With a distinct fusion of rock, folk, and americana roots, the music of the Deceptions captivates the audience with mature lyrics and diverse musicality. This eclectic ensemble of musicians has presented their unique brand of music to Pittsburgh venues such as Club Cafe, the Rex, the Hardrock Cafe, and the Thunderbird Cafe. Their songs illustrate the distinct lyrical styling of songwriters Jared Fretz and Dan Krofcheck. For nearly a decade this song writing team has been unwavering in their commitment to the revitalization of original American roots rock and roll. This tandem has produced a vast catalog of original titles, and has brought to life honest stories about transformation, uncertainty, new beginnings, and sometimes heartrending endings. Their music is unpredictable, and their catalog ranges from ethereal guitar-driven epics to folk-style mandolin and accordion driven sing-a-longs. Their sound is influenced by a multitude of artists including Ryan Adams, Wilco, the Old 97s, the Counting Crows, Johnny Cash, The Band, and Neil Young. The band's first full-length album, Sinner's Soul, was independently released in November 2009. The 10 track LP was produced by the Deceptions and recorded under the direction of engineer Doug Kasper at Soundscape Studios (Anti-Flag, Vibro-Kings, Ford Thurston). Mike Machosky of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review remarked that the record is a "well-written platter of roots rock, drawing from the Northern roots-rock tradition of Neil Young and The Band. The sturdy songs are mostly built around the acoustic guitar, but often expand with organ and accordion into soulful, panoramic epics." show less

The Weathered Road:

The Weathered Road is a series of words used to describe when an artist chooses their path. It has become a way of life apart from just a band name. There are some things we can do for money or for personal gain. We do what feels good. We do what feels right. That is the reward. The music grows as we grow as people, and we thank you for sharing in that experience with us.

The Weedrags:

The Weedrags create and sing the folk music of the Monongahela River Valley, songs for and from everywhere. Modern-day struggles in old-timey music. A remembrance of what was, for the hope of what is to come. The sense that we must keep reaching for more. Story-songs steeped in the tradition of John Prine, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams, with an emphasis on the "blue" side of bluegrass. Sung in the seamlessly blended, folksy blues sounds of Andy Gregg and Gary Antol.

The Weedrags formed in late 2010, with Andy Gregg on upright bass and mandolin, Gary Antol on guitar and mandolin, and Mark Snyder on the banjo.

Combining various influences from New Orleans swing to country, The Weedrags bring the idea of the power trio to AAppalachian bluegrass music. The deliver a cohesive blend of old-time styles, superior musicianship, and well-crafted original story songs in their high energy show.
http://www.reverbnation.com/theweedrags
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