On Saturday a somewhat minute body of water called the East Lagoon and its surroundings will be the site of the social event of the weekend with the performance of four local bands at “Day in the Park.”

Lisa Newman, Campus Activities Board “Day in the Park” chairman, said there will be four bands playing at the event: Howard and the White Boys, The Essentials, Ninth Street and the Insiders, also known for an Old Style beer commercial.

The Essentials won first place in the “Battle of the Bands” held March 2. The first place award included a chance to perform during this year’s “Day in the Park.”

Steve Asma, the lead guitarist for Howard and the White Boys said that they are a Blues band based here in DeKalb.

The other members of the group are Dan Bellini on harmonica and guitar, Jim Christopolous on drums and Howard McCullum on lead vocals and bass.

When the group first formed they did not anticipate playing blues but that turned out to be the only thing they like to play, Asma said.

“It (playing the blues) doesn’t require a lot of rehersal,” but it cannot be played well without practice, Asma said.

He said they have played regularly at Andy’s Tap, 317 E. Lincoln Highway, and recently began playing more in Chicago.

“Blues draws a wide variety of people,” Asma said.

The band is looking forward to putting on a good show at “Day in the Park,” he said.

The bands are being sponsored through the Campus Activities Board/Concert Committee, said Diane Dravillas, CAB concert coordinator.

Dravillas said last year that the “Day in the Park” was successful and there were about 1,000 people in attendance.

To chose the bands that play, she put an ad in The Northern Star and different bands submitted tapes, she said.

“We listened to all the tapes and made the decision from there,” Dravillas said.

The bands will play 50 minute sets at the event, she said. In case of rain, the bands scheduled to play will perform in Diversions, located in the Holmes Student Center.

The “Day in the Park” events are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.

There will be no alcohol allowed at this event and the University Police will be watching for violators, Dravillas said.

Newman said that all money earned from booths and other events will be donated to the DeKalb Area Food Pantry.

“We’re doing this for the community and we hope everyone comes out,” Newman said. “There will be good music, good fun and good people,” she said.