2022 Bitter Jester Music Festival - Official Lineup

 

Do you enjoy great free concerts with free parking? Please consider supporting our volunteer-run non-profit music fest with a donation in place of a ticket. 🤟🏼🤟🏼

Each week, six bands/solo artists from across the Midwest battle for a spot in the July 4 Grand Finale for a $1,000 cash prize, gear, and the title of Grand Champion!


Friday, May 20, 2022

Madame Zuzu’s - 6:30pm

1876 1st Street Highland Park, IL, 60035

 

Check out this 60-sec highlight of the competition bands appearing on Night One!

5/20/22 Official Lineup:

• Joey Wilbur
• Jordyn Andrea (Guest Artist)
• KANIN ELIZABETH
• Keep the Eleven
• MTN AIR
• New Age Americans
• PRIVATE SCHOOL (Showcase)
• SPARKY (Showcase)
• What We Once Had

Click to read Performers / Judge Bios

 

Friday, May 27, 2022

Port Clinton Square - 6:30pm

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location TBA)

 

Check out this 60-sec highlight of the competition bands appearing on Night Two!

5/27/22 Official Lineup:

• Chainsaw Boyz
• Claire-Mckenna (Guest Artist)
• David's House
• F!REWORKS
• Flannel Folk (Showcase)
• Imperial Orange
• Scorched Waves
• Vegan Steakhouse (Showcase)
• You Got the Message

Click to read Performers / Judge Bios

 

Friday, June 3, 2022

Port Clinton Square - 6:30pm

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location Madame Zuzu’s)

 

Check out this 60-sec highlight of the competition bands appearing on Night Three!

 

6/3/22 Official Lineup:

• The Dennies (Showcase)
• Divisor
• Fightin' Bob
• Fluctuation
• Ian Jake Robleza
• Jagger
• Madeline O'Dell (Guest Artist)
• Opening Day
• Sara Pilkati (Showcase)

Click to read Performers / Judge Bios


Friday, June 10, 2022

Port Clinton Square - 6:30pm

600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (rain location Madame Zuzu’s)

 

Check out this 60-sec highlight of the competition bands appearing on Night Four!

 

6/10/22 Official Lineup:

• Jabari Zakee (Showcase)
• Kate Larson (Guest Artist)
• Linda Therese
• Nyx
• Rae
• Summer Drive
• Summer League
• This Violet Hour (Showcase)
• Venganza

Click to read Performers / Judge Bios


Did you know we’re a non-profit? Your donations are HUGELY appreciated and will directly go toward sustaining and improving the music fest!


The Bitter Jester Music Festival is sponsored by the City of Highland Park and supported by a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation. Our 2022 Grand Finale Media Sponsor is 101.9 The Mix FM and all Grand Finale Prize Money is generously donated by First Bank of Highland Park. Additional financial support from Judy’s Pizza, Reactive Pec, and Elmore Pedals!


July 4 Grand Finale Concert Lineup:

Grand Finale begins at 3:45 pm at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave. West, Highland Park, IL 60035

(Full Lineup Announced in Late June!)

Click here for 2022 Grand Finale concert info (band descriptions, judge bios, etc).