FEST: Bitter Jester Music Festival (IL)

The Bitter Jester Music Festival features young musicians (typically 21 and under). BJMF is proud to be celebrating 15 years of quality musical performances and educational feedback for up-and-coming bands and solo artists! We're looking for Sonicbids artists to join us for our 2020 season.

This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit event.

Visit bit.ly/bjmfapp for COVID-19 updates related to this festival.

The Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF) is the Midwest's largest professional music competition for rising-star musicians (bands and solo artists alike). BJMF supports and promotes young and emerging talent from across the Midwest. The only requirement is at least half the members of the submitting band are the age of 21 or younger.

With $1,000 / $750 / $500 prizes, the competition and concert series is built on a strong foundation of community and emboldening and empowering young performers at a critical time in their social and artistic development. BJMF provides professional feedback to younger artists and most importantly, meet and connect with dozens of other musicians their own age. 

Performers get to work hand-in-hand with Bitter Jester Studio's 9-time Emmy award-winning production team, providing them a level of media exposure, professional mentorship, and networking that is unmatched by similar competitions.

• Open to a wide range of genres 
• At least half the members of the submitting band are 21 of age or younger

Currently, the event has four preliminary competitions on consecutive Fridays in June at Port Clinton Square in downtown Highland Park, IL. A winner is selected by a panel of 5 professional judges each Friday to compete in the Grand Finale Concert.

After all four preliminary competitions, Bitter Jester producers and directors select four "Wild Card" bands to also compete for the grand prize at a Grand Finale concert on July 4 leading up to the City of Highland Park's fireworks display. Showcase bands are also selected to perform on the big stage prior to the battle on the 4th of July.

We are keeping our eye on things as this global situation continues to develop. Since our events do not begin until the month of June, we will announce the final status of our 2020 Season no later than May 18. Until then we are proceeding as planned.