The seventh annual Night Lights Music Festival will feature 30 area and regional acts at the Heron Grounds in Sherman today through Saturday. Submitted photo by Joshua Mastroianni

SHERMAN — The Heron Grounds in Sherman will are ready for an all-weekend, practically nonstop groove session when the Night Lights Music Festival returns next week.

The seventh annual music festival will be held today through Saturday and will feature 30 area and regional acts in a three-day sound and light spectacular.

Initially conceived by festival coordinator Brian Enright and members of the Buffalo-based art rock band Lazlo Hollyfeld, the festival aims to bring something unique to the area both musically and visually. According to Enright, Night Lights has experienced monumental success that has taken it from humble origins to one of the premier festivals of the region.

“The festival began small and simple; just a bunch of good friends getting together and enjoying a weekend of great music in the woods,” Enright said. “Our community has since grown quite a bit, but the underlying principles remain the same. We have worked diligently over the years to connect both local and nationally touring musicians in an unique, fun and welcoming environment that serves as a celebration of music and community. It really is a fun weekend full of awesome music, art and camping.”

Enright said a big factor in the ongoing and consistent success of Night Lights is its location, praising the Heron Grounds and its owners for their support and generosity.

“If you’ve never been to the Heron, you’re really missing out on a magical place,” he said. “It truly is a wonderful piece of property that has incredible camping amenities and a wholesome vibe. I believe the vibe of the grounds are a reflection of the owners of the property, Julie and Steve Rockcastle of Green Heron Growers; the hard working crew of staff and volunteers that really make the engine go; the music acts and artists that are selected to participate and all the attendees share that hold that same vision, a welcoming place that is safe, fun, clean and organized.

“I can not sing the praises enough of the staff and volunteers that make the event go, we are eternally grateful for their efforts, as well as the attendees. Most people are truly respectful and work hard with us to make the weekend the best it can be.”

Headliners for the 2017 Night Lights Music Festival are: Papadosio, a rock-jazz-electronic-space fusion band out of Asheville, N.C.; and Dopapod, a five-piece, progressive-dance group out of Colorado. Also of note will be three performances by the Buffalo-based Aqueous, rising stars in the regional and national groove rock scene.

For a complete lineup, visit nightlightsfest.com.

Gate hours are: noon-11 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Weekend and day passes are available at the gate, but visitors are strongly encouraged to buy their passes in advance online at nightlightsfest.com. Weekend passes can be purchased in advance for $125, and Friday and Saturday passes are available for $65.

The Heron Grounds are located at 2361 Wait Corners Road in Sherman. For more information, visit nightlightsfest.com.