The Jesters

The Jesters formed in Chicago, IL in the fall of 1995, guided by the simple mantra of “life’s too short.” Although their initial influences were strongly rooted in the ska scene, they soon began to incorporate bits of funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock, swing, and punk into their energetic live shows. Appearances on several different compilations soon followed, including the well- received “Everything-Off Beat” Benefit CD from Jump Up! Records. During that same year, the Jesters also released their first full-length CD, “Which is Nice…” and continued playing venues  such as the House of Blues, the Cubby Bear, and the Metro. They went on to release a second full-length album, Everybody Loves a Chimp, in September of 2002, and have recorded and released several demos and additional songs since that time.A band that has lasted for this long is bound to undergo some member changes and the Jesters are no exception. Each member change has brought new influences and personalities to the band, as well as a forever-growing costume wardrobe. This has allowed them to hone both their increasingly diverse sound and their dynamic live show. With a steady rhythm section and screaming horns, the female-fronted Jesters continue to earn fans through their fun, eclectic style of music. Their live performances are an explosive, high-energy, in-your-face experience - offering up a healthy portion of hip-shaking grooves and comedic shtick.The Jesters have a varied repertoire of original songs and covers that are guaranteed to move the most stubborn and jaded crowd onto the dance floor. Often defying classification, the Jesters' music spans several different genres, ranging from funk to rock to ska to swing and more. This is due in large part to the many varied influences that each member brings to the band, culminating in a melting pot of original sound. The one common thread that unifies all of their songs is that they are fun and accessible.Their music has been played on several radio stations over the years as well as on college radio stations throughout the United States and the world. They continue to perform at a variety of venues around Chicago and the Midwest including the Elbo Room, the Cubby Bear and Durty Nellie’s. Times have changed over the many years that the Jesters have been together but their ever-present mantra of "life's too short" has remained consistent. They plan to deliver that message to a dance floor near you.

• http://www.jestersonline.com