oin naturalist Negin Almassi and sound artist Eric Leonardson for a guided outdoor listening experience in your local park. Participants will explore the vibrant sounds of singing insects—grasshoppers, cicadas, katydids, and crickets—while learning how to identify species and contribute observations through community science.
Through engaging “Ear Cleaning” listening exercises and nature interpretation, this program invites residents of all ages to slow down, connect with the environment, and discover the hidden soundscape of Chicago’s parks. Family-friendly and accessible to all who enjoy being outdoors. Join us near the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W Jackson Blvd. We will meet at south side of Columbus Park Natural Area on S Golf Drive. Please note the rain date for this event is rain date July 12, 2026 8:00 PM → 9:30 PM. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/N4icHZfLdwtyMcrC8
About Eric Leonardson
Eric Leonardson, a Chicago-based audio artist, is co-founder and President of the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology, and Professor, Adjunct in Art and Technology/Sound Practices at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a performer, composer, sound designer, and inventor, he performs internationally and promotes acoustic ecology, connecting communities through sound, listening, and the environment.
About Negin Almassi
Negin Almassi, a local naturalist, teaches people how to identify insects by their song for the Singing Insects Monitoring Program, a community science effort involving recording songs of insects. She serves as the Resource Management Training Specialist for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Negin also plays kamancheh, a spiked fiddle originating from Southwest Asia, in University of Chicago’s Middle East Music Ensemble.