Melly has been a judge since 2024
Mark Walters
Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge
“My experience working with the Bitter Jester organizers has been nothing short of amazing!”
- Mark Walters
Mark Walters has been a gigging musician in the Northern Illinois area for over twenty years.
Beginning in DeKalb and slowly branching out towards Chicago, he has been lucky enough to play at legendary venues such as Chicago House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, the Cubby Bear, and historic DeKalb venue the Egyptian Theatre.
For two summers, Mark was one of a handful of performers selected by the Bitter Jester Music Festival to participate in a 28 concert Satellite Series at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Chicago’s Historic Navy Pier.
He has spent time in countless local original and cover bands, playing everything from drums and bass to lead guitar and lead vocals. Mark has also spent plenty of time in studio settings, recording multiple EPs and two full LPs.
Outside of his musical passions, Mark has spent most of his professional adult life working in Education, with much of that time spent in Special Education.
“I hope to have the experience as a Bitter Jester Festival judge so I can try to pass on the small and big lessons I’ve learned, playing live as a solo artists and as a member of a band.”
- Mark Walters
Find Mark’s music on Spotify and give him a follow!
