bitter liberals | Apothecary Shed

in the studio again with the bitter liberals

May 28, 2013

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Yesterday was a perfect day to record some music. Overcast, kinda muggy. We were inside all wired up to the recording borg at National Media in Front Royal.

The Bitter Liberals are collaborating with Clark Hansbarger on a Civil War project titled “Vicksburg” which is a collection of songs about the civil war that Clark wrote and is producing. Eventually they will end up on a website as an interactive project combining lectures/anecdotes and songs. We hear there will be a tour.

From what we played yesterday in the studio, I can’t wait for this project to come to fruition. The songs are magical and very evocative. We had a blast.

gem in the studio

gem Plays Mando

May 13, 2013

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Sketch by Joel Winstead.

For more sketches from the Bitter Liberals show in Purcellville, click here.

The Bitter Liberals in Purcellville VA this Saturday 5.11.13

May 8, 2013

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Come see the Bitter Liberals show in Purcellville on Saturday. We need us an audience. The venue holds 200!

I wrote my very first song (it’s about Newtown) and we’re going to perform it. The rest of the Bitter Liberals seem to like it, so that’s a good sign. When we debuted it in Richmond, it made some of the audience members cry. It’s called “Sacrificial Lambs.”

Where’s Aubrey and the Bitter Liberals in Berryville

February 17, 2013

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The 2.16.13 Where’s Aubrey Berryville show for the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center was a blast! An enthusiastic audience of just over 100 people raised $1145 for charity.

Rhine Singleton of Where’s Aubrey.

Aubrey himself, and Amy Barley.

Much fun was had by all.

Gary McGraw (mandolin) and Rhine Singleton (guitar) of Where’s Aubrey

The Bitter Liberals joined Where’s Aubrey for for six songs in the second set, including Has is Ever Been This Good.

Blue guitars. (photo by Amy Barley)

Thanks to Michael Hobert for the video and photography.

Where’s Aubrey in the Winchester Star

February 15, 2013

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A story in the Winchester Star about the upcoming Where’s Aubrey benefit for the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center at the Barns of Rose Hill (Saturday night, get tickets here) prominently features two bands: Where’s Aubrey and the Bitter Liberals.

Great coverage for the benefit. Hope to see you there.

Winchester Star article from 2.14.13 features the Bitter Liberals and Where’s Aubrey

poster by April Claggett

Where’s Aubrey in Berryville 2.16.13 Includes Special Guests

February 11, 2013

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The Where’s Aubrey benefit concert this Saturday in Berryville will include many special guests.

Before the show from 6:30-7:15, the wild animal ambassadors from the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (hawks, owls, foxes and skunks) will make a special appearance at the Barns of Rose Hill. Please come see them! The doors for the concert will open at 7. Show starts at 7:30.

We plan to play 22 all original songs for you as we raise money for the superb work of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center . (Special note, we’ll play 4 of our songs together with the Bitter Liberals during set 2).

BUY TICKETS NOW. This show is likely to sell out.

Music from six original CDs.

Poster by April Claggett.

Music inspired by Kandinsky.

WHO: Where’s Aubrey
MUSICIANS: Gary McGraw (fiddle/mandolin) and Rhine Singleton (guitar)
WHEN: Saturday February 16, 2013, doors open at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
WHERE: Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville, VA
TICKETS: Reservations, $15 adults, $5 children.

When the Night Will Let Me: The Bitter Liberals

January 23, 2013

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From The Bitter Liberals CD 13

As you know, almost all of the songs we write tell stories. We want to share those stories with you. So we’re posting the story behind the story for each song on 13 on our website for you to read. The plan is to feature one song each week for the next 12 weeks.

Read the story behind When the Night Will Let Me as related by Clark Hansbarger:
http://thebitterliberals.com/2013/01/23/the-story-behind-when-the-night-will-let-me/

Clark does a great job describing what happens as a song evolves when it hits musica. My favorite part of the song is the 4 part harmony on the simple chorus. Delicious.

13 Years: The Bitter Liberals

January 16, 2013

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From The Bitter Liberals CD 13

Almost all of the songs The Bitter Liberals write tell stories. We want to share those stories with you. We’ll post the story behind the story for each song on 13 on our blog for you to read. The plan is to feature one song each week for the next 13 weeks.

As the heart of the CD, the song 13 Years is first up. See:
http://thebitterliberals.com/2013/01/16/the-story-behind-13-years/

I know 13 Years is a very personal song and I am positive that people will be
floored by the story behind the song. I know I am. And I can also honestly say that I am
incredibly thankful to be collaborating with allen. Any small role I played in busting the dam is an honor.

Read the lyrics to 13 Years.

Hey, You, Look Over There

January 3, 2013

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The Bitter Liberals have their own website now.

http://thebitterliberals.com/

Thank you for surfing apothecaryshed

Bitter Liberals to Release CD 1.5.13

December 23, 2012

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The Bitter Liberals will release “13” a brand new CD of all original music at the January 5th concert at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville. Here is a sneak peak at the front cover of the CD:

WHO: Bitter Liberals
MUSICIANS: Allen Kitselman (guitar), Mike Jewell (conga), Clark Hansbarger (guitar), Gary McGraw (fiddle)
WHEN: Saturday January 5, 2013, doors open at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
WHERE: Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville, VA
TICKETS: Reservations, $10 adults Buy tickets on the net.

The concert is open to the public. Please help us spread the word.

The Bitter Liberals is a band of focused concentration and joyful collaboration, encompassing many years of musical experience. The Bitter Liberals plays all original music of texture and maturity, featuring rich story-telling, fine vocals, and the seasoned musicianship of Allen Kitselman, Mike Jewell, Clark Hansbarger, and Gary McGraw.

Pre-release tracks here!

See the new Bitter Liberals website featuring the CD 13.

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