Greg Easterling

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

Greg Easterling is the longtime on-air host of the acclaimed public radio program American Backroads, airing Thursday nights on WDCB 90.9 FM. For nearly sixteen years, he previously hosted overnights on the top rated Chicago Classic Rock station 97.1 FM The Drive.

Greg also hosts “The Easterling Blues Experience” on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1pm CDT on Buddyguyradio.com. When he’s not on the air he is often Emceeing events all across Chicagoland, lending his very recognizable voice to many live concerts.

Greg writes record reviews for Chicago Blues Guide.com and was inducted into The Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in September of 2019. His past broadcast credits include WXRT, Q101, WDEK, and WTAO.

Greg's writings have appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, Downbeat, and the Illinois Entertainer. His interview subjects in print and on the air include David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Charlie Daniels, Dion, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Cockburn. Leading blues performers (past and present) Albert Collins, Luther Allison, Shemekia Copeland, and Ronnie Baker Brooks have also been interviewed by Greg over the years. His teaching credits include the Illinois Media School.

In his free time, you’ll find Greg at an assortment of clubs and concerts enjoying live music! He’s an avid Karaoke singer and loves hanging out with local friends at several Southwest suburban hotspots. He’s also a White Sox and Chicago Bears fan. 

Greg has been judging bands for the Bitter Jester Music Festival for a many years and is proud to be back for the 2023 Grand Finale as one of its seven illustrious panelists !