DeKALB — Burning Cicada will be hosting a music festival from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.  

The Burning Cicada Arts and Music Picnic Festival will be free to attend and will be held at the Dee Palmer Bandshell in Hopkins Park at 1403 Sycamore Road. The event will feature independent music from a variety of bands and performers ranging in many genres.

The lineup for the event will feature the following artists: Cora Vasseur, The DeKalb High School Black Box Quartet, Renee Nanzer, Misspent Youth, Chamni Sripraram and The Wanderlings. The event will also feature an interactive event that attendees can participate in called I Play with Sound.

Festival director and founder of Burning Cicada, Ltd. J. Byron Wise is eager to see all the artists involved perform.

“I feel that (the lineup) is very diverse,” Wise said. “I feel it’s personal and will be affecting those who are present and enjoy the music.”

The festival has been held in DeKalb since 2010 but this is its third year being held at Hopkins Park. 

No food or other services will be provided at the event. Organizers recommend that attendees bring food, picnic supplies and plenty of water.

Wise sees this event as a great way for people in the DeKalb community and especially NIU to get out and meet new people.

“My hope is that it is simply a time to meet other people, to strike up conversations and friendships,” Wise said. “I believe music invites that type of common interest, such that strangers can become fast friends with new people.” 

The event is being sponsored by the Aurora Music Company and Byers Brewery. Tickets are available at eventbright.com. For more information about the festival visit burningcicada.com.