Fit Fest, Eddie Turner, ‘Odd Couple’ And More In This Week’s FUN10!
It’s Sunday, and QuadCities.com proudly presents Fun10, a list of the top 10 things to do in the Quad Cities this week, and every week!
Every Sunday, we drop a new Fun10, to give you a head start on your week and a heads up on what’s going on over the coming seven days. Check out Fun10 every Sunday for the details on ten awesome events happening around town. It’s a cool read, and a great way to get started planning your entertainment for the week.
FUN10 — ten ways for you to have fun in the Quad-Cities, this week and every week, running every Sunday, only on your site for fun, free, local entertainment, QuadCities.com!
So what’s on the Fun10 for this week? Read on …
Fit Fest Coming To Bend Xpo Center
QC Fit Fest will be held Feb. 26-27 at East Moline‘s Bend Xpo Center!
Tickets are now available for online purchase for their 2022 Expo at QCFitFest.com QC Fit Fest is a community event designed for all ages to engage with local experts and learn more about health, fitness, nutrition, and athletic performance no matter where you are on your health journey.
“My partners and I created this event to help take the confusion out of health. We highlight the very best the Quad Cities has to offer when it comes to finding the flavor of movement and activity that suits you best. From yoga and weightlifting to skateboarding and virtual reality-based games, said Chris Maltsburger, Founder we combine fun, interaction, and education at QC Fit Fest.
Special Guest: Billy Blanks, Jr.
Billy Blanks, Jr. will be joining us as our Special Guest, offering workout classes with his internationally acclaimed workout “Dance it Out” on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Billy Blanks, Jr. has been featured on Shark Tank, Ellen and Dr. Oz. His father, Billy Blanks was a Tae-Bo, household name in the 90’s. Now, Billy Blanks, Jr. has proven to take what he learned from his career in dance, under the wing of Paula Abdul, and apply it to dance styles from around the world for a quick, effective workout you’ll love.
Interactive Vendors and Demos
When you walk through The Bend XPO Center, you’ll find vendors like 9 Round, helping you learn punching combinations on the pads, you’ll hear the sounds of skateboarding when you head over to the ramp and demos provided by Keep Pushing Skate Shop, or learn about your flexibility and agility from return vendor The Speed Attic.
Founded in 2021, QC Fit Fest is the Quad Cities leader in interactive health events with one mission in mind: To empower Quad Citians to begin or continue in their health journey, acknowledging health isn’t just physical. It is our focus to continue to build and provide you with an experience that will add to every aspect of your life.
Eddie Turner Rocking Gypsy Highway
With his most recent album Change in Me described by Rootstime as “an enticing journey of jazz, blues, and rock” resulting in a “melting pot of sounds,” blues-guitar legend Eddie Turner headlines a special February 27 concert event at Davenport‘s Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, with Blues Blast magazine saying that the artist “shines like a diamond” and Guitar Player magazine lauding Turner’s “otherworldly, atmospheric guitar style.”
Born and raised in Chicago, the artist nicknamed “Devil Boy” is a former member of the Otis Taylor Band who began to play the guitar when he was 12. He attended the University of Colorado in the early 1970s, and while there played in the region’s first punk/R&B band The Immortal Nightflames, which included Grammy Award nominee Tracy Nelson from Mother Earth. Subsequently, Turner joined the group Zephyr as a guitarist in the ‘70s, but after the death of the singer Candy Givens, he abandoned music for many years to work in real estate in Denver. In 1980, however, Turner agreed to join the Ron Miles electric band, and 15 years later, he joined Otis Taylor’s ensemble, with whom he recorded five albums.
Performing with Taylor, Turner developed an enormous following as a touring performer through Europe and North America, with his exhilarating blend of psychedelic-rock and Delta-blues stylings later showcased on a trio of solo CDs: 2005’s Rise (a Blues Music Award nominee for Best New Artist Debut), 2006’s The Turner Diaries, and 2010’s Miracles & Demons. While blues fans have greeted his many annual headlining and festival appearances with rapturous appreciation, their enthusiasm is matched in the raves that Turner has amassed from music critics. Blues Revue‘s Michael Cote wrote, “Eddie Turner’s brand of blues evokes an otherworldly feel; a dreamscape of fire and passion, pleasure and pain.” Barrel House Blues, meanwhile, called Miracles & Demons “an astonishing CD” with Turner playing “a lot like Jimi Hendrix once did, only with a more musical and controlled style,” and the recording earned its artist a Blues Blast Magazine Award nomination for Best Contemporary Album
Since then, Turner’s credits include 2016’s Naked in Your Face, a live album recorded at Calgary’s Blues Can, and his latest offering Change in Me, which includes covers of songs by Lou Reed and Taj Mahal. The critically acclaimed release was praised by RootsTime for Turner’s “expressive voice,” as well as by Jazz Weekly, who raved, “Turner mixes Jimi Hendrix-like guitar work with Staple Singers-styled soul on this rich blues-soaked release.”
Eddie Turner performs his Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill engagement on February 27, admission to the 3 p.m. concert is $5, and more information is available by calling (563)232-8890 and visiting TheGypsyHighway.com.
Bettendorf Public Library Holding 3-D Printing Program
On-demand, 3D printing has opened a world of vast opportunities for creators, collaborators, and inventors. Worldwide projects have included everything from tools to games, art, and even prosthetics. The Bettendorf Public Library is offering an Intro to 3D Printing on Thursday, February 24th at 7:00 PM to offer a closer look at how community members might use this technology. The live class will be held virtually and take place via GoToMeeting. Registration is required for this free event and can be made online at http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/6055380 or by calling the Library at 563-344-4175.
The Bettendorf Public Library’s Creation Studio houses several 3D printers available for public use. The Intro to 3D Printing presentation will cover the basics of what 3D printing is and how it works. Different methods of construction will be demonstrated with an easy print using both a 3D pen and a 3D printer. Registrants will receive an access email and password prior to the event. Further information about 3D printing and other Bettendorf Public Library services can be found on the Library’s website at www.bettendorflibrary.com or calling 563-344-4175.
‘Annie’ Ends Today At Junior Theatre
The sun will come out… tomorrow!
Well, maybe not the sun, but at least a show with a song about the sun coming out tomorrow — ”Annie Jr.”
Davenport Junior Theatre is presenting the popular show, based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the award-winning musical, at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Annie Wittenmyer Complex, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport.
Tickets are free, and no reservations needed, but they’re also first-come, first-served, so get there early if you’re going.
For more information about Davenport Junior Theatre or the show, visit davenportjuniortheatre.org.
Outdoor Show Ends Today In Rock Island
The Outdoor Show Comes to Rock Island This Weekend!
This event features a variety of resources for anyone interested in the great outdoors. A large number of hunting, fishing and boating vendors will be on hand as well as representatives from charters, resorts, government agencies and conservation clubs. A kids camp area will also be available with an archery range, trout fishing pond, minnow races and more.
Show Hours:
Sunday, February 20, 2022: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ticket prices:
Adults: $8 ($7 in advance)
Kids 6-15: $1
Kids 5 & under: FREE
(Friday is Seniors Day. Anyone over age 65 only $6 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Senior Day tickets must be purchased in-person at the door and are not available online.)
REFUND POLICY: All sales are final – no refunds will be issued for any reason. The QCCA is not responsible for failure of delivery or any losses incurred as a result of a purchaser’s failure to provide an accurate email.
Get your tickets here:
https://qcca.yapsody.com/event/index/701251/qcca-outdoor-show-2022
See ‘The Play’ And Bring A Friend!
See “the funniest show in town” at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse for less now through March 11!
Welcome to opening night of community theatre troupe, Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s newest production of an Agatha Christie-like 1920s murder mystery, “The Murder at Haversham Manor” — where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous! The set, the props, the lighting and the sound thwart the performers at every turn. Eventually, a few of these semi-amateur thespians, demoralized by disaster, go rogue. It’s a stage manager’s worst nightmare — and an audience’s cue for laughter. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain!
This special BOGO is valid for Wednesday or Friday performances ONLY. This offer Includes tax, facility fee, your plated lunch or dinner, Bootlegger Preshow, and performance of The Play That Goes Wrong. Meal gratuity will be added to ticket price. Gratuity is not included on any additional drink, appetizer or dessert purchases.Valid for the Wednesday or Friday performances ONLY through March 11.
Valid for up to 6 people.
This offer is not extendable or transferable and is not redeemable for cash.
Must mention this email when making reservations. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. This offer is not available online. Please call the ticket office to make reservations and receive this special offer!
To make reservations,
CONTACT THE TICKET OFFICE
309-786-7733 ext. 2
‘The Odd Couple’ Rolls Into Playcrafters
Playcrafters Barn Theatre is excited to be presenting “The Odd Couple,” running February 19-20 & 25-27, Friday & Saturday 7:30PM and Sunday at 3PM.
Tickets are only $15 ($13 Military/Senior) and are now available at Playcrafters.com!
‘Nahant Marsh’ Travelogue Program Slated
“Nahant Marsh: A Gem in Our Midst,” will be presented at 3 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Central DeWitt Community Schools.
Brian Ritter and and Amy Loving from Nahant Marsh will talk about this refuge and the endangered plants and animals that call it home. The marsh also is an educational resource for people of all ages. Each year thousands of children visit to learn about nature, hone scientific skills and conduct research.
Tuesday will be Patron Appreciation Day and all attendees will receive free popcorn. A $5 donation is suggested, with the proceeds used to support community projects. No seats are reserved.
The series continues every other Tuesday. No travelogue will be shown if Central DeWitt Community Schools cancel classes or dismiss early and may be canceled due to weather. For updates and a full schedule, visit facebook.com/lions1953.
Martin Sexton Coming To Redstone
Martin Sexton will make a stop in Davenport’s Redstone Room on Wednesday, March 2 for one show only!
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
7:30 PM
River Music Experience
129 Main St
Davenport, IA 52801
Doors open 6:30pm
Opening Act: Chris Trapper
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/martin-sexton-w-chris-trapper-redstone-room-tickets-171477442647
Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton is like an ultra-active antenna, adventuring through the static to grab a clear signal. When he dials in on one station, he then quickly shifts to the next one. This everchanging attention span drives his family crazy, but it’s ingrained in Martin, dating back to his childhood when he would tear through television primetime programming.
This ability to hone in on little defining moments suits Martin as a songwriter as evident by his latest EP, 2020 Vision. This is Martin’s first release in 6 years, and it is a poetically emotive and an elegantly evocative pandemic scrapbook. “In one song, I’m building a treehouse with my son. In another song, I’m crossing America and seeing the beauty in people rising through adversity and loving each other,” Martin details.
The recordings were tracked virtually during lockdown and produced by three-time Grammy-nominee John Alagia, best known for producing John Mayer’s breakout album, Room For Squares. Mayer, who has always championed Martin as a foundational influence, makes a special guitar solo cameo on one of the EP’s singles, “Calling on America.” This 4-song collection will be available on the digital platforms, and also issued as a handsomely-packaged vinyl release.
Martin’s ever-shifting focus also manifests itself in his freewheeling musicality. He nurtured a critically-acclaimed trademark aesthetic through embracing soul, folk, blues, rock, pop, and sweet balladry. His last album, 2015’s Mixtape of the Open Road, garnered raves from the Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Folk Alley/NPR Music, and Relix Magazine.
One constant in Martin’s life and his music is celebrating America. His 1996 Black Sheep album featured a rendition of “America The Beautiful,” and his major-label debut was simply called The American. Also, Martin getting his start in music through leaving his upstate New York hometown with seventy-five bucks and a Stratocaster to chase his aspirations brims with anthemic American Dream overtones. 2020 Vision continues this American story.
“I see America as flawed, but not irredeemable. I love that we have community leaders, politicians, actors, and artists from all backgrounds speaking up, raising their voices, and becoming the heroes of today,” Martin says. “My faith is renewed to see the injustices of the world now beginning to be met with accountability. I remain hopeful and optimistic.”
2020 Vision snapshots moment of clarity during the pandemic and beyond. The EP’s leadoff single, “Hold On,” is one of those sun-shining-through-the-rain songs. It brims with soul guitar fixings, punchy horns, and a touching narrative of the simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones. “The silver lining in the pandemic was more facetime with my family. We cut each other’s hair, we biked, and I got around to finally building that treehouse with my son,” Martin recalls. “We finished building it on a sunny summer day, and I grabbed my old Gibson and sat down inside the new fort and this tune presented itself to me.”
The EP’s second single, “Calling On America,” follows in the grand tradition of tender R&B cultural commentary epitomized by soul poets like Curtis Mayfield’s and Marvin Gaye. It’s a scene-setting song panning through visual vignettes of love and harmony while also contemplating division. “I see too much division and hate projected on the airwaves,” Martin shares. “Because of what I do, I travel and meet folks in the world, and although it’s far less common than it should be, I find it encouraging to see people of all walks of life getting along. I believe solidarity through music is a very powerful thing and I’ve always strived to advocate that through my songs and my shows.” The song’s purposeful messaging goes down smooth with folksy acoustic guitar, gospel-tinged organ playing, pining pedal steel, and Martin’s trademark honeyed vocals. “Calling On America” is further enhanced by a John Mayer guitar solo, a lyrical but fleet-fingered statement that hits that sweet spot between blues and country. The EP is rounded out by the impressionistic folk song, “Riding Through The Rain,” and the James Taylor-esque, “Penny from the Land of Plenty,” a powerful and hopeful statement on the opioid epidemic.
Up next, the road is calling Martin as tour dates are being booked in this post-vaccine chapter. 2020 Vision will always have its lessons and remain in Martin’s sight, even as the miles out on the road put pandemic life in the rearview mirror. One of those lessons is the power of togetherness. Martin says: “My mission statement for the past 15 years has been unity through music, and I am committed to sharing peace and harmony through my songs.”
Davenport-based RME, at 2nd and Main streets, was started in 2004.
RIVER MUSIC EXPERIENCE POLICES:
*Ticket Disclaimer*
All tickets for RME events are sold via Eventbrite and carry applicable transaction fees. Tickets can be purchased the day of event online and at the door (subject to availability). Ticket fees also still apply for admission at the door.
*Reserved Seating*
The Redstone Room at River Music Experience is a standing room only concert venue. All tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. For the comfort of our guests, a limited amount of seating is available on a first come first serve basis.
Reserved Tables: a limited number of tables are for sale in advance, sold through our ticketing service. You will need to add both your General Admission tickets AND your Reserved Tables to the cart for purchase. There are four seats to a table.
Physical Accommodations: If you require seating or a reserved space due to health or physical needs, you will need to purchase your General Admission ticket first, and then email feedback@rivermusicexperience.org to reserve up to 2 seats. Tables must be purchased separately.
*Age Restrictions*
Most shows in the Redstone Room are 19+, unless otherwise noted, but minors may attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
*Refund Policy*
Purchased tickets are nonrefundable, except in cases of rescheduled or cancelled shows.
*Further Questions?*
Please email feedback@rivermusicexperience.org.
Do Yoga From Home With Daina
Don’t let the cold winter weather stop your fitness goals. Stretch yourself with Zoom Chair Yoga, a weekly, 45-minute virtual class hosted by the Moline Public Library. Classes are available Thursdays, February 17, and 24 at 11:00am upon registration. To sign up, please call the Library at 309-524-2470 or visit //molinelibrary.com/events.
Certified yoga instructor Daina Lewis will instruct you on the essentials of chair yoga, which offers modification for standing and seated poses for those that need the extra support. New to yoga? This is a perfect way to play in poses and learn how to take your practice anywhere you go. This class is open for all levels and remember…Yoga is for every body!
