A former grade-school teacher who, in his career as a standup, has performed alongside the likes of the Smothers Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and George Jones, Seattle-based comedian Brad Upton headlines two July 18 performances at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm Room, the popular touring presence famed for such TV specials as I'm Not Done Yet! and Will Be Funny for Money.

Presented as the latest event in the German American Heritage Center's popular “Kaffee und Kuchen” series, a little-considered genre of artwork will enjoy a healthy exploration by Katherine Hamilton-Smith in The Happy Invention: History & Significance of Picture Postcards, the July 14 discussion that offers a fascinating piece of cultural history that found its beginnings in Illinois.

Presented as a special fundraiser to benefit to the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Disney's animated masterpiece Fantasia will be screened at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on July 13, treating patrons, perhaps for the first time, to this largely wordless musical-anthology classic from 1940, a work boasting ballerina hippos, a haunting rendition of "Ave Maria," and Mickey Mouse taking on the role of "Sorcerer's Apprentice."

With more than 100 million albums sold, and with their 50-plus charting singles in the United Kingdom including their trademark number-one hits “Red Red Wine” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You," the reggae/pop legends of UB40 headline a July 13 concert at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center, the artists enjoying their 45th-anniversary celebration this year, as well as their forthcoming 45th-anniversary album featuring new songs and reworked classics.