2024 Bitter Jester Music Festival Performer & Judges’ Bios

GRAND FINALE: Sat, June 29, 2024, 2-10pm:

The Lot, 525 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035

Hosted by Peter Sagal (Humorist and Host of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me on NPR) and Nicolas DeGrazia (Sketch Comedian and Emmy-winning/James Beard Award-nominated Director)

Night One Winner (WI)

Scorched Waves is an indie rock sensation hailing from Stevens Point, WI. Self described as "Groove-Punk," the quintet has a sound comparable to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Bravery, and The Kooks offering a unique blend of Indie/Alternative Rock, Post Punk, and Pop Punk.

Night Two Winner (IL)

Delivering a FRESH & VIBRANT take on Progressive Rock, Ur Mom is inspired by Folk, Funk, Rock and the Blues. Raised in Park Ridge, IL, these soulful suburbanites are eager to bring back the importance of raw Rock & Roll. Their pure talent will be on display as they create a truly original sound right before your very ears.

Night Three Winner (MI)

Hailing from Flint, MI, the Pop Rock band Heat Above has been setting the stage on fire for the past three years. Formed in 2021, the collective quickly established itself in the Detroit-area music scene and are now making waves on the university circuit. With infectious energy and insightful lyrics, Heat Above appeals to fans of both classic and new sounds.

Night Four Winner (WI)

Pulling from a wide range of influences, this quartet fuses Punk and Metal into its own unique and finely-tuned sound. Hailing from Southeastern WI, Venganza is a band that demands your attention and brings an unparalleled energy to every event, no matter the size of the stage.

Wild Card A (IN)

VICK LUNA is an American trombonist, songwriter, and arranger based in Bloomington, IN. His music embodies numerous music genres, primarily centered around improvisation. For Bitter Jester, VICK LUNA is presenting as a nine-piece Neo-Soul Collective. Inspired by the Soulquarian Movement, bands like the RH Factor, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, and KIEFER are some of his founding influences.

Wild Card B (IL)

Sunset Drip is a Chicago-based band known for their crazy distorted tones, hooky songwriting, and powerhouse drums. After forming at the end of 2022, they performed relentlessly on the local circuit, snatching any opportunity they could to perform. Their debut EP, "The Line Between Serenity & Insanity," will be releasing later in 2024.

Wild Card C (MI)

Lauren Blackford is an Alternative Singer-Songwriter based in Milan, MI. Her expressive melodies and distinct writing style shine across Acoustic Pop and Indie Rock genres, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers. Performing everywhere from local cafes and concert series to the prestigious Ann Arbor Art Fair, Blackford’s vulnerability and compelling stage presence captivates audiences of all ages.

Wild Card D (IL)

Exit 122 is a Pop Punk/Alternative Rock band known for their fun and energetic sound featuring driving rhythms, melodic lead guitar, and catchy choruses. Exit 122 combines elements of Pop Punk, Easycore, Alternative, Emo and more to create a fresh sound with echoes of Blink 182, New Found Glory, Neck Deep, and Sum 41.

PREVIOUS NIGHTS:

(photography by Alfred Valdez)

NIGHT ONE: June 7, 2024 @ 5:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Carter Willy is a solo project by musician Carter Willett. Started in 2020, Carter Willy sews influences of Southern Rap, Ambient, Electronica, Alternative Hip Hop, and Cloud Rap, creating a unique and lush psychedelic sonic palette. In his hometown of Columbia, Missouri, Carter Willy has made waves after releasing his 2023 mixtape titled Forrest Vol. I.

The Child of Eve is the musical undertaking of Benjamin Jeffrey Groth. Ruminating over a world of meaning, and tracing its veins dearly to the heart, he is often knee deep in wonder, writing music and lyrics with such subtle melancholy that it will often leave you profoundly curious.

Daughters Of Salem is a Chicago-based band formed in 2022. ‘Ghost’ being a huge inspiration for them, DOS songs are always a mix of catchy hooks, hypnotizing harmonies, and belting out high notes. Despite being a fairly new band, they're truly bringing something new to Alternative Rock Music.

The Dennies describe themselves as “a Chicago five-piece Loud Alt Band." In a recent article in DYING SCENE (a music blog focused on punk and related sub-genres), the Dennies were described this way: “Their music sounded like some sort of amalgamation of Punk, Alternative, Grunge with a bit of Metal sprinkled all throughout. What an incredible combination.” That sounds about right.

Girl Club is a five-piece band that initially formed to play at a charity event through our school. However, the influences of Radiohead, Pink Floyd and genres including Indie Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Funk have inspired the band to continue on and start writing original music of their own.

Linda Therese is an Indie Folk artist from Chicago, now based in Nashville, TN. She has been writing, recording, and performing her original music for seven years and has participated in Bitter Jester for the past four. Linda draws influence from deeply honest songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Olivia Barton and her sound contains elements of Pop, Jazz, Rock, and Folk.

Hailing from Lafayette, IN, Palace Kat is an invigorating five-piece Jazz-Fusion exploration. They share a goal of bringing young people closer to Jazz music, performing original tunes and inventive covers (of Hancock, Glasper, Hargrove, and more!) across the Midwest. Palace Kat is available to stream on any platform and has video content available on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.

Rosetta is a trio comprised of multi-instrumentalists with Dylan Duffy primarily on drums and vocals (as well as piano and guitar), Luke Moran on organ, bass, and vocals, and Anders Hansson on guitar and harmonica. The members of Rosetta are influenced by a variety of music, giving them their unique and unforgettable yet relatable sound.

Violet Clare, an Indie/Alt/Folk Singer-Songwriter from Grand Rapids, MI, has been writing for as long as she can remember. She shares intimate stories through clever and raw lyrics that draw inspiration from Elliott Smith, Jeff Tweedy, Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, and more. Now 19, she has self-released two demo EPs and one demo album.

Night One Scoring Judges (select names to read bios):

Martin Atkins, John Blane, Steve Bynum, Ben Groth, Becca Husar, Smokey Smothers & Melly Starz

NIGHT TWO: June 8, 2024 @ 5:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Charlieboy is a La Crosse, WI-based quartet that skillfully combines the finer elements of Indie-Rock, Jazz, Pop, and Soul, bringing an unexplainably refreshing sound to the Midwest music scene. Their live performances are renowned for their powerful synergy, emotional depth, and unwavering presence, which will leave you either headbanging or moved to tears.

The Child of Eve is the musical undertaking of Benjamin Jeffrey Groth. Ruminating over a world of meaning, and tracing its veins dearly to the heart, he is often knee deep in wonder, writing music and lyrics with such subtle melancholy that it will often leave you profoundly curious.

Claire-Mckenna is a Singer/Songwriter from Madison, WI. Ever since she was six years old she has been writing Pop and Indie music to play for her family, friends, and - later - crowds. She takes a great deal of inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift, Renee Rapp, CIL, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Daisy Chain is a Rock/Pop/Indie-inspired band from Toledo, OH. Their sound is influenced by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, Oasis, The Strokes, and the Indie music scene in general. Their lyrics are real and very personal with poppy melodies that stick in your head, beats that will rock your world, and guitar solos you can feel.

David's House is a captivating, young, rock and funk band out of Arlington Heights and Palatine, IL. Their originals have a Steely Dan vibe with a little Lake Street Dive tossed in for good measure. Their originals always showcase stunning vocals on top of superb musicianship. David's House put on an electric show, always leaving their listeners wanting more!

Drake Thomas, a 19-year-old Solo Artist from Frankfort Square, IL, is a self-taught singer and multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar. He began performing at the age of two and has been doing so almost every weekend since. Drake's performances feature well-known covers mixed with his original compositions, all of which showcase his talent and versatility.

Nuke Plant Chickens are a band based out of the small town of Kenosha, WI. Their lineup consists of vocalist Jeff Horton, guitarist and vocalist Ethan Dohrmann, guitarist Hunter Randell, bassists Cameron Dohrmann and Cloee Weiher, and drummer Max Stockdale. The band's signature sound leaves no genre untouched, experimenting with Reggae, Funk, Disco, Folk, Progressive, and Metal, to highlight just a few.

Hot out of Festus, MO, high school talent show winners Party Hat Club combine the three-piece format of bands like Green Day and Blink-182 with lyrical tricks reminiscent of All Time Low mixed with music that highlights each of their individual strengths. The band's harmless antics are always sure to provide a Pop Punk performance that really clicks.

Originally from Batavia, IL, rae is a Solo Artist now hailing from Nashville, TN. With a clear Western influence, her original writing style blurs genre lines of Folk and Rock. Performing at gigs, writers' rounds, and shows of all kinds any chance she gets, rae loves to use her music as a tool to connect with others and bring them together.

Verbal Commentary Judges (select names to read bios):

Kevin Ray & Michael Tseitlin

NIGHT THREE: June 14, 2024 @ 5:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Anna Louise Bramlett released her Indie Debut Album: "I Promise I'm Happy!" in Oct of 2023. While she writes many etherical acoustic songs (comparable to Lana Del Rey), she also includes Indie Pop/Rock (with musical inspiration drawn from Wet Leg). While each song is different, she strives to create an open environment to allow her audience to dance, cry... and feel!

Brigitte Eve has established herself as a rising star in the Rock and Indie Rock music scene with her distinctive style and compelling performances. The international success of her top songs demonstrates her ability to engage listeners through her music. As her talent and commitment continue to expand, Brigitte Eve will continue to be a performer to watch in the years ahead.

Coach House is a six-piece Alternative and Indie Rock band hailing from the northern Chicago suburbs that is known for their wistful, impassioned lyrics and a sound equally comprised of the elegance of New Wave, the groove of Rap-infused Funk, and the snarling leads and hammering rhythms of Grunge.

Hailing from Flint, MI, the Pop Rock band Heat Above has been setting the stage on fire for the past three years. Formed in 2021, the collective quickly established itself in the Detroit-area music scene and are now making waves on the university circuit. With infectious energy and insightful lyrics, Heat Above appeals to fans of both classic and new sounds.

At just ten years young, Holden Garcia has already made a name for himself playing guitar and singing near Joliet, IL. His genre-spanning solo repertoire focuses on Americana Rock. Holden’s blend of cover songs and originals have been entertaining audiences for the past two years. The future’s bright for this rising star, the youngest performer at Bitter Jester this year!

Fun loving interactive trio Kloe, from the Chicago suburbs, is an Indie Rock band that has Surf, Punk, and Midwest Emo elements. They started about two years ago and have been gigging for the past year, leaving their mark on the local scene. Kloe is a young group out there playing their music and sharing it with the world.

Liliana y Los Caballeros is a trio of students and friends. Formed by their lead singer, Liliana (a singer/songwriter from the South-East-Side of Chicago), LyLC songs are a melting pot of genres. Liliana draws deep inspiration from her strong Latin cultural identity. Her lyrics are introspective, candid, and reminiscent of classic love songs with an edge.

Meremott is a four-Piece Metal band from St. Louis, MO, founded in 2023. Their debut single "Out of Reach" was released on May 7, 2023. Their debut EP, "Cataclysm," was released on February 2, 2024. From funky head crushing riffs to soft and soothing melodies, Meremott takes you on a journey.

Naomi 10 Million (formerly Harley Pumpernickel) is an Experimental Rock band from the Chicago area known for their eccentric songwriting and unpredictable performances. Despite a wide range of influences including Black Country New Road, Black Midi, Steve Reich, and more, a Naomi 10 Million show is guaranteed to deliver a sound that anyone can get into.

NIGHT FOUR: June 15, 2024 @ 5:30pm

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Christine Compall is a Singer/Songwriter from Chicago, IL, who began playing guitar at the age of ten. She plays primarily Pop and Country cover songs but, during COVID, began composing and performing her own originals. Christine is dedicated to giving others the same musical opportunities she enjoys by raising money for LEARN charity benefiting charter schools in Chicago.

Exit 122 is a Pop Punk/Alternative Rock band known for their fun and energetic sound featuring driving rhythms, melodic lead guitar, and catchy choruses. Exit 122 combines elements of Pop Punk, Easycore, Alternative, Emo and more to create a fresh sound with echoes of Blink 182, New Found Glory, Neck Deep, and Sum 41.

Jackson Wagner is a Solo Progressive Metal Act known for his technical, bombastic riffage and deep, unique songwriting. He picked up a guitar for the first time at age fifteen and, four years later, has yet to put it down. Now studying Music Production in Oklahoma City, OK, he's ready for his second year at Bitter Jester!

Jeff's Invention is a band formed by six friends who have been playing together for many years and took the leap to form a band in the spring of 2022. They have one original song they perform regularly while also making the covers they perform sound like their own. Jeff's Invention has a dirty Rock and Blues infused sound with stunning vocals and intense instrumentalists.

Lauren Blackford is an Alternative Singer-Songwriter based in Milan, MI. Her expressive melodies and distinct writing style shine across Acoustic Pop and Indie Rock genres, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers. Performing everywhere from local cafes and concert series to the prestigious Ann Arbor Art Fair, Blackford’s vulnerability and compelling stage presence captivates audiences of all ages.

NewClearFusion plays a mix of their original funky Rock and R&B tunes plus upbeat covers known to incite spontaneous dance parties. They started in 2022 at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, IL, to live the dream making music together. They recently released their new EP, "AETHER."

Back for their third round as an entrant into Bitter Jester, Oak Park's North Grove and their Indie/Funk/Rock-inspired sound are excited to make waves (and friends) this year! This group of high school juniors has steadily evolved over the last three years and don't intend to stop changing and wowing with their funky, etherial, Rock sound!

Printing House is a Pop-Rock-influenced band based in Chicago, IL. They've played at various venues all around the city and never fail to deliver an electrifying experience every time. This six-piece band aims to make music that's both refreshing and addictive. And, with each song, Printing House invites listeners on a journey filled with energy and emotion.

While usually playing with her band North Grove, Oak Park’s Sadie Parkinson is also an accomplished Solo Artist. She brings a mellow sound to her solo work. Inspired by the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Sidney Gish, The Avett Brothers, and others in the Folk and Singer-Songwriter genres, her piano-playing, melodic devices, and lyricism combine to create something truly special. With Sadie, the songwriting is everything.