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Vol. 29 · No. 993

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Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
One Year Later
Media and Congressional Political
Agendas Continue to Gaslight the
Increasingly Implausible January-6-Was-an-
Insurrection Narrative
T
he crazier things get, the simpler
solutions become for those still
capable of distilling relevant,
evidence-based facts with which to
explore viable options for a renewed
sense of order and sanity – restore non-
partisan rule of law and adherence to
oaths of office.
Oh, and as voters and taxpayers,
stop the inexcusably naïve expecta-
tion that the very beneficiaries (career
politicians and bureaucrats) of rigged
systems and loophole lawfare will fix
things. They won’t. They are the sole
beneficiaries of such corruption and
have no intention of disadvantaging
themselves by allowing pesky voters
to actually decide things – a pain-
fully obvious across-the-board failure
of governance that has finally boiled
over, exposing a dire need for correc-
tion that can only be accomplished
by the mass re-engagement of the
American people at all levels of civic
participation.
In 2021, America experienced two
pivotal historic events. The first actu-
ally occurred at the end of 2020 with
the controversial November 3, 2020,
presidential election that ultimately
installed Joe Biden as the 46th Presi-
dent amidst a long, comprehensively
documented list of nationwide election
irregularities, illegalities, and unethi-
cal election processes.
"All we really know for sure
is that Congress was back
in session in fewer than six
hours of the worst attack on
democracy in our Capitol's
history, certifying the
Electoral College votes to
secure Biden's win. Given the
official narrative's evidence
with its gaping holes, and
the stunning lack of actual,
coherent evidence, it's just
insulting."
It would be disingenuous to claim
that American elections were pure as
the driven snow prior to 2020, because
nothing could be further from the
truth. It’s just that all pretense at
hiding the amount of election corrup-
tion that had to be deployed in 2020
was abandoned for the “noble lie” of
defeating Donald J. Trump.
This was attested to with Time
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
magazine’s July 23, 2020, publica-
tion of the Lincoln Project’s confes-
sion to stealing the 2020 election by
Alana Abramson and Tessa Berensen,
“Revenge of the Never Trumpers: Meet
the Republican Dissidents Fighting to
Push Donald Trump Out of Office,”
an admission unprecedented in its
amoral, un-American hubris and blan-
ket unaccountability to this Repub-
lic’s laws and citizenry – and as such,
a way-paver. (Time.com/5870475/
never-trumpers-2020-election.)
Deniers of 2020 election fraud cloak
their sympathies for it by claiming
that all nationwide judicial review of
alleged evidence found no credible
support, and were appropriately dis-
missed. Most legal scholars, even some
lawyers, know better. Of the 64-plus
lawsuits filed in 2021, all but one case
was actually heard. The rest were
dismissed on process errors alone, suc-
cessfully avoiding adjudication on any
merits (or lack thereof ) of the reams of
evidence amassed and still waiting to
be presented.
Note: For anyone supporting this
criminal conduct as opposition to
Trump and prevention of some delu-
sional notion of electoral decertifi-
cation, don’t. You, too, should want
to stop any and all election corrup-
tion, regardless of party affiliation,
because next time it could very well
be deployed against someone you
support. This is about process, not
people, and it demands your commit-
ted engagement to prevent any further
undermining by political parasites.
Compelling documented evidence
of election fraud includes $430 mil-
lion private sector Zucker-bucks
infused into election offices of at least
eight swing states (including Ari-
zona, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Min-
nesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North
Carolina, Nevada … and Iowa) from
Facebook’s Mark Zukerberg/Precilla
Chan Foundation; rule-making strictly
confined to state legislatures’ purview
but illegally usurped and implemented
by bureaucrats in local and state elec-
tion offices (such as cut-off times for
ballot acceptance and/or counting,
no requirement for signature verifi-
cation, etc.); massive ballot harvest-
ing by outside third parties; millions
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
of mail-in ballots commingled with
cast-in-person ballots; illegal ballots
were counted, while legal ballots were
thrown out; large anomalous numbers
of adjudicated ballots cast for Biden;
access denial for bipartisan-election
observation protocols for counting
ballots; deliberate erasure of current
election databases (required by law to
be preserved for 22 months after an
election) to sabotage audits; stonewall-
ing legislative remedies for curing
election irregularities; and collusion
by both political parties to thwart
investigations of multiple irregulari-
ties. The list is exhaustive and stun-
ning in scope.
The second historic event was the
January 6, 2021 protest, comprised of
nearly a million Trump supporters of
all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, sexes,
and backgrounds, who gathered in and
around Capitol Hill in Washington
D.C. to protest what they believed was
a stolen election, and to support Con-
gress’ challenge to the Electoral Col-
lege’s certification of the 2020 election.
Yet mainstream media, in coopera-
tion with and the establishment politi-
cal apparatus, dubbed this protest a
planned insurrection to overthrow
our government, declaring it the worst
attack on democracy in the Capitol’s
history after several hundred people
were accused of violently breaching
the Capitol building, creating massive
disorder and chaos.
However, if this narrative is to sur-
vive such an dastardly characteriza-
tion, it must overcome a few straggling
loose ends that will otherwise eventu-
ally disqualify this odious event as an
actual insurrection.
Why Would Trump Sup-
porters Want to Stop
Electoral College
Review?
First and foremost is that no one
has explained the motive behind why
Trump supporters would deliberately
storm the castle to sabotage the Con-
gressional Electoral College certifica-
tion process when they considered it
the last best hope to see their precious
Trump restored to the office of the
President. Sabotaging these particular
proceedings hugely benefited Biden’s
faction, not Trump’s, by squashing any
process irregularities from coming
forward state by state and opening the
door for potential investigations, yet
the official narrative leaves that gaping
hole unaddressed.
The Capitol breach occurred at
approximately 12:50 p.m., while most
5
By Kathleen McCarthy
Trump supporters were still at the
Ellipse listening to Trump’s speech (he
had not finished yet). There is more
than ample video footage contradict-
ing the highly fragmented, incomplete
video clips media has played in endless
repetitive loops to depict a very dif-
ferent version of events from that of
thousands of eyewitnesses who deny
there was ever an organized effort to
take over the government.
Most egregious is time-stamped
manufactured footage falsely portray-
ing Trump supporters beating Capitol
Officer Brian Sicknick to death with
fire extinguishers. It is pure fiction
and a horrific lie and breach of ethics
by news organizations who used that
fiction to manipulate the American
people into believing Trump protes-
tors violently murdered a Capitol
police officer when nothing of the sort
occurred. In fact, it was Capitol police
officers who violently murdered two
female protestors.
The four-hour Capitol breach
resulted in violent deaths of two
female protestors at the hands of Capi-
tol police: (1) Ashli Babbit, a 13-year
Air Force veteran, was shot in the
neck at close range by Capitol Police
Officer Michael Byrd. (2) A recent
court-ordered release of three hours
of tunnel video footage exposed the
brutal murder of Rosanne Boyland, a
34-year old Georgia woman errone-
ously reported as an overdose death,
was instead beaten to death by Capitol
police inside one of the Capitol tun-
nels. Rosa’s body was removed from
the tunnel and delivered to paramed-
ics by one of the officers who also
testified as one of four Capitol police
officers who testified before the Con-
gressional House Select Committee on
January 6.
Where Are the 14,000
Hours of Video?
The third narrative hole is that there
are 14,000 hours of video footage
being withheld from the public. But
more importantly, this footage is being
withheld from detainees arrested for
use in their defenses. Fourteen-thou-
sand hours detailing the entire day’s
activities from all across the Capitol,
and most especially from within it,
that include myriad examples dem-
onstrating easy, friendly, respectful
banter between Capitol police and
protestors. There are clear depictions
of protestors being escorted by Capi-
tol police into the Capitol, dutifully
confining themselves to single-file
Continued On Page 6
 6 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
One Year Later: Cont. from Page 13
procession between the supplied ropes
so as to not disturb the paintings or
historical furniture in the rotundas.
Some of the older protestors were
politely asking to use restrooms
(there is various video testimony to
these precise requests born of des-
perate need because the Capitol did
not supply the otherwise customary
facilities for these particular protes-
tors on January 6.
These 14,000 hours of video footage
could definitively prove whether an
insurrection actually occurred on any
level, yet it is being withheld from the
public and from defendants, and is a
glaring, insurmountable loose end.
There is no justification for denying
what is almost certainly exculpatory
evidence to at least some defendants
who are facing prosecutorial abuses
otherwise inconceivable in a constitu-
tional republic.
In addition, not a single weapon
was found among any of those who
breached the Capitol that afternoon.
And the FBI has confirmed they
found no evidence whatsoever of an
organized effort among Trump pro-
testors to breach the Capitol, factually
dispelling any lingering notion of a
planned insurrection by any defini-
tion of that word.
We deserve comprehensive access
to all the continuum of footage so
that we can judge for ourselves what
really happened that afternoon;
where the breaches occurred; whether
Capitol police invited protestors into
the Capitol as so much video foot-
age reportedly shows; who really
instigated violent interactions; what
FREE ASSANGE.
responsibility provocateurs bear; and
what precisely occurred when, at what
times, and in what coherent sequence.
The public is getting none of this
exposure. Instead, we are bombarded
with snippets of mere seconds of
unintelligible video chaos as our
only view of that day’s events. It is
woefully inadequate to support any
substantiated conclusions about what
really transpired that afternoon. All
we really know for sure is that Con-
gress was back in session in fewer
than six hours of the worst attack
on democracy in our Capitol’s his-
tory, certifying the Electoral College
votes to secure Biden’s win. Given the
official narrative’s evidence with its
gaping holes, and the stunning lack
of actual, coherent evidence, it’s just
insulting.
Independent Journalists
Are Superb Sources
In-depth independent journalis-
tic efforts from Julie Kelly (America
Greatness), Dennis Beattie (Revolver
News), Newsweek, the Wall Street
Journal, and Gateway Pundit have
each uncovered compelling evidence
of provocateurs that are not Trump
protestors, instigating the Capi-
tol breach on January 6, including
FBI agents and informants scat-
tered throughout the crowd actively
encouraging the breach. Newsweek’s
recent article discloses an entire cadre
of various agencies’ specialized fed-
eral commandos that were deployed
and on deck at Quantico in the event
of a catastrophic event ensuing that
day. None were deployed. Huh? Below
are links to these articles and each
Know More. Do More.
piece of media reads somewhat like a
Michael Crichton spy novel, expos-
ing the corrupted underbelly of D.C.’s
out-of-control deceptions.
“Meet Ray Epps: The Fed-Protected
Provocateur Who Appears to Have
Led the Very First 1/6 Attack on
the U.S. Capitol” by Dennis Beat-
tie, October 25, 2021. (Revolver.
news/2021/10/meet-ray-epps-the-fed-
protected-provocateur-who-appears-
to-have-led-the-very-first-1-6-attack-
on-the-u-s-capitol)
“Meet Ray Epps, Part 2: Damning
New Details Emerge Exposing Mas-
sive Web of Unindicted Operators
at the Heart of January 6” by Dennis
Beattie, December 18, 2021. (Revolver.
news/2021/12/damning-new-details-
massive-web-unindicted-operators-
january-6)
“One Year Later, More Lingering
Questions About January 6” by Julie
Kelly, January 3, 2022. (AMGreatness.
com/2022/01/03/one-year-later-more-
lingering-questions-about-january-6)
“Exclusive: Secret Commandos with
Shoot-to-Kill Authority Were at the
Capitol” by William M. Arkin, January
3, 2022. (Newsweek.com/exclusive-
secret-commandos-shoot-kill-author-
ity-were-capitol-1661330)
Malfeasance that has at its center the
highly unconstitutional Congressional
Select Committee on January 6, this
committee (Adam Schiff, Liz Cheney,
Bernie Thompson, Jamie Ruskin,
Stephanie Murphy, Elaine Luria, Pete
Aguilar, Adam Kinslinger, and Zoe
Lofrgren) has zero constitutional
authority or jurisdiction to investigate
criminal activities of private citizens.
Period. Yet this nine-member commit-
tee has openly and blatantly violated
the rights of hundreds of private citi-
zens by secretly subpenaing thousands
of electronic records from third-party
providers, with no authority to do so
and arguably committing criminal acts
themselves with their own violations
of citizens’ privacy and due-process
rights, ignoring their lanes and bedrock
separations of power.
Glenn Greenwald has a superb
explanation of this unprecedented
betrayal by elected officials that helps
immeasurably in understanding what is
at stake beyond a deliberately mislead-
ing insurrection construct rife with
hidden political agendas that is rapidly
falling apart. Greenwald’s analysis
highlights the overwhelming abuses
of power the government is using to
persecute political opponents. It is
appalling, and the American people,
regardless of political affiliation, need
to stand against this open violation
RCReader.com/Calendar.
of due process or our Republic will
fail. (Greenwald.substack.com/p/
civil-liberties-are-being-trampled-8bf)
"Malfeasance that has at its
center the highly unconstitu-
tional Congressional Select
Committee on January 6, this
committee has zero
constitutional authority or
jurisdiction to investigate
alleged criminal activities of
private citizens."
In a recent post to his Apple podcast,
Judge Andrew Napolitano further clari-
fies the bullying tactics being used to
force plea agreements from Trump sup-
porters arrested but not charged with
anything beyond misdemeanor tres-
passing and/or destruction of property
(broken windows). Not a single charge
of insurrection or sedition has been
levied against a single detainee, some of
whom still languish without bail, some
in solitary confinement, in disgraceful
prison conditions that rival those of
third-world countries.
These unwitting Americans are
pleading guilty to charges rather than
face additional punitive charges and
jail time under a little known “plea
enhancement” tool passed during the
Clinton Administration that allows
prosecutors to add an act of terror-
ism to the original charges of prop-
erty damage, doubling or tripling the
amount of jail time when attached.
Most of those arrested have no crimi-
nal record, and have demonstrated no
provable criminal intent other than to
civically participate as is their right,
and there are countless videos attest-
ing to their innocence. That are being
withheld from their defense attor-
neys – those that have them, anyway.
Meanwhile, the DOJ is ignoring the
well-documented evidence of instiga-
tion and, in some cases, violent interac-
tion with Capitol police, by clear and
present provocateurs who have now
been curiously scrubbed from the FBI’s
most-wanted list.
Be clear: I do not give a fig for
Trump’s loss, nor for Biden’s win.
Both choices were no choices at all, as
per usual. What I do give a fig about
is the growing impunity with which
government officials violate our
rights, thereby violating their own
oaths of office, as well. You should
also care because it is only a matter of
time before they are your rights being
violated. Then what?
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
FEATURE STORY
January 6: In Their Own Words
Firsthand Accounts from Five Concerned Citizens Who
Were in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.
P
ublisher’s Note: Thank you to
these five concerned citizens who
provided their candid and first-
person perspectives about a day that
many would have live in infamy. Below
are short bios on each participant, fol-
lowed by each person’s response to our
12 questions.
Clyde Cleveland was the Iowa
Libertarian candidate for Governor in
2002 when he also published the book
Restoring the Heart of America. In
2007, Clyde published “Common Sense
Revisited,” a modern-day tribute to
Thomas Paine’s original. Learn more
about Clyde at CommonSenseRevisited.
com.
Corey Eib is a California native,
photographer, small business owner,
and, along with Reader publisher Todd
McGreevy, co-hosted and co-produced
the podcast Agenda31 from 2013 to
2017. More info at Agenda31.org.
Jason Bermas is a documentary film-
maker who recently moved to the Iowa
Quad Cities from New York. His films
Loose Change, Fabled Enemies, Invisible
Empire, and more have been watched
by tens of millions. Jason generates
new content daily at Rokfin.com and
his coverage of January 6 is available
at RCReader.com/y/bermas4, and
RCReader.com/y/bermas5.
Pat Miletich lives in Scott County,
Iowa, and is a former UFC world cham-
pion, Hall of Fame inductee, coach of
12 world champions, and has 25 years
of training law enforcement and mili-
tary personnel. Pat has 15 years broad-
casting experience on Showtime, ESPN,
and AXS TV.
Sarah Ford is a mother of three and
a freelance reporter with 13 years of
work in print media. She lives in rural
Rock Island County and enjoys life on a
farm, traveling, and rock-hounding.
1) What motivated or inspired
you to go to D.C. on January 6,
2021?
Clyde Cleveland: I have never
been more disgusted in my life by the
obvious voter fraud in the 2020 elec-
tion. That was clearly my number-one
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE. River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 7
Jason Bermas: None. I wanted to
further legal process was done to
ensure the accuracy of the vote.
be in D.C. to get a feel for everything
going on. The main event was at the Jason Bermas: I am there to cover
Ellipse. I didn’t even know I would be it, but at the same time I want full
going to the Capitol. There were events accountability. And this isn’t about
motivation to attend the rally in D.C.
all over and people were talking about right and left. I want one person, one
I also wanted to show my support to
the event that actually had a permit vote, audits, and a real electoral system
President Trump for all the deep-state
behind the Capitol that was going on of checks and balances. I want a justice
attempts to destroy his presidency.
after Trump’s speech. I was at the main system. And if we don’t have free and
area in the Ellipse before security. This fair elections on any level and you can
Corey Eib: I knew this was going to
was the event most of the people were gaslight the public and then criminal-
be a large event and something poten-
there for. ize the public for thinking a certain
tially historical. I’ve seen pictures of
way afterward it becomes extremely
past rallies in D.C. that showed huge
Pat Miletich: We just wanted to wit- dangerous.
crowds, and I always wondered what it
ness the crowd and take in the atmo-
would be like to be at an event with so
sphere. We listened to Trump talk for Pat Miletich: If I actually care about
many people.
five minutes and then left to walk to the my children’s freedoms I should be
Capitol while he was still talking. present and do something and take
Jason Bermas: Many aspects of the
part in the process. There’s a lot wrong
election and the media coverage, even
Sarah Ford: I wanted to see Trump, with our freedoms being stripped for
before Trump, but especially with
and I was proudly there in my long decades and this has gone far enough
Trump, were not only disingenuous but
blue tie-dyed skirt with crystals and with recent election-integrity issues.
extremely corrupt. It was something I
homegrown sage in my coat pockets.
knew I had to go cover. I knew it was
I’m an Independent, tired of the D.C. Sarah Ford: My message was to
going to be historic. Whitney Webb
swamp, and that’s why I like Trump. He the D.C. swamp – the crooked career
and I discussed the possibility of false
exposed the corruption and hypocrisy politicians, the fake news, the liars
f lags or the demonization of people
of D.C., and he worked for the Ameri- and deceivers, the cheaters and projec-
who attended. She warned me not to
can people – for free! tors. Everything they accuse Trump
go. With today’s climate there was no
of doing, they actually do. We know
doubt I was going to cover this.
they cheated, they know we know they
"If I actually care about cheated, and they’re scared and show-
Pat Miletich: Conversations with my children's freedoms I ing it.
two Quad Cities’ friends. We felt that should be present and do
something historic was going to take something and take part in 4) Where did you spend most of
place because election integrity was the process. There's a lot
your time and how many attend-
being violated. I did not go in support wrong with our freedoms
being stripped for decades ees do you estimate were on
of Donald Trump. Not one of us wore a
and this has gone far hand?
single thread of Trump clothing.
enough with recent
election-integrity issues." Clyde Cleveland: Most of our time
Sarah Ford: When Trump
- Pat Miletich was spent at the morning rally. I have
announced the “Stop the Steal” rally, I
solid video proof that there were over 2
was hoping I could go, though I didn’t
million attendees.
have extra cash for a trip at that time.
3) What message did you want
When I woke up on January 1 with
to send, and to whom, with your Corey Eib: I spent the first half of the
stimulus funds in my bank account, I
presence in D.C. that day? day near the Washington Monument,
decided to answer this “calling” I felt to
then when the speaking portion of the
go to D.C. I’m also a freelance jour-
Clyde Cleveland: We need to sup- event was over, I walked to the Capitol
nalist and figured something historic
port honest elections and support the building and walked one complete loop
could happen, but I had no expecta-
first president in my lifetime that was around the building counter clock-
tions.
a real businessman and not a politician wise. I would guess there were at least
bought and paid for by lobbyists. 400,000 people there. By far, it was the
2) What was the particular
largest crowd I have even seen.
rally, speaker, or event that you
Corey Eib: Before the event, I had
wanted to attend if any?
read that the purpose was to hear a Jason Bermas: I went from the
number of speakers including the Presi- Ellipse all the way through the Trump
Clyde Cleveland: The morning event
dent, then walk to the Capitol building. speech. The initial things happening at
with all the speakers.
The crowd would then make a lot of the Capitol had already started to take
noise while walking around the capitol place … people were leaving as Trump
Corey Eib: I wasn’t there to actually
to let Congress know of the amount of was speaking, which is very odd. I
listen to any particular speaker. In fact,
dissatisfaction with questions about am not saying everyone who left was
I really couldn’t hear the presenters
the election. I was fine participating in an FBI provocateur, but it certainly
from where I was near the Washington
that, as I felt there was enough election seems like there was a movement to get
Monument. The public address system
irregularities reported that Congress
just didn’t have the capability to reach
should not certify the election until
that far. Continued On Page 16
 8 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
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free; for information, call 563-326-7804; Figge
Art Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 6:30pm Thu Jan 27
Closing Reception for Elaine Miller:
Uncommon Ground, held in conjunction with
the exhibit of paintings by the… Quad City Arts
Center, 11am Sat Jan 29
Exhibits & Shows
Color Your Christmas, exhibit of seasonal
works works from 45… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, Thu Jan 6
Robert Blackburn & Modern American
Printmaking, the exhibition features
approximately 60 artworks, including
lithographs, woodcuts, and watercolors, tracing
Blackburn’s artistic evolution from figurative
work to highly colored abstraction alongside
the art of his contemporaries; Tue.-Sat. 10am-
5pm, Thu. 10am-8pm, Sun. noon-5pm; $4-10;
for information, call 563-326-7804; Figge Art
Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Sun Jan 9
Dimensional: 3D Works from the Figge
Collection, this exhibition showcases sculpture
from the museum’s collection, highlighting
rarely exhibited works and recent additions
to the collection; this exhibition is sponsored
by Mark and Barbara Zimmerman; Tue.-Sat.
10am-5pm, Thu. 10am-8pm, Sun. noon-5pm;
$4-10; for information, call 563-326-7804; Figge
Art Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Sun Jan 16
Kate Hoyer, the inspiring oil paintings of Kate
Hoyer… Moline Public Library, thru Fri Jan 28
Elaine Miller: Uncommon Ground, exhibit of
paintings by the Chicago-based artist;… Quad
City Arts Center, thru Sat Jan 29
Pandemic Planet: A Community Collaboration
with Artist Jane Gilmor, reflect on your
pandemic time to explore what helped you
through the past or what is helping you in the
present; drawings made at the activity table
in the gallery will be transferred to metal and
installed in the exhibition; Tue.-Sat. 10am-
FREE ASSANGE.
EVENTS CALENDAR
5pm, Thu. 10am-8pm, Sun. noon-5pm; $4-10;
for information, call 563-326-7804; Figge Art
Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Sun Jan 30
Carlos Diniz: Master of Architectural
Illustration, the exhibit features nine
extraordinary charcoal renderings of the Frank
Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los
Angeles created by the renowned architectural
illustrator; Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Thu. 10am-8pm,
Sun. noon-5pm; $4-10; for information, call 563-
326-7804; Figge Art Museum, 225 W. Second St.,
Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Wed
Feb 2
Jane Gilmor: Breakfast on Pluto, features
sculptures created by Jane Gilmor using
repurposed past work and found materials from
the recesses of her studio; activated with motion
and light, the installation will encourage visitors
to contemplate the interplay between light and
darkness; Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Thu. 10am-8pm,
Sun. noon-5pm; $4-10; for information, call 563-
326-7804; Figge Art Museum, 225 W. Second St.,
Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru Wed
Feb 2
Troy Swangstu: A Bullish New Year, an exhibit
of free expressions of brush stroke… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, thru Wed Feb 2
Behind the Beat, traveling exhibit of black-and-
white photos of Black… Moline Public Library,
Wed Feb 2
Broadmoor School: Gift of Col. Richard G. and
Sandra D. Toye, an Historic House exhibition;
Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Thu. 10am-7pm, Sat. &
Sun. 1-4pm; for information, call 563-263-8282;
Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry Ave.,
Muscatine IA, MuscatineArtCenter.org, thru
Wed Feb 2
Exhibit Your Lego Brick Creation, builders
of all ages display a favorite completed set or
unique creation; Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Thu. 10am-
7pm, Sat. & Sun. 1-4pm; for information, call 563-
263-8282; Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry
Ave., Muscatine IA, MuscatineArtCenter.org,
thru Wed Feb 2
Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti, an Historic House
exhibition; Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Thu. 10am-7pm,
Sat. & Sun. 1-4pm; for information, call 563-263-
8282; Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry Ave.,
Muscatine IA, MuscatineArtCenter.org, thru
Wed Feb 2
Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects, award-
winning exhibition of art made with Lego
pieces; Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Thu. 10am-7pm,
Sat. & Sun. 1-4pm; for information, call 563-263-
8282; Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry Ave.,
Muscatine IA, MuscatineArtCenter.org, thru
Wed Feb 2
Classes
Brushstrokes, Thursdays thru Jan. 27, with
instructor Brad Bisbey; explore the… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, 11am Thu Jan 6
Know More. Do More.
Through February 2, 2022
Watercolor Gray Days: Light, Shadows and
Reflected Light, Thursdays thru Jan. 27, with
instructor Pat Bereskin; we will… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, 8:30am Thu Jan 6
Clay 102, Fridays thru Jan. 28, with instructor
Laura Warner; from watercolor… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, 5:30pm Fri Jan 7
Figure Drawing, with facilitator Lee White;
participants learn by practicing their skills and
adapting to change; these are not instructed
classes; bring your own supplies; all non-toxic
and non-photographic media are welcome;
$15; for information, call 563-326-7804; Figge
Art Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 5:30pm Fri Jan 7 thru Fri
Jan 21
Animals - Drawing: Ages 7-12, Saturdays
thru Jan. 29, with instructor Pat Bereskin; learn
artistic… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy,
8:30am Sat Jan 8
Drawing Basics for Adults 1, Saturdays thru
Jan. 29, with instructor Pat Bereskin; this
introductory… Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy,
10:30am Sat Jan 8
Paint Like an Artist, Saturdays thru Jan. 29, with
instructor Laura Warner; from Grant… Bereskin
Gallery & Art Academy, 8:15am Sat Jan 8
Southwest Craft Take ‘n’ Make, create
Guinea Pig pets without the mess; free; for
information,… Rock Island Public Library -
Southwest Branch, 6pm Tue Jan 11
lllustration: Grades 5-12, Tuesdays thru Mar.
1, with instructor Emma Hubner; students will…
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 5pm Tue Jan 11
Virtual Stitch Club: Embroider on Your
Clothes, on Thursdays; learn how to add
embroidery to your favorite… Davenport Public
Library - Main Branch, 2pm Thu Jan 13 thru Thu
Jan 27
Make 3 Pairs of Earrings: Intro to Wirework,
with instructor Karen Kubby; two skills are
learned and practiced:… Beadology Iowa, 3pm
Sat Jan 15
Make Glass Beads: Introduction to
Lampworking, with instructor Karen Kubby; this
class will teach you the… Beadology Iowa, 10am
Sat Jan 15
Photography for Beginners, led by Merlyn
Law; learn to be the next Ansel… Our Lady of the
Prairie Retreat, 3:30pm Sat Jan 15
Surprise Winter Crafternoon, drop-in for a
fun winter themed craft; all supplies will… Rock
Island Public Library - Southwest Branch, 4pm
Wed Jan 19
Maker Session: Feminist Art Movement, join
Artist Anna Richards for this exciting, hands-
on program that explores the Feminist Art
Movement in relation to the exhibition “Jane
Gilmor: Breakfast on Pluto”; this workshop will
be an opportunity to explore the personal and
RCReader.com/Calendar.
collective experience of living through a global
pandemic; free; for information, call 563-326-
7804; Figge Art Museum, 225 W. Second St.,
Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, 6pm Thu
Jan 20
Create Elegant Octavia Earrings through
Kirkwood Community College, with instructor
Karen Kubby; this 2-hole bead pattern by
Trendsetter… Beadology Iowa, 1pm Thu Jan 20
Crystal Cluster Earrings, with instructor
Karen Kubby; this class will perfect your wire…
Beadology Iowa, 10am Sat Jan 22
Felted Beads, with instructor Victor Schmidt; take
raw wool, a needle, and… Beadology Iowa, 2pm
Sat Jan 22
Wire Heart Pendant, with instructor Zanetta
Hoehle; participants will learn to weave three…
Beadology Iowa, 1pm Sun Jan 23
Adult Coloring, a relaxing time to color with some
fun conversation; color… Davenport Public Library
- Fairmount Street Branch, 2pm Tue Jan 25
Clay Hand Building Basics, Wednesdays thru
Feb. 16, with instructor Linda Hardin; learn to…
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 5:30pm Wed Jan
26
Gyrls Night Out: Beaded Mask Holder, with
instructor Alyssa Jakowchuk; design your personal
mask holder using… Beadology Iowa, 5:30pm Fri
Jan 28
Shape Shifter Components, with instructor
Karen Kubby; learn to use two-hole tile beads…
Beadology Iowa, 10am Sat Jan 29
Clay Pot Snowman, adults are invited to make a
clay pot snowman; for… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Mon Jan 31
Paint Like the Impressionists, Tuesdays thru
Feb. 22, with instructor Brad Bisbey; explore the…
Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, 6pm Tue Feb 1
Wheel 102, Tuesdays thru Feb. 22, with instructor
Laura Warner; this class… Bereskin Gallery & Art
Academy, 5:30pm Tue Feb 1
CALLS FOR ENTRY
y
Quad City Arts Annual Call for Exhibition
Proposals, Quad City Arts invites artists residing
within a 250-mile… Quad City Arts Center, thru
Sun Jan 9
Call for Entries: 42nd Rock Island Art Guild
Fine Arts Exhibition, seeking works by artists
living within 200 miles of the Figge Art Museum
working in any medium; artists may submit
up to three works for consideration per $35
application fee; this year’s juror Susan Watts will
select the works in the Feb. 26-May 15 exhibition
and the award winners; for information, call
563-326-7804; Figge Art Museum, 225 W. Second
St., Davenport IA, FiggeArtMuseum.org, thru
Sun Jan 16
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
Virtual Event: Community Quilt Project,
using books, reading, or community as the…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, thru Fri
Jan 28
MUSIC
Avey Grouws Band, concert with the ensemble
headlined by Jeni Grouws, Chris Avey, and
Bryan West; for information, call 563-328-8000;
Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA, RhythmCityCasino.
com, 7:30pm Fri Jan 7
QCSO Up Close with Andrew Parker, join
QCSO principal oboe Andrew Parker for an
intimate evening of music at the Figge featuring
works by Alyssa Morris, Francis Poulenc, Marina
Dranishnikova, and Sigismund Toduță; $10-
25; for information, call 563-322-0931; Figge
Art Museum, 225 W. Second St., Davenport IA,
FiggeArtMuseum.org, 7:30pm Sat Jan 8
Nicholas Fahrenkrug and Eleonora
Apostolidi: Die Schöne Müllerin, Opera
Quad Cities celebrates its return with a recital
featuring… Great Hall at Trinity Cathedral, 7pm
Sun Jan 9
Opera Quad Cities, celebrate Mozart’s birth
month with a live musical performance from…
Moline Public Library, 7pm Tue Jan 11
Aaron Lewis, concert with the chart-topping
country singer/songwriter; $35-60; for tickets,
call… Adler Theatre, 8pm Fri Jan 14
Mike Conrad & the Iowa Jazz Composers
Orchestra, University of Northern Iowa
Professor and award-winning jazz composer
Conrad… The Redstone Room, 5pm Sun Jan 16
Casey Donahew, concert with the chart-topping
country singer/songwriter; $25-35… The Rust
Belt, 7pm Thu Jan 20
Tech N9ne - Joey Cool - Jehry Robinson,
concert with the platinum-selling hip-hop
musician, featuring sets by Joey… The Rust Belt,
8pm Fri Jan 21
Keys to a Good Time: Windy City Dueling
Pianos, an evening of high-energy live music
and hilarious, interactive comedy… Bally’s Quad
Cities, 7pm Sat Jan 22
Mike Mains & the Branches, concert with
the indie-rock band based in Michigan; $15…
Raccoon Motel, 7pm Wed Jan 26
The Ghost of Paul Revere, concert with the
Americana trio in support of their most… The
Redstone Room, 7:30pm Wed Jan 26
Tuneful Tuesdays, enjoy a musical interlude
over the lunch hour; free; for… Rock Island
Public Library - Downtown Library, noon Tue
Feb 1
LITERARY ARTS
Call for Submissions: Great River Writer’s
Retreat, call for submissions for the writing
retreat and… Midwest Writing Center, Thu Jan 6
thru Wed Feb 2
The Missing File, a discussion of D.A. Mishani’s
book with the Mystery Book… Bettendorf Public
Library, 9:30am Sat Jan 8
Cora Unashamed, a discussion of Langston
Hughes’ story with the Short &… Davenport
Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am
Mon Jan 10
City of Thieves, a discussion of David Benioff’s
book with the Get Lit… Bettendorf Public
Library, 7pm Tue Jan 11
Unbecoming, a discussion of Rebecca Scherm’s
book with the West End Book… Davenport
Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm
Tue Jan 11
Letter Writing, in celebration of Letter Writing
Week, write a real paper-and-pen… Davenport
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm
Wed Jan 12
Station Eleven, a discussion of Emily St. John
Mandel’s book with the… Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 6:30pm Wed
Jan 12
Bettendorf Writing Club, this program is aimed
at writing enthusiasts who wish to… Bettendorf
Public Library, 6:30pm Thu Jan 13
Winter Reading Kickoff, staff will hand out
sign up bags at our South… Rock Island Public
Library - Downtown Library, 3pm Fri Jan 14
Rock Island Public Library Winter Reading
Challenge: Build a Better World, thru Feb. 26;
register online with the Beanstack website or…
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library,
Mon Jan 17 thru Wed Feb 2
The Boston Girl, a discussion of Anita Diamant’s
book with the Book Babes… Rock Island Public
Library - Downtown Library, 6:30pm Tue Jan 18
Golden Hill, a discussion of Francis Spufford’s
book with the Contemporary Books…
Bettendorf Public Library, 7pm Wed Jan 19
Bullet Journals 101, we’ll have everything
you’ll need to get started on your… LeClaire
Community Library, 6pm Wed Jan 19
Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, a
discussion of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novel with
the Harry… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Avenue Branch, 6:30pm Wed Jan 19
The Mapmaker’s Wife, a discussion of Robert
Whitaker’s book with the Contemporary Books…
Bettendorf Public Library, 1pm Wed Jan 19
The Push, a discussion of Ashley Audrain’s book
with the Novel Naptime… Moline Public Library,
9:30am Wed Jan 19
Meet the Author Online – The New Return to
the Great Mother: Birth, Initiation and the
Sacred Feminine, led by Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.;
this talk will focus on… Our Lady of the Prairie
Retreat, 6pm Wed Jan 19
The Big Cat, a discussion of Louise Erdrich’s
story with the SaSS: Saturday… Davenport
Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 10am
Sat Jan 22
When Dimple Met Rishi, a discussion of
Sandhya Menon’s book with the Love Letters…
Bettendorf Public Library, 3pm Sat Jan 22
A Redbird Christmas, a discussion of Fannie
Flagg’s book with the Southwest Book… Rock
Island Public Library - Southwest Branch, 4:30pm
Tue Jan 25
Aaron Lewis @ Adler Theatre -- January 14
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Good Omens, a discussion of Terry Pratchett
and Neil Gaiman’s book with… LeClaire
Community Library, 6:30pm Tue Jan 25
An Evening with Silvia Moreno-Garcia,
bestselling author Moreno-Garcia discusses
her newest book “Velvet Was the… Rock Island
Public Library - Downtown Library, 7pm Wed
Jan 26
Last Monday Book Club, light refreshments will
be paired with good conversation; copies of…
Silvis Public Library, 6:30pm Mon Jan 31
Pageturners, books are provided on a first-
come, first-served basis; free; for… Moline Public
Library, 1pm Tue Feb 1
Virtual Event: World Read Aloud Day,
celebrate World Read Aloud Day with one of
our librarians… Davenport Public Library - Main
Branch, 7pm Wed Feb 2
THEATRE
Performances & Auditions
We Wrote This in a Day (Don’t Yell at Us),
Haus of Ruckus presents the results of a 24-hour
playwriting… The Mockingbird on Main, 7:34pm
Sat Jan 8 and Sun Jan 9
Auditions: Rabbit Hole, auditions for the Tony-
winning family drama by David Lindsay-Abaire,
running… Playcrafters Barn Theatre, Sat Jan 8
and Sun Jan 9
Medea, Euripides’ classic tragedy translated
by Nicholas Rudall, directed by Becca Casad;…
Honkamp Myhre Black Box Theatre, Augustana
College, Thu Jan 13 thru Sun Jan 16
Auditions: Disaster!, auditions for the
’70s-disaster-movie musical-comedy spoof
running Apr. 1 -… Quad City Music Guild -
Prospect Park Auditorium, 1pm Sat Jan 15 and
Sun Jan 16
The Play That Goes Wrong, backstage slapstick
comedy by Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields, and
Henry Lewis,… Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Wed
Jan 19 thru Wed Feb 2
An Officer and a Gentleman: A New Musical,
romantic musical drama based on the Oscar-
winning film; $37-95; for… Hancher Auditorium,
7:30pm Wed Jan 19
Auditions: Peter & the Starcatcher, auditions
for the Tony-winning adventure comedy on…
The Spotlight Theatre, Fri Jan 21 and Sat Jan 22
Freedom Riders, performed by Mad River
Theater Works; the production will explore…
John & Alice Butler Hall - University of Dubuque
Heritage Center, 7:30pm Mon Jan 31
9
Classes
Acting for Ages 11-12, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; this imaginative, high energy
environment provides basic theatre terminology,
improvisation, characterization, vocal technique
and physical skills; the session concludes with an
in-person performance; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 11:30am Sat Jan
15 6:45pm Tue Jan 18
Acting for Ages 9-10, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; this imaginative, high energy
environment provides basic theatre terminology,
improvisation, characterization, vocal technique
and physical skills; the session concludes with an
in-person performance; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 10am Sat Jan 15
4:30pm Mon Jan 17 4pm Wed Jan 19
Advanced Musical Theatre for Ages 11+, classes
thru the week of Mar. 31; class focuses on more
complicated choreography and music, as well as
character development, to continue to challenge
and advance actors; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, noon Sat Jan 15
Musical Theatre for Ages 5-6, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; class develops storytelling and
communication skills through acting, song, and
dance; physical coordination and confidence
flourish; no one is required to sing a solo, as this
class is about building confidence; $110-130; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
9:30am Sat Jan 15 6:15pm Mon Jan 17 4:30pm
Tue Jan 18
Musical Theatre for Ages 7-8, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; class develops storytelling and
communication skills through acting, song, and
dance; physical coordination and confidence
flourish; no one is required to sing a solo, as this
class is about building confidence; $130-150; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
10:30am Sat Jan 15 4:45pm Mon Jan 17 4:45pm
Thu Jan 20
Musical Theatre for Ages 9-10, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; class develops storytelling and
communication skills through acting, song, and
dance; physical coordination and confidence
flourish; no one is required to sing a solo, as this
class is about building confidence; $130-150; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 9am
Sat Jan 15 5:45pm Tue Jan 18
Professional Acting for Ages 13+, classes thru
the week of Mar. 31; students will learn the ins
and outs of the professional acting world, as well
as get the inside scoop on headshots, creating
resumes, auditions, and more; $130-150; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
11:45am Sat Jan 15
Stage Management for Ages 12+, classes thru
the week of Mar. 31; learn all the in, outs, cues and
promts necessary to make a show run like magic;
$130-150; for information and to register, call 563-
888-2227; Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern
Ave., Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
10:15am Sat Jan 15
Acting for Ages 5-6, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; this imaginative, high
energy environment provides basic theatre
terminology, improvisation, characterization,
vocal technique and physical skills; the session
concludes with an in-person performance;
$110-130; for information and to register,
call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4pm Mon Jan 17
5:30pm Wed Jan 19
Continued On Page 10
 10 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
CONTINUED
CLASSES
Advanced Acting for Ages 10+, classes thru
the week of Mar. 31; this class deepens the
imagination and technique of storytelling,
through script analysis, character development,
movement, and voice and articulation work;
students will be challenged to delve into the
creative elements of presentation; $150-170; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
6:30pm Mon Jan 17
Broadway Beats! for Ages 3-4, classes thru
the week of Mar. 31 our youngest performers
explore storytelling through song and dance;
musical theatre develops coordination and
social skills through exercises, movement,
and games; $110-130; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:15pm Mon Jan
17 4pm Thu Jan 20
Costume Creation for Ages 11+, classes
thru the week of Mar. 31 learn what it takes
to create costumes for any sort of theatrical
show; students will learn how to develop
and alter costumes using a variety of
techniques; $140-160; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:15pm Mon Jan
17
Musical Theatre for Ages 11-12, classes thru
the week of Mar. 31; class develops storytelling
and communication skills through acting,
song, and dance; physical coordination and
confidence flourish; no one is required to
sing a solo, as this class is about building
confidence; $130-150; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6pm Mon Jan 17
Theatre on a Roll for Ages 12+, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; learn to create great characters
using Dungeons & Dragons; create your own
medieval fantasy character and adventure;
focus is on storytelling, character creation, and
elements of improv to create great characters
and stories; $140-160; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:45pm Mon Jan
17
Acting for Ages 7-8, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; this imaginative, high
energy environment provides basic theatre
terminology, improvisation, characterization,
vocal technique and physical skills; the session
concludes with an in-person performance;
$130-150; for information and to register,
call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4pm Tue Jan 18
6:15pm Wed Jan 19 5:15pm Thu Jan 20
Intermediate Acting for Ages 8-10, classes
thru the week of Mar. 31; building on skills
learned in previous courses, the class provides
a greater learning challenge; physicality,
characterization, and vocalization skills are
expanded upon; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport
IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:15pm Tue
Jan 18
Magic for Ages 8+, classes thru the week of Mar.
31; led by local magician David Casas; students
will learn basic slight of hand magic, using
everyday objects such as cards, coins and rubber
bands; new tricks are taught every session; $68-
85; for information and to register, call 563-888-
2227; Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern
Ave., Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.
com, 5pm Tue Jan 18
Teen Acting, classes thru the week of Mar. 31;
a great way to get theatrical training, some
onstage experience, and meet other teens
from around the QCA who share an interest
in theatre; $130-150; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
FREE ASSANGE.
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 7pm Tue Jan 18
Theatre Fun! for Ages 3-4, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; this high-energy class will focus
on getting our youngest students engaged by
using their bodies, voices, and imaginations;
they’ll learn basic theatre warm-ups, games,
and skills to create imaginative stories and
characters; $110-130; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:30pm Tue Jan
18
Improv for Ages 11-12, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; through games and exercises,
students develop the ability to think quickly
and imaginatively; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport
IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:30pm Wed
Jan 19
Improv for Ages 7-8, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; through games and exercises,
students develop the ability to think quickly
and imaginatively; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5pm Wed Jan 19
Intermediate Musical Theatre for Ages 9+,
classes thru the week of Mar. 31; building on
skills learned in previous courses, Intermediate
Broadway provides a greater learning
challenge; physicality, characterization, and
vocalization skills are expanded upon in this
high-energy class; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport
IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:15pm Wed
Jan 19
Intro to Tech Design for Ages 10+, classes
thru the week of Mar. 31; learn what it takes to
put up a theatrical production, how to program
lights, design sound, build a set, and collaborate
as a designer with a director; $130-150; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
4:30pm Wed Jan 19
Musical Theatre for Ages 13+, classes thru the
week of Mar. 31; class develops storytelling and
communication skills through acting, song, and
dance; physical coordination and confidence
flourish; no one is required to sing a solo, as this
class is about building confidence; $130-150; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
7pm Wed Jan 19
Improv for Ages 13+, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; through games and exercises,
students develop the ability to think quickly
and imaginatively; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 7pm Thu Jan 20
Improv for Ages 9-10, classes thru the week
of Mar. 31; through games and exercises,
students develop the ability to think quickly
and imaginatively; $130-150; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport
IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:30pm Thu
Jan 20
Intermediate Acting for Ages 11+, classes
thru the week of Mar. 31; building on skills
learned in previous courses, the class provides
a greater learning challenge; physicality,
characterization, and vocalization skills are
expanded upon; $140-160; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport
IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:30pm Thu
Jan 20
Storytelling Spectacular for Ages 5-6,
classes thru the week of Mar. 31; explore
storytelling and creative expression in our
introductory improv class that focuses on
games and exercises geared toward students
developing the ability to think quickly and
imaginatively; $110-130; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Know More. Do More.
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4:15pm Thu Jan
20
DANCE
Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance Classes,
offering classes in Ballet Pointe, Modern, Jazz,
Tap, Conditioning, Creative Movement, and
Adult Ballet, for ages 3 to adult; all classes
taught by the company’s professional dancers;
for information and to register, call 309-786-
2677; Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance, 617
17th St., Rock Island IL, BalletQuadCities.com,
thru Wed Feb 2
Beginning Ballet for Ages 5-6, classes thru the
week of May 15; dancers continue learning ballet
fundamentals and concepts such as turnout
and spatial awareness; this class focuses on
developing musicality, ballet vocabulary, and
having fun; $150-170; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 10am Sat Jan 15
5pm Mon Jan 17 4pm Wed Jan 19
Beginning Tumble for Ages 5-7, classes thru
the week of May 15; tumblers will learn basic
skills such as cartwheels, handstands, back
bends, and more; class begins with stretching to
improve flexibility and warm ups before working
on tumbling skills; $160-180; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 9:15am Sat Jan 15
5pm Tue Jan 18 4:15pm Wed Jan 19
Budding Ballet for Ages 3-4, classes thru
the week of May 15; our tiniest dancers learn
ballet fundamentals and dance class etiquette;
dancers work on coordination, ballet positions,
and movements across the floor; $150-170; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
9am Sat Jan 15 4pm Mon Jan 17 5pm Wed Jan
19
Tumble Tots for Ages 3-4, classes thru the week
of May 15; our preschool floor gymnastic classes
teach coordination and class etiquette; all
classes use floor mats with no use of trampolines
or bars; tumblers will learn forward and
backwards rolls, cartwheels, and more; $150-170;
for information and to register, call 563-888-
2227; Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern
Ave., Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.
com, 10:30am Sat Jan 15 4pm Tue Jan 18
4:15pm Thu Jan 20
Intermediate Tap: Teacher Recommended,
classes thru the week of May 15; this course is
for students looking to challenge and grow
themselves in their tap technique; more
complex rhythms and combinations will be
introduced; $160-180; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:30pm Mon Jan
17
Lyrical Dance for Ages 9+, classes thru the
week of May 15; this free and fluid style will work
expression and story telling through movement;
technique in ballet, jazz, and modern dance
are at the heart of this style; $160-180; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
6pm Mon Jan 17
Tap for Ages 7+, classes thru the week of
May 15; this style develops leg and foot
coordination, timing, and rhythm; dancers
will learn beginner to intermediate skills and
combinations; $160-180; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4:15pm Mon Jan
17
Ballet/Jazz for Ages 7+, classes thru the week
of May 15; jazz technique is developed from
ballet with small but noticeable differences such
as parallel vs turned out feet; ballet is typically
more fluid where jazz is more upbeat; $170-190;
for information and to register, call 563-888-
2227; Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern
RCReader.com/Calendar.
Ave., Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.
com, 4:30pm Tue Jan 18
Beginning Hip Hop for Ages 5-6, classes
thru the week of May 15; students will explore
popular basic hip hop steps alongside hip-
hop music; this style builds precision and
coordination where the focus will be on
developing a dancer’s style; $150-170; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
4:15pm Tue Jan 18 5:45pm Wed Jan 19
Hip Hop for Ages 10+, classes thru the week
of May 15; students will explore popular basic
hip hop steps alongside hip-hop music; this
style builds precision and coordination where
the focus will be on developing a dancer’s
style; $160-180; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:15pm Tue Jan
18
Intermediate & Advanced Ballet/Jazz:
Teacher Recommended, classes thru the week
of May 15; jazz technique is developed from
ballet with small but noticeable differences such
as parallel vs turned out feet; ballet is typically
more fluid where jazz is more upbeat; $180-200;
for information and to register, call 563-888-
2227; Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern
Ave., Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.
com, 6pm Tue Jan 18
Tumble for Ages 8+, classes thru the week of
May 15; tumblers will learn basic skills such
as cartwheels, handstands, back bends, and
more; class begins with stretching to improve
flexibility and warm ups before working on
tumbling skills; $160-180; for information and
to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:15pm Tue Jan 18
5:15pm Thu Jan 20
Ballet for Ages 7+, classes thru the week of May
15; class will work on posture, musicality, and
the proper execution of steps; dancers will be
introduced to basic turns, moving steps, leaps,
and work on flexibility; $160-180; for information
and to register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6pm Wed Jan 19
Beginning Hip Hop for Ages 5-6, classes
thru the week of May 15; students will explore
popular basic hip hop steps alongside hip-
hop music; this style builds precision and
coordination where the focus will be on
developing a dancer’s style; $150-170; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
5:45pm Wed Jan 19
Hip Hop for Ages 7-9, classes thru the week
of May 15; students will explore popular basic
hip hop steps alongside hip-hop music; this
style builds precision and coordination where
the focus will be on developing a dancer’s
style; $160-180; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4:30pm Wed Jan
19
Novice Tumble for Ages 5-7: Teacher
Recommended, classes thru the week of
May 15; tumblers will continue to improve
tumbling basics as they are the foundation
for intermediate and advanced skills; class
will begin with a warm up and stretch
session; $160-180; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 5:30pm Wed Jan
19
Beginning Poms for Ages 5-6, classes thru
the week of May 15; dancers will learn basic
arm positions that when used in combination
together create sharp visual effects in routines;
dancers will also learn stretches to improve
flexibility, basic turns and jumps, and short
combinations; $150-170; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 4pm Thu Jan 20
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. RCReader.com/Support.
Intermediate & Advanced Lyrical Dance:
Teacher Recommended, classes thru the
week of May 15; dancers with previous lyrical
experience will continue their growth in dance
expression and musicality; class will focus
on advanced turns, jumps, and tricks as well
as more in depth story telling; $160-180; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
5:30pm Thu Jan 20
Intermediate & Advanced Poms: Teacher
Recommended, classes thru the week of May
15; dancers will learn basic arm positions that
when used in combination together create sharp
visual effects in routines; dancers will also learn
stretches to improve flexibility, basic turns and
jumps, and short combinations; $160-180; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
6:45pm Thu Jan 20
Intermediate & Advanced Tumble: Teacher
Recommended, classes thru the week of
May 15; tumblers will continue to improve
tumbling basics as they are the foundation
for intermediate and advanced skills; class
will begin with a warm up and stretch
session; $170-190; for information and to
register, call 563-888-2227; Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport IA,
DavenportJuniorTheatre.com, 6:30pm Thu Jan
20
Poms for Ages 7+, classes thru the week of May
15; dancers will learn basic arm positions that
when used in combination together create sharp
visual effects in routines; dancers will also learn
stretches to improve flexibility, basic turns and
jumps, and short combinations; $160-180; for
information and to register, call 563-888-2227;
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport IA, DavenportJuniorTheatre.com,
5pm Thu Jan 20
Tribute National Talent Competition, for
information, visit TributeToDance.com… Adler
Theatre, Fri Jan 21 thru Sun Jan 23
PrimeTime Dance National Talent
Competition, for information, visit
PrimeTimeDance.net… Adler Theatre, Fri Jan 28
thru Sun Jan 30
Dancing with the Stars: Live Tour 2022, the
tour delivers a spectacular night of pulse-
pounding dance performances… Adler Theatre,
8pm Wed Feb 2
COMEDY
Ran Barncelo, standup comedian performs in
the Tomfoolery on Tremont series; for… Renwick
Mansion, 8pm Sun Jan 9
Joe Gatto, an evening with the comedian
from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers”
and “The Misery Index”; $25-45; for tickets and
information, call 844-852-4FUN; Rhythm City
Casino Resort Event Center, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA, RhythmCityCasino.com, 8pm Thu
Jan 13
Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy, an
evening with the TV and film actor/comedian;
$25 &… John & Alice Butler Hall - University of
Dubuque Heritage Center, 7:30pm Thu Jan 13
Nate Bargatze, an evening with the comedian
and podcaster on his “The… Adler Theatre, 7pm
Sun Jan 16
Rocky LaPorte, an evening with the touring
comedian from season 8 of NBC’s “Last Comic
Standing”; $15; for information, call 563-328-
8000; Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm
Room, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA,
RhythmCityCasino.com, 7pm Sun Jan 16
Laugh Hard Comedy Show, stand-up comedy
show featuring many hilarious comedians from
across the… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri
Jan 21
Shots and Giggles, improv comedy and
drinking crash together into one hilarious
FREE ASSANGE.
Joe Gatto @ Rhythm City Casino Resort -- January 13
evening;… The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Sat
Jan 22
MUSEUMS
Jugendstil: Art for All, at the turn of the 20th
century,… German American Heritage Center,
thru Sun Jan 9
Birds & You, the exhibit examines the role we all
can play in… Putnam Museum & Science Center,
thru Mon Jan 31
Faces of the Past, an original Putnam exhibit
that explores portraiture around the world…
Putnam Museum & Science Center, thru Mon
Jan 31
Oma’s Haus: Highlights from the Home, view
items from the GAHC’s collection and… German
American Heritage Center, thru Wed Feb 2
Pieces of the Past: Grandma Julia Koenig
Blocker’s Vintage Christmas Cards, Julia
Koenig Blocker was one Davenport local who
could trace… German American Heritage Center,
thru Wed Feb 2
Winter Wheels: Antique Motorcycle
Exhibition, this exhibition features vintage,
classic, and antique motorcycles… Putnam
Museum & Science Center, thru Wed Feb 2
German American Heritage Center
Community Open House, Jan. 8 & 9; enjoy free
admission to the museum… German American
Heritage Center, Sat Jan 8 thru Sun Jan 9
MOVIES
Interactive Movie Kit: Labyrinth, enjoy a
fun family movie night at home; kits will…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 2pm
Mon Jan 10
Interactive Movie Kit: Coco, enjoy a fun family
movie night at home; kits will… Davenport
Public Library - Main Branch, 2pm Tue Jan 18
Afternoon Classics, join us as we watch classic
movies starring your favorite… Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm
Wed Jan 19
Interactive Movie Kit: Monsters, Inc., enjoy
a fun family movie night at home; kits will…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 2pm
Mon Jan 24
Interactive Movie Kit: Fantastic Beasts &
Where to Find Them, enjoy a fun family movie
night at home; kits will… Davenport Public
Library - Main Branch, 2pm Mon Jan 31
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
SPORTS
Quad City Storm vs. Huntsville, professional
minor league hockey; for information and
tickets, call 309-277-1343… TaxSlayer Center, Fri
Jan 7 and Sat Jan 8
UFC 270: Ngannou vs Gane, feared knockout
artist Francis Ngannou defends his crown
against interim titlist Ciryl Gane; free; for
information, call 563-328-8000… Rhythm City
Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 9pm Sat Jan 22
Quad City Storm vs. Peoria, professional minor
league hockey; for information and tickets, call
309-277-1343… TaxSlayer Center, Fri Jan 28
Quad City Storm vs. Knoxville, professional
minor league hockey; for information and
tickets, call 309-277-1343… TaxSlayer Center, Sat
Jan 29 and Sun Jan 30
OTHER EVENTS
Call for Submissions: Eddy Award
Nominations, River Action applauds excellent
work with the… River Action, Thu Jan 6 thru
Tue Jan 25
Viva La Divas, the area’s hottest drag show
delivers unforgettable production numbers as…
The Circa ’21 Speakeasy, 8pm Fri Jan 7
Showbiz National Talent Competition, for
information, visit ShowbizTalent.com… Adler
Theatre, Fri Jan 7 thru Sun Jan 9
Family Scrabble Tournament, grab the
prestigious title of Scrabble Boss in this family-
friendly… Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Avenue Branch, 2pm Sat Jan 8
Doki Doki Anime Club: Lunar New Year
Celebratio, watch a variety of anime you get to
vote on… LeClaire Community Library, 5pm Tue
Jan 11
Adult Tabletop Adventures Guild (TAG):
Dungeons & Dragons, adults to get together
and roleplay, role dice, and have… LeClaire
Community Library, 6pm Thu Jan 13
Chess Club, an all-ages chess club that will
allow enthusiasts to find… Bettendorf Public
Library, 10am Sat Jan 15
Lord of the Rings Trivia Night, share your
Tolkien knowledge and compete for cash prizes;
up… The Tangled Wood, 7pm Tue Jan 18
Come to the Quiet, led by Pat Shea; an
opportunity to step away from… Our Lady of the
Prairie Retreat, 9:30am Wed Jan 19
11
Hoosier Arenacross Nationals, two nights of
extreme-racing events; for… TaxSlayer Center,
7pm Fri Jan 21 and Sat Jan 22
Adult Tabletop Adventures Guild (TAG):
Dungeons & Dragons, adults to get together
and roleplay, role dice, and have… LeClaire
Community Library, 6pm Thu Jan 27
From Word to Word Made Flesh, led by Fr. Mike
Schaab; Bible study, scriptural reflection and…
Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, 9am Sat Jan 29
Lunar New Year Gala, a brilliant artistic
celebration of Asia’s largest holiday; the rich…
Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 6pm
Sun Jan 30
Spice Up Your Life, join us each month as we
try a new spice,… Davenport Public Library -
Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Tue Feb 1
LECTURES
Resume Building, a skills presentation led by
Angela Striegel from Black Hawk… Bettendorf
Public Library, 7pm Thu Jan 6
Telling Your Family History for Future
Generations with Dan Foley, we will discuss
reasons for considering creating a family
archive,… Davenport Public Library - Main
Branch, 6:30pm Thu Jan 6
Virtual Opening the Box: Scrapbooking
through the Ages, explore and learn about
the curious world of archives and… Davenport
Public Library - Main Branch, 2:30pm Fri Jan 7
The Trader at Rock Island: George Davenport
and the Founding of the Quad Cities,
presentation by Regena Trant Schantz for the
Rock Island-Moline Branch of the… Butterworth
Center, 10am Sat Jan 8
Rock Island Arsenal 160th Anniversary
Series: The Battle of the Rock Island Rapids,
join Kevin Braafladt, the Army Sustainment
Command Deputy Historian at… Davenport
Public Library - Main Branch, 6pm Wed Jan 12
Rock Island Arsenal 160th Anniversary Series:
The Battle of the Rock Island Rapids, learn
about the history of the Rock Island Arsenal
from… Rock Island Public Library - Downtown
Library, 2pm Wed Jan 12
Virtual Presentation – Exploring
Intersections: Education Justice, a live-
streamed conversation series in the “Catholic
Sisters on Racism,… Humility of Mary Center,
3pm Wed Jan 12
Foreign Language and You: Your Home,
Your Voyage, take your French, Mandarin or
Portuguese from hesitant to conversant…
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 6:30pm Thu Jan 13
Remembering Dr. King, join us for this special
presentation by the Friends of… Davenport
Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm
Thu Jan 13
Virtual Spice Club 2.0: Chinese Five Spice, this
group meets once a month on Zoom to talk…
Rock Island Public Library - Downtown Library,
5:30pm Thu Jan 13
Feeding Backyard Wildlife, join Naturalist,
Becky Baugh, from the Wapsi River
Environmental Education… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 1pm Tue Jan
18
Third Thursday at Hoover’s: Behind the
Scenes at the Archives, Hoover Presidential
Library archivist Matthew Schaefer shares “A
Few of… LeClaire Community Library, 6pm Thu
Jan 20
Trax from the Stax: Stevie Wonder in the ’70s,
Troy Rangel will talk about the songs and albums
Stevie… Bettendorf Public Library, 7pm Thu Jan
20
Continued On Page 12
 12 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
CONTINUED
LECTURES
Virtual Presentation – 3rd Thursday at
Hoover’s Presidential Library & Museum
Presents “A Few of My Favorite Things” by
Matthew Schaefer, Hoover Presidential Library
archivist Matthew Schaefer shares “A Few of…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 6pm
Thu Jan 20
Searching for the Snow Leopard, the Snow
Leopard Conservancy shares stories and images
from photographers… Davenport Public Library
- Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm Sat Jan 22
Collecting The Beatles On Records! Yeah!
Yeah! Yeah!, David Baker, an experienced
second-generation Beatles fan, will have tips…
LeClaire Community Library, 6pm Mon Jan 24
Identify Domestic Violence, join our program
in person or virtually to learn the… Davenport
Public Library - Main Branch, 6:30pm Mon Jan
24
Get Your Local Business on Google Search
and Maps, ensure customers can find accurate,
updated information about your local…
Davenport Public Library - Main Branch, 4pm
Tue Jan 25
Intro to Collections Management, join Onnica
Marquez and learn how to properly handle,
store,… St. Ambrose University, 5:15pm Tue Jan
25
Life & Estate Planning: The Tools of the Trade
& How to Use Them, the presentation will cover
the last will & testament, trusts,… Davenport
Public Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 1pm
Tue Jan 25
Stories from Around the World, presented by
the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities;…
Bettendorf Public Library, 7pm Tue Jan 25
How to Plan Your Funeral Service, led by
Pastor Dianne Prichard, from 9:30am-noon and
6-8:30pm; join… Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat,
Wed Jan 26
Sustainable Stewardship: Barb Arland-Fye
Interview Series, Barb interviews Delia Moon
Meier, senior vice president of Iowa… Our Lady
of the Prairie Retreat, 5pm Thu Jan 27
Human Trafficking: Becoming an Abolitionist,
human trafficking is a crime involving the
exploitation of someone… Davenport Public
Library - Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Thu
Jan 27
The Play with Rocky Bleier, four-time Super
Bowl champion Rocky Bleier performs his one-
man show… John & Alice Butler Hall - University
of Dubuque Heritage Center, 7:30pm Fri Jan 28
MEETINGS
Scott County Board of Supervisors Regular
Meeting, activities may include voting on
actions and conducting public hearings;… Scott
County Administrative Center, 5pm Thu Jan 6
and Thu Jan 20
Goose Hollow Prayer Garden Open
for Outdoor Prayer, at 1006 Western
Ave., Davenport; for information, e-mail
e-fellowship@hotmail.com or… Goose Hollow,
Thu Jan 6 thru Wed Feb 2
Muscatine City Council Meeting, meets on the
first, second, and third Thursday of each… City
Hall of Muscatine, 7pm Thu Jan 6 and Thu Jan
20
Quad Cities Social Action Committee, for
information, e-mail e-fellowship@hotmail.com;
help protest unfair treatment of the elderly…
Sippi’s Fine Food and Cocktails, 12:30pm Fri Jan
7 Silvis City Council Meeting, held on the 1st &
Quad Cities Mississippi Valley Ski and Social
Club (QCMVSC), come at 6:30pm if you would
like to order dinner… Granite City Food &
Brewery, 7pm Mon Jan 10
FREE ASSANGE.
Unfiltered: The Hidden Brain, discuss topics
from the group-voted podcast of the month;
hosted… Iron + Grain Coffee House - Davenport,
6:30pm Mon Jan 10
Rock Island City Council Meeting, Public
Comment is held at the beginning of City
Council… Rock Island City Hall, 6:45pm Mon Jan
10 and Mon Jan 24
Sherrard City Council Meeting, held on the
second Monday of the month; for information,…
Sherrard City Hall, 7pm Mon Jan 10
Geneseo City Council Meeting, meets on the
2nd Tuesday of the month; for information,…
Geneseo City Council Chambers, 6pm Tue Jan 11
Village of Erie Board/City Council Meeting,
held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month; for
information,… Village of Erie Office, 6pm Tue
Jan 11
Moline City Council Committee of the Whole
Meeting / Regular Meeting, meets in Council
Chambers; the formal City Council meeting is…
Moline City Hall, 6pm Tue Jan 11 and Tue Jan 25
Riverdale City Council Meeting, held on the
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month;… Riverdale
City Hall, 7pm Tue Jan 11 and Tue Jan 25
Rock Island-Milan Board of Education
Meeting, held in the school library on the 2nd &
4th… Rock Island High School, 6pm Tue Jan 11
and Tue Jan 25
Rock Island Committee of the Whole Meeting,
held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month
(subject to… Rock Island County Office Building,
5:30pm Wed Jan 12
Davenport City Council Meeting, the
Davenport City Council meets on the first and
third… Davenport City Hall, 5:30pm Wed Jan 12
and Wed Jan 26
Illinois Freedom Alliance Town Hall Meeting,
with the IFA Presentation Running for Office –
Petition Drive… Riverside Grille, 5pm Thu Jan 13
Library Board of Trustees Meeting, free; for
information, call 563-344-4175… Bettendorf
Public Library, 5pm Thu Jan 13
Moline Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting, agendas are available prior to the
meetings; minutes are available… Moline Public
Library, noon Thu Jan 13
Bettendorf City Council Committee of the
Whole Meeting, recorded meetings can be seen
at Bettendorf.org or City’s Cable… Bettendorf
City Hall, 5pm Mon Jan 17
East Moline City Council Regular Meeting /
Committee of the Whole Meeting, meets on
the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month;… East
Moline Council Chambers at City Hall, 6:30pm
Mon Jan 17
Aledo City Council Committee of the Whole
Meeting / Regular Meeting, held on the 1st and
3rd Mondays of each month; Committee… Aledo
City Council Chamber, 6:15pm Mon Jan 17
Milan City Council Meeting, held on the
first and third Monday of the month;… Milan
Municipal Center, 5:30pm Mon Jan 17
Bettendorf City Council Meeting, recorded
meetings can be seen at Bettendorf.org or City’s
Cable… Bettendorf City Hall, 7pm Tue Jan 18
Rock Island County Board Regular Meeting,
all meetings are open to the public, but may
be… Rock Island County Office Building, 5:30pm
Tue Jan 18
Scott County Board of Supervisors
Committee of the Whole Meeting, the board
will review legislative actions, administrative
items, and contracts; for… Scott County
Administrative Center, 8pm Tue Jan 18
3rd Tuesday of each month;… Silvis City Hall,
6:30pm Tue Jan 18
Know More. Do More.
Coal Valley City Council Meeting, held on the
first and third Wednesdays of each month;…
Coal Valley Village Hall, 6pm Wed Jan 19
Davenport City Council Committee of the
Whole Meeting, the Davenport City Council
meets on the first and third… Davenport City
Hall, 5:30pm Wed Jan 19
Illinois Freedom Alliance Town Hall Meeting,
with the IFA Presentation Meet your PCs / Poll
Watchers… The Logger House Bar & Grill, 5pm
Wed Jan 19
Virtual Event: EICC Board of Trustees
Meeting, held via Zoom; for information, call
563-336-3300… Eastern Iowa Community
College District, 7pm Mon Jan 24
Erie School District Board Meeting, held
on the 4th Monday of the month in the… Erie
Community Unit School District No. 1, 6:30pm
Mon Jan 24
Illinois Freedom Alliance Town Hall Meeting,
with speakers TBA and featuring a gun raffle;
5pm order… Welcome Inn Restaurant, 5pm Sat
Jan 29
Bettendorf City Council Meeting, recorded
meetings can be seen at Bettendorf.org or City’s
Cable… Bettendorf City Hall, 7pm Tue Feb 1
Scott County Board of Supervisors
Committee of the Whole Meeting, the board
will review legislative actions, administrative
items, and contracts; for… Scott County
Administrative Center, 8pm Tue Feb 1
Silvis City Council Meeting, held on the 1st &
3rd Tuesday of each month;… Silvis City Hall,
6:30pm Tue Feb 1
Coal Valley City Hall Meeting, held on the first
and third Wednesdays of each month;… Coal
Valley Village Hall, 6pm Wed Feb 2
Davenport City Council Committee of the
Whole Meeting, the Davenport City Council
meets on the first and third… Davenport City
Hall, 5:30pm Wed Feb 2
HEALTH
Zoom Chair Yoga, on Thursdays; Daina Lewis,
a Registered Yoga Teacher, will teach… Moline
Public Library, 11am Thu Jan 6 thru Thu Jan 27
Deep Peace Yin Yoga, Sound Healing & Yogic
Sleep, led by Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel;
using a tranquil, slow,… Our Lady of the Prairie
Retreat, 10am Wed Jan 12
The Complexities of Caregiving and Self Care:
How Can We Manage Both?, led by Chris Pries;
millions of Americans take care of… Our Lady of
the Prairie Retreat, 9am Thu Jan 13
SENIORS
Bob Gaston New Horizons Band Practice, on
Thursdays; $2-5; for information, call 563-386-
7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 12:30pm
thru Thu Jan 27
Card Embroidery, on Thursdays; learn how to
create fun embroidery greeting cards… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 9am thru Thu Jan 27
Zumba Gold, Thu. 9am, Fri. 10:15am; $3/person;
for information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 9am thru Thu Jan 27
Billiards, Mon.-Fri.; $1/day; for information, call
563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
8am thru Wed Feb 2
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information, call 563-386-7477 ext. 253… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), thru Wed Feb 2
Low Impact Exercise, Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9-10am,
Tue. 11am-2pm, Thu. 11am-noon; $2/person;…
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must be reserved 24 to 48 hours in… CASI
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Feb 2
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Mon.-Fri. by appointment; for information, call
563-386-7477 ext. 266… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), thru Wed Feb 2
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session; for information, call 563-349-5832…
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), thru Wed Feb 2
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Program), Mon.-Fri. by appointment; free; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), thru Wed Feb 2
CASI Book Club, $2/meeting; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 10am Fri Jan 7
The Vanishing Half, a discussion of Brit
Bennett’s book; $2/person; for information,
call… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10am Fri
Jan 7
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admission fee, card costs are $0.25 &… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Fri Jan 7 thru
Fri Jan 28
Senior Theatre: Second Avenue Players, on
Fridays; bring your theatrical side to CASI’s
senior theater… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
10:30am Fri Jan 7 thru Fri Jan 28
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person; for information, call… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 10:15am Fri Jan 7 thru Fri Jan
28
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information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 11:30am Fri Jan 7 thru Mon
Jan 31
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Wed Feb 2
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thru Wed Feb 2
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information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 12:45pm Fri Jan 7 thru Wed
Feb 2
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information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1pm Mon Jan 10 thru Mon
Jan 31
Ugly Quilts, on Mondays; volunteer group; no
sewing experience necessary; free; for… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 9am Mon Jan 10
thru Mon Jan 31
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information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 10:15am Mon Jan 10 thru
Mon Jan 31
Winter Tree Diamond Painting Class, join
CASI’s own Amy Warren as she leads you
through… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 9am
Tue Jan 11
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person; for information, call 563-386-7477…
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 10:15am Tue
Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Canasta, on Tuesdays; $2/session; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 1pm Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Chair Yoga, on Tuesdays; with Logan Anderson,
owner of All Strong Fitness;… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 2pm Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Crocheting & Knitting, on Tuesdays; volunteer
group; free; for information, call 563-386-7477…
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 12:30pm Tue
Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Continued On Page 22
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
THEATRE
Picks o' Six 2021
Highlights from the Year in Area Theatre
W
ith the fruits of our non-laborious
labors landing in your laps (or on
your laptops) as a special New Year
gift, your intrepid theatre correspondents
Rochelle Arnold, Pamela Briggs, Madeline
Dudziak, and I officially welcome you to the
sixth-annual Reader Tony Awards! Now
returned to full fighting strength after 2020’s
truncated-by-necessity ceremony!
For those who don’t remember, and for
those who understandably choose not to,
the Reader’s annual celebration of local and
local-ish stage accomplishments was pan-
demically forced to look a little different last
year, considering that our area’s traditional
assemblage of 80-ish theatrical productions
was whittled down to, like, 12. Troupers that
we are, we went on with the show regard-
less, but in a format that only allowed for six
categories as opposed to the usual 10, and only
two write-ups for each category instead of the
six we initiated in 2019.
And in all honesty, our area still didn’t
completely return to über-expansive form in
2021. While an absence of their titles hope-
fully won’t continue into 2022, there were no
new shows from the Prenzie Players, the QC
Theatre Workshop, or New Ground Theatre.
Venues such as the Playcrafters Barn Theatre,
the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, the Circa ‘21
Dinner Playhouse, and the Spotlight Theatre
found their seasons starting later in the year
than usual. Quad City Music Guild, Augus-
tana College, and St. Ambrose University
delivered months of virtual presentations
before re-opening their doors to the public.
Genesius Guild produced fewer works than in
the past; the Mississippi Bend Players switched
to a season of one-weekend runs.
But consider what did happen! Professional
summer-stock companies the Clinton Area
Showboat Theatre and Mt. Carroll’s Timber
Lake Playhouse – both shuttered for 2020 –
came roaring back to life, as did Eldridge’s
Countryside Community Theatre. Moline’s
Black Box Theatre opened nine shows between
March and December. Davenport’s new venue
The Mockingbird on Main was launched and
produced a half-dozen works over the last
six months. And unlike their combined 10 in
2020, Rochelle, Pamela, and Madeline were
able to review a full 57 area stage productions
this year, with yours truly also managing to
get his butt to a theatre nearly two dozen times
since March. It may not have been 2019 again,
but it sure as hell wasn’t 2020!
That being said, there were still several
area productions that, because of scheduling
conflicts, our team was collectively unable to
cover, for which we sincerely apologize. But
as always, the Reader Tonys are meant to be
a representation of the awesomeness of our
area-theatre scene as opposed to any kind
of final word on the subject. So we chose to
take a slightly different tack to reach a similar
result this year: the same 10 categories that we
covered from 2016 to 2019, but with our three
reviewers and myself offering one-and-a-half
opinions per. Everyone got to submit an entry
for each category, and then Rochelle, Pamela,
and Madeline chose five additional categories
they wanted to augment with another men-
tion. I added my two cents to the five catego-
ries remaining, and presto! Picks o’ Six 2021!
Ain’t math grand?
As in the past, the same rules applied. No
one could personally cite a show more than
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
three times. When someone contributed two
mentions to a category, those choices had to
come from works at two different venues.
Every title had to be produced in the area –
making touring stops at Davenports Adler
Theatre, for instance, ineligible – and no one
could hand a figurative Tony to a spouse,
family member, or editor, though productions
they were involved with were fair game. Ties
were allowed, but only when two or more per-
formers from the same show had equivalent
stage time. And yes, you’ll be relieved to learn,
no one’s individual write-up was allowed to
exceed 50 words. I have yet to meet anyone
who either wrote for or read the Reader Tonys
who had a problem with that.
Sadly, our annual recap does come with the
news that Rochelle Arnold – who contributed
more than five dozen articles since her Reader
debut in the spring of 2018 – has decided to
move on from regular reviewing duties, and
her talents and enthusiasm will certainly be
missed. But with Pamela Briggs and Madeline
Dudziak happily still on-board, we’ll continue
to provide the informative, incisive, and enter-
taining area-theatre coverage you’ve come
to expect, and will no doubt be adding a new
voice or two to the team in 2022.
So stay tuned – and in the meantime, enjoy
the 2021 Reader Tonys! It’s great to be back!
Like, for realz back!
– Mike Schulz
Production
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spell-
ing Bee, Timber Lake Playhouse (Pamela
Briggs). Director Natalie Novacek’s backwa-
ter-brainiac battle featured bright tweens of
many temperaments, with six adults providing
genius portrayals. Those playing adults were
likewise brilliant. Every voice was powerful;
the acting and improv cracklingly comical.
Trances, crushes, rants, cartwheels, sabotage,
a divine visitation, and a kid dancing on one
foot spelled F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C.
Constellations, Clinton Area Showboat
Theatre (Mike Schulz). An achingly roman-
tic, imaginative two-hander by Nick Payne,
directed by the magnificent James Beaudry,
starring the staggeringly gifted Timber Lake
Playhouse alumni Jess Ford and Alexandra
E. Palkovic. No way was I missing this. There
was probably also no way I wasn’t going to fall
madly in love with it.
Deck the Halls: A Holiday Musical, Mocking-
bird on Main (Madeline Dudziak). This de-
lightful little dose of yuletide cheer provided
lots of laughs and enough Christmas spirit to
help Santa’s sleigh fly for years. With just a cast
of four and running under an hour, Tristan
Tapscott’s pint-sized original show was here to
remind us all to not underestimate new works.
Mamma Mia!, Quad City Music Guild (Mad-
eline). A talented cast, beautiful set, stunning
lights, completely unique and hilariously good
flipper dance, background actors serving an
actual purpose, glorious costumes, and ABBA
tunes? Colleen Houlihan’s production was
every bit the unmitigated joy 2021 needed. A
phenomenal and triumphant return to live
theatre in Prospect Park.
The Sound of Music, Spotlight Theatre (Pa-
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
By Rochelle Arnold, Pamela Briggs, Madeline Dudziak, and Mike Schulz
mela). A big show requires massive amounts
of time and exertion, even if done poorly.
Director Sara Tubbs’ production, however, ran
amazingly smoothly, with many exceedingly
talented folks working in harmony. Like the
movie, it was a gratifying panoramic feast for
eyes and ears – but, being live, worlds better.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Spot-
light Theatre (Rochelle Arnold). Directed
and produced by Spotlight co-founders
Brent and Sara Tubbs, this show had colorful
characters, whimsical props, and bright set
designs. A playful musical nicely put together
with lots of imagination, the lighthearted pro-
duction featured cartoon animations periodi-
cally flashing onto a backdrop, plus fantastic
lighting that added wonderful silhouettes.
Director
Cait Bodenbender, Red, Mississippi Bend
Players (Madeline). This glorious production
looked at the concept of art as a whole: the
creative process and ultimate value. Certainly
a demanding challenge, but Bodenbender
slayed it with a production that was both visu-
ally stunning and mentally stimulating. Her
directing acumen guided the whole experi-
ence to a crescendo of artistic prowess.
Jennifer Popple, Macbeth, Augustana
College (Mike). Following her springtime
knockout One Flea Spare, Popple crafted a
sleek, stylish, legit-scary and -funny Scottish
Play, and while Shelley Cooper’s movement
coaching was sublime, it augmented – rather
than overwhelmed – the director’s inspired
guidance of actors and expert staging. This
Macbeth was worth catching twice. So I did.
Kayla Jo Pulliam, I & You, Black Box Theatre
(Pamela). A one-set production in which
two teens sat around talking about school,
music, and poetry – but bigger than that. This
intriguing drama-with-comedy ended with a
hugely shocking revelation that literally tears
this little world apart, and Pulliam did mar-
velous wonders with this moving, outstand-
ing, hard-to-stage play.
Kira Rangel, The Mountaintop, Mockingbird
on Main (Rochelle). Rangel made skillful use
Caleb Mathura and Roy Brown in
the Timber Lake Playhouse's Jesus Christ Superstar.
13
of an intimate space, offering great direction
to her two-actor cast: Anthony Hendricks as
Dr. Martin Luther King and Erica Faye as the
mysterious maid Camae. This drama was a
poignant look into the unique inner struggles
of one of history’s most influential civil-rights
leaders.
Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt, The Music
Man, Countryside Community Theatre
(Pamela). Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt led a big cast
through well-loved musical numbers and
wordy scenes. The leads sang dazzlingly, acted
naturally, and presented novel takes on their
characters. The townsfolk sang and danced
their hearts out. The kids were exceptionally
talented. The topnotch crew put everything
together beautifully. Nothing halfway about
this production.
Mike Turczysnki, The Whistleblower’s
Dilemma, Playcrafters Barn Theatre
(Madeline). Staging brand-new works can
be difficult, especially when the playwright is
checking in, too. But Turczynski is a fantastic
director to bring something to life for the first
time. With its great physical comedy, swift
scene transitions, and awesome staging all
around, Turczynski’s production was some-
thing to be proud of.
Lead Actress
Cait Bodenbender, Mollie Schmelzer, and
Melita Tunnicliff, Hippolytus, Genesius Guild
(Madeline). As a constant stage presence, this
Greek chorus was a indeed a constant presence
throughout Michael Callahan’s production.
What a trio! Whether speaking in unison of-
fering commentary, guiding the stage action,
or merely listening intently while sorting their
washing, Bodenbender, Schmelzer, and Tun-
nicliff were a genuinely captivating group.
Noel Jean Huntley, Macbeth, Augustana Col-
lege (Madeline). There truly aren’t enough posi-
tive adjectives to describe Huntley. Her spin on
Lady Macbeth was unbelievably impassioned,
and she leaned into the grief her character felt
without restraint while manipulating her way to the
top; Huntley stole focus in all the right ways. This
performance was nothing short of phenomenal.
Continued On Page 14
14 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Theatre Picks o' Six: Cont. from Page 13
Noel Jean Huntley and Kira Rangel, Beehive:
The ‘60s Musical, Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
(Mike). While their co-stars were wonderful,
Beehive generally belongs to its Tina/Aretha
and Janis tribute artists – and Rangel and
Huntley effing owned this production. These
powerhouse vocalists/interpreters should
immediately tour solo showcases for all three
icons. Granted, that would require cloning
Rangel. It feels like a science experiment
worth exploring.
Adrienne Jane, I & You, Black Box Theatre
(Pamela). Caroline is a caustic, mercurial
teenager, critically ill, and trying to evade a
strange classmate, and Jane did exceptional
work displaying the shifting hues of this
complex, emotional girl trying to be cool and
controlled. She made Caroline a rich, fully real
person – not just a stereotypical defiant youth.
Kim Kurtenbach, Disenchanted!, Circa ‘21
Dinner Playhouse (Rochelle). Kurtenbach
shined in this Disney-princess satire. She was
the comedic epitome of Snow White – one
a little rough around the edges, but dressed
to the nines – and combined sassy with sexy
when delivering lines such as “Do I look like I
need to wait for a prince?”
Wrigley Mancha, Matilda: The Musical,
Quad City Music Guild (Mike). Despite
donning a face mask, I felt like I didn’t miss
a single euphoric grin or touchingly down-
turned expression of despondence in Man-
cha’s thunderously present, jubilant, excitingly
sung portrayal of Matilda. The seven-year-old
who accompanied me was riveted by this
young dynamo. So was the guy 46 years her
elder.
Lead Actor
Ben Gougeon, An Oak Tree, Mockingbird on
Main (Madeline). It takes an obscene amount
of skill to be able to act opposite an actor who
has never read the script, which is exactly what
Gougeon did each and every night. It’s ironic,
really, that his character was a hypnotist, given
that his performance was so mesmerizing to
witness.
TJ Green and Calvin Vo, “Jacques”alope,
Mockingbird on Main (Mike). Best buds
playing best buds. Easy feat, right? Maybe
so. But perhaps one made a li-i-i-ittle bit
tougher by Green and Vo having to visibly
nail a bromance while also creating comically
distinct personae, performing lightning-quick
verbal-slapstick routines, chatting with a dude
in cactus garb … and keeping straight faces.
Anthony Hendricks, The Mountaintop,
Mockingbird on Main (Rochelle). Despite
having an extravagant amount of dialogue,
Hendricks delivered his lines in a simple and
conversational manner. I felt like a fly on the
wall while watching the actor portray Dr.
Martin Luther King in the most compelling
way, and deliver a riveting performance that
captured my heart and imagination.
Jacob Johnson, Little Shop of Horrors, Spot-
light Theatre (Pamela). As written, Seymour’s
a schmendrick, and many might’ve leaned on
the lines alone for laughs, maybe adding some
tired Jerry-Lewis-style shtick. Yet Johnson’s
fresh, authentic portrayal expressed both
meekness and strength, provoking hilarity
and sympathy, and his control over his fine
voice and limber body made shy Seymour a
hero.
FREE ASSANGE.
Caleb Mathura, Jesus Christ Superstar,
Timber Lake Playhouse (Rochelle). A rising
star for sure, Mathura’s portrayal of Jesus was
absolutely breathtaking – one of the best I’ve
ever seen. His falsetto was remarkable, with
a piercing quality so appropriate for this role,
and Mathura employed his expressive eyes
and facial expressions to make you feel his
every emotion.
Philip Tunnicliff, Hippolytus, Genesius
Guild (Mike). Another face-masked perfor-
mance – but this one intentional, not circum-
stantial! No doubt employing his years as a
Guild vet, Tunnicliff made you feel deeply for
a man who, in truth, was oftentimes a douche.
That Hippolytus’ tragic fate still meant some-
thing was testament to the actor’s abjectly
honest, bighearted portrayal.
Featured Actress
Katelyn Baughman, The 25th Annual Put-
nam County Spelling Bee, Timber Lake Play-
house (Pamela). Quintessential overachiever
13-year-old Marcy is a superstar in languages,
music, and sports. The energetic, charming
Baughman, meanwhile, sang frenetically of
Marcy’s accomplishments, dancing around
the stage and expressing both pride and
unbearable stress. When Marcy threw the
bee, her joy at defying expectations instead of
exceeding them was contagious.
Abbey Donohoe, Company, Black Box
Theatre (Mike). Amidst Company’s fearsome
talent, Donohoe was MVP for playing April
as I’ve never seen her before: smart as hell.
Traditionally a ditz, this stewardess instead
emerged as ultra-savvy, and in going for
curious as opposed to needy, Donohoe’s skill
– and Sondheim’s elastic lyrics – made this a
fabulous choice.
Autumn Key, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Timber
Lake Playhouse (Rochelle). Always captur-
ing my attention as her character Nell crossed
the stage with slinky body language, Key was
super-sultry and beautiful. In this enticing
musical, she was a smoking-hot triple threat,
displaying great dance skills, a dynamic voice,
and the ability to convey Nell’s personality
through believable acting.
Kady Patterson, Clue: On Stage, Richmond
Hill Barn Theatre (Madeline). In a cast of
Adrienne Jane and Michael Alexander in the Black Box Theatre's I & You.
Know More. Do More.
familiar favorites, Patterson stole focus more
than once with Mrs. White’s silent responses
to the goings-on in Boddy Mansion. Under
Dana Skiles’ direction, people kept dying right
and left, but Patterson’s reactions never got
less interesting … even with flames on the side
of her face.
Susan Perrin-Sallak, Outside Mullingar,
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre (Mike). Maybe
a sentimental choice, considering Perrin-
Sallak has played my stage mom three separate
times. Her regality, subtle emotionalism, and
razor-sharp comic instincts as a grieving Irish
widow, however, made me wish I was her child
a fourth time. Apologies, Jessica White. You
were fantastic. I still totally wanted your role.
Sara Wegener, Dick Tracy: A Live Radio Play,
Black Box Theatre (Madeline). I loved how
Wegener brought apparent disinterest to an
entirely new level with her character in Lora
Adams’ production. If there was a contest for
the best stage scream in 2021, Wegener would
win that category, too, because her dead-
panned shrieks were the absolute funniest
things I’ve seen/heard in years.
Featured Actor
Kevin Babbitt, Outside Mullingar, Richmond
Hill Barn Theatre (Pamela). When Babbitt
first entered, his Tony exuded weary stoicism.
When he spoke, he unleashed cranky bluster
in a formidable Irish accent. And all through-
out, Babbitt was blunt, exasperating … and
likable. Tony’s contentious relationship with
his son was completely convincing. So was his
love and regret when he said goodbye.
Jack Bevans, The Music Man, Countryside
Community Theatre (Pamela). Whenever the
charismatic Bevans showed up, it felt as if the
stage lights became brighter and warmer. His
Marcellus was full of spark, shenanigans, and
enthusiasm, his dancing and singing were top-
notch, and Bevans made it all look as natural
as breathing. He’s great. He’ll no doubt keep
getting better.
Will Crouch, One Flea Spare, Augustana
College (Mike). Employing a pitch-perfect
Cockney dialect, Crouch was hugely en-
tertaining and devastatingly sinister as the
watchman who practically dared his trapped
charges/victims to leave their home during a
RCReader.com/Calendar.
devastating pandemic. The actor’s malignant
yet hilarious creepiness made you fear for
anyone physically encountering the man. But
at least he was outside.
Brad Hauskins, The Church Basement Ladies
in You Smell Barn, Circa ‘21 Dinner Play-
house (Rochelle). Hauskins was impressive
as he played three different musical-comedy
roles. But I particularly enjoyed him as Tillie,
the local columnist tapping away on her type-
writer singing “Tillie’s Tidbits” as she rolled
around in a chair, and resembling Tootsie with
a curly red wig, bright orange hat, and white
cat eyeglasses.
Greg O’Neill, The Whistleblower’s Dilemma,
Playcrafters Barn Theatre (Madeline). No
one embodies “Featured Actor” more than
this production’s O’Neill. Playing a multitude
of characters ranging from an evil boss to a
drunken bar patron, he was completely com-
mitted to whichever role he portrayed. Even
his villain was lovable – a testament to O’Neill
bringing his all to his performance(s).
Daniel Williams, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn,
Quad City Music Guild (Madeline). Admit-
tedly, Williams often plays the same slightly
buffoonish, over-dramatic character that
features his ability to charm, sweeping vocals,
and excellent dancing. But if it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it, and Williams was phenomenal as
Ted. An excellent dance partner, he elevated
everyone around him to the same greatness he
exudes.
Costuming
Peggy Freeman, Matilda: The Musical,
Quad City Music Guild (Mike). The eternally
amazing Freeman passed away in October. I
want to belatedly hug her for myriad reasons.
I’d also love to tell her how superb Matilda’s
costumes were – including the mandated face
masks. Melissa Anderson Clark’s had tacky
jewels stitched in! Tony Hiatt’s had a freaking
mustache drawn on!
Gregory Hiatt, Disenchanted!, Circa ‘21
Dinner Playhouse (Mike). This is either a
wardrobe thing or a prop thing. But when,
amongst innumerably winning costumes,
Aladdin’s Jasmine floated onstage with a
magic carpet at her waist, I was teary-eyed
from laughter. This was the hands-down-fun-
niest area show I’ve seen in years, and Hiatt’s
contributions were a significant reason why.
Gregory Hiatt, Saturday Night Fever, Circa
‘21 Dinner Playhouse (Rochelle). When it
comes to dressing up his performers, Hiatt is
truly the best. In this disco-era musical, we
saw plenty of bell-bottoms, plaid suits, pant-
suits, large-collar shirts, oversized jewelry,
and stunning sequenced outfits that simply
sparkled. Every costume was well-fitted and
dazzling, empowering each actor to dance the
night away.
Rebecca Rankin, All Shook Up, Clinton Are
Showboat Theatre (Rochelle). Rankin’s Elvis-
meets-Twelfth-Night costuming was impres-
sively diverse, featuring a soldier’s uniform, a
mechanic’s jumpsuit, a dress to fit a male actor
playing a female role, men’s clothing fitting a
woman, suspenders and loafers for the guys,
‘50s style dresses for the gals, and a great
leather jacket for the lead
Joe Thomas, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn,
Quad City Music Guild (Madeline). If audi-
ences were capable of offering a slow clap for
costumes, Thomas would’ve received one for
his visually stunning collection for Holiday
Inn. Albeit ridiculous, the Easter bonnets
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
alone would have qualified these costumes for
greatness, and the Christmas-wreath tutus put
things over-the-top in a good way
Sara Wegener, The Sound of Music, Spot-
light Theatre (Pamela). With variety and
quality, Wegener accomplished a huge feat:
She assembled habits, evening dresses, tuxes,
military uniforms, sailor suits, three-piece
suits, party dresses, dirndls, lederhosen, and
play clothes with multiples of each in different
sizes. The outfits were appealing and period-
appropriate, and looked natural alongside the
others. Brava!
Scenic/Lighting Design
James Kyle Davis, Brian C. Seekfort, and
Samuel Verdino, Constellations, Clinton
Area Showboat Theatre (Rochelle). Seckfort’s
set design for this time-twisting romantic
drama was unusual and futuristic, boasting a
wooden platform that looked like a spaceship’s
launching pad. And as the performers circled
around the platform, it was admirably high-
lighted in different spectra, beneath a purple
hue, by lighting designers Davis and Verdino.
Kris Eitrheim, Aaron Hook, and Daniel
Rairdin-Hale, She Kills Monsters, St.
Ambrose University (Pamela). Among other
effects, this production boasted an outlandish
netherworld throne and an enormous, multi-
headed beast, with hand-held set pieces pro-
viding animation-like effects. (A tree became
a dragon’s head with flickering flames!) The
panoply of innovative scenery and gorgeous
lighting wizardry created as much magic as
the D&D characters possessed.
Jennifer Kingry, Six Dance Lessons in Six
Weeks, Playcrafters Barn Theatre (Mike).
Suggesting the design for a tchotchke-free
Golden Girls episode, director Kingry’s set
gave the outstanding Stephanie Naab and
Adam Cerny loads of room to banter, bitch,
and, most importantly, dance, and her light-
ing effects smartly echoed mood and emo-
tional candor. I would’ve happily watched
seven seasons of this on NBC.
Michael Kopriva, Murder in Green Meadows,
Black Box Theatre (Madeline). Kopriva cre-
ated a completely stunning-in-its-normalcy
set – a true model home come to life with
attention to detail not often seen. The artwork
that adorned the walls was beautiful, and I
still wish my own walls could accommodate
the large painting of trees that adorned this
playing area.
Brent Tubbs, Little Shop of Horrors, Spot-
light Theatre (Mike). You might think the
Spotlight’s extravagant opulence would
overpower a show as lean and mean as Little
Shop. But it proved perfectly fitting for Tubbs’
comically dramatic, memorably hued lighting
effects and admirably rotating Skid Row set ...
even when things didn’t go according to plan.
(See “Memorable Moment” below.)
Brent Tubbs, You’re a Good Man, Charlie
Brown, Spotlight Theatre (Rochelle). I loved
Tubbs’ cutout-type sets that were very (appro-
priately) cartoony, such as the bright orange
piano and yellow mailbox. And his lighting
effects were done in a way that allowed for
great depth and dimension while the fun
background tones blended well with the color-
ful scenery.
Music/Sound
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Timber Lake
Playhouse (Rochelle). Timber Lake’s musical
revue played like a professional rock concert,
with audience members going absolutely wild.
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
They were on their feet clapping, cheering, and
singing along to such classic tunes as “Peggy
Sue,” “Maybe Baby,” and “Oh Boy,” and amidst
the positively charged atmosphere, the acous-
tics were fabulous
Church Basement Ladies, Clinton Area
Showboat Theatre (Pamela). Five glorious
voices elevated a standard-yet-catchy show-biz
score, and rang sweetly in solos, duets, and
multi-harmonies – the performers sounded
like they’d been singing together for years. The
pro-level musical skill and genuine enthu-
siasm in these talents was extraordinarily
satisfying, and even made me want to be in
this show.
A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Timber Lake
Playhouse (Pamela). This portrait of 1950s
country/pop legend Patsy Cline is painted
with nearly non-stop music, and the colors are
vibrant and beautiful. Star Felicia Finley has
an incredible voice, a wide vocal range, and
lively allure, and the on-stage band provided
the perfect toe-tappin’ sounds and vocals to
back her up.
Disenchanted!, Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
(Mike). Boasting some of the finest solos
and harmonies I’ve yet heard at Circa ‘21,
I’m citing this stage riot over Beehive only
because I was previously unacquainted with
Disenchanted!’s hysterical, gloriously sung
songs. But really, it’s a tie between all-female
ensembles. Sheesh. Men can’t catch a break in
this industry … .
Newsies: The Musical, Countryside Com-
munity Theatre (Madeline). With live pit
musicians and a huge cast of 30-plus actors,
Ashley Mills Becher’s production hit all the
right notes and sounded great while doing it.
Davenport Junior Theatre &
Dance
Classes for Kids
Ages 3-18
Winter Session Starts
January 15 - 20
Register
& Learn
More
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Plus, even though the cast danced scarily close
to the pit, no one fell in to figuratively – and
literally – impact the musicians.
Smokey Joe’s Café, Clinton Area Showboat
Theatre (Rochelle). With music direction
by Kory Danielson and Harrison Roth, the
show’s company of singers delivered smooth,
silky harmonies. Highlights included “Young
Blood,” “Stand by Me,” “On Broadway,” and
“Love Potion #9,” but each singer offered a
unique flair and personality to every Lieber &
Stoller song that was performed.
Memorable Moment
The Furry Interloper, The Piano Lesson,
Playcrafters Barn Theatre (Madeline). It was
so great to see a packed house attending one
of August Wilson’s best stories brought to life
on opening night. It was surprising, though,
when halfway through the first act, a little
dog wandered out from backstage, through
the action, and into the audience. Still: one-
hundred-percent unforgettable!
The Inspiration, La Divina: The Last Inter-
view of Maria Callas, Black Box Theatre
(Rochelle). In portraying the lovely Callas,
Shelley Cooper’s stellar vocals genuinely
blew me away. As the actress belted out
her big notes, I was reminded of “Swedish
Nightingale” Jenny Lind, another famous
opera singer. And apparently, saying so in my
review helped inspire Cooper’s next produc-
tion: the story of Jenny Lind.
The Prayer, The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee, Timber Lake Play-
house (Pamela). Mitch is an uncomfortable
“comfort counselor” roped into consoling the
eliminated spellers. Eventually, though, he
15
embraced his role, and sent a contestant off
with heartfelt praise and advice in a joyous,
uplifting company gospel number. Eli Nash’s
magnificent voice overwhelmed me in this
sublime, energy-filled musical experience.
The Reminders, The Guys, Black Box
Theatre (Rochelle). I remember where I was,
and what I was doing, on September 11, 2001
– especially on that clear Tuesday morning
when, suddenly, coordinated terrorist attacks
against the U.S.A. were executed by high-
jacked commercial airplanes. In memorializ-
ing that day, The Guys was an emotional piece
that brought forth painful memories.
The Sing-along, Little Shop of Horrors, Spot-
light Theatre (Mike). Midway through Act
II, Audrey II broke down. Literally. Yet our
enjoyment didn’t stop. Because amidst the
sounds of behind-the-curtain resuscitating
drills was our audience joyfully singing along
to Neil Diamond’s house-music tune “Sweet
Caroline” (Bah bah baaaaah!), reminding
us all that a happy show creates happy, and
forgiving, audiences.
The Tango, Six Dance Lessons in Six
Weeks, Playcrafters Barn Theatre
(Pamela). Man, woman; tall, short; younger,
older; rude, refined; broke, rich; breezy,
reserved. Unsurprisingly, they clash. Sur-
prisingly, they also dance, and this unlikely
twosome become one. In their tango, vet-
eran performers Adam Cerny and Stepha-
nie Naab moved together in character,
beautifully to and fro in graceful sync, with
hilariously deadpan expressions.
Acting / Ballet
Musical Theatre
Tap / Tumbling
Improv / Poms
Hip Hop / Jazz
Theatre Design
& More!
16 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Jan. 6 In Their Own Words:
Cont. from Page 7
those people there before Trump was
even done. And there was really not
a large police presence. You could
safely say there were a hundred
thousand people there. I don’t know
if a million people were in D.C. that
day. You’d have to go to the official
numbers. But certainly tens of thou-
sands. And I was amongst what felt
like at least ten thousand people at
the Capitol itself.
Pat Miletich: We spent part of our
time by the Washington Monument
early on and then we walked down
to the Capitol. We were at the front
of the crowds at the barricades at
the bottom of the hill by the Capitol
building. We stayed there for hours
and when the barricades were moved
and the mass crowds went up the
hill to the Capitol, we shook our
heads and said there’s something
too obvious about this and did not
follow the masses up to the Capitol.
There was at least 500,000 people
and more likely one million people
in attendance.
"It was a true love fest
and the feeling level was
ineffable. It was love of
family, love of country, love
of freedom. Most of
us were experiencing
spontaneous tears of
joy all morning long."
- Clyde Cleveland
Sarah Ford: The first few hours
were spent near the White House
and Washington Monument, just
watching the crowds and waiting
for Trump’s speech. There had to
be a quarter of a million people,
at least. After Trump’s speech, we
started walking along Constitution
Ave. When we got to the Capitol, the
crowd was massive, so we stopped by
the ref lecting pool. I heard a couple
booms and not long after, the emer-
gency vehicles started sounding. I
needed food and a phone charge, so
we walked half a mile to Ollie’s Trol-
ley, one of a handful of places open
that day. It was here that I found out
what was going on at the Capitol and,
being a reporter, we walked back to
the Capitol, arriving at 4:17 p.m. and
staying until six when curfew went
into effect. The militarized police
were also showing up, so it was
FREE ASSANGE. Know More. Do More. RCReader.com/Calendar.
definitely time to go.
5) How would you describe
the atmosphere or general vibe
amongst those in attendance?
Clyde Cleveland: It was a true love
fest and the feeling level was ineffable.
It was love of family, love of country,
love of freedom. Most of us were expe-
riencing spontaneous tears of joy all
morning long.
Corey Eib: It was a concerned but
happy vibe. People were very friendly
and polite. The mayor of D.C. had
ordered bathroom facilities closed, and
banned selling food to people stay-
ing in D.C. for less than a week. I saw
people sharing food, water, etc., and
there were no supplies for people. There
were far to few trash cans provided, and
the few that the City did provide were
quickly filled. People were very consci-
entious and placed trash near the cans
in one location. This is were I saw what
appeared to be a news producer kick-
ing trash that had been stacked near
the can so a more dramatic video shot
could be taken.
Jason Bermas: It felt mostly like a
concert. There were so many grandmas,
moms and dads, and blue-collar people.
You look around and yes, there’s a lot
of Trump stuff and Americana, but the
media always try to make it about the
Confederate f lag. It certainly wasn’t
one of hate. It was almost a party-like
atmosphere by the time I had got to
the Capitol and ventured up the stairs.
I can’t speak to the people that first
encountered the police and got violent
or the people that went into the Capi-
tol. If you look at the publicly available January 6, 2021 protesters at the US Capitol building. Photo courte
footage even the people that went into
the Capitol are extremely peaceful. The
Sarah Ford: It was epic and amazing! Clyde Cleveland: I have not been to
idea that this was a “violent insurrec-
There was such a positivity early in the previous rallies in D.C.
tion” in any way is absolutely laugh-
day, and it’s shameful that attendees
able. The only person that was shot
have since been demonized. We had Corey Eib: I’ve never been to any
and killed was Ashlee Babbitt and she
as much a right to protest as any other other rallies in D.C.
was unarmed and in no way, shape, or
protest that’s ever happened in D.C.
form should have had force like that
There was just a sea of patriotic people Jason Bermas: Only the impact
used against her, especially with no
– all ages, races, and backgrounds – after the fact. Anybody who commit-
warning. The fact that that shooter was
with signs and f lags and good vibes. I ted a crime that day should be charged
not revealed and not only not pros-
got videos of the “QAnon Shaman” in with that crime. It’s not no bail, it’s not
ecuted but exonerated by the media is
two different locations before Trump’s solitary confinement. It’s not you tried
grotesque.
speech, I couldn’t believe that he to take over the government. That’s
became the face of the “insurrection.” all laughable. The publicity after the
Pat Miletich: The whole thing was
I also smoked up in front of the White fact. As far as the amount of people,
like a love fest. There were Chinese-
House with E-Dawg from New York I ‘ve been to rallies in D.C. and G8
Americans, there were Latin-Ameri-
City. That’s a cool memory. rallies in Pennsylvania and New York
cans and African-Americans. It was
City rallies. Not much of a different
a huge diverse mix of cultures. There
6) If you’ve been to one or more feel. The slogans were a bit different.
were even people there from Israel that
other rallies in D.C., how was I was immersed in MAGA land. For
I spoke to.
this one the most different from me, it was a mixture of people who
the other(s)? were fed up with people who believe in
 Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
esy Jason Bermas. Cover photo of Capitol building courtesy Corey Eib.
superheroes and fantasies and Trump
could do no wrong, and other people
who want to trust a plan that was not
there and the Q-anonsense. It was a
hodgepodge. But at the same time, it’s a
good feeling to be amongst a bunch of
people who want accountability and do
truly want the Constitution and the Bill
of Rights, even if they might be a little
nave or ignorant on some of the issues.
Pat Miletich: Never been to any
rally in D.C. before. This rally seemed
like Americans were uniting in a very
peaceful way over what we believe is
about as corrupt a government you can
get.
Sarah Ford: I was at the Jon Stewart/
Steven Colbert Rally to Restore Sanity
and/or Fear on October 30, 2010, with
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
a group from the Quad Cities. I was
more of a liberal at that point, but we
were protesting the same idea: the D.C.
swamp. It still baff les me that the left is
so into “trusting the government” now
when I witnessed their anger against
the system back then.
7) Describe any encounter(s) you
had with attendees who were
encouraging you and/or others
to enter the capitol building.
Clyde Cleveland: I didn’t see any-
thing strange going on. It was just a big
Love Fest. President Trump was the last
speaker and he went through all the
major fraudulent findings that we knew
happened from eyewitnesses, cameras,
and written testimony. He emphasized
how important it was for all Americans
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
to demand audits and demand that
their state legislatures investigate all
credible claims of the fraud that had
occurred. I remember him saying that
if you go to the capitol building, be
peaceful and let them see your signs
so they get the message that people of
this country want honest elections. He
never in any way encouraged people
to break into the Capitol building or
do anything violent or disrespectful.
We all walked toward the Capitol and
enjoyed the fellowship and meeting
people from all over the country. The
crowd broke up to some degree because
it was getting windy and cold. When we
got to about half a mile from the capitol
building, we stopped and did not go
further. We all had the feeling that it
might not be wise to move closer. I left
the group for a while and walked closer
to the Capitol and then saw something
very interesting. A f leet of what looked
like brand-new vans that each held
about 12 people drove up all in a line. I
saw the drivers get out and they were in
uniforms. I couldn’t tell whether they
were city police, federal, or private,
but the people coming out of the vans
were younger and did not look or feel
like Trump supporters. All I can say is
that I had a very bad feeling about these
people.
Corey Eib: There wasn’t anyone that
directly encouraged me to enter the
building or even get on the steps. I was
very concerned personally from what
I saw of people on the Capitol building
steps was illegal. I didn’t actually see
anyone go in, and I made sure I stayed
off the steps of the building.
Jason Bermas: Nobody. Prior to this
event, I was telling people to go to their
local state capitols and “storm” them in
the sense that when they had a meeting,
go and take over the meeting, and then
peacefully non-comply and assemble
there and say, “We want our constitu-
tional rights back.” This wasn’t even to
do with the election; this was to do with
these mandates and lockdowns. When
I was in D.C., I didn’t witness anybody
that was even talking about going into
the Capitol. I was not even going near
the Capitol building until I got word
that someone had been shot in the
Capitol. The footage I took on the way
from the Ellipse to the Capitol shows a
very peaceful vibe.
Pat Miletich: We observed several
people dressed all in black with back-
packs with baseball bats sticking out
of them. They were obviously there to
incite violence and not to protest elec-
tion integrity. The crowd kept asking
17
them, “Where’s the baseball game?”
They did not respond and kept moving
through the crowds. I observed what
appeared to be Proud Boys members in
their uniforms becoming aggressive.
Sarah Ford: I wasn’t encouraged at
all, but we arrived late. We did come
across two guys playing Trump’s
recorded speech over and over through
a megaphone, where he’s asking people
to go home.
8) Did you have an opportunity
to go inside the Capitol build-
ing? Why or why didn’t you go
in?
Clyde Cleveland: I did not go closer
to the Capitol building after witness-
ing this. It is my feeling that these were
paid forces there to cause trouble and
carry out a plan to make this event look
like an insurrection. The next morn-
ing, as we were driving home, we began
to hear the news reports and we were
furious by how it was being portrayed
by the media.
"When I was in D.C., I didn't
witness anybody that was
even talking about going
into the Capitol. I was not
even going near the Capitol
building until I got word
that someone had been
shot in the Capitol."
- Jason Bermas
Corey Eib: It never crossed my mind
to enter the building or even climb the
steps. That wasn’t part of the advertised
protest plan, and seemed to be a minor
illegal act to me.
Jason Bermas: I would not even have
thought to go in. I slowly went up to
the highest point. I wanted to see who
was up there and what was going on.
You could smell the smoke bombs that
had gone off from the concussion gre-
nades. Some people had gotten gassed
and sprayed and they were coming
through. I am there to get the footage.
I clearly get violence on tape, mostly
on the second level. It was never even a
thought in mind that we were going to
go inside the Capitol. There were people
trying to waive people in and smash
windows.
Continued On Page 23
18 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Movie Reviews
'21 Fun Salute
The Best (and Worst)
from the Year in Movies
L
ast year, as a way to help compensate for
the dispiriting everything of 2020, I altered
my annual recap of 10 favorite movies
and mentions of dozens of others by focusing
solely on 20 awesome works that brought me
cinematic joy. A 20 for ‘20, if you will.
But even though movie-going habits
got sli-i-ightly back to normal in 2021 – A
$250-million-weekend smash! A bunch of
other comic-book and sequel hits! Movies for
grown-ups that grown-ups refused to show up
for! – the year for admirers of the silver screen
still felt off enough that returning to my tradi-
tional way of doing things seemed impractical.
Three of my absolute favorite 2021 releases, for
instance, were movies that won Oscars for the
2020 film year, so some sort of compromise
felt necessary.
So welcome to my 21 for ‘21 – a list of 21
cinematic favorites from 2021 (even if they
were technically 2020 releases, and even if they
didn’t literally play at cinemas), along with 21
runners-up, and, because I’m not yet back to
full-bitchy critic mode, 10-and-a-half citations
for the most egregious offenders of the past 12
months. As with last year’s trip down memory
lane, I’ve also paired the first 20 into themati-
cally or presentationally similar double-fea-
ture options if you wanna kill two figurative
birds with one four-to-five-hour stone. You
maybe won’t want to in the case of inclusions
nine and 10. But I digress.
(1) and (2): The French
Dispatch and Licorice Pizza.
A pairing that, with apologies to Orson
Welles, I like to call “The Magnificent Ander-
sons.” Although both Wes Anderson and Paul
Thomas Anderson (no relation) released their
debuts in 1996 – Wes with Bottle Rocket, P.T.
with Hard Eight – neither producer/writer/
director has crafted quite as many feature
films over a quarter-century as you might
presume. (The French Dispatch is Wes’ tenth,
while Licorice Pizza is P.T.’s ninth.) And not all
of them succeed to this super-fan’s satisfaction;
I still find The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
and Moonrise Kingdom overtly precious even
for Wes, and despite several tries, I still can’t
get fully on-board with P.T.’s Punch-Drunk
Love and The Master. But when the Andersons
are working at A-game level as they are here,
there are few artists whose works make me
quite so elated – especially when, as with these
superior 2021 achievements, just one of their
FREE ASSANGE.
Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim in Licorice Pizza.
great movies feels like a bunch of different
great movies assembled in a tidy, two-hour-ish
package.
That’s almost literally the case with The
French Dispatch, Wes’ deliriously clever
anthology – three short films, two super-short
films, and an adieu – designed as the contents
of the titular, fictional literary magazine. I
devoured it cover to cover. If you’ve seen even
two of the filmmakers’ whimsically moving
offerings over the years, you know what to
expect: enormous casts of gifted perform-
ers most likely led by Bill Murray; complex
emotional states delineated with the lightest
of touches; production design so ravishingly
yummy you don’t know whether to marvel at
the images or lick them. Yet the sheer, expan-
sive variety of what Wes gives us here as he
blends color with black-and-white, live action
with animation, hilarity with heartbreak, and
stunning intelligence with joyously ridiculous
slapstick puts his latest in an unmissable class
by itself. Only in a Wes Anderson – only, in
truth, in The French Dispatch – could Jeffrey
Wright’s inspired channeling of James Bald-
win sit comfortably beside Owen Wilson acci-
dentally riding, and crashing, his bike down
the steps to a subway terminal. If more movies
did that, what a happier world this would be.
The world of Paul Thomas Anderson’s
Licorice Pizza, meanwhile, is crazy-happy –
this despite romantic woes, an oil crisis, a lot of
acne, and the realization that Bradley Cooper
is so coked up he might just kill your entire
family. (It’s actually Cooper’s character Jon
Peters – professional hairdresser and onetime
Barbra Streisand beau – who makes the threat,
but either way it’s scary … and awfully funny.)
Leads Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, both
in their movie debuts, make for a dreamy pair
of not-quite-lovers as their youths Alana and
Gary navigate growing up and getting wise
Know More. Do More.
ByBy
Mike Schulz
Mike • mike@rcreader.com
Schulz • mike@rcreader.com
amidst the perilous pleasures of 1973 Hol-
lywood. But their frequent (mis)adventures
are so specific and beautifully shaped that P.T.
Anderson’s retroactive bear hug oftentimes
suggests a full season of a first-rate sitcom in
a zippy 130 minutes. Here’s the episode in
which Gary jump-starts his waterbed busi-
ness! Here’s the one that finds Alana working
for a closeted politician! The one with Sean
Penn as a drunk acting icon! The one with
the van’s backward slide through the Valley!
The one with the sibling rockers from Haim
playing sisters – with their real-life parents
playing their parents! As a foodstuff, “licorice
pizza” would no doubt be gross. Ditch the
quote marks, though, and add some italics and
capital letters, and it’s bliss.
(3) and (4): Nomadland and
The Power of the Dog.
Just because I’m pairing Chloé Zhao’s
supremely elegant and haunting new-West
elegy with Jane Campion’s supremely elegant
and haunting old-West elegy doesn’t mean I
think we’ll have two consecutive years of Best
Picture champions by Oscar-winning female
directors. But ya know: Ma-a-aybe. If you’ve
been shying away from last year’s victor (cur-
rently streaming on Hulu) because the thought
of a house-less Frances McDormand barely
eking out an existence between minimum-
wage jobs sounded depressing, the exact oppo-
site turns out to be true. In its low-key way,
Nomadland is legitimately thrilling, because
Zhao and her unimpeachable star understand
that people, in all their messy contradictions,
are thrilling. And as McDormand’s Fern gets
to know a succession of wearily hopeful travel-
ers (portrayed by mostly non-professional
talents effectively portraying themselves) in
post-economic-meltdown America, their
RCReader.com/Calendar.
glorious life spirit comes to seem as majestic
and full of possibility as the wide-open spaces
lovingly captured by cinematographer Joshua
James Richards. Since February, I’ve watched
and adored Zhao’s film a good half-dozen
times. A half-dozen more and I might get the
memory of Eternals out of my head forever.
If Nomadland is a picture of the West as
it is, Campion’s The Power of the Dog (cur-
rently streaming on Netflix) is a picture of
the West as it was – at least in the mind of the
cruel cattle rustler and avowed manly man
Phil Burbank, a role fearsomely enacted by
Benedict Cumberbatch. It still feels too soon in
the movie’s release for spoilers. Suffice it to say,
though, that Burbank’s blowhard posturing,
while a hit with his supportive and uncompre-
hending cronies, isn’t fooling everyone. Not
Jesse Plemons’ sensitive brother; not Kirsten
Dunst’s terrorized bride; and definitely not
Kodi Smit-McPhee’s genteel teen, none of their
mutual recognition of the cowboy’s delusions
making the man any less repellant, or deeply
frightening. A slow boil that quietly grows
scalding-hot, Campion’s exceptionally well-
written, -performed, and -designed chamber
drama – easily her best work since 1993’s The
Piano – is as hypnotic as Jonny Greenwood’s
sinister score. It’s also educational. As I’ve
learned, when encountering a Phil on the
range, do your best to maintain a safe distance.
But even then, always wear gloves.
(5) and (6): The Mitchells vs
the Machines and
Spider-Man: No Way Home.
One I saw, and have subsequently seen over
and over, from the comfort of my couch. One
I saw in the most giddily packed auditorium
I’ve been in since three Christmases ago. Yet
both films had me routinely laughing out loud,
literally dropping my jaw in excitement, and
fighting back tears – occasionally submitting
to them – with a force to make my ribs ache.
Now that’s entertainment. Seven months after
it debuted on Netflix, I don’t think I’ve been
as colossally entertained by a 2021 movie the
way I continue to be at The Mitchells vs the
Machines. It’s the year’s most hysterical ani-
mated release, as well as the format’s cleverest,
sweetest, and most continually surprising one.
A straight-to-streaming sci-fi action comedy
featuring a precocious teen, malevolent robots,
a cross-eyed pug, and a vocal lead for Danny
McBride? No thank you, I initially thought.
A trillion-or-so viewings later, my attitude is
now Yes please!!!, given writer/director Mike
Rianda’s skillful fashioning of a parable for
escalating technological upgrades and devo-
tion that’s also an uproarious family slapstick
that’s also a wittily imaginative rescue mission
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
that’s also an emotionally honest tearjerker
about a kid going off to college. I can’t imagine
ever not loving this one. I’d also gratefully
adopt Eric and Deborahbot 5000, but they’ve
already got it pretty good.
Considering how tight-lipped I want to
remain about Power of the Dog, which hit
Netflix on December 1, I should probably say
absolutely nothing about director Jon Watts’
Spider-Man: No Way Home, the billion-
dollar-plus global sensation that premiered,
if you can believe it, barely half-a-month ago.
(See my online review if you want spoilers.
It’s loaded with ‘em!) So let me instead just
reference my opening-day audience that
laughed throughout, sniffled frequently, made
continued vocal acknowledgment of loads of
Marvel callbacks and guest stars, and broke
into applause a full five times during the
screening before applauding again after the
final credit cookie was consumed. I may not
have taken part in the clapping. But at Watts’
tremendous example of fan service that’s also
wholly satisfying blockbuster escapism in its
own right, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t feeling –
and silently contributing to – the love.
(7) and (8): West Side Story
and Encanto.
All told, fans of movie musicals were
spoiled rotten in 2021. (So were fans of music
documentaries – see numbers 19 and 20
below.) Yet despite the significant pleasures
of In the Heights, Sing 2, tick … tick … Boom!,
et al, it was this two-fer of late-in-the-year
titles that got my cinephilic soul a-dancin’.
In truth, like most of us probably were, I was
nervous about the prospect of Steven Spielberg
rebooting West Side Story. The notion of him
fixing some of the original’s problematic,
culturally insensitive casting was noble and
all, but could the guy’s first stab at a feature-
length musical – one of histroy’s most iconic
feature-length musicals, no less – possibly
match its Oscar-hoarding 1961 predeces-
sor? It turns out, however, that Spielberg
didn’t match it. He transcended it. Boasting
one showstopping solo, duet, and ensemble
number after another, and with its score and
lyrics delivered with playfully enthusiastic
reverence, the Bernstein/Sondheim composi-
tions were explosively ebullient as Spielberg
brought his customary wizardry to “America,”
“Cool,” “Gee, Officer Krupke,” and loads of
other timeless tunes. As grand as this West
Side Story was, though, it was also disarmingly
intimate, and in completely unanticipated
ways. Who could’ve predicted that screen-
writer Tony Kushner would, wisely and
refreshingly, get away with so much dialogue
between Puerto Rican characters that wasn’t
forced to be subtitled? Speaking as a patron
who couldn’t translate everything being said
yet didn’t need the subtitles, this marvelously
emotional presentation ensured that we always
understood – and more importantly, under-
stood what it meant.
Even with In the Heights and Hamilton
to his credit, Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t at
Bernstein/Sondheim level … yet. But a few
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
more scores like Encanto’s and we might have
to reevaluate that notion. Disney’s most thor-
oughly satisfying animated musical in nearly
three decades, this dazzlingly colorful wonder
by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard
is about a magical Colombian house and, our
“normal” protagonist Mirabel aside, its magi-
cally gifted denizens. But its true magic came
courtesy of the richly drawn family saga that
carefully, cannily explored the links between
hard-won triumphs and traditions of the past
and the desperate need to forge one’s own path
in the present. Lyricist Miranda’s and com-
poser Gernmaine Franco’s songs, meanwhile,
were a knockout blend of expository inven-
tion, aching ballads, and goofy comic numbers
that simultaneously revealed character and
furthered the narrative, as every show tune
worth its salt absolutely must. I’ve now listened
to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” more times
than a 53-year-old without grandkids reason-
ably should. I should probably be embarrassed
by that, right? Nah.
(9) and (10): The Father and
The Humans.
Even though I’m pairing many of my 2021
favorites in potential-double-feature format,
don’t think I’m necessarily advocating that
they be watched that way. Take this particular
pairing, for example. Both of these dramas
with gallows humor are, I think, magnificent.
But they’re also claustrophobic, and fre-
quently painful, and if you have a loved one
suffering from dementia, as I do, one of these
Broadway adaptations might be more than
enough for one sitting. That being said, I don’t
know that I’ll ever get enough of The Father.
An Academy Award-winning tour de force
for Anthony Hopkins, playwright Florian
Zeller’s intentionally disorienting direction
and incisive, equally Oscar-lauded screenplay
(co-written by Christopher Hampton) make
you feel as though you’re losing your bearings
right along with the octogenarian lead. Yet
Benedict Cumberbatch in The Power of the Dog
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
a more empathetic deep dive into the trou-
bling landscape of dementia I’ve never seen,
and the heartbreak of Hopkins’ downward
spiral and Olivia Colman’s confusion is made
bearable through profoundly confident and
clever dialogue, performances, compositions,
and production design that make the film, if
not strictly “enjoyable,” at least consistently
transfixing. Plus, you know: Hopkins. Damn.
Presuming a posthumous sentimental win
for the late Chadwick Boseman, it was terrible
judgment on the producers’ part to conclude
the Oscar telecast with the Best Actor cat-
egory. But no one can say the ultimate victor
wasn’t deserving.
Perhaps thankfully, dementia only plays
a supporting role in writer/director Steven
Karam’s The Humans, where it affects a
wheelchair-bound grandmother played by
June Squibb. Her scenes are tough to endure.
Then again, the whole movie is tough to
endure – or would be, that is, if the remark-
able ensemble completed by Richard Jenkins,
Jayne Houdyshell (reprising her Tony-winning
role), Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, and
Steven Yeun weren’t giving such exhilarating
performances amidst Karam’s considerable
black-comedy despair. That’s six collec-
tive characters, and as this clan gathers for
Thanksgiving dinner in a ramshackle two-
story apartment, you’re given a treasure trove
of family secrets, resentments, hidden health
issues, extramarital excursions, and “cheer-
ful” backstabbing to make you grateful for the
worst family gathering you’ve ever endured.
Yet there’s actually an unnamed seventh
character – the apartment itself – that might
prove the most fascinating. As the relatives
squabble and conceal, the home itself appears
to be creaking, groaning, and dismantling
in tandem with the miseries of its human
residents, giving this penetrating drama and
vicious comedy the added kick of a high-class
haunted-house flick. It’s an amazing place to
visit. I’m overjoyed that I don’t have to live there.
19
(11) and (12): Passing and
C’mon C’mon.
For when you want to escape your color-
filled life for the cinematic artistry of black-
and-white. Rebecca Hall’s masterful Passing,
the writer/director’s vibrant adaptation of
Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel, presents us with two
Black women (acted with extraordinary grace
by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga) who are
able to pass as Caucasian in pre-Depression
Manhattan, with their complicated relation-
ship mirrored in the vast complexity of their
individual situations. Insightful, gripping,
narratively adventurous, and sometimes
downright horrifying (especially in the undis-
guised racism of Alexander Skarsgård’s obtuse
husband to Negga), Hall’s feature-length
directing debut also boasts the most ambigu-
ously disturbing finale I saw all year. It took
me three rewinds and I’m still not convinced
of what happened … which is as it should be.
Employing black-and-white photography
for charm rather than neo-realism, writer/
director Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon delivers
what might be the special effect of the year:
Joaquin Phoenix being completely convinc-
ing as a relatable, endearing, rational human
being! As the weeks-long guardian to an
estranged nephew played by the effortless
young scene stealer Woody Norman, Phoenix
is as soulful and sweet as he’s been since
he was 14-year-old Leaf Phoenix in 1989’s
Parenthood, and the film itself is a sensitive
yet impressively tough-minded celebration of
familial love, willing sacrifice, and passages
from literary works that should probably
become instantly required reading in Oprah’s
Book Club.
(13) and (14): The Green
Knight and Judas & the
Black Messiah.
For when you’re feeling like a fraud and
want to feel better about yourself. No char-
acter in 2021 movies may have gotten in over
his (soon-to-be-lopped-off) head more than
Dev Patel’s Sir Gawain, The Green Knight’s
feckless and cowardly hero who accepts a dare
for stupid reasons, and embarks on a quest
for even stupider reasons. But as written and
directed by David Lowery, Gawain’s gor-
geously harrowing Arthurian trek is thrill-
ingly, and perhaps unforgettably weird, this
moody anti-adventure boasting a talking fox,
naked giants, a headless Lady in a Lake, bodily
secretions of every imaginable type, and two
Alicia Vikanders for the price of one.
Patel plays a fictitious fraud. LaKeith
Stanfield, in Judas & the Black Messiah, plays
a formerly flesh-and-blood one. As Stan-
field’s FBI informant Bill O’Neal grudgingly
enacts the undercover assignment of spying
on Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton
(deserved Academy Award winner Daniel
Kaluuya) in the late 1960s, writer/director
Shaka King’s spellbinding and affecting bio-
pic-slash-dramatic-thriller begins to seem like
a tragic, historically honest take on Scorsese’s
Continued On Page 21
20 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 FREE ASSANGE. Know More. Do More. RCReader.com/Calendar.

TCH IT
WA

Schulz’s Review of
the Latest Movies On Demand

THE CARD COUNTER

Paul Schrader's hypnotic, thrillingly
intense exploration of the director's
favorite artistic themes – obsession,
addiction, redemption – is a singularly
arresting achievement, and even in its
most lighthearted beats, you can sense
the film's deliberate, quickening pulse.

DUNE
In this stunningly designed Frank Herbert
adaptation, director Denis Villenueve
does an elegant, oftentimes supremely
clever job of making even Dune novices
feel gratefully up-to-speed, and it
becomes nearly impossible not to grin at
the imagination and grandeur of
what's on the screen.

NO TIME TO DIE
A big-budget blockbuster that
understands the emotional connection so
many audiences have with its franchise,
and one that honors that affection with
excitement, sincerity, gravitas, and more
wrenching portrayals than you may have
imagined this series could deliver.

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Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
'21 Fun Salute: Cont. from Page 19
The Departed. It also emerges as a riveting
showcase for Stanfield and Kaluuya, whose
title characters were somehow both deemed
“supporting” figures on Oscar-nomination
day. You know. Like those “supporting” title
characters in Thelma & Louise.
(15) and (16): Dune and
Free Guy.
For when you want to enter, and briefly stay
in, whole new worlds. Of course, if you read
Frank Herbert or are a David Lynch comple-
tist, you’re already up-to-speed on the world
of Dune. But previous exposure to this sci-fi
behemoth might still not prepare you for you
the visual wonders that writer/director Denis
Villeneuve and his sterling creative team
supply. And even familiarity might not prep
you for the storytelling coherence of this lavish
genre offering – a quality much appreciated by
someone whose eyes tend to instinctively glaze
over at discussion of House Atreides versus
House Harkonnen and whether Spice is really
just high-grade weed.
No hallucinogens are necessary to enjoy
director Shawn Levy’s Free Guy, the visually
transporting, comically rich tale of a video-
game figure who gradually discovers that his
entire world is a lie. It’s been a rough movie
year for Ryan Reynolds (see way way way
below), but he’s as sharp and winning as he’s
ever been, Jodie Comer is revelatory as the
human who falls for an avatar, and the cease-
less parade of genius-level in-jokes and pricey
effects successfully employed for laughs is
topped only by the slithery presence of Chan-
ning Tatum, who, to our enormous benefit,
apparently didn’t get the memo that he wasn’t
actually starring in Magic Mike III.
(17) and (18): Candyman
and Lamb.
For when you want to get divinely freaked
out. Initially, a remake of Candyman felt up
there with a remake of West Side Story among
“Do we really need this?” releases for 2021.
But while we may not have needed it, I’m
grateful that we got it, because writer/direc-
tor Nia DaCosta’s shivery horror yarn about
everyone’s favorite hook-handed serial killer
(co-written by Jordan Peele) brought thematic
depth and modern-day relevance to its not-
insignificant bevy of jolts. It also cemented
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s promise as a wildly
charismatic movie lead, even when the actor
was doing his best impression of Jeff Goldblum
at the end of The Fly.
There’s far less blood shed in writer/director
Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Lamb. But I almost
wish there was more, given that I’d then have a
better sense of whether this Icelandic freakout
was a fright film, a lost-child lament, or the
nuttiest of Nordic comedies. Whatever this
singular outing is, it’s miraculous – a story
of two grieving parents, one half-sheep/half-
human hybrid, and the creatures (four and
two-legged) who know in their bones that
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
The Mitchells vs the Machines
Something Ain’t Right. Jóhannsson’s craft-
ily edited animal “performances” here are as
strong, and surprising, as any I’ve ever seen.
Including the one by the animal wielding the
shotgun.
(19) and (20): The Sparks
Brothers and Summer of
Soul (… or, When the
Revolution Could Not Be
Televised).
For when you want a movie that more
accurately suggests the greatest of greatest-
hits albums. It is to my massive shame that
I haven’t yet seen Peter Jackson’s Beatles
documentary mini-series on Disney+. Maybe
someday I’ll subscribe to Disney+. In the
meantime, I’m more than content to keep
returning to this thunderously fine pair for
music-centric documentaries that can be
respectively viewed on Netflix and Hulu.
Director Edgar Wright’s The Sparks Broth-
ers blends new interviews with ingratiating
Sparks musicians Ron and Russell Mael, recol-
lections from some two dozen of their biggest
(famous) fans, and archival material to paint a
resplendently cinematic picture of uncompro-
mising artists whose interest in keeping their
fans happy was secondary to keeping them-
selves happy – which, it turns out, is exactly
what fans (and I’m now euphorically among
them) needed to be happy. In 2021, Wright
also gave us Last Night in Soho, and the Maels
gave us the songs in Annette, and this was their
most exemplary film achievement by far.
If The Sparks Brothers is one specific group’s
personal “best of” album, director Ahmir
“Questlove” Thompson’s doc on the 1969
Harlem Cultural Festival is like one of those
old K-Tel compilations that gave us two LP
sides of tunes by disparate yet seemingly com-
plementary artists. And Jesus, what artists! I
would’ve only been one year old at the time of
the concert dates, and I’m still irrationally mad
at my parents for not bringing me to an event
featuring performances by Stevie Wonder,
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Mahalia
Jackson, The 5th Dimension, and loads of
other essential pop, soul, gospel, and R&B
musicians. Questlove’s dizzying remastering
of the experience, however, augmented by cur-
rent reminiscences from the likes of Marilyn
McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., more than makes
up for my absence. You don’t just want to see,
hear, and feel Summer of Soul. You want to hug
the ever-lovin’ crap out of it.
(21): Barb & Star Go to
Vista Del Mar.
For any time, anywhere, under any circum-
stances. Silliness is oftentimes its own reward.
And the rewards are copious in director Josh
Greenbaum’s and screenwriter/stars Kirsten
Wiig’s and Annie Mumolo’s indescribable
hoot about two Midwestern pals who travel to
Florida for some R&R and unwittingly foil a
nefarious mastermind’s plan to suffocate the
beach with mosquitoes. Nope: Not kidding.
Greenbaum, Wiig, and Mumolo sure are,
though, and this delirious verbal and visual riot
that clocks about 10 jokes per minute is one of
the smartest, looniest goofball endeavors the
21st century has yet delivered. Whether you’ve
been unknowingly pining for a salute to middle-
aged best-friendship or an exacting dissertation
on the name “Trish” or a talking crab voiced
by Morgan Freeman whose character name is
Morgan Freemond, this is clearly the movie for
you. (It’s also the movie for the late-blooming
Jamie Dornan fans among us; the Fifty Shades
of Grey hunk may get an Oscar nomination
this year for Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, but
he deserves one even more for his ingenuous
himbo who belts a power ballad while doing
cartwheels and crushes on a gal who looks like
Mike Myers’ Dr. Evil.) I demand sequels ASAP.
Barb & Star Find the Bar Sub-Par. Barb & Star at
the Tartar Bazaar. And, for Jaws devotees, Barb
& Star in the Yard Not Too Far from the Car.
That one sounds funnier with an Amity Island
accent. But even in their Nebraskan cadences, I
know Wiig and Mumolo would crush it.
21
21 Runners-Up to the 21
Favorites:
The Card Counter; The Eyes of Tammy Faye;
F9: The Fast Saga; In the Heights; King Richard;
Mass; Minari; MLK/FBI; My Octopus Teacher;
National Champions; No Time to Die; One
Night in Miami …; Nobody; A Quiet Place Part
II; The Rescue; Roadrunner: A Film About
Anthony Bourdain; Spencer; Tina; The World
to Come; Wrath of Man; Zola.
And the 10-and-a-Half
Bottoms of the Barrel …
10.5) Heaven. In truth, this was the worst
cineplex release I saw this past year. It’s the
worst I’ve seen in several years. But as the film
is a micro-budgeted pro-faith drama by people
no doubt doing their best, I’m sure God will
forgive it. Even if I won’t.
10) The Woman in the Window. A Rear
Window-y thriller with quite the talent pool:
Director Joe Wright! Screenwriter Tracy Letts!
Amy Adams and Gary Oldman and Julianne
Moore! And you can’t blame the pandemic on
this dull, silly, convoluted stinker being quietly
shuffled off to Netflix.
9) Godzilla vs. Kong. The first major release
in 13 months to get a significant number
of movie-going butts back in theater seats.
Proof that after a year in relative hibernation,
blockbuster-minded crowds will pay good
money to see absolutely anything.
8) House of Gucci. Overcooked ziti with gen-
erous helpings of cheese.
7) Eternals. A true first: Marvel movie as oil
painting. But slightly less fun to watch for two-
and-a-half hours than an actual oil painting.
6) The Marksman. Liam Neeson with a gun. I
know! How does Hollywood keep coming up
with such fresh ideas?!
5) Cry Macho. In Clint Eastwood’s latest,
“Macho” is literally the name of a young teen’s
literal cock. And that’s the least of the film’s
offenses.
4) Space Jam: A New Legacy. Message to the
“content” providers at Warner Bros.: I hate
you.
3) Tom & Jerry. Seriously, Warner Bros. con-
tent providers: I hate hate hate you.
2) Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Insultingly
derivative and stupid action-comedy nonsense
from June in which Ryan Reynolds looked as
miserable as I’ve ever seen him …
1) Red Notice. … for five whole months.
Don't miss Mike every Thursday on
Loving Living Local on KLJB Fox 18!
 22 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
CONTINUED
SENIORS
Senior Technology Clinic, on Tuesdays; with
expert Mike Shinbori; bring your laptops,
tablets,… CASI (Center for Active Seniors), noon
Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Step into Balance: Balance & Strength, on
Tuesdays; half-hour exercise class with Logan
Anderson, owner of… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 1pm Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Grief Support Group, on the 2nd & 4th Wed. of
the month; food… Family Restaurant, 9:30am
Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Jan 26
Bunco, on Wednesdays; $2/person; for
information, call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 2pm Wed Jan 12 thru Wed
Feb 2
Evening Bingo, on Wednesdays; 5pm doors,
$10 card pack minimum purchase; cash prizes…
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 5pm Wed Jan
12 thru Wed Feb 2
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly Weight-
Loss Support Group), on Wednesdays; $1/
meeting plus national dues; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 10:30am Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Feb 2
T’ai Chi Ch’un, on Wednesdays; $24/six-week
class; for information, call 563-386-7477… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 10:15am Wed Jan 12
thru Wed Feb 2
Quad City Blind and Low Vision Friends,
join others with low vision or blindness in this
supportive… CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
Tue Jan 18
Chair Yoga, on Tuesdays; with Logan Anderson,
owner of All Strong Fitness;… CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 2pm Tue Jan 18 thru Tue Jan
25
Step into Balance: Balance & Strength, on
Tuesdays; half-hour exercise class with Logan
Anderson, owner of… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 1pm Tue Jan 18 thru Tue Jan 25
Country Dance w/ DJ Don Coker, $7/person at
the door; for information, call 563-386-7477…
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 7pm Fri Jan 21
Dream Horse, screening of the racehorse
drama in the Movie Matinee series;… CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1pm Fri Jan 28
Shaker Cards, join this beginner craft class to
learn how to make… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), Tue Feb 1
CASI Advisory Council, free; for information,
call 563-386-7477… CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 9am Wed Feb 2
KIDS' STUFF
Big/Little Bookclub, Littles (kids in
3rd through 5th grade) and their Bigs…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 6:30pm Thu Jan 6
Outreach/Headstart: Marshall, children’s
staf f from the Rock Island Public Librar y will
be… Rock Island Public Librar y - Downtown
Librar y, 9:30am Thu Jan 6
Virtual Teen DIY to Go: T-shirt Yarn, Miss
Amber invites ages 11-19 to joining her in
ripping… Davenpor t Public Librar y - Main
Branch, 4:30pm Thu Jan 6
Teen Bookmark Contest, thru Jan. 15; teens
can design a bookmark for a… East Moline
Public Librar y, thru Sat Jan 15
YA Tabletop Adventures Guild (TAG):
Dungeons and Dragons, From board games
to RPGs, check out our new YA… LeClaire
Communit y Librar y, 5pm thru Thu Jan 20
Sesame Street Crafts, on Thursdays; let ’s
get creative and have some fun; per fect…
FREE ASSANGE.
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 4pm thru Thu Jan 27
Family Stor y time with Ashe: Snow Days!,
stories, songs, and fun; ever y week is a
dif ferent theme… LeClaire Communit y
Librar y, 10:30am Fri Jan 7
Children’s Book Talk /Unboxing, on
Fridays; join Miss Ranell for either a
book talk… Rock Island Public Librar y -
Downtown Librar y, 2pm Fri Jan 7 thru Fri
Jan 28
Southwest Toddler Tales, on Fridays;
stories, songs and a craf t for ages 5… Rock
Island Public Librar y - Southwest Branch,
10:30am Fri Jan 7 thru Fri Jan 28
Stor y time @ Main, on Fridays; stories,
dancing and more for children bir th -…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Main Branch,
10am Fri Jan 7 thru Fri Jan 28
Facebook Live: Krafty Kids, join Mrs.
Swanson for a live take-away craf t tutorial;
free;… Silvis Public Librar y, 2pm Sat Jan 8
The Rock Island Elk s Lodge #980 Hoop
Shoot Contest, a free-throw contest for
boys and girls ages 8-13; this… Countr yside
Christian Church, Sat Jan 8
Young Adult Reading Club, ages 10 -14 will
meet -in person or via Zoom to… German
American Heritage Center, 4pm Sun Jan 9
Hands- On Art History: Picasso Guitar
Collage, for ages 6+; join us this month for
a fun… LeClaire Communit y Librar y, 4pm
Mon Jan 10
Mason Jar Bank s, star t your savings of f
right with a large mason jar… Davenpor t
Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue Branch, 4pm
Mon Jan 10
Tween/ Teen Ice Lanterns, ake a stunning
lantern out of ice; for information, call…
Moline Public Librar y, Mon Jan 10
Virtual Mini Masterpieces, register to
receive an ar tist kit with ever y thing you
need… Davenpor t Public Librar y - Main
Branch, Mon Jan 10
Movers and Shakers Story time!, on
Mondays; for kids ages 0 to 5 and their…
Moline Public Librar y, 9:30am Mon Jan 10
thru Mon Jan 31
Stor y Time, on Mondays; featuring bubbles,
music, craf ts, games, snack s, and tons…
River Valley District Librar y, 10am Mon Jan
10 thru Mon Jan 31
Teen Advisor y Board Meeting, TAB
Members volunteer, organize & par ticipate
in teen programming, and give their…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Fairmount Street
Branch, 6:30pm Tue Jan 11
Teen Tuesday: Teen Advisor y Board, earn
volunteer hours and decide on book s and
programs for… Silvis Public Librar y, 5pm
Tue Jan 11
Recycled Book Crafts, on Tuesdays; give
old book s new life as you turn… Davenpor t
Public Librar y - Fairmount Street Branch,
3:30pm Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Jan 18
Girls Love Code, on Tuesdays; an af ter-
school club for girls in 3rd-5th grade…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue
Branch, 4pm Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Preschool Story time, on Tuesdays; a free,
enter taining oppor tunit y for preschoolers
to come… Davenpor t Public Librar y -
Eastern Avenue Branch, 10am Tue Jan 11
thru Tue Feb 1
Virtual Stor y time, on Tuesdays; watch
stor y time on the Rock Island… Rock Island
Public Librar y - Downtown Librar y, 10:30am
Tue Jan 11 thru Tue Feb 1
Lego Club: Name Challenge, come
play with over hundreds of Legos; for
Know More. Do More.
information, call 563-289 - 6007… LeClaire
Communit y Librar y, 4pm Wed Jan 12
Little Makers, on Wednesdays; we’ll have
plent y of craf t supplies and a… Davenpor t
Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue Branch,
3:30pm Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Feb 2
Toddler Stor y time, on Wednesdays; we’ll
sing songs, dance, and read fun stories;…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Fairmount Street
Branch, 10am Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Feb 2
Virtual Event: Little Makers to Go, on
Wednesdays; kits will include a special craf t
for the… Davenpor t Public Librar y - Main
Branch, 3pm Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Feb 2
Virtual Event: Unicorn Dreams, on
Wednesdays; celebrate all things unicorn
as we craf t, journal,… Davenpor t Public
Librar y - Main Branch, 6pm Wed Jan 12 thru
Wed Jan 26
Young Adult Tabletop Role-playing, on
Wednesdays; create a character, roll some
dice, adventure, and… Bettendor f Public
Librar y, 1:30pm Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Feb 2
Creativity Lab: Paper Collage Snow
Globes, grades K-5 will be making paper
plate snow globes using… Moline Public
Librar y, 6pm Thu Jan 13
Outreach/Headstart: Horace Mann LC,
children’s staf f from the Rock Island Public
Librar y will be… Rock Island Public Librar y -
Downtown Librar y, 9am Thu Jan 13
PNG Chemistry Bits: Water, discover the
world of chemistr y through a collection of
mini-experiments… Moline Public Librar y,
6pm Thu Jan 13
Facebook Live Stor y time, recommended
for grades 3 & under; Join Mrs. Swanson
on… Silvis Public Librar y, 6pm Thu Jan 13
thru Thu Jan 27
DIY Teen: Mango Salsa, ages 11-19 are
invited to join Miss Amber for some…
Davenpor t Public Librar y - Main Branch,
3:30pm Fri Jan 14
Family Stor y time with Ashe: Penguins,
stories, songs, and fun; ever y week is a
dif ferent theme… LeClaire Communit y
Librar y, 10:30am Fri Jan 14
Facebook Live: Full S.T.E. A.M. Ahead, join
Mrs. Swanson for her live experiment; free;
for information,… Silvis Public Librar y, 2pm
Sat Jan 15
Full STEAM Ahead!: Sink or Float?, join us
as we experiment with all kinds of odd…
LeClaire Communit y Librar y, 10:30am Sat
Jan 15
Winter Reading Carnival Kickoff, stop
in any time today for carnival-st yle games,
craf ts, and activities;… Moline Public
Librar y, Sat Jan 15
Lazy Crafternoons: Button Art, ages 12+
make super simple craf ts that are relaxing
to… LeClaire Communit y Librar y, 5pm Tue
Jan 18
Overbooked, teens talk about the new
book s they’re reading; refreshments
provided;… Silvis Public Librar y, 5pm Tue
Jan 18
Read-Along Stories with Mr. Haack , for
those who had master stor y teller Mr. H as
PV… LeClaire Communit y Librar y, 6:30pm
Tue Jan 18
GreatWork s Theatre Co. – Tubman: Road
to Freedom, a per formance in the 2021-
2022 Live at Heritage Center SchoolBus…
John & Alice Butler Hall - Universit y of
Dubuque Heritage Center, 9:45am Tue Jan
18
Outreach/Headstart: Longfellow &
Academy, children’s staf f from the Rock
Island Public Librar y will be… Rock Island
Public Librar y - Downtown Librar y, 9am Thu
Jan 20
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PNG Neon Signs, grades 4 -12 earn how to
make a custom neon sign… Moline Public
Librar y, 6pm Thu Jan 20
Read to a Dog, QC CAN’s Reading
Assistance Dogs are specially trained, along
with… Davenpor t Public Librar y - Eastern
Avenue Branch, 5:30pm Thu Jan 20
Teen Librar y Council, students in grades
6 -12 are needed to give advice and… Moline
Public Librar y, 3:30pm Thu Jan 20
Family Stor y time with Ashe: Wishes,
stories, songs, and fun; ever y week is a
dif ferent theme… LeClaire Communit y
Librar y, 10:30am Fri Jan 21
Lego Club, create your LEGO masterpieces;
whether you want to take-on the… River
Valley District Librar y, 11am Sat Jan 22
Teens Book s & Cocoa, ages 11-19 are
invited to join Miss Amber for a… Davenpor t
Public Librar y - Eastern Avenue Branch, 2pm
Sat Jan 22
Crafts Around the World Livestream:
Tiger New Year ’s Envelopes, celebrate
the Lunar New Year with a fun Chinese
Tradition… LeClaire Communit y Librar y,
4pm Mon Jan 24
Mason Jar Bank s, for ages 6+; tar t your
savings of f right with a… Davenpor t Public
Librar y - Main Branch, 4pm Mon Jan 24
PNG littleBits Advanced Series, on
Mondays; students in grades 4 -12 with
previous block coding… Moline Public
Librar y, 6pm Mon Jan 24 thru Mon Jan 31
Teens Webtoons Discussion, Miss Amber
needs you to recommend great comics
on Webtoon… Davenpor t Public Librar y -
Fairmount Street Branch, 6:30pm Tue Jan 25
Outreach/Headstart: Ridgewood/
Jefferson, children’s staf f from the Rock
Island Public Librar y will be… Rock Island
Public Librar y - Downtown Librar y, 9am Thu
Jan 27
Family Story time with Ashe: Chinese New
Year!, stories, songs, and fun; ever y week
is a dif ferent theme… LeClaire Communit y
Librar y, 10:30am Fri Jan 28
Facebook Live: Lego Charades,
recommended for ages 5-12; join Mrs.
Swanson to build an… Silvis Public Librar y,
2pm Sat Jan 29
Virtual Presentation: University of Iowa
Health Care Kids Go STEM, a free vir tual
educational program targeted to students
in grades 6… Universit y of Iowa Health Care
- Muscatine, 9:30am Sat Jan 29
Mad River Theater Work s: Freedom
Riders, a per formance in the 2021-2022 Live
at Heritage Center SchoolBus… John & Alice
Butler Hall - Universit y of Dubuque Heritage
Center, 12:15pm Mon Jan 31
PJ Party Stor y time: Penguins!, put on your
PJ’s and join us live for a… Moline Public
Librar y, 6pm Mon Jan 31
Tales for Tots: Session 1, on Mondays;
stor y time for ages 0 -3 and their caregivers;
par ticipants… Bettendor f Public Librar y,
10am Mon Jan 31
Tales for Tots: Session 2, on Mondays;
stor y time for ages 0 -3 and their caregivers;
par ticipants… Bettendor f Public Librar y,
10:30am Mon Jan 31
Homeschooler ’s Hangout, grades 1-12
visit the librar y and par ticipate in a fun…
Bettendor f Public Librar y, 11:30am Tue Feb
1
Outreach: RIFAC Preschool, a children’s
librarian will be sharing stories with RIFAC
preschool… Rock Island Public Librar y -
Downtown Librar y, 10am Wed Feb 2
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
Jan. 6 In Their Own Words:
Cont. from Page 17
Pat Miletich: We went nowhere near the
Capitol steps. After a while, we went on the
grass of the Capitol and had no idea any
so-called breach had happened. We were
not there to break into the building, we
were there to protest and have conversa-
tions with people about freedom.
Sarah Ford: We got fairly close to the
Capitol in the late afternoon, and I noticed
a back door was open and people were
streaming in and out. I’d briefly talked to
my dad while at Ollie’s Trolley and he told
me not to go in the building, so I heeded
his advice.
9) What were the most prevalent
reasons other attendees told you
as to their goal or motivation for
attending?
Clyde Cleveland: I believe most of the
people there had the same motivations
that I had.
Corey Eib: Election irregularities.
Jason Bermas: They felt that the elec-
tion had been stolen and they wanted
accountability. And I agree with them
100 percent. I don’t think the election
was “fortified” like Time magazine said.
I think they stole it on many levels. One
person, one vote should be an easy thing.
No, they want fractional voting. They want
black-box voting. Issues I’ve been talking
about since 2003. Dominion is the name
now. Diebold is the name of old. They are
all the same thing.
Pat Miletich: Really similar. Everyone
was frustrated with what had gone on with
the election which had obvious illegal
activities. A guy who had close to a million
attendees at his rallies was beat by a guy
who stayed in his basement and did not
campaign?
Sarah Ford: Trump is the people’s Presi-
dent, and we were there to let it be known
that he has the support of the American
people, despite the media’s lies and the
left’s hatred toward him and his support-
ers. Also, the election was stolen, and
Democrats cheated.
10) What visible or audible evi-
dence did you witness that the
crowd was there to execute an
insurrection?
Clyde Cleveland: There were actors
there that were clearly not Trump people
that were there to create the narrative that
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there was an insurrection. Trump people
were actively taking people away from
the Capitol building that were breaking
windows etc. These were bad actors.
Corey Eib: I witnessed the exact oppo-
site. The crowd was there, by and large, to
make noise so that Congress would hear
the people. The relatively few people who
were on the Capitol Building steps and
went in the building weren’t following the
protest plan that had been published.
"Propaganda and false
flags have no power
when evidence is
presented, and
we’re still in that
unraveling process."
- Sarah Ford
Jason Bermas: Zero. Zero.
Pat Miletich: Nobody said anything of
any plans of going into the building that
I heard from anybody. The only reason
people went up the hill to the Capitol was
because the barricades were removed by
the police officers who waived everyone in
to come up to the Capitol building. People
took them at their word and followed the
police officer’s invites.
Sarah Ford: I wasn’t close enough to the
Capitol during the breach, so I didn’t wit-
ness anything firsthand. I never really felt
in danger, though. It was a surreal experi-
ence, like seeing the Capitol while the
crowd sang “The Star-Spangled Banner”
as it was getting dark. It was history in the
making and that’s why I had to get close to
the building – so I could bear witness and
take photos. When I saw the “insurrec-
tion” narrative that the mainstream media
was pushing, I was not surprised, since
the media generally lies about everything
Trump-related.
11) What, if any, violence did you
witness?
Clyde Cleveland: I did not get close
enough to the Capitol building to see
any violence. That came later and there is
plenty of video evidence of these anti-
Trump people creating havoc.
Corey Eib: I did not witness any
violence, but was exposed to a very small
amount of tear gas.
Jason Bermas: You can watch the
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
tunnel violence of the police being bom-
barded by people. Someone tried to pass
a sledgehammer that was given to the
police. You can see someone breaking a
window with a gas canister. I want those
people identified. Who are they? Have
they all been arrested? Are these some of
the Federal informants or provocateurs?
The people who committed violence
should be charged with those crimes.
Pat Miletich: The violence that I
witnessed was when the crowd was going
up the hill to the Capitol a lot of riot-gear
police starting hitting the crowd with
batons, shields, rubber bullets, and OC
spray.
Sarah Ford: The only violence I wit-
nessed was against the people. I saw an
elderly Chinese man being led away by
bystanders, his eyes closed and watering
from tear gas. I saw another guy who’d
been hit in the cheek with a projectile
spitting out blood (I later found out he was
arrested for entering the Capitol.) I saw
many dealing with close contact with tear
gas, and watched two guys carry a lady
away from the zone after she was over-
come. I got to taste and feel the burning
sensation of tear gas myself, though I was
able to quickly take cover.
12) What’s your summary take-
away(s) on this event one year
later?
Clyde Cleveland: It was an incredible
event. I am so glad I attended and I pray the
truth about the actors that tried to create
the phony insurrection get the justice they
deserve.
Corey Eib: This event was perfectly
hijacked into a political-theater weapon one
party can use against the other, by demon-
izing hundreds of thousands of people for
the actions of hundreds, or perhaps a few
"This event was perfectly hijacked
into a political-theater weapon
one party can use against the
other, by demonizing hundreds
of thousands of people for the
actions of hundreds, or perhaps a
few thousand people."
- Corey Eib
23
thousand people.
Jason Bermas: It is another talking point
and tool of a predatory class to further
demonize the American people and crimi-
nalize their legal lawful and constitutional
behaviors while getting past any type of due
process, accountability, checks or balances
and moving us towards a security state
where political dissents or lower could be
considered domestic terrorists and just be
put away and locked in a black hole in this
new techno-fascists great-reset agenda.
Pat Miletich: It seemed to be that in
many ways it was orchestrated to end in
people breaching the building and for the
government to use the narrative that this
was an insurrection. Anybody knows if
500,000 people wanted to take over a build-
ing it would have resulted in rubble, which
did not happen. Many of the people that
took part in the violence took part in Antifa
and BLM protests causing violence at those
rallies. Which suggests to me they are paid
actors and agitators.
Sarah Ford: Despite the Democrats’
and mainstream media’s insistence that
it was an insurrection, their evidence is
weak, and their panic is palpable. The real
insurrection was on November 3, and we
the people had every right to rally on Janu-
ary 6. What gets me is the hypocrisy – we
watched the left’s “summer of love” with
riots and violence, but the right is demon-
ized for expressing our Constitutional
right to protest that day? It’s upside-down
world. But like everything these corrupt
politicians do to try and take down Trump,
they will fail again. The truth takes time,
but it ultimately prevails. Propaganda and
false flags have no power when evidence is
presented, and we’re still in that unraveling
process.
24 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 FREE ASSANGE. Know More. Do More. RCReader.com/Calendar.

Crossword
ZZZ... • JANUARY 11, 2021 December 14 Answers: Page 28

Downward Doghouse Save the Inundate

There’s a woman in my yoga class I’d like to On dating apps, guys who message me
ask out. Though she’s friendly to me, I worry always end up losing interest. My friend
that this could lead to awkwardness in class thinks my repeatedly replying before the
if she rejects me or if we date but things go guy writes back is the problem. I’ll reply to
poorly. I have a two-year relationship with this a guy’s first message and, while awaiting his
class – much longer than my fantasy relation- response, have more to say and add messages
ship with her. What should I do? Grow a spine (usually no more than four). I’m an enthusi-
and go for it regardless of the eventual conse- astic person. What’s the problem with show-
quences – or fish in a different pond? ing that honestly?
– Stuck – Authentic Woman
Spines are not to be grown promiscuously. Most of us bring an important understand-
In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all ing to our workplace: The fact that we have a
answer to your question. Unlike 7-Elevens feeling is not reason to let it give us marching
– pretty much the same in Boise as they are orders. That’s why, when our idiot boss makes
in Bumpass, Vermont – people vary wildly. us stay late to complete a “super important
Individuals have individual levels of “risk assignment” (busywork no one will ever look
tolerance”(or what risk-intelligence specialist at), we say, “Sure thing!” – and only picture
Dylan Evans calls “risk appetite”): their ability ourselves attaching battery cables to his
to bear potential losses, should their initiative go nipples at a CIA black site.
toilet-ward. Admittedly, anger is an obvious target for
Take the question “Should you risk $5,000 on emotional restraint. But enthusiasm, while
a seemingly profitable investment?” Well, that praised on elementary school report cards,
depends on who “you” are – emotionally and, should not be flung around like birdseed.
in this case, financially. Because your risk toler- Chances are your storm of messages – a
ance will vary in different situations, answering monologue in the space for a conversation –
that takes more questions – situation-specific sends the wrong messages about you, such
ACROSS 59. Figure of speech
questions. For example: Do you shrug off losses as: “desperate” and “has the social skills of a
70. Alpine resort town 10. _ -Dixon Line
1. Amenable 71. Somersaults 11. Maneuver in skate- 61. Wiccan group … or flog yourself bloody like the weird albino five-year-old.”
5. Lesser Antilles indigene 72. Side offering shelter boarding 62. Preen monk in The Da Vinci Code? Financially, would Unfortunately, avoiding the impulse to act
10. Grinder 73. _ of March 12. Property claim 63. Serviceable
15. Uproar 74. Perry relative 13. Welding fuel 64. Base in number
losing the 5K be a bummer or an enduring on our emotions is hard work. Psychologists
19. Magwitch of "Great 75. Usual weather 14. Odor, for short systems nightly bummer when the inability to pay your Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky explain
Expectations" 76. White-tail eagle 15. Astounds 65. Shortwave rent leads to your taking up residence in a walk- that emotions are “fast”: popping up immedi-
20. _ citato 77. Rest 16. Furnish 66. Works at
21. Rock's Cooper 78. Worrying: 2 wds. 17. Zealous 67. Pied-a- _ in ATM? ately – automatically – and motivating us to
22. Son of Jacob 80. Active ones 18. Something unfor- 68. Become aware of Apply this method to your dilemma, “Can act. Rational thought, however, is “slow” (and,
23. Groggy child 82. Coffee beverage: Var. tunate 70. Ends I afford to ask out the hot lady from hot yoga?” frankly, lazy). We have to yank it out of bed
25. Postpones a decision: 84. Farm implements 24. Set down suddenly 71. Skedaddles
3 wds. 85. Rug 26. Precipitous 74. Budgetary concern Tempting as it is to overdramatize – rewrite and feed it a bunch of mental energy to make
27. Like a flower part 86. Palindromic name 29. Voters opposed 75. Gospels' Mighty _ what would likely be a somewhat uncomfort- it do its job – for example, explore whether our
28. Inunct 87. Spiritual leaders 32. Cargo vessel _ Joy
30. Hot beverage 89. Directed 34. Took legal action 78. Surcease
able situation into an epic disaster movie – drill emotions’ directives might have ruinous con-
31. Youngsters 90. Extended, in ballet 35. Stiff shoe 79. Indian title of respect: down to the actual worst-case scenarios. For sequences. This feels, shall we say,unfun – and
32. Fresh air 93. Soviet leader _ 36. Genus of fishes Var. example, would getting a “Thanks, but I’m not also depressing when all we can do is damage
33. River in West Flanders Brezhnev 37. Essential rest: 2 wds. 80. Sinker: Var.
35. Texas river 95. Feign 38. Retained 81. Describe, in a way ready to date” from the lady really trigger the control after some off-leash emotion has blown
38. Bulk 99. Parties for kids 39. Russian pancakes 83. Gnawing creature giant zombie jellyfish apocalypse – or the rather up our life.
39. Red Giant cousin: 101. Bedtime instruction: 40. Bogart film of 1946: 85. Make less extreme mundane urge to temporarily relocate your mat Consider that the “job” in online dating
2 wds. 2 wds. 3 wds. 87. Valley
43. Smart _ 103. Chester _ Arthur 41. Soap substitute 88. Still not solid to the other side of the room? is not getting someone to like you but seeing
44. Drops off: 2 wds. 104. Brink 42. American Beauties 89. Military action Consider that awkwardness between people whether you like them enough to take it
47. Managed care grp. 105. Kind of orange 44. Celebrations 90. Romanov ruler
48. Snake 106. Neither masc. nor 45. Old calculator 91. She, in Seville
– some big uncomfortable something hanging beyond the small screen. As an experiment,
49. Embankment fem. 46. Cuts 92. _ tide in the air – usually stems from somebody acting you might put your impulse to reply on a strict
50. Kind of alley 107. Engrossed 49. Sierra _ 94. Mysterious: Var. all weirded out. There’s a remedy for this should diet: One message from a guy. One reply from
51. Biz big shots 108. So far: 2 wds. 51. Chili con _ 95. Homophone for seize
52. Sch. in Columbus 109. Printer part 53. Like a baby bird 96. Golden- _
asking her out go badly: preplanning to keep you. Period. As a perhaps helpful model, try to
53. Hinder 110. Gaelic 54. Reduces 97. Reasoner's word your cool – to act like the guy you were before come off like a rare vintage of fine wine – that
54. A Founding Father 55. Odd fellows 98. Diminutive suffix you hit on her. In practice, how hard might that is, hard to get – as opposed to red wine spilled
55. Wire DOWN 57. Coin-toss bet 100. Gametes
56. Adorned with henna 1. Breathe with effort 58. Sci-fi being 102. Sch. in Baton Rouge be? You’re probably inviting her to join you for across a white shag carpet (impossible to get
58. Succulent plants 2. Competent “a coffee” after class – which few of us immedi- rid of … save for a willingness to broaden one’s
59. Whig opponents 3. Sports event ately recognize as code for “a mid-morning orgy stain removal methods to include arson).
60. Opens wide
New Cross Word Puzzles
4. Of a school of old
61. Persian king Greek thinkers in my sex dungeon.”
62. Tine
63. Of bears
5. Prairie wolf
6. Insect genus posted EVERY week at Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405. E-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com, visit
65. Garments
66. Shows of dissent
7. Tall grass
8. Nest egg letters
RCReader.com/lifestyle @amyalkon on Twitter, and listen to Amy’s weekly radio show at BlogTalkRadio.com/amyalkon. Order
Amy Alkon’s book Unf---ology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2018).
69. Count 9. Awe
©2021, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. New column published weekly at RCReader.com
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. RCReader.com/Support.
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the fan-
tasy tale The Wizard of Oz, a tornado
lifts the hero Dorothy from her modest
home in rural Kansas to a magical realm
called Oz. There she experiences many provoca-
tive and entertaining adventures. Nonetheless,
she longs to return to where she started from. A
friendly witch helps her find the way back to
Kansas, which requires her to click her ruby slip-
pers together three times and say, “There’s no
place like home, there’s no place like home.” I sus-
pect, Aries, that there’ll be a different ending to
your epic tale in 2022. At some point, you will
decide you prefer to stay in your new world.
Maybe you’ll even click your ruby slippers
together and say, “There’s no place like Oz, there’s
no place like Oz.” (Thanks to author David Lazar
for that last line.)
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Fifty-five
percent of the people who live in Toronto
speak primarily English or French. But
for the other 45 percent, their mother
tongue is a different language, including Portu-
guese, Tagalog, Italian, Tamil, Spanish, Canton-
ese, and Mandarin. I wish you could spend some
time there in the coming months. In my astro-
logical opinion, you would benefit from being
exposed to maximum cultural diversity. You
would thrive by being around a broad spectrum
of influences from multiple backgrounds. If you
can’t manage a trip to Toronto or another richly
diverse place, do your best to approximate the
same experience. Give yourself the gift of splen-
dorous variety.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): One of your
primary meditations throughout 2022
should be the following advice from The
Laws of Human Nature, a book by moti-
vational author Robert Greene. He writes, “In
ancient times, many great leaders felt that they
were descended from gods and part divine. Such
self-belief would translate into high levels of con-
fidence that others would feed off and recognize.
It became a self-fulfilling prophecy. You do not
need to indulge in such grandiose thoughts, but
feeling that you are destined for something great
or important will give you a degree of resilience
when people oppose or resist you. You will not
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internalize the doubts that come from such
moments. You will have an enterprising spirit.
You will continually try new things, even taking
risks, confident in your ability to bounce back
from failures and feeling destined to succeed.”
CANCER (June 21-July 22): I would love
to unabashedly encourage you to travel
widely and explore wildly in 2022. I
would rejoice if I could brazenly autho-
rize you to escape your comfort zone and wander
in the frontiers. It’s not often the planetary omens
offer us Cancerians such an unambiguous man-
date to engage in exhilarating adventures and
intelligent risks. There’s only one problem: that
annoying inconvenience known as the pandemic.
We really do have to exercise caution in our pur-
suit of expansive encounters. Luckily, you now
have extra ingenuity about the project of staying
safe as you enlarge your world.
LEO (July 23-August 22): I suspect that
your life in 2022 might feature themes
beloved by Leo author Emily Brontë
(1818-1848). “No coward soul is mine,”
she wrote, “No trembler in the world’s storm-
troubled sphere.” I suggest making that one of
your mottoes. Here’s another guiding inspiration
from Emily, via one of her poems: “I’ll walk where
my own nature would be leading: / It vexes me to
choose another guide: / Where the grey flocks in
ferny glens are feeding; / Where the wild wind
blows on the mountain-side.” Here’s one more of
Brontë’s thoughts especially suitable for your use
in the coming months: “I’ll be as dirty as I please,
and I like to be dirty, and I will be dirty!”
. aged.” In 2022, Sagittarius, I’ll invite you to go
VIRGO (August 23-September 22):
What reversals and turnabouts would
you like to experience in 2022, Virgo?
Which situations would you like to
transform dramatically? Are there imbalances of
power you would like to rectify? Contradictions
you’d love to dissolve? Misplaced priorities you
could correct? All these things are possible in the
coming months if you are creative and resource-
ful enough. With your dynamic efforts, the last
could be first, the low could be high, and the weak
could become strong.
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
LIBRA (September 23-October 22):
“Everything good I’ve ever gotten in my
life, I only got because I gave something
else up,” wrote author Elizabeth Gilbert.
That has often been true for me. For example, if I
hadn’t given up my beloved music career, I
wouldn’t have had the time and energy to become
a skillful astrology writer with a big audience.
What about you, Libra? In my reckoning, Gil-
bert’s observation should be a major theme for
you in 2022.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 21):
Author C. S. Lewis wrote that we don’t
simply want to behold beauty. We “want
to be united with the beauty we see, to
pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in
it, to become part of it.” If there were ever a time
when you could get abundant tastes of that
extravagant pleasure, Scorpio, it would be in the
coming months. If you make it a goal, if you set
an intention, you may enjoy more deep mergers
and delightful interactions with beauty than you
have had since 2010.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-Decem-
ber 21): Sagittarian singer-songwriter
Tom Waits began his career in 1969. He
achieved modest success during the next
11 years. But his career headed in an even more
successful direction after he met Kathleen Bren-
nan, who became his wife and collaborator. In a
1988 interview, Waits said, “She’s got the whole
dark forest living inside of her. She pushes me
into areas I would not go, and I’d say that a lot of
the things I’m trying to do now, she’s encour-
looking for the deep dark forest within yourself.
I’m sure it’s in there somewhere. If you explore it
with luxuriant curiosity, it will ultimately inspire
you to generate unprecedented breakthroughs.
Yes, it might sometimes be spooky – but in ways
that ultimately prove lucky.
CAPRICORN (December 22-January
19): Capricorn-born Muhammad Ali
was far more than a superb professional
boxer. He was an activist, entertainer,
and philanthropist who gathered much wisdom
in his 74 years. I’ve chosen one of his quotes to be
25
By Rob Brezsny
your guide in the coming months. I hope it will
motivate you to rigorously manage the sometimes
pesky and demanding details that will ultimately
enable you to score a big victory. “It isn’t the
mountains ahead to climb that wear you down,”
Ali said. “It’s the pebble in your shoe.”
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18):
At a pivotal moment in his evolution,
Aquarian playwright Anton Chekhov
(1860-1904) swore an oath to himself. I’ll tell you
about it here because I hope it will inspire you to
make a comparable vow to yourself about how
you’ll live your life in 2022. Author Robert Greene
is the source of the quote. He says that Chekhov
promised himself he would engage in “no more
bowing and apologizing to people; no more com-
plaining and blaming; no more disorderly living
and wasting time. The answer to everything was
work and love, work and love. He had to spread
this message to his family and save them. He had
to share it with humanity through his stories and
plays.”
PISCES (February 19-March 20):
Here’s what Piscean author Anaïs Nin
wrote in one of her diaries: “When I first
faced pain, I was shattered. When I first met fail-
ure, defeat, denial, loss, death, I died. Not today.
I believe in my power, in my magic, and I do not
die. I survive, I love, live, continue.” According to
my analysis of the astrological omens, Pisces, you
could claim her triumphant declaration as your
own in 2022, with special emphasis on this: “I
believe in my power, in my magic. I survive, I
love, live, continue.” This will be a golden age, a
time when you harvest the fruits of many years of
labor.
Homework: What problem are you most likely to
outgrow and render irrelevant in 2022? Visit Free-
WillAstrology.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 1-900-950-77
26 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
MUSIC
Four Favorite Albums of 2021
L'Rain, Fatigue
I
t would be easy to kick off my reflec-
tions about the music of 2021 with some
well-deserved spiel about how this was a
hard year and how music was a balm for our
troubled times, etc. Consider this to be me
doing that. More importantly, I would say
that music as a whole in 2021 was accelerat-
ing into whole new realms that none of us
could have foreseen, and that the generally
screwed state of the world seems to have
had no impact on that acceleration – or
perhaps the hellscape was helping it along.
More than a balm, music this past year was
a glorious brick to the head, shaping how
we see the world and introducing us to new
experiences that temper our reality in ways
that aren’t always positive, but are always
quite welcome. Here are four releases from
last year that blew my mind and kept the
bricks flying.
4) L’Rain, Fatigue
The project of singer/songwriter/co-pro-
ducer Taja Cheek and her collaborators,
L’Rain evolved from an intriguing and
forward-thinking bedroom experimental
pop project into something closer to an
all-consuming soup of genres and progres-
sive ideas. More than any other album I
can think of from last year, Fatigue made
the case for the continued existence of the
discrete album as an art form, as opposed to
Spotify playlists and loosie singles and You-
Tube cuts. The record glistens with inventive
production flourishes and a collage-like
approach to smashing sounds together,
stewing up passages of spoken word and
found sound with spectral yet hooky pop
and R&B jams, all shot through with an
almost math rock-esque approach to instru-
mental performance. Clouds of disembod-
ied electronics and voices drift through
the album as both shorter interludes and
complete pieces unto themselves. Just when
you think the spread of sounds has reached
its most amorphous and abstracted point,
a serious banger emerges from the haze,
FREE ASSANGE.
complete with beautiful vocal melodies,
layers of synth, ballistic drum program-
ming, and proggy licks on piano, bass, and
guitar. The composite result is something
like a Fiona Apple album and an FKA
Twigs EP dipped into a vat of musique
concrète exploration and reanimated into
an experimental post-soul opus. L’Rain’s
live performances on the tour following the
album’s release not only managed to capture
the peaks of Fatigue but also expanded the
album’s palette off into new directions.
Her large ensemble, which featured Cheek
shredding on guitar or bass while singing,
along with her bandmates performing on
drum kit, keyboards and electronics, and
samplers, often crested into something
closer to full-on prog fused with D’Angelo-
adjacent neo-soul, all struck through with
a distinctly improvisatory impulse that
pushed certain passages into the realm of
free-jazz and noise.
3) Les Filles de Illighadad,
At Pioneer Works
The label Sahel Sounds has spent the last
decade documenting the modern sounds
coming from West Africa, focusing above
all on music from Mauritania, Senegal, and
Mali, which ranges from traditional Tuareg
guitar music, to electronic-infused cosmic
keyboard exploration, to beat-focused
mixtapes that veer closer to contemporary
hip-hop and dance music. Every release
from their catalog is well worth investi-
gating, and the full spread of their output
sketches out a sprawling vision of African
music in all its multi-faceted glory. This past
year saw the ascent of label mainstay Mdou
Moctar, the brilliant Nigerien guitarist and
bandleader, to the status of full-on inter-
national rock star with the release of his
incredible record Afrique Victime (another
clear highlight of 2021) on venerable U.S.
indie institution Matador Records. Another
mainstay of the label, the trio Les Filles de
Illighadad from rural Niger, rose to greater
prominence with their third album At
Pioneer Works – a spellbinding display of
their interwoven vocal melodies, guitar
lines, and polyrhythms. Though the live
album contains cuts from their two previous
albums, 2017’s Eghass Malan and 2016’s self-
titled record, At Pioneer Works stands as a
self-contained statement of the trio’s vision,
and truly benefits from showcasing their
hypnotic performances in a live context.
The trio latches into almost lock-groove like
patterns of guitar and harmonized vocal
lines, striking a balance between passages of
pure euphoria and melancholic ethereality.
Steady rhythms driven by handclaps and
hand drums sketch polyrhythmic cycles
that float alongside the swirling guitar and
Know More. Do More.
vocal performances, grounding each song in
a head-nodding pulse. Above all, the trio’s
vocal arrangements continue to stun, as
they exhibit a sense of complete control over
close harmonies and melismatic flights of
beauty.
2) Various Artists,
Sounds of Pamoja
When a new strain of music coalesces
within a specific scene outside of the typical
Eurocentric/American circles that domi-
nate critical attention, and it breaks into
the western sphere, it can either induce a
state of complete culture shock to some of
our delicate sensibilities, or inspire a sense
of stunned awe at the new experiences
that music can offer us. In this spirit, the
Uganda-based label Nyege Nyege Tapes,
which has yet to release anything less than
pure brain-melting brilliance, continues
to streak off on its own majestic trip to the
vanguard of contemporary music. One of
their most aggressively mind-altering drops
last year, the compilation Sounds of Pamoja,
documents the music known as singeli,
which originated in Dar es Salaam, the
largest city in Tanzania. The album focuses
on the scene centered around the Nyege
Nyege Tapes artist Duke, whose 2019 album
Uingizaji Hewa continues to blow minds
with every spin. Most of the artists involved
in Sounds of Pamoja are between 18 to 20
years old, and have been pushing boundar-
ies with their production and vocal styles
since they were in their early teens. To the
uninitiated, the first dose of singeli can feel
like a visit to an entirely unimagined musi-
cal landscape. The rhythms fly at our domes
at unspeakably high BPM, with battering
drum patterns akin to footwork or juke
music pushed to even faster extremes. The
vocal performances delivered by the MCs
on each track explode with manic energy,
often blazing at warp speed through com-
plicated cadences and impassioned howls.
The sum total sounds like a record played
at double the speed it “should” be played at,
and yet the tracks on The Sounds of Pamoja
often stretch past the seven-minute mark
– challenging unfamiliar listeners both on
a bar-by-bar basis and in the long duration
that those sounds stretch across. The album
provides that rare feeling that you’re hearing
something that seems absolutely improbable
in its existence, so contrary to the “rules” of
what we’re used to hearing, and yet here it is,
and it f---ing slays.
1) Erika de Casier,
Sensational
The most incessantly replayable record
of the year, bar none, Danish singer/
songwriter/producer Erika de Casier’s
Sensational builds on the strengths of her
already-classic debut album Essentials while
RCReader.com/Calendar.
By Max Allison
demonstrating that she’s perfectly comfort-
able in the relative big leagues of interna-
tional pop/R&B. Her first album on the
legendary “indie-major” label 4AD, Sensa-
tional feels like a step up in terms of de Casi-
er’s smooth vocal delivery, idiosyncratic and
tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and the post-Y2K
R&B production sculpted by Natal Zaks
and de Casier herself. Deriving influence
from the purposefully synthetic MIDI-tone
production that appeared on classic turn-of-
the-millennium albums by antecedents such
as Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child, and Brandy,
the album’s beats coast through gorgeous
passages of electronic harp, MIDI acoustic
guitar, and electric keyboards – all struck
through with drum patterns from U.K.
garage music and synth layers that skirt
closer to contemporary big-budget pop.
While this might sound like some pleasant
nostalgia trip on paper, one listen to the
album shatters any conception of de Casier
as a mere imitator of the Y2K pop style. Her
vocal takes and lyrics exude charisma, as she
tries on different personae that range from
pensive, to flirty, to regretful, to ecstatic. The
productions ripple with unexpected details,
bumping over busy basslines or suddenly
veering into baroque arrangements for
synthetic orchestral instruments. Para-
doxically, de Casier sketches out her own
vision of futuristic pop by digging deep into
specific aesthetics that have essentially been
out of style for decades at this point. But this
move isn’t necessarily surprising. Even the
pop music that stands at what we consider
the peak of contemporary experimentalism
(see: whatever Björk or Arca are up to at any
given moment, Shygirl, Kelela, Charli XCX)
can’t possibly avoid cribbing sounds and
compositional strategies from the music of
decades past. While those artists might uti-
lize digital production techniques with less
of a precedent, or rather a precedent local-
ized within the last few years, the skeletons
of their songwriting still remain somewhat
the same as anything else that we identify as
pop music. Erika de Casier simply shifts the
window back a little further into the past in
terms of her aesthetics, but writes songs that
prove no less affecting and compelling in
their final delivery.
Erika de Casier, Sensational
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
MUSIC
Light in the Darkness:
Musical Favorites of 2021
Ryan Werner, Beverly Beverly
Beverly
This 21-minute micro-masterpiece is
loaded with more hooks, riffs and guitar
harmonies than most albums twice its
length. 13 rock songs shrunk down in a
microwave for mass consumption, bubble-
gum hooks written by a literary-minded
metal-head clever enough to drop lines
about “circumstantial feasts.” There’s more
emotion here than meets the ear; repeated
listening is mandatory.
Eyehategod, A History of Nomadic
Behavior
Eyehategod’s first new album in seven
years was heralded by a billboard near the
Superdome in their native New Orleans.
Equally surprising was the crystal-clear
production on the album. These things may
be heresy to some, but Mike IX’s ordinar-
ily half-decipherable lyrics benefit from the
clarity, and the music loses nothing. Pared
down to a power trio of Jimmy Bower, Gary
Mader, and Aaron Hill, EHG rips through
their trademark combination of raging
hardcore punk, metal attitude, and a per-
verse New Orleans swing, riffs swaying like a
drunk in an alley. The lurching rhythms and
end-time message of EHG is the soundtrack
of an unstable nation, lurching deeper into
the hell of poverty, addiction, despera-
tion and degradation from which Mike IX
pulls his tortured, half-formed lyrics. The
absurdity of it all fits like a tattered fingerless
glove.
S.T.O.P., Moanin’ in the Mornin’
When I stuck the debut album by Phila-
delphia’s drunkest blues band onto last year’s
best-of list, I had no idea that the Band-
camp-only release was basically a demo,
an unmastered version unintended for
public consumption. It’s since been slightly
cleaned-up, renamed, and pressed to vinyl
(complete with a Howlin’ Wolf nod on the
cover), exactly where their straight-outta-’70
heavy boogie belongs.
RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE.
Star Thistle, The Best of Star Thistle
Canadian folkie Uncle Sinner is known
for his doomsday renditions of American
folk, blues, and gospel songs. Star Thistle
is his alter ego, a new name for a debut col-
lection of original songs. The audacity of
the title belies an album of heartbreaking
honesty and vulnerability, the confessions
of a man who’s lost what he held dear and
is still trying to swim up from the bottom.
Love, loss, isolation, and a chance for rebirth
haunt these 12 achingly beautiful songs.
Ov Moros, Of Whisperings and
Reflections
Ov Moros take an already dark view of
humanity’s future, combine it with prog-
rock leanings and a healthy dose of old-
school Star Trek, and come out the other
end with an ambitious doom-metal concept
album about humanity reaching for the stars
in desperation as the seeds of overpopula-
tion and climate change are sown on Earth.
You won’t be hearing about this Wisconsin
trio on the bigger blogs and metal sites, but
their second album is both timely and worth
your time.
Heavy Temple, Lupi Amoris
The doom-metal/stoner-rock subgenres
have reached peak saturation. Any band
wanting to stand out from the rest of the
tune-low-play-slow crowd would do well to
temper their sound with something differ-
ent, or do the damn thing really well. Philly’s
Heavy Temple do the damn thing really
well. It helps that bassist and frontwoman
High Priestess Nighthawk has an impres-
sive set of pipes, and actually sings – nay,
belts – over the walloping riffage on the
trio’s first official full-length.“Stoner metal”
at its core is just heavy blues-rock; to do it
well requires a band to lock in and swing
together. Swing they do, with Nighthawk
and drummer Baron Lycan providing the
groove underneath guitarist Lord Paisley’s
Orange-washed riffs and fluid pentatonic
solos. It’s part of what’s given Heavy Temple
a reputation as a powerful live band, cap-
tured perfectly on Lupi Amoris.
Richard Dawson and Circle, Henki
The absurdly prolific, ever-changing
Circle are not a band one associates with
moderation or restraint. On this col-
laboration with the eccentric and strik-
ingly original English singer/songwriter
Richard Dawson, the Finns dial back their
heavily psychedelic experimental metal
sound, functioning as the backing band for
Dawson’s tales of “special plants through-
out history.” Dawson’s guitar drones and
chimes ominously over Circle’s minimalist
Krautrock grooves, evoking a fog-shrouded
England both personal and historical.
River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
Lung, Come Clean Right Now
Cincinnati’s Lung may be the most
improbably heavy duo in music. Their call-
ing card is short, menacing songs wound
as tight as Kate Wakefield’s electric-cello
strings; their newest finds them putting
more dynamics into the mix. “Normal”
cello sounds are contrasted with Wake-
field’s wrenching distortion, and a greater
emphasis on melody in the vocals belies her
operatic training. Drummer Daisy Caplan is
capable of the measured violence of the Mel-
vins’ Dale Crover, but maanges to keep those
measurements within the appropriate limits
of the songs. What comes out is “senseless
beauty” of the kind Wakefield sings about
in “Sun God,” a beauty unlike any other in
heavy music.
Bitchin’ Bajas, Switched on Ra
Eight compositions by the legendary Sun
Ra, given the electronic treatment by the
Chicago experimental synth trio. The result
is a warm, listenable set of grooves and
mood pieces that will satisfy heads and new-
comers alike. Though little, if any, Sun Ra
material has made it into the Bajas’ live set,
Switched on Ra may serve as enticement for
those who are on the fence about attending
their live appearance at the Raccoon Motel
in Davenport on March 3.
Shogun, Tetra
On their fourth album, Milwaukee riff
merchants Shogun have struck the right
balance with their doomy riff-rock, expertly
laying new guitar sounds on top of the good
ol’ tube crunch that one expects from a
quality stoner metal band. Tales of cosmic
adventure are tempered with a growing
emotional maturity that adds real pathos to
tracks such as “Gone Forever,” a bittersweet
pit-stop adorned with Wishbone Ash-esque
harmonies. These guys know how to grow,
and how to reflect it in their music without
betraying their fundamental sound.
James McMurtry, The Horses & the
Hounds
James McMurtry’s songs have been mel-
ancholy and darkly political long before the
shroud of the 21st century fell on America.
No one expected him to change his tune,
and his newest album is all the better for it.
Songs about Blackwater mercenaries and
dead lady truckers still bear his occasional
wry humor. Choice line: “How’re they gonna
build a wall with no Mexicans anyway?”
Allison Russell, Outside Child
Outside Child is an incredibly touching
statement from a woman cut loose from her
roots, turning a life of trauma into a trans-
formative record touching on R&B, soul,
jazz, and even the country music of Russell’s
new home in Nashville. It’s not just personal
catharsis – it’s a glorious effort to reach and
lift up the weary and world-beaten.
27
By Loren Thacher
SHORT RELEASES
Cirith Ungol, Half Past Human
When most cult bands reunite, it’s usually
for a tour or two, some festival appearances,
and maybe a forgettable “reunion” album.
Cirith Ungol returned from the primordial
chaos in 2015 and have managed to buck this
trend, consistently releasing new material
each year since 2018. 2020’s Forever Black
was a triumphant collection of new songs
mixed with old ideas, but 2021 saw the leg-
endary Californian epic metal band looking
backward. Half Past Human unearths four
songs dating from the band’s beginnings in
the ‘70s, brought to life with modern power
by the 2021 version of the band. Legions of
chaos, rejoice!
Xenospawn, Eternal Bloodlust
Three concise tracks of old-school death
metal played by four Quad Cities extreme-
metal veterans who are good enough to show
off, but don’t. The best local release of 2021,
metal or otherwise.
Darsombra, “Call the Doctor”
/“Nightgarden”
Ordinarily purveyors of a heady audio-
visual trip dubbed “trans-apocalyptic galaxy
rock,” the Baltimore duo decided to have
some fun with“Call the Doctor,” a loving
15-minute send-up of ‘70s arena rock, com-
plete with vocoder, jungle noises and Who-
esque synths. “Nightgarden” is 11 minutes
of blissed-out synths, singing guitars and
cricket samples. It’s a tantalizing taste of
their forthcoming double-album, tentatively
planned for 2022.
Prelude to Ruin, Ronin ex Mortis
Classic power metal played with speed,
precision, melody, and intensity. Prelude to
Ruin’s mission statement: “Rock and Roll
is the last bastion of salvation afforded the
current mortals who have been chosen,
should they fail to complete their visions
the consequences could be catastrophic.” In
other words, listen to this now.
Black Widows, Kandi Korn
Hailing from Minneapolis, Black Widows
play catchy, high-attitude guitar music
self-described as “punk surf-roxotica.” Their
newest EP is best summed up by the blurb
on their Bandcamp page: “This 3 song EP …
features tracks about powerful women who
won’t take shit from anyone! We’ve got a
cannibalistic stripper that will eat you alive
if you cross her, a sharp-shootin’ madame
from the West, and a mummy that dances
her way back from the dead to get revenge
on those who silenced her in a previous
life! This EP is dedicated to anyone who has
ever felt unsafe at a music venue. We will
be donating proceeds from this recording
directly to survivors of sexual assault in the
Minneapolis music scene. To find out how
you can help make spaces safer, visit Show-
UpCollective.org.”
28 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
MUSIC
KFMH 99-Plus DJs’ Top Five
Albums from 2021
P
ublisher’s Note: KFMH 99-Plus,
the “pirate radio station” broad-
cast on the FM airwaves from 1973
to 1994. Nearly all of its on-air talent
reunited in 2013 and re-launched their
eclectic-music-curation-like-no-other
as an Internet-only radio station one can
tune into 24/7 at 99PlusKFMH.com.
After a 19-year hiatus, the talented
disc jockeys have revived KFMH’s pio-
neering programming such as “block
parties,” and their never-gets-old blend
of rock, blues, jazz, and reggae. While
they do spin the classics, it’s always the
deep cuts from the archives and not the
tired old saws commercial radio has
watered the airwaves down to.
The KFMH team keeps up with the
times, constantly introducing listeners
to new releases that range from Neil
Young to Portugal. The Man. Is there
one FM station locally that even has the
new The The’s live album in rotation?
And, KFMH picks up the local talent
slack by spinning artists such as Trip-
master Monkey, Einstein’s Sister, The
Tape Beatles, and David Zollo.
The blues scene is strong in the Quad
Cities and it’s due in no small part to
the KFMH legacy and renewed Web-
based broadcasting of legendary blues
artists and the new generations they’ve
inspired, such as Susan Tedeschi and
Shemekia Copeland.
The KFMH brain trust programs and
broadcasts out of the KCJJ AM radio
station offices in Coralville, Iowa, but
their reach is now truly worldwide.
We invited the on-air DJs at KFMH
to share their top-five favorite new
albums from 2021 and are pleased to
share these lists (along with their on-air
schedules) as a sampling of what one
can expect by tuning back into “The
Plus.”
MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:00-9:00 AM
Tommy Lang’s Top Five
1) Weezer, Van Weezer
2) Greta Van Fleet, Battle at Garden’s
Gate
3) Lord Huron, Long Lost
4) Foo Fighters, Medicine at Midnight
5) Liz Phair, Soberish
FREE ASSANGE. Know More. Do More. RCReader.com/Calendar.
SUNDAY
1:00-4:00PM Jam Packed with Patrick December 14 Crossword Answers
O’Leary
Patrick O’Leary’s Top Five
1) Goose, Shenanigans Nite Club
2) Billy Strings, Renewal
3) Dinosaur Jr., Sweep It Into Space
4) Dry Cleaning, New Long Leg
5) The The, The Comeback Special (Live at
9:00 AM-1:00 PM the Royal Albert Hall)
Bill Klutho’s Top Five
1) Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Georgia 7:00-11:00 PM Off the Beaten Track with
Blue Roberto
2) The Roomsounds, Good Company Roberto’s Top Five
3) Michael Stanley, Tough Room (Michael 1) Public Service Broadcasting, Bright Magic
Stanley’s LP is his last release prior to 2) Amyl and The Sniffers, Comfort to Me
his death in March. Kind of a lifetime 3) Trigger Cut, ROGO
achievement for me.) 4) Dry Cleaning, New Long Leg
4) Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 662 5) Wovoka Jr., Trouvalle Songs
5) Brandi Carlile, In These Silent Days
1:00-7:00 PM
Jim Hunter’s Top Five
1) Lord Huron, Long Lost
2) Tedeschi, Trucks Band featuring Trey
Anastasio, Layla Revisited
3) The The, The Comeback Special
4) Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Raise The
Roof
5) The Ronnie Wood Band, Mr. Luck: A
Tribute to Jimmy Reed
7:00-11:00 PM
Roberto’s Top One
1) Los Lobos, Native Sons
SATURDAY
1:00-3:00 PM Heartland Hootenanny
Mary of the Heartland’s Top Five
1) Steve Earle, JT
2) Joe Strummer, Assembly
3) Lord Huron, Long Lost
4) Valerie June, The Moon & The Stars:
Prescriptions for Dreamers
5) Dry Cleaning, New Long Leg
7:00-10:00 PM The Blues Zone with Cap-
tain Steve
Captain Steve’s Top Five
1) Carolyn Wonderland, Tempting Fate
2) Joe Bonamassa, Time Clocks
3) Mick Fleetwood and Friends, Celebrate
the Music of Peter Green & the Early Years
of Fleetwood Mac
4) Joanna Connor, 4801 S Indiana Avenue
5) Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 662
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93. RCReader.com/Support. FREE ASSANGE. River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 29

JANE GILMOR

BREAKFAST ON PLUTO Through February 6, 2022

Jane Gilmor, American b. 1947

Breakfast on Pluto, 2020 | Dinner on the Dark Side, 2020
Fabric, embossed metal, images courtesy of the artist

SUPPORTING SPONSOR: The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR: Caroline Kimple

Davenport, Iowa • 563.326.7804

www.figgeartmuseum.org
30 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022
LIVE MUSIC
THURSDAY
2020/09/04 (Fri) (6)
Push the Limit (5:30pm) – Riverside
Casino and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway
22, Riverside IA
FRIDAY
2020/09/05 (Sat) (7)
Avey Grouws Band – Rhythm City Casino
Resort Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
Danger Zone – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State
St., Bettendorf IA
Jen & a Nightengale – Bootleg Hill Honey
Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
Karaoke w/ Michelle from Party Times
DJ Service – Manning’s Whistle Stop,
416 N. 2nd St., Clinton IA
Karl and Ko – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N
Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA
Marbin – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.,
Iowa City IA
Push the Limit – Riverside Casino and Golf
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
Steve Grismore & Ron Tegeler – The
Grape Life Wine Store & Lounge, 3402
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Tangled Reality – Green Tree Brewery,
309 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire IA
Vinyl Live – Kas Music – The Gypsy
Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
Davenport IA
SATURDAY (8)
Big John Hammer & the Rusty Nails –
The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W.
Locust St., Davenport IA
First Dance – Riverside Casino and Golf
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
The Hotrods Plus Horns (7:30pm) –
Junior Talley (9:30pm) – Rhythm City
Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Lewis Knudsen – Bootleg Hill Honey
Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
QCSO Up Close with Andrew Parker
– Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St.,
Davenport IA
FREE ASSANGE.
SUNDAY
2020/09/10 (Thu) (9)
Big Room Open Mic (6pm) – Village
Theatre, 2113 E 11th St, Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
Nicholas Fahrenkrug and Eleonora
Apostolidi: Die Schöne Müllerin –
Great Hall at Trinity Cathedral, 121 West
12th St., Davenport IA
TUESDAY (11)
Open Mic Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
Opera Quad Cities – Moline Public
Library, 3210 41st St., Moline IL
WEDNESDAY (12)
Bob Dorr & the Limestoners 6 (5:30pm)
– Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, 3184
Highway 22, Riverside IA
Ed James (6:30pm) – The Faithful Pilot
Cafe & Spirits, 117 N Cody Rd, LeClaire IA
Through February 3, 2022
February Print Edition Deadline:
Jan. 30: calendar@rcreader.com
Karaoke Night – RIBCO, 1815 Second Ave.,
Rock Island IL
THURSDAY
2020/09/05 (Sat) (13)
Caleb Talbott (6:30pm) – The Gypsy
Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
Davenport IA
FRIDAY (14)
Aaron Lewis – Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third
St., Davenport IA
David Paige Band – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside
IA
Freddy Allen 2&4 Swing Trio – The Grape
Life Wine Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Karaoke w/ Michelle from Party Times
DJ Service – Manning’s Whistle Stop,
416 N. 2nd St., Clinton IA
Lucinda Williams & Her Band – Englert
Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa
City IA
Know More. Do More.
Get Your Local Licks On
Matthew Kane & Greenbrier – Rhythm
City Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
North of 40 – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys
(3pm) – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Grill,
4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA
SATURDAY (15)
1st Impression – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar
N Grill, 4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport
IA
The Carefree Highwaymen – The Grape
Life Wine Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore
Ave., Davenport IA
Donovan Gustofson – Bootleg Hill Honey
Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
Ed James (6pm) – Tuggers Burger Bar &
Ale House, 201 N. Main St., Port Byron IL
Karaoke in the Speakeasy – The Circa
’21 Speakeasy, 1818 Third Ave., Rock
Island IL
Piso’s Cure – The Gypsy Highway Bar &
Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
The Student Body – Riverside Casino and
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside
IA
Sweet Dreams & Honky Tonks –
Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 E Platt
St., Maquoketa IA
The Tailfins – Rhythm City Casino Resort
Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
SUNDAY (16)
Karaoke Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
Mike Conrad & the Iowa Jazz Composers
Orchestra (5pm) – The Redstone
Room, 129 Main St, Davenport IA
Still Shine – Bishop Hill Creative
Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St., Bishop
Hill IL
Three’s a Crowd: Musical Trios (2:30pm)
– Coralville Center for the Performing
Arts, 1301 5th St., Coralville IA
TUESDAY (18)
Open Mic Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
WEDNESDAY (19)
The Dead South – Rainbow Girls –
Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City IA
Karaoke Night – RIBCO, 1815 Second Ave.,
Rock Island IL
Michael Mikrut Band (5:30pm) –
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, 3184
Highway 22, Riverside IA
THURSDAY (20)
Casey Donahew – The Rust Belt, 533 12th
Ave., East Moline IL
Sugar & Spice (6:30pm) – The Gypsy
Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
Davenport IA
Watkins Family Hour– Courtney
Hartman – Englert Theatre, 221 East
Washington St., Iowa City IA
FRIDAY (21)
Country Dance w/ DJ Don Coker – CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport IA
The Dead South – Rainbow Girls –
Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City IA
Karaoke w/ Michelle from Party Times
DJ Service – Manning’s Whistle Stop,
416 N. 2nd St., Clinton IA
Project X – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill,
2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
Rock Steady – Rhythm City Casino Resort
Rhythm Room, 7077 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
Tech N9ne – Joey Cool – Jehry Robinson
– The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East
Moline IL
Your Mom Band – Riverside Casino and
RCReader.com/Calendar.
Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside
IA
SATURDAY (22)
Ariel McReynolds – Bootleg Hill Honey
Meads, 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
Code 415 – Harley Corin’s, 1708 State St.,
Bettendorf IA
Crooked Cactus – The Gypsy Highway Bar
& Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport IA
Ed James – The Pub - Milan, 426 1st Ave.
West, Milan IL
Keys to a Good Time: Windy City
Dueling Pianos – Bally’s Quad Cities,
777 Bally Blvd., Rock Island IL
Mungion – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.,
Iowa City IA
Ron Tegeler Organ Trio – The Grape Life
Wine Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
Rout38 – Hawkeye Tap Sports Bar N Grill,
4646 Cheyenne Ave., Davenport IA
Serendipity – Riverside Casino and Golf
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
SUNDAY (23)
Big Room Open Mic (6pm) – Village
Theatre, 2113 E 11th St, Davenport IA
Evan Bartels & Angela Meyer – Bishop
Hill Creative Commons, 309 N Bishop
Hill St., Bishop Hill IL
Karaoke Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
Patti Griffin – Parker Millsap – Englert
Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa
TUESDAY
City IA
(25)
Open Mic Night – Pub 1848, 1601 River
Drive #106, Moline IL
WEDNESDAY (26)
Bill Chrastil (5:30pm) – Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside IA
DRUMLine Live – John & Alice Butler Hall -
University of Dubuque Heritage Center,
2255 Bennett St., Dubuque IA
The Ghost of Paul Revere – The Redstone
Room, 129 Main St, Davenport IA
Karaoke Night – RIBCO, 1815 Second Ave.,
Rock Island IL
Mike Mains & the Branches – Raccoon
Motel, 315 E. Second St., Davenport IA
THURSDAY (27)
Kaki King – Englert Theatre, 221 East
Washington St., Iowa City IA
Zay – The Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, 2606
W. Locust St., Davenport IA
FRIDAY (28)
Fair Warning & Far Out 283 – The Gypsy
Highway Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St.,
Davenport IA
Jake McVey – Riverside Casino and Golf
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
Karaoke w/ Michelle from Party Times
DJ Service – Manning’s Whistle Stop,
416 N. 2nd St., Clinton IA
Kovacs and Company – Rhythm City
Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Rob and Gary of the Night People –
Bootleg Hill Honey Meads, 321 E. 2nd
St., Davenport IA
Troy Rangel & Friends – The Grape Life
Wine Store & Lounge, 3402 Elmore Ave.,
Davenport IA
SATURDAY (29)
Avey Grouws Band – The Gypsy Highway
Bar & Grill, 2606 W. Locust St., Davenport
IA
Code 415 – Crabby’s Bar & Grill, 826 W. 1st
Ave., Coal Valley IL
Final Mix – Riverside Casino and Golf
Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside IA
Irish Winterfest (3pm) – Coralville Center
for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th St.,
Coralville IA
Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93.
LIVE
MUSIC
(29)
SATURDAY
Jason Ringenberg – Bishop Hill
Creative Commons, 309 N Bishop
Hill St., Bishop Hill IL
Kovacs and Company – Rhythm City
Casino Resort Rhythm Room, 7077
Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
Lori Gravel & the Timber City
Ramblers – Ohnward Fine Arts
Center, 1215 E Platt St., Maquoketa
IA
Pat Foley – Bootleg Hill Honey Meads,
321 E. 2nd St., Davenport IA
RCReader.com/Support.
Get Your Local Licks On
Stormy Chromer – In The Attic –
Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St., Iowa
City IA
Tony Hoeppner & Friends – The
Grape Life Wine Store & Lounge,
3402 Elmore Ave., Davenport IA
SUNDAY
20/09/10 (Thu) (30)
Brother Moses – Bishop Hill Creative
Commons, 309 N Bishop Hill St.,
Bishop Hill IL
Karaoke Night – Pub 1848, 1601
River Drive #10 6, Moline IL
FREE ASSANGE. River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 31
MONDAY (1)
Open Mic Night – Pub 1848, 1601
River Drive #106, Moline IL
Tuneful Tuesdays (noon) – Rock
Island Public Library - Downtown
Library, 401 19th St., Rock Island IL
TUESDAY
20/09/10 (Thu) (2)
Cursive – Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington
St., Iowa City IA
Karaoke Night – RIBCO, 1815 Second
Ave., Rock Island IL
32 River Cities’ Reader • Vol. 29 No. 993 • January 2022 FREE ASSANGE. Know More. Do More. RCReader.com/Calendar.