the city of highland park AWARDS THE BITTER JESTER FOUNDATION WITH THE 2024 ARTS AWARD

2024 Arts Award

Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts

Highland Park Awards Ceremony

April 11, 2024 

Remarks of Mayor Nancy Rotering

We are delighted to recognize the incredible team at Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts with the Arts Award this evening. For decades, under direction of Nicolas DeGrazia, Bitter Jester has provided unparalleled opportunities for young performers to challenge themselves musically, receive guidance from professionals and educators, and perform at incredible venues. 

Bitter Jester doesn’t just fill a need for professional performance training and mentorship - it actively creates those opportunities for young people in Highland Park and across the country. Through the annual Bitter Jester Music Festival, the team spotlights outstanding young performers every summer right here in downtown Highland Park. This program attracts young musicians, half of whom must be under age 21, who are already stellar reformers in their own right. Students receive professional guidance and coaching as well as detailed feedback on their musicianship, songwriting, performance presence and more. The Festival concludes with a Grand Finale competition at The Lot, and winners receive a cash prize, further mentorship, a professional recording opportunity, and the chance to perform on two of the biggest stages in the Chicago area: Ravinia Festival and Navy Pier. 

While participation in the Festival is highly competitive, Bitter Jester also supports young performers with promise and exceptional talent as showcase artists who also receive coaching and performance opportunities. 

Musicians are held to a high standard, and receive mentoring and feedback from professional musicians to help them grow as artists, performers and people. Many of Bitter Jester’s young performers remain engaged with the Festival long after they are aged out of performance, including several who are here tonight. It is a testament to the leadership of Nic, Michael, and everyone at BJFA that these musicians remain engaged with the organization. 

Bitter Jester is also a great example of an arts and culture organization that truly harnesses the arts as a driver of economic development, partnering with HP businesses and turning downtown Highland Park into a destination for music lovers. 

Congratulations to the team at Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts! We can’t wait to see and hear some great music this summer at the 18th Bitter Jester Music Festival!