By Dustin J. Seibert
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Since the 5 billion cicadas in Greater Cincinnati aren't going away overnight, we might as well sing about them.

Local folk-pop talent Tracy Walker will perform her new song, "Brood X Husband (Cicada Love Call)," at 8 p.m. Saturday on the Cammy Stage at Taste of Cincinnati. The song, a clever play on words is a ballad comparing the cicada swarm, Brood X, to annoying ex-husbands. ("You found yourself another one to love/You're back on my front porch just like a bug.")

England-born Walker first experienced cicadas during the last invasion in 1987, a year after she moved to the area. With the shock of her first brood in the past, she was more than happy to sing the country love song spoof.

"I'm looking forward to performing it," she says. "So many songs are of a serious nature, so it's nice to do something that's light and playful."

Walker has a different outlook on Brood X than the song would imply. "They are kinda cute, and I feel privileged that they are in my city," she says.

The insects also inspired the CD Seventeen Year Itch, available in local record stores. Walker isn't on that, and so far, "Brood X Husband" isn't for sale.