Established in 2006 as a partnership between the City of Highland Park and the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts (a 501(c)(3) non-profit), the annual Bitter Jester Music Festival has been growing steadily since its inception. The festival features a Battle of the Bands style competition and multiple opportunities for bands and solo artists to showcase their talent. All bands with a majority of
members who are under the age of 21 are eligible to apply, including junior high and college bands! Cash and other prizes (often including concert tickets, studio time, gear, photo shoots, gift certificates, and more) is provided by numerous generous sponsors. Cash prizes are provided by First Bank of Highland Park. The main part of the festival takes place in three rounds:
ROUND I: FRIDAY NIGHT PRELIMINARY CONCERTS
These typically take place on Friday nights in June (check website for up to date info). Six (6) bands compete each Friday and are judged - showcase musicians are also featured. A professional sound crew is at the disposal of the bands all night long and the concert audio is recorded. The winning band from each Friday advances to the Finals on the 4th of July. There is a non-refundable application fee to enter. Not all bands are accepted. Solo performers welcome. All concerts are FREE and open to the public! ROUND II: FINALS
The Finals take place on a professional sound stage on the 4th of July (check website for up to date info) as the concert leading up to the City of Highland Park's Fireworks display. All bands will have a professional sound-check prior to the concert. The winners of the Friday Night Concerts duke it out in the semi-finals and are judged by professional musicians. Judges narrow the Finalists down to two (2) winning bands, who proceed to Round III, the final round. This event is FREE and open to the public! FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE and families are encouraged to stay for the fireworks. ROUND III: FINAL PLAYOFF
Also held on the 4th of July on the same stage, the final two (2) bands then each play a single song. The audience cheers and applauds back and forth for the their favorite as the judges cast one final vote and Grand Champion is announced. The bands are awarded their prizes at the close of the night as the City's fireworks display goes off.
