Tom Benko

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

Tom Benko is a sought after drummer, teacher, and composer residing in Chicago. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelors in Music Performance.

He’s the Director of Percussion for Highland Park and New Trier high schools on the north shore of Chicago where he directs percussion ensembles, drumlines, the pep band, and teaches private lessons.

He also is one of two drummers for Blue Man Group Chicago.

Tom has also played with well known Chicago artists such as Kevin Presbrey, Greg Hyde, Minor Characters, The Chicago Bears and Bulls Drumlines, and has toured with Sam Rae and as a solo artist.

He co-founded Rhythm Messengers Entertainment, an interactive percussion focus corporate and educational ensemble. Tom was a Guest Drummer on Late Night With Seth Meyers with the 8G Band September 26-29, 2022, to raise awareness and support for the victims of the Highland Park, IL, shooting.

Away from teaching and performing, Tom is also an active composer with compositions available on syncedupdesigns.com coming this fall. Outside of music, Tom loves to travel, is a sad - but dedicated - Bears fan, and is always in search of the best gluten free pancakes!