In the absence of a Will Smith Independence Day blockbuster film, TFP took it upon themselves to entertain America. In the absence of a record label or large corporation to distribute us instantaneously and internationally to all of America, we had to confine ourselves to Pennyslvania. Not all of it, but most of it.

Pennsylvania is known prominently for its chocolate and its Dutch communities. There are few places in the world where one can go to a huge amusement park, do some outlet mall shopping, tour a chocolate factory and then buy some handmade, Amish furniture. This is just another day in Lancaster County. There something about this community that’s akin to the east coast. The people are friendlier, the sun is brighter, the air is better.

The Free Press at Freedom Fest in Lancaster, PA on July 4.

Freedom Fest is an outdoor celebration of America’s birthday now in its 7th year, so we were pretty honoured to be included in such an occasion. They set up two stages at either end of a pedestrian street/walk that was lined with bars. It's the kind of thing that we can only find in Montreal or Quebec City. A shame there's not more of it because it makes for a fantastic atmosphere.

We invited back to Lancaster on the strength of our shows we played at the Launch Music festival back in April. A wonderful business man, musician, manager and human named Jeremy Weiss was instrumental in both trips. He’s the guy who – having just seen our show – gave us the gem, “That was…fucking religious.” He brought his brother–in-law, Tom (also a super nice guy), to Freedom Fest. Loquaciousness must be taught within the family, because after we finished our set, Tom was heard to say, “If you don’t feel something when you watch those guys…you are not alive.”

The (G)Len(n) doing that thing he does with the music at Freedom Fest.

We felt pretty good about the show, but after a while the shows sort of melt together. However, getting the chance to talk to fans or fellow musicians are the things that linger long after. In this case, we’ll take kind words like that with us to our graves. Thanks to the USA for a hell of a birthday bash. And thanks to Will Smith for giving us a chance to shine.

Dallas doing something along the lines of making music at Freedom Fest.