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Now celebrating their 20th year of thrilling crowds with spectacular renditions of “Waterloo,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Take a Chance on Me,' and additional favorites, the tribute artists of Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute headline a July 13 concert in Bishop Hill's Village Park, the outdoor show held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Swedish pop legenda' Eurovision victory,

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.

With the county artist lauded by Holler Country as “the latest to underscore the crucial distinction between style and substance,” acclaimed singer/songwriter Summer Dean headlines a July 13 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, her 2023 release The Biggest Life also hailed by Saving Country Music as as album “that says a lot, is musically diverse while staying distinctly country, and touches the entire range of human emotions.”

With the star-studded ensemble composed of Jon Auer (The Posies), Chris Stamey (The dB's), Pat Sansone and John Stirratt (Wilco), and original Big Star member Jody Stephens, the Big Star Quintet headlines a special July 15 concert event at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, 2024 marking the 50th anniversary of Radio City, the legendary sophomore release from the highly influential Memphis band Big Star.

If you’re looking for a high-energy musical set on and around Independence Day (nice timing there, folks!), you won’t regret spending the evening grooving In the Heights.