The U.S. Embassy Welcomes the Electric Bluegrass Band, “The Student Loan,” to Thailand as Part of the Rhythm Road Music Abroad Program

February 10, 2009

The Student Loan

The U.S. Embassy is proud to welcome “The Student Loan” an electric four-piece bluegrass/newgrass band, to Thailand as part of The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program.  The band, originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, but now based in Portland, Oregon, will hold three special performances in Pitsanuloke, Phrae, and Bangkok.  These exciting musical events are open to public and admissions is free.  Dates, times, and venues of the concerts are as follows:

• Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
  Venue: The performance will held at QS Building, Naresuan University, Pitsanuloke.  Interested music lovers should contact the International Relations Office of the Naresuan University at 055-968-317 for reservations.
• Thursday, February 19, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
  Venue: The performance will held at the Phrae Provincial Office of Non-formal and Information Education.  This is an outdoor event.  For more information, contact the Phrae Provincial Office at 054-511-677 or Phrae Countural Council at 054-625-873 and 054-625-496 ext. 108.
• Friday, February 20, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
  Venue: The performance will take place at Discovery Plaza, located outdoors between Siam Discovery and Siam Center, Rama I Road, Bangkok.  This is an open event for general public.  No ticket are required.

Mixing elements of traditional bluegrass and folk music with rock, jazz, and blues, The Student Loan has a sound that defies genre and is both familiar and new.  The band comprises of Liz Chibucos (guitar, violin, and vocals), Mark Gerolami (banjo, guitar, and vocals), Julio Appling (bass and vocals), and Chad Kimbler (mandolin and vocals).

The Student Loan will visit Thailand as part of The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program, a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.s. Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide.