Chris Higbee grew up a farm boy with a musical curiosity and a diligent mother and father. That curiosity quickly became a passion that drives his dreams. The diligent father, "Frosty" Higbee, saw to it that practicing his fiddle kept high priority along the way.
Due to that dedication, Higbee founded the "PovertyNeck Hillbillies" (PNH). PNH delivered uniquely wild and energetic concerts across the country on stages, rooftops, and anything else he could fathom a way to play from! PNH performed for 7 years; it released a 2 nationally rated video "Mr. Right Now" starring "Big Ben" Roethlisburger, acquired an international fan base, and distributed two records.
Higbee graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001 with a BA in Musical Education. Though a talented artist, Higbee also participates in other angles of music and the industry. Aside from performing on stage, he teaches violin lessons to private students, is a songwriter and studio musician, and runs a production company. Higbee currently works with artists and labels doing consultation work.
For many years now, Higbee takes every opportunity to be involved in benefits to support charity work. One such event holds much sentiment for Higbee. In memory of Higbee's late father, Frosty's Hillbilly Jamboree occurs every fall to raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Higbee plans the day to incorporate numerous acts and vendors to provide a complete day of fun and a variety of entertainment, while supporting a more than worthy cause. Most recently, the fiddler was on the roof in support of Multiple Sclerosis. Higbee spent 72 hours on the roof of the Moose in Perryopolis, PA, in single digit weather. He then performed an acoustic set for donators and did some guest bartending to raise money for the charity. In his free time, Higbee enjoys time with his family and dogs, golfing, scuba diving, hunting, riding quads, weight lifting, and trying just about any extreme sport opportunity that arises. He also enjoys his community and small town life. This year his church asked him to put together a Christmas Eve show. He produced a full-blown concert, showcasing the talent of most local artists, that truly blessed the congregation and himself. He's been asked for an encore performance next year!
Higbee started and performs in a new act, the "Chris Higbee Project." This band combines the talent and passion of several diverse musicians with countless influences, which provides a one of a kind show to entertain everyone! The Chris Higbee Project blends some of Higbee's lifelong friends with some brilliant newcomers. Childhood friend and initial lead singer of PNH Les Philburn sings some lead vocals and harmonies. Former band mate and friend (from rock band "Drastic Measures") Mark Vinsick plays lead guitar and back up harmonies. Close friend and fellow songwriter Jay McKnight plays bass and lead guitar and sings back up vocals. Lifelong friend and cousin Troy Williams plays guitar. Larry Shotter from Uniontown, has been playing drums for 12 years and has played in bands all over the area. A native to wild and wonderful West Virginia, Nate Strasser will be playing keys. Nate currently is going to WVU for music performance with a jazz emphasis.
At the Pirate's Home Opener with Donny Iris!
Join Team Higbee!!
Make sure to check out ChrisHigbee.com for more information!
