The Weepers

Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, The Weepers merge alternative country and folk traditions while relying on classic instruments that include fiddle, dobro, mandolin, and string bass. Their recordings span an eclectic spectrum of genres such as bluegrass, country, Celtic, old-timey, Western swing, surf, and pop. Primary songwriter Drew Howard, who handles vocals along with acoustic and pedal steel guitars, leads the lineup that also features fellow songwriter Tahmineh Gueramy on fiddle and vocals, Mike Cutler on mandolin and mandocello, Steve Szilagyi on bass, and Pat Bills on drums. The band issued its first album, Bitter Anger Constant Fear, in 1999 and followed it two years later with House of Love. Recorded in East Lansing, Michigan, the second album included contributions from regionally affiliated musicians Andy Wilson of Steppininit on harmonica and Mike Lynch of the Lash on accordion.