The Squirrel Hillbillies

"Well-played folk music... nicely crafted" says Andy Mulkerin, music editor at Pittsburgh City Paper, in his review of the Squirrel Hillbillies' debut CD. (10/10/12) - Pittsburgh City Paper

"Well-played folk music... nicely crafted" says Andy Mulkerin, music editor at Pittsburgh City Paper, in his review of the Squirrel Hillbillies' debut CD. (10/10/12) - Pittsburgh City Paper

The Squirrel Hillbillies' debut CD has "earnest lyrics, gentle harmonies and delicate acoustic musicianship," according to Scott Mervis, music critic for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (9/27/12) - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Dear fellow presenter:

As the artistic director of SongSpace at First Unitarian -- a music series in Pittsburgh that showcases local, regional and national acts -- 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, and I am writing this reference letter on their behalf. I booked them as the opening act for a show featuring Joe Crookston in September 2012 and am very pleased with how everything turned out.

I first saw the Squirrel Hillbillies perform a couple years ago at an outdoor concert. At that time they'd only been playing together for a few months but had already developed a nice rapport with each other and had an extensive repertoire of familiar and lesser known covers. Soon after, they started writing their own music and now have a CD of all original songs. My interest in them grew after hearing them play at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference (NERFA) in 2011. Their influences are eclectic, spanning folk, country and blues, their voices blend beautifully, and they sing with just enough articulation to ensure that folks don't miss any of their clever and thoughtful lyrics.

In addition to being talented songwriters and musicians, duo partners Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth are professional, courteous and very friendly. You and your audiences would most definitely enjoy getting to know them and their music.

Regards,
Linda Holsing
Artistic Director, SongSpace at First Unitarian
www.uusongspace.com - SongSpace at First Unitarian

I have hosted many house concerts over the years featuring a wide variety of musicians. The Squirrel Hillbillies, beyond a doubt, rank high on my list of outstanding performers. Those who attended were equally enraptured by their talent, rapport, and genuine sincerity and enthusiasm. Their songs cover a range of styles—from humorous, to songs full of wisdom and poetry—and their voices blend beautifully. Jenny and Gary know how to intersperse their music with wonderful little stories. This was a concert I did not want to see end. The Squirrel Hillbillies are professional, yet very friendly and down-to-earth. I look forward to booking another house concert with them---and hope folks will seize the opportunity to do the same.

Sue Hannibal, house concert host, Cleveland Heights, OH - House Concert Host

I have hosted many house concerts over the years featuring a wide variety of musicians. The Squirrel Hillbillies, beyond a doubt, rank high on my list of outstanding performers. Those who attended were equally enraptured by their talent, rapport, and genuine sincerity and enthusiasm. Their songs cover a range of styles—from humorous, to songs full of wisdom and poetry—and their voices blend beautifully. Jenny and Gary know how to intersperse their music with wonderful little stories. This was a concert I did not want to see end. The Squirrel Hillbillies are professional, yet very friendly and down-to-earth. I look forward to booking another house concert with them---and hope folks will seize the opportunity to do the same.

Sue Hannibal, house concert host, Cleveland Heights, OH - House Concert Host