Bitter Jester Music Fest Application

The 2025 Bitter Jester Music Fest Application Begins Here...
$2,000 GRAND PRIZE!!

$1,000 Runners-Up • $500 Honorable Mention

Plus Studio Recording Time from Gremlen Studios & Butcher Boy, gear, and a chance to open for a National Headliner at Ravinia Festival in 2026!

Prize money for the top three winners generously donated each year by First Bank of Highland Park. Select additional bands & solo artists will receive other prizes including STUDIO RECORDING TIME from Gremlen Studios and Butcher Boy, GEAR from Ludwig Drums and Humes & Berg, and a chance to open for a NATIONAL HEADLINER at Ravinia Festival.

Click here for more info about prizes & eligibility.
Early Deadline: Sat, March 1, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)

Deadline: Tues, April 15, 2025 (11:59 pm CST)

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This year's preliminary competitions are June 6, 7, 13, and 14. The Grand Finale will be on Sat, June 28, 2025.

THE ONLY REQUIREMENT is that at least half the members of a submitting band must be 21 or younger (nobody over 24). Bands and Solo Artists are both welcome to apply! Contact us with questions.
ENTER YOUR INFORMATION:
Band/Solo Artist Name:*
Primary Email:*
Band/Solo Artist Instagram Name:*
(type "n/a" if you don't have one)
Your Name:*
State/Province Represented:*
I am a ...*
Please specify:*
How did you hear about us?*

I'm a Previous EntrantAnother Band Told MeInstagramFacebookVal's halla RecordsSchool/TeacherFamily MemberTV/RadioNewspaper/PublicationOther
Which Band(s)?*
Which School/Teacher?*
Which Stations/Shows?*
Which Paper/Publication(s)?*
(other) I heard about the Bitter Jester Music Fest from:*
What other bands/performers might like to apply?*
Please include social media tags/websites if you know them!
Are at least half your performers 21 or younger?*

Yes, at least half of us are 21 or younger right nowNo, most of us are over 21
Let us know that you're a carbon-based life form:*
Next you'll upload media, answer Q's about your band (or yourself, if a solo performer), and pay your application fee.

If you don't see an orange "Continue..." button below, double check to make sure you've answered all the Q's above.

When you hit "Continue" you'll be sent an intial confirmation email to the address you entered above. It will have a link allowing you to continue your saved application at any time in the future. It is NOT an indication that your application is complete.

Once you submit your complete application, you will receive an actual confirmation email. Note: It's best to apply on a computer vs on your phone. You'll need to upload files and we recommend copying/saving your answers in a separate document as you go (in case you have a technical issue or need to pause your work and return later).
While you apply, why not listen to Live at Bitter Jester, vol. 01! We'll be recording vol. 04 this summer... and YOU could be on it!
The 2024 Bitter Jester Music Fest Team!
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The 2025 Bitter Jester Music Fest Application Begins Here...