2025 Bitter Jester Music Festival Performer & Judges’ Bios

Grand Finale Concert: Sat, June 28, 2025, 2-10pm:

Second Street (between Central and Laurel), Downtown Highland Park, IL 60035

Co-Hosted by Peter Sagal (Humorist and Host of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! on NPR) and Nicolas DeGrazia (Sketch Comedian and Emmy-winning/James Beard Award-nominated Producer/Director).

LINEUP FOR NIGHT ONE (June 6, 2025 @ 5:30pm)

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Ayden Holt is a singer and songwriter from Indianapolis, IN, and is also the singer of the band Cautionary Tale. Her music is a blend of grunge and pop punk styles, and the songs have meaningful lyrics while still being catchy and accessible to audiences. She is excited to be returning to Bitter Jester, this time as a guest solo artist!

Byron Siragusa’s project, BYRON, is characterized by dramatic synths, distorted guitars, and memorable melodies—earning praise from LA and Nashville execs, who liken his voice to Jeff Buckley’s. Inspired by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Tame Impala, Byron appreciates the transformative power of music and taking audiences on a sonic journey.

La Crosse’s Charlieboy is an innovative indie rock band blending raw emotion with intricate grooves and a unique fusion of indie rock, jazz, and pop. Their abstract, therapeutic sound authentically expresses trauma, growth, and modern life's complexities, inviting listeners on a powerful, introspective musical journey. Celebrated locally for their originality.

The Coves are an alternative rock band from Northeast Wisconsin. Since forming in January of 2023, The Coves have spent countless hours writing originals that emulate genres such as grunge, metal, punk and blues. With each member coming from a different musical background, this trio brings many elements to the table to create a unique and engaging live experience.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Earl Hester is a dancer, singer, songwriter, and all-around entertainer. He has been performing since he was three years old, and his motto has always been, "Giving the audience something they can feel." Earl has performed at Lollapalooza, Bourbon on Division, and has toured with Collaboraction, a Chicago-based production company.

At just 11 years old, Holden Garcia continues to make a name for himself, performing in the Plainfield, IL area. His genre-spanning solo repertoire focuses on folk / alternative / Americana rock, blending covers and originals that have entertained audiences for over three years. The future’s bright for this rising star!

Meera Raphael is spitfire folk-rock singer/songwriter from Providence, RI. Her powerful voice channels an ancient yet youthful spirit into poetry laced with multicultural mysticism and theories of psychology and sociology. She is the voice of Mystic Revolt, healing hearts and souls, heightening social and spiritual consciousness and creating a social movement away from hate and fear, and towards universal Love.

North Grove is a quartet united under the shared appreciation of funk rock and original music. All members of the band contribute to writing originals, which results in a diverse discography merging artists like Sufjan Stevens and St. Vincent with Steely Dan and Tower of Power. The result? Magic!

State of Youth is a new force in the Baltimore music scene and has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and powerful performances. Drawing inspiration from diverse genres including 80's rock, 90's punk, and 2000's emo their music blends powerful drums, ripping guitar rifts and solos, and incredible harmonies to create a distinct and compelling sound.

Night One Scoring Judges (select names to read bios):

Anna Agosta (bio coming soon), Chase Albrecht (bio coming soon), Tyler Clark, Ben Groth, Patrick Von Sevich (bio coming soon), Camden “Cam” Stacey, and TBA

LINEUP FOR NIGHT TWO (June 7, 2025 @ 5:30pm)

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

The 1-800s are a rock-n-roll band hailing from the four corners of the Chicagoland area. With influences ranging from Neutral Milk Hotel to The Smashing Pumpkins to The Beatles, The 1-800s have a song for everyone to enjoy! "The 1-800s: just like every other band, but with a unique twist!”

The Broken Vinyls is an indie band that is redefining expectations of the genre. They infuse 70’s and 90’s music with the sound of modern rock. Some have described it as the acoustic equivalent of the northern lights. Their music is sure to evoke unique emotions.

Claire-Mckenna is a passionate singer-songwriter from Madison, WI, blending pop melodies with the energy of classic rock and pop-punk influences. A multi-talented musician, she plays both guitar and piano, creating songs that are at once emotionally charged and sonically dynamic. Her music captures a unique balance of catchy hooks and raw emotion, making her a standout voice in the pop scene.

At just 11 years old, Holden Garcia continues to make a name for himself, performing in the Plainfield, IL area. His genre-spanning solo repertoire focuses on folk / alternative / Americana rock, blending covers and originals that have entertained audiences for over three years. The future’s bright for this rising star!

NewClearFusion plays a mix of their original funky rock and R&B tunes plus upbeat covers to incite spontaneous dance parties. They started in 2022 at Whitney Young High School in Chicago to live their dream making music together and just released their new LP, Half-Life.

Nikki Rodrigues is a singer-songwriter blending soulful pop with indie and acoustic elements. Known for their powerful vocals and emotionally honest songwriting, their music explores themes of vulnerability, identity, and connection. With a raw, heartfelt performance style, they create a space where audiences can feel seen, heard, and deeply moved.

Patches & Albo is a Chicago based funk-fusion band dedicated to bringing pocket and groove to any musical setting. No matter what your music taste is, the band is guaranteed to keep you on your feet, blending originals as well as unique arrangements of classics from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Childish Gambino.

Superimposed is a 90's inspired alt rock/grunge quartet coming out of Tennessee! Their original music draws influence primarily from the grunge era. It takes elements from bands such as Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots, and blends them into something fresh and interesting, yet oddly nostalgic!

TIKIMEN OF BERLIN is a four-piece instrumental band hailing from the sewers of the faceless one, that is to say the one whose face goes unseen. They combine elements of TOOL, Terraria, and jazz to create story-driven progressive electronica with an electric bassoon lead.

Verbal Commentary Judges (select names to read bios):

Kevin Ray & Michael Tseitlin

LINEUP FOR NIGHT THREE (June 13, 2025 @ 5:30pm)

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Candy Cigarette conjures the essence of high-energy blues-rock with an unapologetic spirit that defies their young age. Identical twins Isaac and Lucas Deitz, alongside Evan Sterken, electrify audiences with searing guitar riffs and a thunderous rhythm section. A potent blend of 70’s grit and modern fire position this trio as a dynamic force carrying rock and roll's legacy forward.

Christine Compall is a vocalist / guitarist with experience performing at various venues on the North Shore of Chicago.  She performs primarily pop and country songs and has written several originals.  Christine is an advocate for music programs in schools through her participation as a board member for LEARN Benefit which raises funds for music programs in Chicago public schools.

Floryence delivers introspective, deeply personal lyrics with an eclectic sound inspired by grunge, surf, and shoegaze. His songwriting reflects themes of self-discovery, romance, and resilience. Blending dynamic guitar work and driving rhythms, he continuously evolves as an independent artist, pushing the boundaries of alternative music while staying true to his authentic vision.

Lackadays is a four-piece band currently based in Urbana-Champaign. They have been performing since their high school days, forming a unique blend of indie, j-rock, prog, and Midwest emo. Now at the University of Illinois, Lackadays has continued to create intimate, original music while putting on heavy, energetic shows in basements, backyards, and concert venues alike, making every show count.

Monica James is a solo indie-folk artist from Grand Rapids, MI. She has an ambition for creating music that connects people. Her setlist is diverse, featuring covers of classic and modern artists like Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile, as well as her originals packed with clever lyricism and powerful melodies. No doubt, a show with Monica is compelling and personable.

Plastic Summer is the musical manifestation of the rising generation. The trio blends youthful energy with relevant and relatable messaging, tied together with catchy hooks and punchy executions. The band blends grunge, pop, and punk inspirations to create a distinct sound in which the classic meets the up/and-coming.

Platinum Moon is a dynamic rock band from New York, blending the grit of classic rock with catchy hooks. Known for energetic live shows, they’ve toured across the Eastern US and Canada, sharing the stage with All Time Low, Train, and X Ambassadors. Their latest single adds to their growing catalog of two albums and an EP.

The Regulars are an indie fusion wuartet based in Buffalo Grove, IL. Their original music ranges from stripped-down, acoustic songs to heavy rock guitar solos. The quartet is comparable to The Cranberries and Hozier in vocal performance. Their lively onstage personalities make an enjoyable show for all audiences.

Sierra Sikora is an 18-year-old independent artist and producer from Chicago. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray, her music focuses on heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth. A lifelong singer, she has cemented herself as an established performer around her university and hometown. Whether delivering upbeat pop and indie jams, or introspective singer-songwriter ballads, Sierra captivates audiences with every performance.

LINEUP FOR NIGHT FOUR (June 14, 2025 @ 5:30pm)

Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035 (rain or shine)

Belle Vista is an indie surf rock band out of Nashville, TN. They're inspired by artists like The Backseat Lovers, The Police, Dayglow, Peach Pit, U2, and many more. The four guys like to play shows and be in the studio working. They have two songs out and more to come.

Formed in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Cabin Fever came together when four friends picked up instruments in New York. Called to action by bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, and Nothing But Thieves. Their high-energy rock sound features catchy, stadium-filling choruses guaranteed to make you sing till your voice goes.

Control the Sound is a genre-bending New York City funk group known for their, tight, energetic, joyful performances. Their sound is a unique blend of funk, dance, hip-hop and rock with influences of The Roots, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Childish Gambino and more. No one else sounds anything like Control the Sound.

Crowd Vulture is a high energy, four piece, progessive rock group based out of Oak Forest, IL. Formed in May, 2023, after winning House of Music's 2023 Battle of the Bands, they blended their multi-genre backgrounds and are ready to bring a new sound to the Chicago music scene.

Elle of the Wilds is an indie acoustic pop act crafting beautiful and intricate sounds. Their music blends ethereal vocals with intricate instrumentation, creating a captivating listening experience. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and influenced by artists such as Aimee Mann and Cavetown, Elle's songs resonate with raw emotion and introspective lyricism resulting in a steadily increasing online popularity.

Exit 122 is a high-energy pop punk / post-hardcore band blending catchy hooks, heavy riffs, and raw emotion. Inspired by Fall Out Boy, Sum 41, Neck Deep, and Finch, they fuse 2000s punk with a modern edge. Known for their electrifying live shows, Exit 122 delivers relentless energy and authenticity every time.

The Orchids are an indie-rock band native to Elmhurst, IL. The band consists of lead vocalist Kaedin Gillie, guitarist Matthew Ramirez, bassist Connor Shea, and drummer Kate Krupa. Through their creative sound mixed with high energy, The Orchids speak to the timeless ups and downs of teenage years and young adulthood.

Hot out of the greater St. Louis area, Party Hat Club is a pop punk band combining the instrumentation of early 2000’s pop punk staples like Blink 182 and All Time Low with modern pop songwriting influences. Starting in their freshman / sophomore years of high school with a talent show win, Party Hat Club brings the party with tunes that stick.