"This is how we feel tonight," quipped Jon Langford as he and his fellow Waco Brothers launched into an impassioned rendition of "The Death of Country Music" before a capacity crowd at Chicago's legendary Schubas. Prompting Langford's mournful invocation was the imminent departure of Schubas talent buyer Anastasia Davies|, a woman whose reputation for warmth, fairness, and a golden ear had helped transform the intimate venue into one of the most respected music rooms in the country.

Headlined by Bloodshot recording artists The Waco Brothers, the four-hour lovefest featured guest performances from many talented artists that graced the stage during Anastasia's nearly five-year reign. Perhaps the highlight of the evening came from Robbie Fulks, a local boy and Schubas regular who recently signed to Geffen. Alternately crooning and roaring, Fulks delivered a show-stopping rendition of "Anastasia," a hilarious tribute song he and his bandmates had written earlier in the afternoon.

Dag Juhlin (guitarist for Poi Dog Pondering and The Slugs) and Syd Straw also won a warm response for their performance of "Anastasia Davies, Go Your Own Way," performed to the tune of the Fleetwood Mac hit of a similar name.

Other notable performers included Jason Narducy and Allison Chelsey (of Verbow), Chris Mills, members of Poi Dog Pondering, the hilarious Plunging Necklines (who melded "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" with the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated") and Dolly Varden.

Davies took the stage briefly to thank the crowd for their longtime support of quality music, celebrated her Schubas colleagues as her "family" and lavished praise on the assembled artists. "You're more than people I work with...you've become my friends," she told them, her voice cracking with combined sadness and joy while tears welled up in her eyes. A great send-off party indeed. (Scott Hess)