Campaign for acts at i wireless Center

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By David Burke | Monday, June 9, 2008 4:21 PM CDT | () comments

HERE we are, smack-dab in the middle of a political season, and the folks at the i wireless Center want us to vote again.

It’s not for Obama nor McCain, though. It’s to give an opinion on upcoming possible acts that could roll through downtown Moline. The online survey asks whether you would buy tickets for each act, with choices of yes, no and maybe.

There are 100-plus choices on the list, and, in the spirit of this campaign season, I would like to lobby for a few of those candidates to be presented by the iwC:

n Van Morrison — The older I get, the more I appreciate the music of the bluesy Irish folk-rocker. The fact that his music has been used in many of my favorite romantic comedies hasn’t hurt, either. (For further proof, listen to the CD “Van Morrison at the Movies.”)

n Will Ferrell — The “SNL” cast member-turned-movie star has been on the road, hitting college campuses, promoting his FunnyOrDie.com Web site with some of his more famous characters. You stay classy, Quad-Cities.

n Dane Cook — With the exception of Larry the Cable Guy, the arena hasn’t had much comedy in the past few years. And I know there’s a fan base for the offbeat comedian.

n Bob Seger — The venerable Detroit rocker has never been any closer to us than Chicago, has he?

n Prince — Minneapolis’ pride and joy hasn’t been here since June 1997.

n Tom Petty — The Heartbreakers leader hasn’t been here since 1999, with an almost-full house in ‘95.

n AC/DC — Considering how many acts that have played the iwC stage and covered their songs, it’s only fair.

n Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Harry Connick Jr., Tony Bennett — Any of the above. Music for grownups.

n Justin Timberlake — The former N’Sync-er has become one of this decade’s biggest stars.

n Carrie Underwood — I fall for her a little more every time I see the “All-American Girl” video.

n Kid Rock — The selections from his new album that I’ve heard are fantastic. His 2002 concert may have been the most pleasant surprise I’ve had reviewing shows this decade.

n The Eagles — The return of Henley, Frey, Walsh and Schmitt (coming soon to Chicago) may be interesting if for no other reason than to see the ticket price and hear the fans complaining.

Go to iwirelesscenter.com and vote — and notice that a certain Mr. Joel is missing from the candidates.

I’m a fan of concerts and I’ve approved this message.