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. Named after a neighborhood in their hometown, “Squirrel Hill, of course,” Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth’s CDs have receive airplay all 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.
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.
"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
"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
"The Squirrel Hillbillies provided a wonderful opening set at the Carnegie Lecture Hall. The crowd loved them."
Patricia Tanner, former Executive Director of Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, 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."
Lewis Jones, Host, D3W3 Alton Folk and Roots Club, Alton, England
“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