2022 Bitter Jester Music Festival Performer Bios

NIGHT ONE: May 20, 2022 @ 6:30pm

Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 1st Street Highland Park, IL, 60035

Joey Wilbur is a seventeen year old singer/songwriter from St. Charles, IL. He enjoys playing his own music as well as covers at bars, restaurants, and festivals. He also enjoys performing in his school's choir and theater department. Stay tuned for an album release coming soon: "Hopeless (Romantic)." Check him out @onemangingerband.

Jordyn Andrea is a singer/songwriter from Missouri. Jordyn’s style is pop punk and she takes inspiration from classics like Freddy Mercury, Elton John, The Beatles, and especially Billy Joel. Jordyn also takes inspiration from current artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Conan Grey... the list goes on. She just wants to get the songs she hears in her head out there on stage for others to hear.

KANIN ELIZABETH, a singer/songwriter, hails from Lansing, MI. Matt Bissonette, long-time bassist for Elton John says about working with Kanin: “The things that make Kanin stand out are her overall maturity and natural talent." Local press agrees: "We have selected KANIN ELIZABETH as the first new artist of 2022 to watch." – Local Spins *and* "It’s obvious she’s already developed her own brand of indie-Americana." – City Pulse

Keep the Eleven is a three piece garage rock trio from the Chicago suburbs. Their music is leading a brand-new resurgence of rock music that speaks to all generations. One critic writes: "The band as a whole has a youthful, casual vibe while at the same time clearly taking things seriously and bringing some very entertaining chops to the table."

MTN AIR is an indie-rock and synth-pop band from Madison, WI. The band is inspired by artists such as COIN, Andrew McMahon, The Wombats, and Foster the People. Led by singer and pianist Ryan Badger, the band consists of guitarist Tyler Armstrong, bassist Gray Frandy, and drummer Max Beardsley.

New Age Americans (NAA) has been performing together for over eight years all across the Midwest. Repping both Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, they perform a wide variety of music (depending on the crowd) but their original music is considered Alt-Rock. NAA had to put their performing on a short hiatus due to COVID and school, but they're more ready than ever to hit the road again and hope you will enjoy the show!

PRIVATE SCHOOL makes music inspired by shoegaze, punk, indie rock, alternative rock, and doo-wop. Their music can be categorized as "loud, fun, and filled with energy." The band consists of Caiden Dohr on guitar & vocals and Tommy Oeffling on guitar & vocals. Both share songwriting credits and both have solo projects outside of the band.

Stylistically the music of SPARKY most greatly resembles Sidney Gish, Ballpark Music, Suzanne Vega, and Phoebe Bridgers. Everyone in the band has played their respective instruments since they were little kids, so it contains many sounds which the members grew up surrounded by. The songs are all written by band member Sadie, though everyone playing adds their own stylistic choices. SPARKY hails from the Chicago burbs.

With an early 2000's pop-punk sound, Wisconsin's What We Once Had is sure to bring out the emo kid in you! Their heart wrenching choruses and upbeat melodies are guaranteed to get stuck in your head! Sam, Silas, Gray, and Max are here to perform... so be ready! And enjoy the show!

NIGHT TWO: May 27, 2022 @ 6:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location TBA)

Chainsaw Boyz is a five-piece punk and alternative band from St. Louis, MO. The band originated in November of 2020 but has been playing with the current lineup since August, 2021. Chainsaw Boyz’ debut show was a 2021 Battle of the Bands held at the Red Flag venue where they placed a respectable Honorable Mention.

Claire-Mckenna is a solo singer/songwriter from Madison, WI. She has been playing piano and writing music since she was six years old, and has been playing guitar since she was 12. Claire-Mckenna hopes to reach people going through the same things she is; she mainly writes about anxiety, depression, heartbreak, and the formula of relationships.

David's House is a high-energy group of eight musicians who have all trained and performed for years as part of a leading, Chicagoland music school. Band members range from 16-18 years old. David's House plays an arena-styled show with a special focus on classic rock, funk, and some modern hits. This band delivers on musicality and energy!

F!REWORKS is a band formed by a group of high school friends from Minooka, IL, who love to play music. They have a wide range of influences including hair metal and grunge but bonded over a love of pop punk, especially bands like Blink 182 and Green Day. F!REWORKS performs original music as well as cover songs.

Flannel Folk is a contemporary a cappella group based in Cedarburg, WI. Since their founding in 2018, they have gone on to become a household name in their region through their unique arrangements of fun and energetic music. Flannel Folk prides itself on singing multiple genres, including doo-wop, 80's rock, modern hits, and originals!

Imperial Orange is a three piece indie/alternative band from Muncie, IN, comprised of Jacob Schreiber, Caleb Johnson, and Joe Lowry. Though they have been releasing music since mid-2019, The current lineup didn't come together until September, 2021. The first single of their debut album, 'Boy,' was released that same month, with 'Boy' itself released shortly thereafter, in October of 2021.

Scorched Waves is an indie rock band based in Stevens Point, WI. They have played everywhere from airplane hangars, to universities, to Summerfest. The quintet is comparable to Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Bravery, and The Kooks, offering a unique blend of indie/alternative rock, post punk, and pop punk.

Vegan Steakhouse is a pop fusion group based in Madison, WI. Their grooving rhythm section, charismatic horn section (known as "The New York Strip"), and genre-crossing songwriting have propelled them forward. They have performed at venues across Madison such as the High Noon Saloon and the Bur Oak, as well as at Summerfest in Milwaukee.

NIGHT THREE: June 3, 2022 @ 6:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location: Madame Zuzu’s)

The Dennies are a hardcore punk band from Chicago, IL. They formed from a handful of School Of Rock students after a picture of them was likened to Live Without’s “Denny’s Grand Slam.” After their first show with Summer Drive’s Todd Kiefer filling in on drums, they began making music, picking up a small, niche following along the way.

Divisor is a digital rock band based in Chicago, IL, that formed on the eve of the COVID-19 lockdown, March 19, of 2020. Divisor’s music is a PARANOID AND SPASTIC BLEEDING-EDGE COLLAGE of punk, pndustrial, noise, hyperpop, and sludgy rock inspired by artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Devo, 100 Gecs, Death Grips, and Dead Kennedys.

Fightin’ Bob is a 5-piece “Frog Rock” (funk/progressive rock) band from the greater Milwaukee, WI, area. The band has one album and one single released and is working on their second album. Fightin' Bob's sound draws from influences in prog rock, hard rock, funk/soul and jazz/fusion. Having played together for four years, they've performed everywhere from a Summerfest stage to various front lawns.

With a sonic landscape that is constantly changing, Fluctuation refuses to define themselves with anything but their own name. Pulling influence from new wave to modern psychedelia and everything in between, Fluctuation always has something new to offer without deviating from their iconic, laid-back attitude. They're from Downers Grove, IL.

Ian Jake Robleza is a 21 year old artist from Aurora, IL. His genre is fundamentally that of an acoustic singer/songwriter. Ian draws from a lot of different influences (easy rock, rap, indie folk/rock, musical theater, etc), and hopes to deliver memorable performances to any sized audience.

Jagger is a talented, 17 year old singer/songwriter from Chicagoland who’s mix of emotional, delicate, and dynamic vocals colors any song into a unique musical experience. Jagger’s indy/alternative vibes (with influences from artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Nina Simone) will connect easily with any audience.

Madeline O’Dell is a singer/songwriter from Arlington Heights, IL, who writes complex lyrics with memorable melodies that stick with her listeners long after the songs have ended. Her original music is inspired by pop, jazz, R&B and folk. Listen to her first release, “Full Circle,” on all streaming platforms.

Opening Day is an experimental rock band from Indianapolis, IN, that strives to inspire and heal through their music. Their music explores a unique sound that bridges gaps between various genres including rock, prog, and psychedelia. If you want to be kept on your toes with profound verses, creative instrumentation, and great riffs, then Opening Day is the band for you.

Sara Pilkati is a multitalented performer in the Chicagoland area. Coming from a musical family, she began singing at the age of 5. As Sara studied various styles of music throughout the years, her style has grown and evolved. Her favorite style, however, is pop music that has a range best suited to her abilities.

NIGHT FOUR: June 10, 2022 @ 6:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location: Madame Zuzu’s)

Born on the Southside of Chicago, Jabari Zakee is described as a rapper, scriptwriter, actor, songwriter, and content creator who has a style defined as "airy, abstract, lyrical, poetic, and black." He started writing music in his sophomore year of high school while participating in an After School Matters program called ‘Collaboraction Theatre’ and has enjoyed performing at various venues in the city and suburbs.

Chicagoland's Kate Larson is a solo indie-Americana performer focused on making music feel like home for people. She believes that art is capable of filling up all the empty spaces in our lives and loves performing with just an acoustic guitar and her voice, playing music in that way that truly allows you to listen.

Linda Therese is a 19-year-old indie-folk artist from the Chicago suburbs. She has been writing, recording, and performing her original music for the past four years. She has released two singles and is currently finishing her debut EP. Linda was a showcase performer last year for Bitter Jester and is excited to now be in the competition and hopes that her music inspires you in some way!

Nyx is a four piece Milwaukee, WI, rock band that formed in 2021. The members include Ell Lonsinger (Lead Vocals), Terronn Clarke (Bass Guitar), and Joshua Randle (Lead Guitar) with a rotating guest drummer. The members each bring their own element of music to the band and put them together with precision. Nyx is bringing new beginnings to the scene.

Rae is an indie-pop singer/songwriter based out of a suburb of Chicago. She loves playing live at local venues near her and collaborating with other artists. Rae performs on guitar, ukulele, and piano and she produces her own music. She can't wait to share it with you!

Summer Drive is a funk-rock band based in Oak Park, IL. Since forming in 2016, the band has become known locally for its energetic live performances. Their funky originals and cleverly crafted covers make for a set that keeps both the band and the crowd dancing. They're returning to the 2022 Bitter Jester Music Festival as defending Grand Champions!

Summer League is a fresh and exciting band from Nashville, TN, that self-identifies as a "sophisti-pop" band. This is because they may seem like any typical indie-pop/rock band on the surface, but - if you listen closer - you can hear that they implement elements of jazz and funk into their music as well.

As a three-piece, This Violet Hour (TVH) formed their sound in an Ohio garage spending countless hours perfecting their chemistry and their music. TVH brings a visceral, unique, and spacey sound to the table. They command dynamic change throughout their catalog which takes their audience on a jourey, bringing them down to calmness and back up to an energetic roar.

Venganza, a Wisconsin-based metal band that was formed in 2017, is comprised of Kaleb, Juan, Dean, Mark, and Peter. The band has written, recorded, and performed many original and cover songs during its tenure, and played numerous shows throughout Wisconsin. They are also a three-time Rockonsin State Finalist, and a 2021 Bitter Jester Friday Night Winner / Grand Finale Finalist.

GRAND FINALE: Mon, July 4, 2022 (keep checking back!):

The 2022 Grand Finale will be at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave. West, Highland Park, IL 60035 and will conclude with FIREWORKS!

May 20 Winner: TBA

May 27 Winner: TBA

June 3 Winner: TBA

June 10 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!