- Genre :: Bluegrass
- Listen :: Insomnia | Moustache of Justice | ASP
- View :: Band Website
- Download :: Hi-Res Image
The Student Loan (Portland, OR) brings a fresh voice to the world of American folk music. With a sound both familiar and innovative, this progressive bluegrass quartet incorporates jazz, rock, jam, and classical styles, reaching new musical heights through original songwriting and methods. Since their formation in 2005, The Student Loan has been testing audiences’ perceptions of bluegrass and newgrass music, with a unique sound that defies genre distinctions. Better described as an acoustic jam band, The Student Loan delivers high energy performances leaving the audiences singing and dancing. Notable performances include Java Jazz Festival in 2009, Appalachian Uprising Bluegrass Festival in 2008 and Black Swamp Arts Festival in 2007. In 2009, the ensemble toured with The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad in Southeast Asia and with the State Department’s Musical Overtures program in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Liz Chibucos (guitar, violin and vocals), born in DeKalb, Illinois, was classically trained on piano at a young age. Chibucos’ contributions to The Student Loan include performance on guitar, violin and vocals. She has also written several songs for the band, including "Don't Bring Me Down” from the band's debut album, Wake Up to The Student Loan, and "Insomnia" off of its sophomore release, A New and Different Life. Chibucos attended Bowling Green State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in world music with a special emphasis on American music.
Mark Gerolami (banjo, guitar and vocals), raised in Bloomfield, New York, was exposed to a broad range of musical styles early in life. Performance credits include working with Bowling Green State University Afro-Caribbean Dance Ensemble, and the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble, the Crane School of Music Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band, jazz trio Avogadro and the Moles, and folk music group Norton and the Anthologies. Gerolami has travelled to Ghana where he studied traditional West African drumming and dance. He received bachelor’s degrees in music education and history from S.U.N.Y. Potsdam, and he completed a master’s degree in ethnomusicology at Bowling Green State University focusing research on issues of class and music.
Sam Howard (bass) is a bass player and composer. Originally from Wyoming, he often travels the country, playing with and learning from local musicians. He began playing classical double bass and electric bass at age 12. While attending the University of Miami, he played in many groups and performed and toured with the original funk/rock/fusion group Active Ingredients. In 2004, Howard moved to New York City where he became part of the vibrant New York City music scene working with a variety of musicians including guitarist Woody Quinn and drummer Russ Kleiner. Since relocating to Portland, Oregon he has continued to focus on composing and playing great music.
Chad Kimbler (mandolin and vocals) was born and raised in West Virginia. Around the age of ten and influenced by a wide range of musical styles, Kimbler started composing music for both garage bands and classical ensembles. As he was studying music, he began to mix elements of his youth: the details of classical music, the speed and power of heavy metal, and the improvised openness of jazz and jam bands. Today, Kimbler composes music in both classical and popular styles. Kimbler has received two degrees in music composition, a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University.
