Cheese Pizza, the retro rock band that dresses in drag, will celebrate the Fourth of July at the Uptown Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 2340 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf. The music begins at 8 p.m., with a cover charge to be announced. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/cheesepizza or www.myspace.com/uptownneighborhoodbar on the Web.

For the family

Families can have an environmentally friendly Fourth of July at the Recycled Float Races in Rock Island's Sunset Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families will build and race floats made of recycled materials on Lake Potter.

The Backwater Gamblers will be on hand to perform between races, and a Children's Fun Zone will include inflatables, food, live entertainment, games and a water balloon fight.

The event is free.

For teens

The Scott County Library is offering a three-day workshop on writing and illustrating children's books for teens.

The free workshop will be taught by area writers and authors who will focus on writing Monday, July 6, drawing on Tuesday, July 7, and finishing the books on Wednesday, July 8. All workshops begin at 2 p.m. at the Eldridge, Iowa, branch, 200 N. 6th Ave.

Registration is required by calling (563) 285-4794.

He said what?

Legendary Shack Shakers frontman J.D. Wilkes on folk vs. pop music.

"What is quite disposable is pop music, the stupid 'Oops I Did It Again' that's here today and gone tomorrow. But the stuff that stands the test of time is ultimately roots music, folk music and the stuff that ultimately edifies and informs you of what you are."

For more on Legendary Shack Shakers click here.

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