Bitter Jester Music Festival
The Midwest's Largest Professional Competition & Concert Series for Young Bands!
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APPLY NOW! $2,000 Grand Prize, Studio Recording Giveaways, & Much More! Early Deadline 3/1/26.
APPLY NOW! $2,000 Grand Prize, Studio Recording Giveaways, & Much More! Early Deadline 3/1/26.
Please click the link to complete this form.
Prizes & Eligibility
Prizes & Eligibility
Information on the Chicago music festival application process, performance requirements, and what performers who participate in the Bitter Jester Music Festival will receive (cash prizes, gear awards, expert feedback, and more)! Sponsors include Shure, Humes and Berg, Ludwig, Sweetwater, and many ot
Festival Dates - 2026
Festival Dates - 2026
Read About Opening for a NATIONAL HEADLINER at Ravinia Festival!
Read About Opening for a NATIONAL HEADLINER at Ravinia Festival!
Ravinia Festival’s Letter of Support about the Bitter Jester Music Festival written by Erik Soderstrom. The festival is produced by Nicolas DeGrazia and the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts.
Watch our “How to Apply” Zoom Clinic w/ chapters for easy viewing.
Watch our “How to Apply” Zoom Clinic w/ chapters for easy viewing.
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Read the 2025 Press Release
Read the 2025 Press Release
Meet Our Judges!
Meet Our Judges!
Live Album Now Streaming Everywhere
Listen to "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival, vol. 01" on Spotify!
Listen to "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival, vol. 01" on Spotify!
Various Artists · compilation · 2023 · 21 songs
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 01" on vinyl!
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 01" on vinyl!
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 02" on vinyl!
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 02" on vinyl!
The Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF) is the Midwest's largest professional music competition for emerging musicians (bands and solo artists alike). BJMF supports and promotes young and up-and-coming talent from across the Midwest. This album features music from all of the finalists of the 2023 battle of the bands, plus performances from other special guests. This is an amazing way to hear the headliners of tomorrow and show that you heard them first!
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 03" on vinyl!
Order your copy of the "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 03" on vinyl!
Pre-order your copy of "Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival, vol.03" on Vinyl!The third compilation album of the Bitter Jester Music Festival! Featuring Grand Finale performers from the 2024 BJMF, this vinyl was recorded live in Highland Park, IL (at Port Clinton Square and The Lot).
Listen to Past Performers!
Listen to Past Performers!
Read Testimonials
Read Testimonials
Letters in support of the Bitter Jeter Music Festival and Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, NFP. Read what the Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Navy Pier Director of Activities Jennifer Kramer, Founder of the Jazz Education Network Mary Jo Papich, and many others had to say! Also read testim
Donate to our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Public Charity
Donate to our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Public Charity
Help Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, NFP raise funds for Donate to make a difference to our young performers. Make a donation on Zeffy, and ensure 100% of your donation goes to fund Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, NFP’s mission.
Follow us on TikTok (new!)
Follow us on TikTok (new!)
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