The Purcellville show almost didn’t happen. Allen sent a text message Saturday morning that simply said “I have laryngitis.” Instead of panicking, we decided not to decide how to proceed until the 4:30 sound check. By then, endless steam baths, a fistful of drugs, no talking or whispering, and a shot of bourbon made things at least work for Allen. So we played the show. And boy are we glad we did.

Richmond phenom and all around incredible musician Charles Arthur opened the show and wowed the crowd. He played guitar, he played himself, he played some mysterious instrument that nobody remembers the name of. He was just plain outstanding. And we were inspired.

Here is what we saw from our backstage position, mouths agape.

Our trusty sketch artist friend Joel Winstead was inspired too. He drew this picture of Charles playing the whatever-it-is.

Needless to say, Charles is a tough act to follow. So we simply added him right into the show. Charles makes a superb “fifth liberal” as Mike says.

Joel also sketched the Bitter Liberals.

So there was inspiration all around. But the best was yet to come. Montana Cochran was seated behind Joel watching him live sketch. Inspired, she asked her mom for some paper and a pencil during the show. Here’s what Montana drew.

These are definitely our most favorite pictures of the show.

We love playing for you all. Thanks for supporting our original music.