Rock for Rescue with Evil Wayz at Vibe! All proceeds to benefit Tails of Hope. Suggested donation $20.

Rock for Rescue with Evil Wayz at Vibe! All proceeds to benefit Tails of Hope. Suggested donation $20.

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The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts (BJFA) is being spotlighted on the Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall located in the lobby of First Bank of Highland Park. The new exhibit highlights their mission to promote the benefits of the arts to the public and fosters economic growth through original music and theatrical productions that unite diverse artists, audiences, and local businesses.
BJFA&rsquo;s flagship music festival, The Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF), empowers youth at a critical time in their personal and artistic development by providing unparalleled educational, hands-on learning, and peer networking opportunities unavailable elsewhere. As the Midwest's largest professional music competition for emerging musicians (bands and solo artists alike), BJMF, supports and promotes young and up-and-coming talent from across the Midwest. The competition/concert series is built on a strong foundation of community while emboldening and empowering young performers at a critical time in their social and artistic development. 
"After nearly 20 years, the Bitter Jester Music Festival is still one of the best kept secrets in Highland Park but we are looking to change that. In the early years, BJMF was honestly little kids learning their instruments with a few good bands sprinkled throughout. We accepted everyone who applied. Fast forward to 2024 when we received submissions from 11 states and Canada but we will only be able to accept 27% of the entrants into the competition! What that means for the audience is that the music quality is through the roof. And with 40 artists being presented, you will literally discover your next favorite band at Bitter Jester,&rdquo; said Nicolas DeGrazia, Founder/Producer, Bitter Jester Music Fest.
The event has four preliminary competitions on consecutive weekends in June at Port Clinton Square in downtown Highland Park, IL. A winner is selected by qualified judges each night to compete in the Grand Finale Concert. After all four preliminary competitions, Bitter Jester Producers decide on four "Wild Cards" - bands/solo artists who will also compete for the title at a big Grand Finale concert. Showcase bands are also selected to perform on the Bitter Jester Mobile Stage prior to the Grand Finale battle. An annual "Best Of" takes places each Labor Day at the Beer Garden on Navy Pier.
Nic says &ldquo;The best part is there's so much variety each night, between the bands and solo artists, that every half hour you're in for something fresh and exciting! It makes the time pass quickly and encourages people to listen outside their normal comfort zones. Plus, with craft beer, wine, and food available, what's not to love on a warm summer's evening in Downtown Highland Park?" 
The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts exhibit is located in the bank lobby and will be open to the public during regular business hours throughout the month of May. For more information about The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts or to sign-up for their newsletter, visit <a href="https://www.bitterjesterfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bitterjesterfoundation.org/</a> or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BitterJesterBattle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bitterjester_musicfestival" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. 
ABOUT RUTH FELL WANDER COMMUNITY ART WALL
The Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall was created in 2002 in memory of Bank Director, Ruth Fell Wander. The art wall showcases novice artwork from local non-profit organizations and provides visibility to the various resources and services offered throughout the community. For more information call 847-432-7800 or visit <a href="http://www.firstbankhp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.firstbankhp.com</a>.
ABOUT FIRST BANK OF HIGHLAND PARK 
First Bank of Highland Park, a Division of First Bank Chicago, provides full-service banking solutions for commercial and consumer clients throughout Chicagoland. With over 65 years of banking history, First Bank ranks as one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago. Our experienced bankers utilize our personal service model to provide customized banking solutions without the bureaucracy of the megabanks.&#8239; First Bank&rsquo;s deep culture of caring includes giving time, talent, and resources to all corners of our community.&#8239; Our bank has been named as one of the &ldquo;Best Places to Work&rdquo; by Crain&rsquo;s Chicago Business in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. To learn more about the First Bank of Highland Park, visit <a href="http://www.firstbankhp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.firstbankhp.com</a>.

Empowering Youth Through Music

The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts (BJFA) is being spotlighted on the Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall located in the lobby of First Bank...

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