Up-and-coming country music phenomenon the Poverty Neck Hillbillies will bring theirHillbilly State of Mindto the WVU Mountainlair ballrooms Saturday, Oct. 21. Tickets are on sale now for the 8:30 p.m. performance.

The Poverty Neck Hillbillies are a seven-member band from the outskirts of Pittsburgh. They have a developed a strong regional fan base and are gaining national attention with their breakthrough singlesThe Hillbilly WayandMr. Right Now.The Country Music Association named the group one of thetop independent artists of 2005.

Lead singer ChrisAbbyAbbondanzas vocals are a blend of deep, country twang with a hint of rock-and-roll gravel. His sound, combined with the bands powerful harmonies, makes the PovertyNeck Hillbillies unique in their genre.

Although the band recently signed with Rust Nashville, dont think the Poverty Neck Hillbillies only appeal to country music sensibilities. They are the first country act to reach the Graffiti Rock Challenge finals in the events 17-year history. Theofficial band of the Pittsburgh Steelers,the Hillbillies are quickly becoming one of country musics fastest rising stars.

General admission tickets are $15. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, and all Ticketmaster outlets (including the Giant Eagle in the Mountaineer Mall), online at ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster Phone Center at 304-292-0220.

This event is produced by WVU Arts&Entertainment.

For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW or visit us online atevents.wvu.edu.