2021 Bitter Jester Music Festival Performer Bios

NIGHT ONE: July 23, 2021:
(performers in alphabetical order)

After the main competition, Acacia will bring us home with a live set of their own! Acacia is a mixed-genre rock band from the western suburbs of Chicago. Though all but the singer just graduated middle school, much of their influence comes from older classic rock, alt and grunge, and modern indie garage rock. Acacia formed in October 2020, and is currently working on an EP of originals.

Adem Dalipi is a blues-influenced Pop/RnB artist in the tradition of John Mayer, Mac Ayres, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix. Adem had the opportunity to perform on many stages locally and internationally, from the House of Blues Chicago, Windsor Liuna Blues Fest, and Alfred’s on Beale St. in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.

Kate Larson opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm. Kate, a 15 year old singer/songwriter, presents music right up the alley of indie, & acoustic americana. She's been singing her whole life and has found that even with just an acoustic guitar and a voice, people can be brought together through the beauty in music.

The Millennials is a classic rock based group made up of high school and college-aged musicians that bring a thrilling and energetic vibe to any and all stages they step foot on. They like to say it's classic rock from a new generation!

Scarlet Demore is a Chicago-Based alternative rock group that formed in 2017. The group is made up of Cat Ayala (vocals and rhythm guitar), Alex Gonzalez (lead guitar), and Alaska Young (drums). The band combines influences from rock, punk, ska, and riot grrrl to create a unique blend that will impel you to get loud and start a riot.

Scorched Waves are an indie rock quintent taking influences from Arctic Monkeys, Green Day, and The Black Keys among many others. The melodic riffs, danceable drum beats, keyboard wizardry, fun basslines, and relatable lyrics make Scorched Waves stand out. The band includes Tiernan Brinkman (vocals), Tyler Armstrong (lead guitar, vocals), Jaren Wojcik (keys, percussion, vocals), Damian Kessler (drums), and Alice Vuorinen (bass, vocals).

Venganza is a Wisconsin-based punk/metal band that was formed in 2017. The band is comprised of Kaleb, Juan, Dean, and Peter.  They have written, recorded, and performed many original and cover songs during their tenure, and have played numerous shows throughout Wisconsin. **Venganza was the winner of BJMF 2021 - Night One**

You Got The Message (Ygtm) is an alt indie pop group that includes Brady Ketarkus, Bennett Harper, Isaac Levenstein, Sam Besley, and Griffin Johnson. Their song “Marceline” from their debut ep “Kids” was the first to become a hit among listeners. Ygtm gets so much joy from performing and talking with everyone who able to attend their gigs.

NIGHT TWO: July 30, 2021:
(performers in alphabetical order)

9 A.M. opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm. 9 A.M. is a pop music project from multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Pd (They/Them). While known for their explicitly unapologetic pop tunes, they're abilities extend far beyond as they like to explore the sonic landscape. While their lyrics are catchy and simple, they still manage to hold meaning and don't compromise on telling the story that needs to be told.

Beach Street is an Indie Rock band from the North Shore of Chicago that incorporates Funk, Alternative, Jazz, and Rock into a tight and colorful sound. The band is composed of classical and jazz musicians who love to groove and play rock music.

From Madison, WI, Flying Fuzz is a four-piece heavy metal band established on April 13, 2016. Flying Fuzz features Benson Wood on Lead Guitar & Vocals, Cameron Selbig on Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, & Synth, AJ Motzel on Bass Guitar, and Noah Tresner on the drums.

Leo Sclamberg is a 17 year old singer-songwriter from Highland Park, IL. He's been playing guitar and singing since he was 8 and performing for audiences across Chicagoland since he was 10. He performs at restaurants, street fairs, charity events, Bulls games, private parties, and more. Leo plays a wide range of pop, singer-songwriter, and some country music.

Luscia Jane is a compilation of jazzy / funky / rock / pop styles. Having formed about a year ago, they already began recording their first EP and are on track to release it by the beginning of the 2021 school year. Luscia Jane are influenced by Sly and The Family Stone, The Beatles, and Vulfpeck.

After the main competition, Marigold will close out the show with a live set of their own! After playing alongside each other in School of Rock, Sydney, Danny, Agnes, Ciara, and Fiona formed the band Marigold. They're a 5 piece from Lake Forest, IL, that plays an exciting mix of high-energy covers and originals. Influenced by bands such as No Doubt, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana, Marigold brings a new and exciting sound to their listeners.

The Simsons is a jazz-fusion bossa-nova funk-fock group from Kankakee, IL. They are inspired by artists such as Zappa, Herbie Hancock, and Vulfpeck, to name a few. No two performances by The Simsons are the same as their songs are designed to include a good amount of improvisation. As such, no song is ever played the exact same way twice.

Summer Drive is a funk rock band based in Oak Park, IL. The band was born in 2016 at School of Rock in Oak Park, where the five members met. Over the years Summer Drive has become known locally for its outstanding live shows. Their funky originals take inspiration from artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Living Colour, and Jimi Hendrix.

Special 7/30 Guest Appearance!

NIGHT THREE: August 6, 2021:
(performers in alphabetical order)

F.L.A.M.E. - an acronym for "Finding Love Among My Echo" - represents a six piece band playing a mix of 90s grunge, 60s & 70s classic rock, and indie rock. Their original music is inspired by bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, Q.O.T.S.A., C.C.R., The Doors, and The Black Keys. F.L.A.M.E.’s soulful and riff-heavy sound seeks to resonate with a new generation.

Feed the Monkeys is an indie-punkish band best served fresh, never frozen, from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Officially formed at the beginning of 2019, they have LJ on guitar, John on bass & backing vocals, and Chris on vocals & rhythm guitar. Feed the Monkeys recently welcomed Jake to the bunch, playing drums with them for the first time (woo!).

Fightin’ Bob was rained out. See 8/13 lineup for their full bio.

Fluctuation is an alternative rock band based in Downers Grove, IL. Each member of the band brings their own influences to the table, ranging from classical to neo-psychedelia. This gives Fluctuation’s music an overarching sound that has constantly shifted and evolved since their formation.

Kyra Cain opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm. Kyra is a solo singer-songwriter. She has been singing for as long as she can remember and playing guitar for five years. She generally does covers of country and pop songs as that's what she knows suits her voice. She also writes and performs her own original music.

Monsoon was formed in 2016 by frontman Aidan Seaver and a few of his schoolmates. After a couple years of playing and switching out members, Monsoon found their ‘old-style’ alt rock sound with frontman Aidan Seaver, bassist Nate Sheehan, and drummer Larry Logan. They draw influence from bands like Nirvana, Green Day, Blink-182, and Alkaline Trio and are from Woodstock, IL.

Joey Wilbur (aka the “One Man Ginger Band”) is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from the Chicago suburbs. Highlights from his career include being a two-time performer at the Chicago Bulls half-time show, two-time finalist at Suburban Chicago's Got Talent, and playing at the Bluebird Cafe. Joey has released three singles and plans to release an EP in the next year!

Quick and Painless (Q+P) are a modern rock band from Madison, WI. Self-described as "third wave,” Q+P offers up a blend of post-punk revival, pop-punk, and garage rock to create their own unique sound. The band has performed on Summerfest stages, at Chicago's Navy Pier, and even in someone's storage warehouse.

NIGHT FOUR: August 13, 2021:
(performers in alphabetical order)

Ian Jake Robleza is a 20 year old singer/songwriter from Aurora, IL. He draws from many different genres including easy rock, rap, and acoustic pop. Ian hopes to deliver eclectic, energetic, and emotional performances to his audiences, no matter their size. From intimate ballads to crowd pleasing sing-alongs, Ian recounts intricate experiences with vulnerability, passion, and a fondness for human connection.

Linda Therese opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm. Linda is an 18 year old singer-songwriter from the Chicagoland area. She has been singing her whole life and started playing guitar 5 years ago. Linda enjoys playing a wide variety of music including rock, indie, folk, pop, jazz, and R&B. Her songwriting style is heavily influenced by Joni Mitchell.

Lyra is an alternative rock trio based in Deerfield, IL, comprised of Lucas Lewit (bass & vocals), Stephen Shaul (guitar & vocals), and Jonah Simon (Lead Percussionist). With roots in 90's grunge, progressive rock, and a hint of shoegaze, they bring a diverse, high energy sound to their shows. Lyra is planning on releasing their first EP in September, 2021.

Opening Day is an Experimental Rock band willing to push the boundaries between genres and styles. They create a unique blend of psychedelic dreamscapes, groovy blues licks, and guitar riffs that'll rule your heart with an iron fist. From Indianapolis, IN, Opening Day is a project concocted by guitarist Casper Miller with a brand new lineup of young and eager musicians joining him!

After the main competition, The Peter Dankelson Trio will bring us home with a live set of their own! Peter Dankelson (known online as "Pete's Diary") has been playing guitar for five years. He's played as a guest with Jared James Nichols, Ike Reilly, Linsey Alexander, and Mary Lane. Peter is now writing his debut rock album with Ryan Johnson on drums and Mac McRae on vocals and bass. Toghether they are the Peter Dankelson Trio.

Pretoria is a five piece, guitar-driven, indie-rock band hailing from Grand Rapids, MI. Formed in 2018 by high school friends Josh Bilisko (guitar) and Rob Gullet (bass), Pretoria has continued to grow with its 2019 EP "Cape Town" and BJMF 2020-winning single "Keep Two Stepping." Today, Pretoria is aimed at getting involved with the community, producing new music, and traveling the I-96 to a show near you!

When four teens decided to pursue music at Kansas City's School of Rock, they not only found their passion, but also each other as well… and Quite Frankly was born. This “gotta see” band from MO is no longer just a student band but an ensemble holding its own even when opening for national touring acts such as The Darbies, The Jacks, and LA Guns!

Vertigo is a Kenosha, WI, based band that fuses punk and indie rock. The band consists of Ryan McGonegle as lead vocalist and guitarist, Brock Freund as lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Rocco Matteucci as bassist, and Alex Cope as the drummer.

GRAND FINALE: September 5, 2021 (keep checking back!):

The 2021 Grand Finale will be at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave. West, Highland Park, IL 60035 and will conclude with FIREWORKS!

July 23 Winner: Venganza

July 30 Winner: TBA

July 30 Winner: TBA

July 30 Winner: TBA

Wild Card A: TBA

Wild Card B: TBA

Wild Card C: TBA

Wild Card D: TBA

Opening Showcase Act A: TBA

Opening Showcase Act B: TBA

Featured Solo Performer: TBA

Special Guest: John Koziol playing the National Anthem into the Fireworks!