Marc Malitz

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

Marc Malitz is an accomplished musician and recording artist going back over 35 years. His first instrument was learning the trombone back in 4th grade, going on to find his true love, the bass guitar, four years later. He entered Highland Park High School the same year fellow BJMF judge, Glenn Williams, became the HPHS band director.

It was there that Marc thrived and cultivated his passion for music playing in Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and the Marching Band. By senior year, Marc had won multiple awards as a jazz performer and student, including the Woody Herman Jazz Award.

After graduating HPHS, Marc went on to study music at Indiana University and Roosevelt University majoring in Jazz Studies Performance in Electric Bass. It was also during this time that he found himself playing in several bands playing rock, metal, punk, and ska. Depending on the band, Marc could be found playing bass, guitar, or trombone. By the time he was ready to graduate from Roosevelt, one of his bands, The Eclectics were on the verge of a major label record deal and some big opportunities. So he took some time off from school to tour all across the US with the band. Although some of those opportunities eventually fizzled-out, Marc focused on finishing his degree and graduated from Roosevelt.

At somewhat of a crossroads in his life, he packed up and moved out to LA to focus on music as a full-time gig. More bands and opportunities presented themselves, including session work from a producer who worked with Elton John's long-time bassist, Bob Birch. Marc later toured Australia with one of the bands he put together in LA.

As the advent of ubiquitous home recording began to radically change the industry, greatly reducing the need for session musicians, Marc moved back home to the Chicago area for another fresh start. He found himself cultivating a stable career in HR and Payroll gaining his CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).

These days, even as he continues to ensure employees receive their paycheck, he remains very active as a musician in various bands, music projects, and session work. During the pandemic, Marc also launched a career as a solo artist, recording and releasing his own music while impressing a lot of his family, friends, and fellow peers. You can find his music on Bandcamp and follow him on Instagram.