The Bitter Liberals sell out the Barns of Rose Hill every time they perform in Berryville, so get tickets early!

The Bitter Liberals play all original music, and as it turns out, they don’t have all that much to be bitter about.  A favorite at theaters and listening rooms throughout the mid-Atlantic region, The Bitter Liberals play all original music of texture and maturity, featuring rich storytelling, fine vocals, and the seasoned musicianship of Allen Kitselman, Clark Hansbarger, Gary McGraw, Michael Rohrer, and Nick Schrenk.

The Bitter Liberals have produced three CDs “13”, “Again”, and “Now More than Ever,” which together received six Wammie nominations from the Washington Area Music Association, including Best Duo/Group and Best Recording in the Folk-Contemporary category, Best New Artist and Best Debut Recording.  A live video of the song “People Gonna Rise Up” from their last show at the Barns  was used by Get Out the Vote during the 2018 elections.

The Bitter Liberals together combine over 250 years of performing experience. Allen Kitselman, a long time Councilman in Berryville, VA where the band is based, was the founding member of Genghis Angus, heard on Mountain Stage, MTV, and radio stations across the nation. Guitarist Clark Hansbarger, in addition to being an NEA Fellow, is a PEN Syndicated Fiction award winner.  Fiddle player Gary McGraw who has performed twice in Carnegie Hall in NYC as well as in many other venues all over the world is also a world-famous expert in computer security and the founder of the Berryville Institute of Machine Learning.  Bass player Michael Rohrer performs in numerous orchestras, in venues including the Kennedy Center and Constitution Hall. He is currently principal bass with the Loudoun Symphony and performs with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Washington Sinfonietta and the Symphony of the Potomac. Nick Schrenk on the drums, has played in a variety of musical projects including Jumptown, Oil Can Harry & the Dirty Squirts, Smokin’ In Bed and The Dominion Jazz Quartet.  Nick is a professional fine arts painter whose work is acclaimed.

We love playing our hometown venue.  Please join us.  Make sure to get your tickets today.

The Bitter Liberals in the groove.