2nd Annual City of Lights Ukulele Festival Coming To Aurora

AURORA, IL — Downtown Aurora will be filled with the sounds of plucked ukulele strings for the city's 2nd annual City of Lights Ukulele Festival. Festival goers are encouraged to bring their own ukuleles to the Aug. 25 event, which features live performances, an open mic and educational workshops.

Throughout the day, you can take in ukulele-heavy performances from The Ukulele Kings, Hix Bros. Ukulele Band, and Hawaiian-born musician Kimo Hussey on the festival's Main Stage. The Mundy Park stage will feature Joliet native Todd Lorenc, The Wild Blue Ukuele Orchestra and more.

On the night before the festival, a number of local bars and coffee houses are hosting Uke Night open mic performances from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participating businesses include:

• Tredwell Coffee
• Gillerson's Grubbery
• Endiro Coffee
• Subway restaurant

The City of Lights Ukulele Festival is the brainchild of 6th ward Alderman Mike Saville, who thought up the idea after seeing how ukulele music seemed to bring people together from around the world.

What: City of Lights Ukulele Festival

When: Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Downtown Aurora, Main Stage at Water Street Square

How much: Suggested donation is $15; kids 12 and under get in free