Various – Bitter Jester Music Festival Vol 01 (LP-New)

This amazing double album was recorded live at Billy Corgan’s “Madame ZuZu’s” in Highland Park and features amazing music from the finalists of the 2022 Bitter Jester Music Festival along with some very special guest performances.  But, it is much more than that.  I think the best synopsis comes from a statement from Nicolas DeGrazia, founder of the Bitter Jester Music Festival.

 

“On the Fourth of July, 2022, a gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle climbed onto a rooftop overlooking my IL hometown’s parade and shot 55 people, murdering seven of them. What followed was panic, fear, sadness, anger, disgust, and eventually healing.

A small part of that healing process was the ultimate conclusion of an annual summer-long concert series, the Bitter Jester Music Festival. BJMF was historically the City of Highland Park’s annual music celebration leading up to the 4th of July fireworks.

I started BJMF in 2006 and have been proud to watch it grow in size and scope, attracting hundreds of talented performers from multiple states each year. But nothing made me prouder than to witness every single performer – all young musicians – who huddled with my staff and me under bleachers less than a mile from the shooting that day return to Highland Park to finish what they’d begun.

The rebooted Grand Finale Concert featured in this recording became a successful fundraiser for the Highland Park Business Recovery Fund. And, as the voices captured that day will say better than I can here, it was an uplifting reminder that music and the arts can and should always be part of our response to tragedy. This album is a symbol that we will never forget what happened or those who died as we all continue to mourn and heal.”

Nicolas DeGrazia
Founder/Producer, Bitter Jester Music Festival

See what others are saying about the album:

“What an emotional ride! From heartfelt speeches by community members to the vibrant spirit of the musical finalists, this recording captures a historic time for the City of Highland Park. Live at Bitter Jester Music Festival, vol. 01, respectfully commemorates the 2022 tragedy with the people of Highland Park while doing what the fest does best, connecting music fans with new favorite rising stars.”

Brian Shamie
Daily Herald/Chicago Sound Check

 

“The Bitter Jester Grand Finale is always an incredible concert with a bunch of future headliners. You do not want to miss it!”

Dash
101.9 FM The Mix, WTMX Chicago

 

*** THIS ALBUM WILL BE AVAILABLE THE BEGINNING OF JUNE ***

You may have this item shipped to you for $5 or you can select “Pickup at Bitter Jester Music Festival” and pay no shipping fee. We will have copies available at this year’s preliminary events on Jun 2, 3, 9, & 10 (Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035) and the Grand Finale on June 25 (The Lot, NW Corner of St Johns & Central Ave, Highland Park, IL, 60035)