PovertyNeck Hillbillies call it quits after 4 leave

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

The PovertyNeck Hillbillies are dead in the water after four members of the country music band decided to leave. But Chris Higbee, the group’s founder and visionary, expressed optimism that the act will return with a new lineup.

“After seven years of extensive performing in support of our albums and fans, we have decided to take a break of indefinite length,” said Chris Higbee, PNH founder, in a message posted on the band’s Web site.

According to Higbee’s statement, the four members who quit are singer Chris “Abby” Abbondanza, bassist Jeff Volek, guitarist David “Junior” Guthrie and keyboardist Dave Cramer.

The Pittsburgh-area act was formed by Higbee in 2000, and developed a large fan base in the Youngstown area. In 2006, it released the CD “Don’t Look Back” to national distribution. The album spawned the single “Mr. Right Now,” which was made into a video starring Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

While the band once seemed on the cusp of expanding its popularity beyond the region, it never happened.

Dave Steele, program director of Youngstown country radio station K-105, was instrumental in getting the band signed to its first record contract with Rust Records of Cleveland. PNH left Rust in 2007.

“Having been through — and then out of — a record deal, the members probably had some differing ideologies as to what direction to take,” Steele told The Vindicator.

In his statement, Higbee defended his handling of the band and hinted at a reconstituted PNH in the future:

“As with the impending end of any relationship, hurt feelings and frustration may prompt negative statements, rumors or speculation.

“I had a passion and a vision to form the PovertyNeck Hillbillies and each of us were dedicated to the success of PNH. Life on the road, as a member of a band, requires a lot of continued personal sacrifice and perseverance.

“As the owner of the PNH, I want our fans to know that I have managed the band with honesty and integrity — it has truly been my life’s work. I will be re-evaluating the level of commitment required for individuals to continue in the band and will let our fans know once the future of PNH is determined. The make-up of the band may change; but it is my intention for the PovertyNeck Hillbillies to continue performing and entertaining our fans in the future.”