ABOUT
From deep within the urban forest of Pittsburgh's East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies often emerge to share their eclectic mix of acoustic roots music, spanning folk, country and blues. They have performed hundreds of shows across the US and the UK.
Through a collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories, and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible. Their CDs have gotten radio play on stations around the world.
Through a collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories, and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible. Their CDs have gotten radio play on stations around the world.
JENNY WOLSK (vocals, uke, mando, bass, percussion) grew up in Greenwich Village but was completely oblivious to the folk music scene raging just outside her front door. Instead, she listened to Casey Kasem's weekly countdowns and dabbled in musical theater, landing a starring role in an off-off-Broadway production of Heidi at the age of 10, a job that paid $12 per show, in cash. Her musical tastes matured during high school and in college she joined a co-ed accapella singing group, acquiring an ear for harmony, an interest in arranging music, and an appreciation for just how much abuse a voice can withstand before laryngitis sets in. She’s immersed herself in Americana now but she continues to derive way too much pleasure from singing along to popular music with her daughters.
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GARY CROUTH (vocals, guitar, uke) was born in a sleepy city in upstate New York at a time when the President was an army general and people talked seriously about bomb shelters and communists. His musical brain awoke around the 5th grade and he chose to play guitar, mainly because it looked nothing like an accordion, studying with a guitar master who recklessly drove a red Karmann Ghia and had once played with the Jackie Gleason Orchestra. Nepotism got him a his first gig, singing and playing banjo on a replica packet boat pulled by Belgian horses on the Erie Canal. His style is deeply rooted in the musical dirt of his past: traditional and contemporary acoustic music, early country, and sixties pop songs.
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Photo credit: Chiemi Karasawa
Photo credit: Derek Wahila
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Photo credit: Faith Selzer
Photo credit: Allan McMillan
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Photo credit: Faith Selzer
Photo credit: Lewis Jones
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What people are saying...
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... about the Squirrel Hillbillies' live performances:
"Disturbingly charming!"
rob Hinkal, artist (ilyAIMY) and audio/video engineer "I am always on the lookout for artists who play quality, original songs, deliver a solid performance, and make a genuine connection with an audience. The Squirrel Hillbillies meet all of these criteria." Linda Holsing, former Artistic Director, SongSpace at First Unitarian, Pittsburgh, PA "We had a tremendous night in the company of the Squirrel Hillbillies. Jenny and Gary left everyone spellbound and delighted at a memorable experience. This skilled duo will please audiences far and wide and is firmly in the 'must-see' category." Lewis Jones, Host, D3W3 Alton Folk and Roots Club, Alton, England "Whether singing one of their originals or a John Prine classic, the Squirrel Hillbillies fully engage their audience. Their wonderful harmonies and lively banter are a complete joy to behold." Rich Dieter, Founder/President of The Bridge Music Hall "Gosh, how good the Squirrel Hillbillies sound! Like they have been playing together forever." Larry Berger, Host, Saturday Light Brigade, Pittsburgh, PA “Jenny and Gary connected with everyone in the house through their fresh songs, lively playing, and engaging stories. We were hooked for the night.” Don Ash, Owner, Black-Eyed Susan Acoustic Cafe, Angelica, NY "The Squirrel Hillbillies provided a wonderful opening set at the Carnegie Lecture Hall. The crowd loved them." Patricia Tanner, Executive Director, Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, Pittsburgh, PA "We attract a diverse group of college students, professionals, retirees, tourists and families with children for our lunch time concerts in Schenley Plaza and everyone enjoys listening to Jenny and Gary." Jim Griffin, former Director of Facilities, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh, PA "The Squirrel Hillbillies were an absolute delight." Graham Holland, Host, Liverpool Acoustic, Liverpool, England "Laid-back Americana presented with charm and a touch of whimsical humour." David Ardus, Uxbridge Folk Club, Uxbridge, England "The Squirrel Hillbillies were excellent, performing two sets of quality songs." FaBclub, Grays, England "Jenny and Gary played to an appreciative audience who thoroughly enjoyed their performance, ending with calls for MORE!" Jeanie Gardiner, Secretary, Dunfermline Folk Club, Dunfermline, Scotland “These people are like genuine down home entertainers. Our crowd loved them and their phenomenal music.” Carl Katafiasz, Head of Adult Services, Livonia Public Library, Livonia, MI "Jenny and Gary had true 'organic chemistry' with our audience, which ranged in age from 5 to 85. Their original songs had toes tapping and hands clapping. We didn't want to let them leave!" Mary Beth Portley, Librarian, Jervis Public Library, Rome, NY "In addition to being talented and professional, Jenny and Gary bring positive energy and marvelous hometown pride to our musical events." Rita Botts, Librarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA "The Squirrel Hillbillies are not what one might expect from their name. We found a talented, sophisticated, acoustical duo, with wonderful harmonization, crisp instrumentals, and intriguing lyrics. Be prepared for a lovely evening." Paul Hill, Host, The Hill Chapel Concert Series, New Market, MD "The Squirrel Hillbillies' charm and warmth made me want to wrap them up and keep them here. We've adopted this duo into our circle of family and friends." Deb Cheplic, Host, Silver Maple House Concerts, New Eagle, PA "The Squirrel Hillbillies rank high on my list of outstanding performers. This was a concert I did not want to see end." Sue Hannibal, Host, Cleveland Heights House Concerts, Cleveland Heights, OH "We're nuts about the Squirrel Hillbillies!" Tiffany Emig, former Manager, Pittsburgh Public Market, Pittsburgh, PA |
...about the Squirrel Hillbillies' studio recordings:
"Well-crafted tunes and spotless recording"
Andy Mulkerin, Music Editor, Pittsburgh City Paper "By turns thoughtful and silly, meditative and crushingly sad... Skillful musicianship and well-turned phrases make this a recording I'm excited to share!" Justin Helmer, Host of "Frets" on KVSC in St. Cloud, MN "Wonderfully clever, down to earth songs" Jim Fisher, Host of "Down Home Bluegrass and Folk" on WGCS in Goshen, IN "Earnest lyrics, gentle harmonies, and delicate acoustic musicianship" Scott Mervis, Music Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "An immediate easy-to-listen-to kind of project" Norm Mast, co-host of "The Back Porch" on WVPE in South Bend/Elkhart, IN "Jenny and Gary paint vivid pictures of life's characters and circumstances, writing delightful songs that touch your heart and make you smile." Jim Rogers, producer/host of "Modern Troubadours" on WIUP in Indiana, PA "Whimsical, fun... a front porch kind of listening experience" Joe Pszonek, host of "Radio Nowhere" on WMSC in Montclair, NJ "Keep an eye on this talented twosome" The Daily News, McKeesport "The Squirrel Hillbillies do Pittsburgh proud" Pittsburgh In Tune “It’s sit-around-sippin’-moonshine music.” Mark Rengers, Sewickley Gallery & Frame Shop |