Jake D.

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

2018 Bitter Jester Grand Champion & 2017 Bitter Jester MVP Drummer

First picking up the sticks as a toddler, it didn't take long for Jake's natural talent to become apparent, and his parents began to seek out opportunities for him to develop his craft. When he was still only 7, Jake stated to excel in local rock band programs and soon found himself performing on many of Chicagoland's most well known stages.

In 2014, the formation of his own band Stellar West took his budding career to the next level with a relentless show schedule, an upcoming LP release, music videos and more.

Jake competed for 4 years in the Bitter Jester Music Festival. The first 3 were with Stellar West. In 2017 Jake won the first ever Bitter Jester MVP Drum Award. In his 4th year Jake teamed up with the Isabelle O. Trio. The group got selected as a Wild Card Band that year and went on to become the 2018 Bitter Jester Grand Champions on the 4th of July!

Since leaving Stellar West Jake has continued to cultivate his aspirations as an independent drummer with the release of several head-turning drum cover videos - recorded and filmed in-studio - including the notoriously epic classic by Boston, Foreplay/Longtime when he was 11. Jake even managed to find the time to make it to the final round of auditions for the Andrew Lloyd Weber production of School of Rock: The Musical at the age of 10!

Last year, at the age of 14, Jake opened the Chicago Drum Show performing his first Clinic, showcasing several genres of music from Jazz to hard rock. But for this busy 15-year-old, it's still all about the music. Jake has played with many local musicians, recorded as a studio drummer, performed in plays, and continues at the highest musical level in school every year.

Inspired by drummers like Hannah Welton (Prince), Travis Barker (Blink 182), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Ray Luzier (Korn), Tre Cool (Green day), Stanton Moore, and Jason Bittner, Jake is fortunate to have been taught by countless professional drummers throughout the years. He continues to dedicate himself to his craft and is loving every second of his journey.

Jake holds the record as both the youngest competitor in the history of the Bitter Jester Music Festival and now holds the records as the youngest judge … an accolade we don’t expect to be overtaken any time soon.

General Manager: Dave Ford @ P.L.A.D. Productions and Artist Mgt. (815.814.6898)

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