Michael Berg

Wow… on May 15th, 1935, my grandfather had a dream — a vision to change the world through music. With passion, innovation, and heart, he founded Humes and Berg Mfg Co Inc and began crafting the legendary New Stone Lined mutes for the Glenn Miller Orchestra, helping shape the sound of the Big Band Era itself. 91 years later, that dream still echoes around the world. A legacy built on family, craftsmanship, innovation, and the love of music continues stronger than ever. ❤️🥁 Est. 1935 — The sound lives on. -Michael Berg

Another RECORD-BREAKING YEAR for Bitter Jester Music Fest applications! In 2026 we received submissions from 555 individual musicians comprising nearly 150 groups representing 215 cities across 28 states + Canada & Thailand! 26% of this year’s applicants will be invited to perform in the festival with only 16.5% in competition. This event is a coveted performance opportunity for Showcase & Competition acts alike and we are SO pumped to reveal the lineup in about a week! Huge thank you to this year’s major sponsors: @enjoyhighlandpark @firstbankhp @hpcfil @bluegrasshp @sunsetfoods @elmorepedals @judyspizza @ludwigdrumshq @humesandberg / @mb_rules & @shure — Special shout-out to our partners @raviniafestival @navypierchicago @chicagobotanic @gremlenstudios @butcherboystudios @reelsoundschicago @valslist @steepravinebrewingco @curtscafe @secretworldbooks @harmonycoffeebar & @wholenotescoffeeco … we couldn’t do this without you. Also much love to @sweetwatersound & @valshalla for past support 🫶🏼 And thank you to EVERYONE who applied this year!! As a team of volunteers, y’all make our lives difficult in the BEST possible way - selections this time around were particularly brutal 😱😮‍💨🙏🏼 #bitterjestermusicfestival #discovernewmusic #supportyoungmusicians #musicfestival #battleofthebands This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

‼️HUGE NEWS‼️ If you’ve never applied to the Bitter Jester Music Fest, this is the year to do it! First Bank of Highland Park - a longtime BJMF sponsor providing all the cash prizes given to winning bands - just announced: In recognition of Bitter Jester’s TWENTY YEARS providing free concerts to the Highland Park & North Shore, IL, communities, First Bank of HP is not only increasing the Grand Prize from $2,000 to $3,000 🤯 … they’re also DOUBLING the 2nd and 3rd Place awards to $2,000 and $1,000 respectively!! 🤩 This is for 2026 ONLY, so if you haven’t yet applied and still want your chance, applications are open until Midnight on 4/15/26! 🤗 And all of this is in addition to Bitter Jester’s other incredible gear prizes from @humesandberg / @shure / @ludwigdrumshq / @sweetwatersound + multiple studio recording packages, performance opportunities @raviniafestival / @navypierchicago … plus getting pressed to vinyl @smashedplastic AND all the educational materials and networking available, too. 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest and best Bitter Jester summer ever! Apply Today: bit.ly/bjmfapp #bitterjestermusicfestival #prize #firstbankofhighlandpark #firstbankchicago #bigannouncement

This one means a lot. A custom kit built to reflect personality, expression, and individuality 💗 "The kit you designed for my son has truly made a positive difference in his daily life. The Electric Pink and Black with highlights of other vibrant splash colors and design not only reflect his personality but also make him feel special and included. He has embraced it with such joy, and it has become a wonderful tool for communication and fun." Honored to be a small part of that #worldautismday #sjc #sjcfamily #drums