The return of this battle of the bands-style event comes on the two-month anniversary of the tragedy, but it returns with a different purpose.
They returned to Highland Park Sunday to do what they love for a community in need of love.
"Being a part of something that's re-inventing itself and we're kind taking back Highland Park," said Anthony Marvle, Exit 122 lead vocals and lead guitar.Fourth of July parade attackThe pop-punk group was one of over a dozen acts scheduled to perform that day before a gunman opened fire. "We heard the gunshots originally, so we kind of knew what was happening," said Jaydon Pokryfke, Exit 122 guitar and vocals."I think everybody is very respectful of the fact that there are people in the audience who are parade survivors. One of our judges was dodging bullets on Central Avenue," said Nicolas Degrazia, Bitter Jester Music Festival organizer.
Organizers say all of the acts originally scheduled to perform came back for the concert hosted by Madame Zuzu's. There will be 13 different artists performing, eight of them are competing for prize money and bragging rights."Just the fact that we got to do this is kind of a symbol of resilience as a community," said Alex Johnson, Summer Drive band guitarist. "How important the arts and music is important to all of us.
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