2021 Music Festival - Opening Night LIVE Concert

Friday, July 23, 2021
6:45 PM 11:00 PM 18:45 23:00

Port Clinton Square 600 Central Avenue Highland Park, IL, 60035 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Bitter Jester Music Festival 2021

- Opening Night -

Performer and Judges Lineup & Bios

Did you know we’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit? Your donations are HUGELY appreciated and directly go toward sustaining & improving this music fest!

make a tax-deductible donation today!

Ravinia Brewing Co, Judy’s Pizza, and Sweet Home Gelato will once again be on hand serving delicious food and beverages for all and beer & wine to our of-age patrons!

Welcome Chicago North Shore Moms, a 2021 Media Sponsor of the BJMF! ChicagoNorthShoreMoms.com is giving moms the gift of time with vetted lists of the best local resources from North Shore beaches and pools to summer festivals, and everything in between and we couldn’t be more excited about this wonderful partnership!

July 23, 2021 Performers:

This Week’s Musical Acts in Competition:

The Adem Dalipi Band, The Millennials, Scarlet Demore, Scorched Waves, Venganza, and You Got The Message.

Audio teaser for this week!

Click the photo above to listen to the bands and check out their bios below!

On your phone? Click HERE to read band bios, otherwise look below…

Adem Dalipi Band

Adem is a blues-influenced Pop/RnB artist in the tradition of John Mayer, Mac Ayres, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix. Adem had the opportunity to perform on many stages locally and internationally, from the House of Blues Chicago, Windsor Liuna Blues Fest, and Alfred’s on Beale St. in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.

The Millennials

The Millennials is a classic rock based group made up of high school and college-aged musicians that bring a thrilling and energetic vibe to any and all stages they step foot on. They like to say it's classic rock from a new generation!

Scarlet Demore

Scarlet Demore is a Chicago-Based alternative rock group that formed in 2017. The group is made up of Cat Ayala (vocals and rhythm guitar), Alex Gonzalez (lead guitar), and Alaska Young (drums). The band combines influences from rock, punk, ska, and riot grrrl to create a unique blend that will impel you to get loud and start a riot.

Scorched Waves

Scorched Waves are an indie rock quintent taking influences from Arctic Monkeys, Green Day, and The Black Keys among many others. The melodic riffs, danceable drum beats, keyboard wizardry, fun basslines, and relatable lyrics make Scorched Waves stand out. The band includes Tiernan Brinkman (vocals), Tyler Armstrong (lead guitar, vocals), Jaren Wojcik (keys, percussion, vocals), Damian Kessler (drums), and Alice Vuorinen (bass, vocals).

Venganza

Venganza is a Wisconsin-based punk/metal band that was formed in 2017. The band is comprised of Kaleb, Juan, Dean, and Peter. They have written, recorded, and performed many original and cover songs during their tenure, and have played numerous shows throughout Wisconsin.

You Got The Message

You Got The Message (Ygtm) is an alt indie pop group that includes Brady Ketarkus, Bennett Harper, Isaac Levenstein, Sam Besley, and Griffin Johnson. Their song “Marceline” from their debut ep “Kids” was the first to become a hit among listeners. Ygtm gets so much joy from performing and talking with everyone who able to attend their gigs.

Kate Larson opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm. Kate, a 15 year old singer/songwriter, presents music right up the alley of indie, & acoustic americana. She's been singing her whole life and has found that even with just an acoustic guitar and a voice, people can be brought together through the beauty in music.

After the main competition, Acacia will bring us home with a live set of their own! Acacia is a mixed-genre rock band from the western suburbs of Chicago. Though all but the singer just graduated middle school, much of their influence comes from older classic rock, alt and grunge, and modern indie garage rock. Acacia formed in October 2020, and is currently working on an EP of originals.

Concert begins at 6:45 pm - food and drinks available before showtime!

2021 LINEUP ANNOUNCED!!! More info coming soon!

Featured Showcase Solo Artist:

Kate Larson opens the show with a solo performance starting at 6:45pm.

Kate, a 15 year old singer/songwriter, presents music right up the alley of indie, & acoustic americana. She's been singing her whole life and has found that even with just an acoustic guitar and a voice, people can be brought together through the beauty in music.

Featured Showcase Band:

After the main competition, Acacia will bring us home with a live set of their own!

Acacia is a mixed-genre rock band from the western suburbs of Chicago. Though all but the singer just graduated middle school, much of their influence comes from older classic rock, alt and grunge, and modern indie garage rock. Acacia formed in October 2020, and is currently working on an EP of originals.