Steve has been a judge since 2006

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Steven Mandel

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

Steve is a Retired Sound and Lighting Professional IATSE Stagehand (IATSE Local #2 Chicago) for renowned institutions including Ravinia Festival, Uptown Theater, the Lyric Opera, and many other Chicago theaters & venues. (1969-2006).

Additionally, Steve is a past Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman for the City of Highland Park, IL (1993-2012). He was a Lake County Board Member (2012-2016), and Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner (2012-2016).

He has been a judge for the Bitter Jester Music Festival since its inception in 2006.

“This is the Uptown Theater that is on Broadway and Lawrence. I worked at this theater from 1977 - 1981 on the stage crew and as Master Electrician. The Uptown hosted bands like The Grateful Dead, Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Zappa, and many more. Great Memories.... Great Theater that will hopefully get renovated within our lifetime.”

“This is the Uptown Theater that is on Broadway and Lawrence. I worked at this theater from 1977 - 1981 on the stage crew and as Master Electrician. The Uptown hosted bands like The Grateful Dead, Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Zappa, and many more. Great Memories.... Great Theater that will hopefully get renovated within our lifetime.”