Trio (noon) – The Blake
Shaw Big(ish) Band (1pm) – Dick
Watson (2pm) – Brick Street
Ramblers (3pm) – Ritmocano
(4pm) – Iowa City Ped Mall, 14 S.
Clinton St, Iowa City IA
Iowa City Jazz Festival: The Bad
Plus (5 & 9pm) – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
Moeller Nights: Michigan Rattlers
– Triple Crown Whiskey Bar &
Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
The Peña Brothers – Geezer’s Draft
House, 1654 W. 3rd St., Davenport
IA
The Wildwoods & C.J. Chenier –
Wiley Park, SE 6th St., Galva IL
MONDAY
2019/07/08 (Mon)
8 Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Moeller Nights: Phil Vassar Charity
Concert – The Rust Belt, 1201 7th
St., East Moline IL
The Night People (6:30pm) – Moline
Township Activity Center, 620 18th
St., Moline IL
TUESDAY
2019/07/09 (Tue)
9 Walter Trout – Nick Schnebelen
Generations Band – Lincoln Park,
11th Ave & 38th St, Rock Island IL
Moeller Nights: Eric Dodd – Triple
Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon
Motel, 304 E Third St., Davenport IA
WEDNESDAY 10
2019/07/10 (Wed)
Burlington Street Bluegrass Band –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Dave Rudolf (6:30pm) – Butterworth
Center, 1105 8th Street, Moline IL
Tommy Pickett & Friends (5:30pm)
– Davenport Elks Lodge #298, 4400
W. Central Park Ave., Davenport IA
THURSDAY
2019/07/11 (Thu)
11
Chas Collins – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Crooked Cactus Band – Bass Street
Landing Plaza, 17th St., Moline IL
Dani Lynn Howe & Band (5pm) –
Davisson Brothers Band (7pm) –
Iowa 80 Truck Stop, 755 W Iowa 80
Rd., Walcott IA
Holy Fawn – Moonlighting – The
Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Mo & Co (6:30pm) – Bettendorf
Public Library, 2950 Learning
Campus Dr., Bettendorf IA
Moeller Nights: I’m with Her –
Codfish Hollow Barn, 5013 288th
Ave., Maquoketa IA
Tony Hoeppner – The J Bar, 4215
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
FRIDAY
2019/07/12 (Fri)
12
50 Shades of Rock – Moline Viking
Club, 1450 41st St., Moline IL
Ben Bedford (noon) – Moline Public
Library, 3210 41st St., Moline IL
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Bettendorf Park Band – Bill Bowe
Memorial Bandshell, Middle Park,
Bettendorf IA
Charles Wesley Godwin – Jenny
Lynn Stacy – RIBCO, 1815 Second
Ave., Rock Island IL
Chas Collins – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo (6pm) –
Rock Island Hy-Vee Market Grille,
2930 18th Ave., Rock Island IL
Lover
Unincorporated – Blist Her –
– The
Kickstart the Sun – Iowa City
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City IA
Lindsay Lawler & Natalie Stovall
(5pm) – Sawyer Brown (7pm) –
Iowa 80 Truck Stop, 755 W Iowa 80
Rd., Walcott IA
Little Mazarn – Tobacco City –
Glyders – Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third
Ave., Rock Island IL
Live @ Five: Jason Carl & the
Whole Damn Band (5pm) –
RME Courtyard, 131 W. 2nd St.,
Davenport IA
The Manny Lopez Big Band (6pm) –
The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 1818 Third
Ave., Rock Island IL
Middle Western – Ryne Doughty –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Minus Six – River House, 1510 River
Dr., Moline IL
Moeller Nights: Son Volt – Logan
Ledger – The Rust Belt, 1201 7th
St., East Moline IL
The Night People – Rhythm City
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Pigs in Clover – Flash in a Pan
(6:30 pm) – Weatherdance
Fountains Stage, outside the
Sheraton Hotel, 210 S. Dubuque
St., Iowa City IA
Sessa – Dark Family – Rozz-Tox, 2108
Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Band – The Redstone Room, 129
Main St, Davenport IA
Whiskey Myers – Mississippi Moon
Bar @ Diamond Jo Casino, 301 Bell
St., Dubuque IA
SATURDAY
2019/07/13 (Sat)
13
10 of Soul – River House, 1510 River
Dr., Moline IL
Bugeye Sprite – Sergeant Major’s,
213 6th Ave. W., Andalusia IL
Chas Collins – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Haphazard – 11th Street Precinct,
1107 Mound St., Davenport IA
Jason D. Williams – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
John Clifton Blues – Flatted Fifth
Blues & BBQ, 300 Potter Dr.,
Bellevue IA
The Kentucky Headhunters (1pm) –
Iowa 80 Truck Stop, 755 W Iowa 80
Rd., Walcott IA
Moeller Nights: Abby Jeanne
– Triple Crown Whiskey Bar &
Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
The Nirvana Experience – Rhythm
City Casino Resort Event Center,
7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Scott Stowe (5pm) – Mississippi River
Distilling Company & Cody Road
Cocktail House, 303 N. Cody Rd.,
LeClaire IA
Thadeus Gonzales – Gabe’s, 330 E.
Washington St., Iowa City IA
Whoozdads? – The Grape Life Wine
Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
SUNDAY
2019/07/14 (Sun)
14
10 of Soul (4pm) – Runners Park, 742
15th Ave., East Moline IL
Bix Youth Band (6pm) – LeClaire
Park , 400 Beiderbecke Dr.,
Davenport IA
Code 415 (1pm) – The Logger House
Bar & Grill, 256 S. State Ave.,
Hampton IL
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo (2pm) –
Len Brown’s North Shore Inn, 700
N. Shore Dr., Moline IL
Ice Nine Kills – Gabe’s, 330 E.
Washington St., Iowa City IA
Letitia VanSante & Henhouse
Prowlers – Wiley Park, SE 6th St.,
Galva IL
Moeller Nights: Blackfoot Gypsies
– Triple Crown Whiskey Bar &
Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
The Peña Brothers – Geezer’s Draft
House, 1654 W. 3rd St., Davenport
IA
MONDAY
2019/07/15 (Mon)
15
Hot Rods (6:30pm) – Moline
Township Activity Center, 620 18th
St., Moline IL
TUESDAY
2019/07/16 (Tue)
16
The Hotrods – Lincoln Park, 11th Ave
& 38th St, Rock Island IL
Moeller Nights: Black Pumas – Los
Coast – Triple Crown Whiskey Bar
& Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
Robert Earl Keen – Englert Theatre,
221 East Washington St., Iowa City
IA
WEDNESDAY 17
2019/07/17 (Wed)
The Night People (5:30pm) –
Davenport Elks Lodge #298, 4400
W. Central Park Ave., Davenport IA
Sam Rae – Crystal City – The Mill, 120
E. Burlington St., Iowa City IA
THURSDAY
2019/07/18 (Thu)
18
Bill Chrastil – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Camp Euforia Barn Stage: Starship
Pilgrims (6pm) – Winterland
(7:45 & 9pm) – All–Star Jam
(11pm) – Jerry’s Farm, 5335 Utah
Ave SE, Lone Tree IA
Camp Euforia Jerry’s Bar: DJ
Buddha (6:45 & 8:30pm) – The
Dawn (10pm) – Funkma$ter DJ
(1am) – Jerry’s Farm, 5335 Utah Ave
SE, Lone Tree IA
Gretchen Peters – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
Moeller Nights: The Lone Bellow –
Codfish Hollow Barn, 5013 288th
Ave., Maquoketa IA
Rebecca Casad w/ Alan Morrison
– The J Bar, 4215 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
Songbird Quartet (6:30pm) –
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus Dr., Bettendorf
IA
The Stone Flowers – Bass Street
Landing Plaza, 17th St., Moline IL
Tim McGraw – Trace Adkins – Great
Jones County Fair, 800 N. Maple St.,
Monticello IA
FRIDAY
2019/07/19 (Fri)
19
50 Shades of Rock – River House,
1510 River Dr., Moline IL
Bella Diva – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Bob Gaston C.A.S.I. New Horizons
Band – Bill Bowe Memorial
Bandshell, Middle Park, Bettendorf
IA
Bridget Kelly Band – Flatted Fifth
Blues & BBQ, 300 Potter Dr.,
Bellevue IA
Camp Euforia Barn Stage: Miles
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
Live Music Live Music Live Music
Email all listings to calendar@rcreader.com • Deadline 5 p.m. Thursday before publication
Over Mountains (7:30pm)
– Natty Nation (10:15pm) –
Heatbox (1am) – Jerry’s Farm,
5335 Utah Ave SE, Lone Tree IA
Camp Euforia Jerry’s Bar: Nikki
Lunden (10am) – Illegal Smile
(noon) – Scamper (2:15pm) –
Funkma$ter DJ (4:15pm) – Jerry’s
Farm, 5335 Utah Ave SE, Lone Tree
IA
Camp Euforia Main Stage: Drum
Circle (11am) – Jaden Carlson
Band (1pm) – Old Salt Union
(3:15pm) – Tauk (6pm) –
Euforquestra (8:45pm) – Kung
Fu (11:30pm) – Jerry’s Farm, 5335
Utah Ave SE, Lone Tree IA
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo (5pm) –
Wide River Winery - LeClaire, 106
N. Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
Hootie & the Blowfish – Barenaked
Ladies – Great Jones County Fair,
800 N. Maple St., Monticello IA
The Hot Rods – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Kevin BF Burt & Big Machine
(6:30pm) – Downtown Iowa City,
, Iowa City IA
Kidstock at Camp Abe Lincoln
Concert – YMCA Camp Abe
Lincoln, 1624 West Front St., Blue
Grass IA
Live @ Five: Tony Hoeppner &
Friends (5pm) – RME Courtyard,
131 W. 2nd St., Davenport IA
Quad City Prospects – 11th
Street Precinct, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Roger Carlson (6pm) – Rock Island
Hy-Vee Market Grille, 2930 18th
Ave., Rock Island IL
The Schwag – RIBCO, 1815 Second
Ave., Rock Island IL
Subatlantic – Jordan DeRosa –
Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock
Island IL
The Turbos – The Lowdown – Iowa
City Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa
City IA
Windy City Dueling Pianos – The
Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 1818 Third
Ave., Rock Island IL
SATURDAY
2019/07/20 (Sat)
20
10 of Soul – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Bella Diva – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Camp Euforia Barn Stage:
Sop hist afunk (7:30 pm) –
Aaron Kamm & the One Drops
(10:15pm) – Mungion (1am) –
Jerry’s Farm, 5335 Utah Ave SE,
Lone Tree IA
Camp Euforia Jerry’s Bar: Grosso
Family Band (10am) – Matt
Woods (noon) – The Velies
(2:15pm) – Dr. Z’s Experiment
(4:45pm) – Jerry’s Farm, 5335 Utah
Ave SE, Lone Tree IA
Camp Euforia Main Stage:
Baberhood Bluegrass Band
(11am) – The Beaker Brothers
(1pm) – The Candymakers
(3:15pm) – The Ghost of Paul
Revere (6pm) Horseshoes &
Hand Grenades (8:45pm) Euf
Zeppelin featuring Kim Dawson
(11:30pm) – Jerry’s Farm, 5335
Utah Ave SE, Lone Tree IA
Chris Stapleton – Kendell Marvel
– Great Jones County Fair, 800 N.
Maple St., Monticello IA
Dave Cofell (5pm) – Mississippi River
Distilling Company & Cody Road
Cocktail House, 303 N. Cody Rd.,
LeClaire IA
Denny Laine – The Redstone Room,
129 Main St, Davenport IA
Gray Wolf Band – Quarter-Til Tap,
4101 14th Ave., Rock Island IL
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo – Green
Tree Brewery, 309 N. Cody Rd.,
LeClaire IA
John Lake Studio Recital (6pm) –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Moonshine Run – 11th Street
Precinc t, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Smooth Groove – River House, 1510
River Dr., Moline IL
SUNDAY
2019/07/21 (Sun)
21
Code 415 (4pm) – Parkside Grill &
Lounge, 2307 5th Ave, Moline IL
Jim Ryan (2pm) – Len Brown’s North
Shore Inn, 700 N. Shore Dr., Moline
IL
Moeller Nights: Exits – Triple Crown
Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 304
E Third St., Davenport IA
The Peña Brothers – Geezer’s Draft
House, 1654 W. 3rd St., Davenport
IA
Polka Club of Iowa, Inc., Eastern
Chapter Dance: Barefoot Becky
& the Ivanhoe Dutchmen
(1:30pm) – Walcott Coliseum, 116
E Bryant St, Walcott IA
Polyrhythms’ Third Sunday Jazz
Workshop & Matinée Series:
Three Dawgs & a Bone – The
Redstone Room, 129 Main St,
Davenport IA
Sasami – The Mill, 120 E. Burlington
St., Iowa City IA
The Stone Flowers (4pm) – Runners
Park, 742 15th Ave., East Moline IL
Summer Zither Concert – German
American Heritage Center, 712 W.
2nd St., Davenport IA
TobyMac – We Are Messengers
– Great Jones County Fair, 800 N.
Maple St., Monticello IA
West of Mabou & Dos Santos – Wiley
Park, SE 6th St., Galva IL
MONDAY
2019/07/22 (Mon)
22
Troy Rangel & Friends (6:30pm) –
Moline Township Activity Center,
620 18th St., Moline IL
TUESDAY
2019/07/23 (Tue)
23
Crooked Cactus Band – Lincoln Park,
11th Ave & 38th St, Rock Island IL
WEDNESDAY 24
2019/07/24 (Wed)
Burlington Street Bluegrass Band –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
The Pandemics – Road Soda – Rozz-
Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock Island IL
Tommy Pickett & Friends (5:30pm)
– Davenport Elks Lodge #298, 4400
W. Central Park Ave., Davenport IA
THURSDAY
2019/07/25 (Thu)
25
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo – Aledo
Central Park Bandshell, Hwy 17,
Aledo IL
Groovement – Gabe’s, 330 E.
Washington St., Iowa City IA
The Hot Rods – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Liv Noelle – Abby Kouri – Katie
Senn – Brad & Big Wave – Iowa
City Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa
City IA
North of 40 – Bass Street Landing
Plaza, 17th St., Moline IL
Scott Stowe – The J Bar, 4215 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
FRIDAY
2019/07/26 (Fri)
26
50 Shades of Rock – 11th Street
Precinc t, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Bettendorf Park Band: Favorites
Concert – Bill Bowe Memorial
Bandshell, Middle Park, Bettendorf
IA
Brick Street Ramblers – Vandello
(6:30 pm) – Weatherdance
Fountains Stage, outside the
Sheraton Hotel, 210 S. Dubuque
St., Iowa City IA
The Hong Kong Sleepover – The
Last Glimpse – Drama Major –
RIBCO, 1815 Second Ave., Rock
Island IL
John Paul White – Caleb Elliott –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Moeller Nights: Murder by Death
– Codfish Hollow Barn, 5013 288th
Ave., Maquoketa IA
Moeller Nights: Seasaw – BEEs
– Triple Crown Whiskey Bar &
Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
Moonshine Run – River House, 1510
River Dr., Moline IL
Northern Parallels 034: Mike Derer
– Higgy – The Pseudoreality –
Rozz-Tox, 2108 Third Ave., Rock
Island IL
Push the Limit – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Red Carpet Riot – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Rubbur – Ivory James – Iowa City
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City IA
Tunes at the Tulip – Hauberg Civic
Center Mansion, 1300 24th St.,
Rock Island IL
SATURDAY
2019/07/27 (Sat)
27
Code 415 – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State
St., Bettendorf IA
Dave Ellis/Rich Fricke – Treehouse
Pub & Eatery, 2239 E. Kimberly Rd.,
Bettendorf IA
Fair Warning Band – 11th Street
Precinc t, 1107 Mound St.,
Davenport IA
Gray Wolf Band – Len Brown’s North
Shore Inn, 700 N. Shore Dr., Moline
IL
Moeller Nights: Conor Oberst –
Joanna Sternberg – Codfish
Hollow Barn, 5013 288th Ave.,
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
Little Mazarn @ Rozz-Tox – July 12
Maquoketa IA
Molly Durnin (5pm) – Mississippi
River Distilling Company & Cody
Road Cocktail House, 303 N. Cody
Rd., LeClaire IA
Push the Limit – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Red Carpet Riot – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Ronnie Milsap – Riverside Casino
Event Center, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
Soul Storm – River House, 1510 River
Dr., Moline IL
Tony Hoeppner & Friends (1pm)
– Downtown Davenpor t, ,
Davenport IA
Tony Hoeppner & Friends (8pm) –
Green Tree Brewery, 309 N. Cody
Rd., LeClaire IA
SUNDAY
2019/07/28 (Sun)
28
Gangstagrass & The Accidentals –
Wiley Park, SE 6th St., Galva IL
Greg & Rich Acoustic Duo (2pm) –
Len Brown’s North Shore Inn, 700
N. Shore Dr., Moline IL
Jeni Grouws (11am) – Riverside
Casino and Golf Resort, 3184
Highway 22, Riverside IA
The Peña Brothers – Geezer’s Draft
House, 1654 W. 3rd St., Davenport
IA
Rude Punch (4pm) – Runners Park,
742 15th Ave., East Moline IL
21
MONDAY
2019/07/29 (Mon)
29
Coupe De Ville (6:30pm) – Moline
Township Activity Center, 620 18th
St., Moline IL
TUESDAY
2019/07/30 (Tue)
30
Charlie Hunter & Lucy Woodward –
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa
City IA
Coupe de Ville – Lincoln Park, 11th
Ave & 38th St, Rock Island IL
Dan + Shay – Mississippi Valley
Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St,
Davenport IA
Moeller Nights: Hex Girls – Rookie
– Triple Crown Whiskey Bar &
Raccoon Motel, 304 E Third St.,
Davenport IA
WEDNESDAY 31
2019/07/31 (Wed)
Arlo McKinley & the Lonesome
Sound – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington
St., Iowa City IA
Bix Society Concert (6pm) –
Grumpy’s Saloon, 2120 E 11th St,
Davenport IA
Brooks & Dunn – Mississippi Valley
Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St,
Davenport IA
Greentop – Wyatt Moran –
Basketball Divorce Cour t
– Greenlake – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
H4H – Kibby – The Twisted Roots –
Iowa City Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St,
Iowa City IA
22 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019
DJs/Karaoke/Jams/Open Mics
Email all listings to calendar@rcreader.com • Deadline 5 p.m. Thursday before publication
WEDNESDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
DJ Mixxin Mel – Happy Hollow
Tavern, 1502 W. 14th St., Davenport
IA
Hump Day Wing & Sing w/
Marybeth – Hawkeye Tap Sports
Bar N Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Jean – Meat Market, 1629
Washington St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – 11th Street Precinct,
1107 Mound St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Circle Tap, 1345 W.
Locust St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – RIBCO, 1815 Second
Ave., Rock Island IL
Open Jam w/ The Channel Cats –
Bent River Brewing Company, 512
24th St., Rock Island IL
Open Mic Night – Boozie’s Bar
& Grille, 114 1/2 W. Third St.,
Davenport IA
Open Mic Music Night (5:30pm) –
Milltown Coffee, 3800 River Dr. #2,
Moline IL
THURSDAYS
THURSDAYS
DJ Mixxin Mel – Happy Hollow
Tavern, 1502 W. 14th St., Davenport
IA
Karaoke Night – Bier Stube Moline,
415 15th St, Moline IL
Karaoke w/ Double Dz – Purgatory’s
Pub, 2104 State St, Bettendorf IA
Karaoke Night w/ Mike Matthews –
The Torchlight Lounge, 1800 18th
Ave., East Moline IL
Open Mic & More – Uptown Bill’s
Coffee House, 730 S. Dubuque St.,
Iowa City IA
Open Mic Night (6pm) – Energized
Cafe, 226 W. Third St., Davenport IA
Open Mic w/ H.C. Wallace – Boots
Western Saloon, 2228 E 11th St.,
Davenport IA
Rock the House Karaoke – Bottoms
Up on 7th, 1814 Seventh St., Moline
IL
Thumpin’ Thursdays DJ Night –
Rascals Live, 1414 15th St., Moline IL
The Lone Bellow @ Codfish Hollow Barn – July 18
FRIDAYS
FRIDAYS
DJ Hi-Tech – The Key at Union Arcade,
229 Brady St., Davenport IA
DJ K Yung – Barrel House Moline,
1321 Fifth Ave., Moline IL
DJ Lacey – Hawkeye Tap Sports
Bar N Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Circle Tap, 1345 W.
Locust St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – K & T’s Bike Rack
Sports Bar & Grill, 3303 Brady St.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Big River Bowling,
2902 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Roadrunners
Roadhouse, 3803 Rockingham Rd.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – The Grove Tap, 108
S. First St., Long Grove IA
Karaoke Night – V.F.W. Post 9128,
2814 State St., Bettendorf IA
Karaoke Night w/ Aftermidnight
Band in a Box – Choppers Bar &
Grill Incorporated, 17228 IL-5, East
Moline IL
Open Mic Coffeehouse (July 12)
– First Lutheran Church of Rock
Island Parish House, 1600 20th St.,
Rock Island IL
SATURDAYS
SATURDAYS
DJ Edwin Alvarado (July 13) –
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort,
3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
DJ Hi-Tech – The Key at Union Arcade,
229 Brady St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Jean – Meat Market, 1629
Washington St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Boozie’s Bar & Grill,
114 1/2 W. Third St., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – K & T’s Bike Rack
Sports Bar & Grill, 3303 Brady St.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Big River Bowling,
2902 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Roadrunners
Roadhouse, 3803 Rockingham Rd.,
Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – The Grove Tap, 108
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com
S. First St., Long Grove IA
Karaoke Night w/ Aftermidnight
Band in a Box – Choppers Bar &
Grill Incorporated, 17228 IL-5, East
Moline IL
Karaoke Night w/ Jim Harker –
Hollar’s Bar and Grill, 4050 27th St.,
Moline IL
Tw i s t e d M i c ’s M u s i c a n d
Entertainment – Barrel House
Moline, 1321 Fifth Ave., Moline IL
SUNDAYS
SUNDAYS
Hal Reed & Mississippi Journey
Sunday Jam (July 28, 6pm) – Rock
Island Elks Club, 427 Seventh Ave.,
Rock Island IL
Karaoke Night – 11th Street Precinct,
1107 Mound St., Davenport IA
MONDAYS
MONDAYS
Open Mic w/ J. Knight – The Mill, 120
E. Burlington St., Iowa City IA
TUESDAYS
TUESDAYS
Front Bar Karaoke – The Mill, 120 E.
Burlington St., Iowa City IA
Karaoke Night – Iowa City Yacht
Club, 13 S. Linn St., Iowa City IA
Open Mic Night – Broken Saddle,
1417 Fifth Ave., Moline IL
Open Mic Night – Cool Beanz
Coffeehouse, 1325 30th St., Rock
Island IL
Tuesday Night Dance Party w/ DJ
MX Divine – Iowa City Yacht Club,
13 S. Linn St., Iowa City IA
Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 23
MUSIC By Max Allison

Hex Girls
Tuesday, July 30, 7 p.m. @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, 304 East Third Street, Davenport, IA

H
ex Girls bring their brash, combinatory
rock-pop jams to Davenport’s Triple
Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel
on July 30.
As a comment on their “City of Rain” video
aptly states, “U can’t call yourself the Hex Girls.
Theirs already a band called the Hex Girls.”
Indeed, it took me a minute to track down
the Cedar Rapids band known as Hex Girls,
because the search-engine optimization still
leans heavily on the fictional band of witches
named The Hex Girls who appear in Scooby-
Doo. In a modern musical landscape in which
band names are getting increasingly specific in
their references (see: Chicano Batman, Yoko &
the Oh No’s), or streaking off in the direction
of normcore aesthetics (see: Soccer Mommy,
Snail Mail), a band can be forgiven for choosing
such a culturally claimed name. At this point,
all band names have been taken. Also, there has
never once been a good band name. Every band
name ever is dumb as hell. But I digress.
Nomenclature aside, “City of Rain” from
Hex Girls’ debut album More of That offers up
a strain of soulful rock that culls from vari-
ous far-flung traditions such as Max’s Kansas
City-core proto-punk rock, Motown, and
spoken word punky histrionics á la Gun Club.
The song sketches out a dynamic pop narra-
tive that moves from an almost ‘50s-ish skiffle
backbeat out into a funky palm-muted guitar
riff that carries enough swagger to hold our
attention. The lead vocals channel Lou Reed’s
half-spoken, manic diatribes, or the incensed
rants of Iggy Pop, while creeping along at a
vaguely funky, low volume whisper. Shades
of beat poetry and charged Raymond Carver
mundanity shine in the lyrics, with lines such
as “the rain going pitter patter drip drop on a
hot tin roof.”
Searing album opening “God Can’t Count”
kicks off with an almost psychobilly energy,
with heavy distorted riffs and a pummeling
backbeat – landing somewhere between Deep
Purple’s “Highway Star” and The Stooges’ “Raw
Power.” The track breaks open with a word-
less hockey rink chant that serves as a central
hook, pushing everything closer to some kind
of arena sing along. Speaking of questionable
nomenclature, “Jet Black Elvis” rises above
its name with its scuzzy surf-rock arrange-
ment, build over start and stop guitar lines,
and ghostly “oooooh” background vocals. The
vocals here really take over the mix in a kind of
yelped, nervous sing-speak that floats between
chugging riffs and drum fills.
Hex Girls @ Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel – July 30. Photo by Alyssa Leicht
Clearly a post-internet combinatory aes-
thetic motivates Hex Girls to cram various
influences from across the 20th Century into
tightly packed rock songs, each of which chan-
nels a different era and style. Taken as a whole,
the band’s album spreads out before the listen-
ers like a kind of rock menu, with recognizable
tropes popping out in succession and falling
back into the mist. This is the sort of tactic that
you could find on early 2000s albums by pop/
rock songsters such as MGMT. But where that
tradition leaned heavily on various electronic
pop touchstones, Hex Girls cull more directly
from rock with a capital R, as originally dem-
onstrated by the Velvet Underground and their
acolytes.
The band members themselves claim that
they sound like “Iggy Pop and The Arctic Mon-
keys bathed in PBR.” One can imagine that a
band out on the road in a tour van, having
bathed in PBR, would not smell particularly
good. But that’s probably exactly what Hex
Girls are into. That, and boiling frogs in a caul-
dron in the middle of the woods, as the Mystery
Machine gang watches from the shadows. Like
zoinks Scoob, the kids are meddling again.
Hex Girls plays the Triple Crown Whiskey
Bar & Raccoon Motel on July 30 with an open-
ing set by Rookie, admission to the 7 p.m. show is
$10, and more information is available by visit-
ing MoellerNights.com.
24 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 26 No. 963 • July 2019 Know More, Do More • RiverCitiesReader.com