Adela Skowronski

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

A first-generation Polish-American (and music nerd), Adela Skowronski fell in love with radio at Elmhurst University’s WRSE 88.7 FM. During her four years at WRSE, Adela hosted a weekly music program, a monthly news podcast, and an underground music show. She also tried almost every job available at the station – from PR Assistant to Station Manager! It was during her time at WRSE that she also learned about (and fell in love) with the Bitter Jester Music Fest!

“The Bitter Jester Music Festival is not only an opportunity for talent to shine, but for young music lovers to connect and bond over their shared passion. I can't recommend this organization enough to young bands who are looking for performance opportunities; I also can't recommend it enough for music-loving concert goers.”

- Adela Skowronski

For nearly three years, Adela ran the Afternoon Drive Mon - Fri from 2-6 pm on 103.1 WPNA FM. WPNA is a bilingual FM radio station in Chicago that provides programming in both Polish & English, attracting tens of thousands of listeners from around the world. Though she started alongside fellow college graduate Peter Niceja, the show turned into one of the only women-run primetime shows in the whole country when she joined forces alongside radio personality & journalist Magda Marczewska.

As of May, 2022, Adela has stepped away from her position at WPNA to focus more on her new career at Chicago's classical radio station, WFMT 98.7 FM. There, she helps write articles, produce radio programs, run video live streams, update libraries, and more. She also works closely alongside Marilyn Rea Beyer on the Midnight Special folk show - one of the oldest ongoing radio shows in the whole country!

But wait! There's more!

Recreationally, Adela also runs The Underbelly Hours - a Chicagoland music podcast - with her friends Dan and Josh. In the past, the show has partnered with many local businesses for live shows and promotions, such as Dry City Brew Works, 103.1 FM, Pheasant Run Resorts, and Elmhurst Brewing Company. Currently, The Underbelly Hours hosts a bi-monthly open mic at Bubblehouse Brewing Company in Lisle, and offers an intimate, exclusive showcase of artists once every season at Art Gallery Kafe (Wood Dale). You can listen to the show on Youtube, any streaming platforms, or via AUX.com - a Chicago podcasting platform with tons of great content.

Aside from her radio obsessions, Adela also enjoys being a freelance cellist, songwriter, and dog lover. She has performed on over 25 albums in Chicago to date and is always looking for more! She graduated from Elmhurst University (2020) with a B.S in Music Business and a minor in French.

“Whether it's as a performer, vendor, volunteer, or audience member, everyone comes away from the Bitter Jester Music Festival with a full heart and fond memories.”

- Adela Skowronski

Adela has been a Bitter Jester advocate, spokesperson, and Band Liaison. She is thrilled to now join the team as both a scoring judge for one of the Preliminary rounds and a verbal commentary feedback judge for the Grand Finale! She can’t wait to hear (and promote) this year’s great musicians!

Find out more about Adela's projects via her LinkTree here.