Musicians from all over Illinois and Wisconsin head to Chicagoland each year to compete at the Bitter Jester Music Festival. Artists compete for more than $30,000 and bragging rights as the “Grand Champion.” This year, the bands are competing in heats throughout June. The Grand Finale Concert is on July 4th in Highland Park. Festival founder and producer, Nic DeGrazia, says the event provides a platform for musicians to collaborate, network, and attract a fanbase. For this Friday’s Weekend Passport, we’ll hear two bands battle it out. The Browns will jam in WBEZ’s Jim and Kay Mabie Performance Studio, and Cooper Run will answer back with a couple of their best songs. We’ll also chat with DeGrazia, and lead singers Mariah Conway (The Browns), and Jack Thompson (Cooper Run). As always, global citizen Nari Safavi will give you a couple of picks to help you plan your international weekend!