2024 Bitter Jester Winners & Musicians of the year

Due to an unfortunate camera crash at the end of the night, not pictured are BJMF Co-Emcee Peter Sagal (host of “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! on NPR), Highland Park City Council members Annette Lidawer & Andrés Tapia, First Bank of Highland Park Asst. Vice President Courtney Olson. The City of HP is a major supporter of the Music Festival; First Bank of Highland Park is our Grand Finale Prize Money Title Sponsor. Peter Sagal generously gave his time in support of BJMF. ~~ Pictured with winners is BJMF Founder and Co-Emcee Nicolas DeGrazia.

2024 Grand Champions

Ur Mom

2024 Runners-Up

Scorched Waves

2024 Honorable Mention

Lauren Blackford

Bitter Jester Music Festival Grand Finale 2024 Co-Host, Peter Sagal from NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” fame!

2024 Musician of the Year Awards

The Musician of the Year awards at the Bitter Jester Music Fest represent a prestigious honor for talented individual performers.

Celebrating musical excellence and outstanding performance chops, each recipient is recognized with a stunning, custom-made “Olympic-style” brass medallion, designed by Christy Knapp and Nic DeGrazia, and produced by Bennett Awards.

These medallions symbolize not just achievement, but also the dedication and passion that musicians bring to their craft. Winning a Musician of the Year award is more than just a trophy; it's a testament to Bitter Jester artist's hard work, originality, and connection with their audience (judges and patrons alike!).

By participating in BJMF, not only do performers compete for these coveted recognitions, they also gain exposure to industry professionals and a vibrant community of fellow musicians from Chicagoland and beyond. You could be the next Bitter Jester Musician of the Year!