I am prepping for the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis in mid January. I've been practicing & timing the tunes I'll be playing. And I've been working on the bio and photo for the IBC and its sponsor, the Blues Foundation.
I got tons of help for the photo from Heidi Ho Rosenbaum who took the photo of Ross 'n' Rose. I just cropped it as my headshot, and emailed it to my daughter Naomie. Naomie is a professional graphic artist (pretty convenient huh?) who worked her magic on to resize it and change the resolution to comply with IBC rules. How she does these things is above my pay grade.
Then I worked on writing a rough draft of the bio and sent it to my good pal Rafael Alvarez. Rafael has been a writer almost as long as I've been a musician. He wrote for the Baltimore Sun for decades, Mr. Baltimore. He also wrote for the HBO show, The Wire, and wrote the book too. He has written other books too. He knows how to dot an "i" and cross a "T". Ralphie polished my work and gave it a new spin.
Here's the photo and the short bio:

300DPI, 900 x 600

 

IBC Short Bio (109 words 595 characters)
"Robert Ross is a blues icon, one of the great blues spirits.”
So said legendary radio host Bob Fass of Radio Un-Nameable, echoing what thousands have learned over the years.
Ross is a 2020 IBC semi-finalist and two time New York Music Award winner. Johnny Winter recorded one of his songs. He has played with and learned from the best in the business. And he is a great blues singer and songwriter. Ross shines on guitar, slide and harmonica. He plays all kinds of blues. He has won awards & accolades and with nearly 50 years in the game is still chasing the brass ring. This is his moment.

Here's the gig calendar!

PLEASE NOTE
It is always a good idea to call a venue to confirm that we will in fact be appearing there. Sometimes there is a booking mixup. Also check with the venue about admission & cover charges, the wearing of mask & social distancing, presenting proof of vaccination, and to find out whether it is necessary to make a reservation. Thank you.

WANT ENTERTAINMENT FOR  A PRIVATE PARTY OR WEDDING?
Having a birthday or anniversary bash? Maybe a small dinner party? A large corporate party? Whatever event you are planning consider us. Send me an email reply with “PARTY” in the subject line. We'll get back to you.

GUITAR / BASS / HARMONICA  / VOCAL LESSONS
From award winning recording artist & seasoned educator Robert Ross
EMAIL: Bluesman@PROTECTED
I will be taking on a limited number of dedicated guitar, bass, vicakusts, and harmonica students regardless of age or current level of expertise.
Lessons are $40 per half hour, and $60 per hour. http://www.robertrossband.com/guitar-lessons

DO YOU WANT TO TIP ROBERT ROSS?
Venmo: RobertRossBand
PayPal: RobertRossBand