May 25, 2003 4 min read

GREENSBURG – The Povertyneck Hillbillies, the region’s hottest country band, will open for The Oak Ridge Boys at Greensburg’s Palace Theatre on Friday, June 6, with shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The event is presented by Latshaw Productions. Tickets are available by calling The Palace Theatre Box Office at 724-836-8000. The Palace Theatre is located at 21 W. Otterman St. Greensburg.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry.

Their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have spawned dozens of country hits and a number-one pop smash. Their music has earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades.

Every time they step before an audience, the Oak Ridge Boys bring 15 years of hits and 50 years of tradition to bear on a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. Each member remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.

“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys,” said lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only job I’ve ever wanted to have.”

“Like everyone else in the group,” adds bass singer extraordinaire Richard Sterban, “I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member. I’m still a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”

The two, along with tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden, comprise one of country’s legendary acts.

Their string of hits includes the pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River” and many others.

They’ve scored 10 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album, one double platinum single, and had more than a dozen national number-one singles.

The Oak Ridge Boys represent a tradition that extends back to 1943. The original group, based in Knoxville, Tenn., began performing country and gospel music in nearby Oak Ridge where the atomic bomb was being developed.

They called themselves the Oak Ridge Quartet, and they began regular Grand Ole Opry appearances in the fall of 1945. In the mid-1950s, they were featured in Time magazine as one of the top drawing gospel groups in the nation.

The Povertyneck Hillbillies, six talented musicians from western Pennsylvania, are skyrocketing their way to the top.

Band members include Chris Higbee on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjoy and vocals; Chris (Abby) Abbondanza on lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitar; Dave Cramer on keyboards and vocals; Ryan Lucotch on drums; Bob (Crafty) Crafton on pedal, steel and electric guitar; and Jeff Volek on bass, accordion and vocals.

The band drew the biggest crowds at the Fayette County Fair since country star Toby Keith performed.

“Country with attitude” is how the Hillbillies describe their performances.

Taking their cues from the audience, the band ensures that no two shows are ever the same. It isn’t uncommon to find one of the band members up on a table, bar, roof or even a bridge at some of the outdoor shows.

Youngsters at fairs and festivals are often delighted to find themselves encouraged to join the Hillbillies on stage.

The Povertyneck Hillbillies play top-40 country hits, with the occasional rock cover song thrown in, as well as several original song, most penned by band members.

In March 2003, the Hillbillies advanced to the finals of the Graffiti Rock Challenge in Pittsburgh, becoming the first mainstream country act to reach the finals in the event’s 17-year history.

Last year, the band won both the second annual Sleepy Hollow Battle of the Bands and the Colgate Country Showdown in Waynesburg. They also hosted, coordinated and organized the 2001 Attack on America benefit and the 2002 Frosty’s Hillbilly Jamboree benefit.