Tamulevich Artist Management
Proud to represent some of the most significant voices in acoustic musicRobert Jones & Matt Watroba
“Wow! I’ve been escorting our concert artists for perhaps 12 years now and the performance at BES was one of the best. Robert Jones & Matt Watroba had grades 3-5, plus the classes for children requiring special services, “eating out of their hands.” They even added the fiddle and the banjo to their repertoire. The nearly 200 kids and staff were all in motion singing and tapping along. They even visited Deb’s pre-kgn. class and sang “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” to the sheer delight of some 15 four year olds (and to this 78 year old, E-I-E-I-O.) What a blast! “
Ever since their first meeting, over twenty years ago, Robert Jones and Matt Watroba have been musical partners. Their relationship started when they hosted back-to-back radio shows on WDET-FM, Detroit. Later on they started performing together and in doing so discovered a friendship based on mutual respect and a love for traditional American music. Now Matt and Robert literally travel the nation extolling the virtues of “Music That Matters”.
“This show delivers a wonderful and powerful message of love, friendship, tolerance: where we have been, where we are, and hopefully where we can go. It is a walk through the roots and history of American music that not only educates, but entertains. Robert and Matt are consummate professionals, and always a joy to work with. Children and teachers love this interactive show, and the evaluations I get are enthusiastic endorsements and requests to present it again.”
My favorite visual is when, towards the end of a show, Matt said “and if it wasn’t for all that has happened; all we’ve been singing about today, I couldn’t be here on stage with my best friend, Robert Jones.” In the audience I saw two little girls, one Asian, one Caucasian, turn and look each other in the eyes for a moment, and then throw their arms around each other and hug: that is what its all about!” – Jennifer Tobin, Arts Coord, Village Theater of Canton
For Matt and Robert, American Roots Music (Folk, Blues, Spirituals, Work Songs, Chants, etc.) is music that matters. This is the music that America and the world have in common. It is music that reflects history, social change, migration, hopes and dreams. It is music that is rich and diverse, direct and powerful.
Robert & Matt have performed this powerful program at hundreds of schools, festivals, coffeehouses, and conferences, to resounding acclaim.
More Testimonials
“The Best Assembly ever…!”
“You were wonderful! Your music and messages were just what our students needed to hear. You clearly know how to work with and relate to young people.” – Kathleen Kryza,Teacher Leader for Talent Development/Differentiated Instruction, Huron Valley Schools
“Anyone who has ever heard Robert Jones and Matt Watroba perform knows that they can keep an audience spellbound with their music and their wit. It’s not until one sees them teach that the breadth of their knowledge and their ability to inspire an audience becomes apparent.” – Judy Gardner, Project Manager, Henry Ford Community College
“As the staff sponsor of the student diversity counsel I found many bridges built through the sharing of your music with our students. Our school can hardly wait for your return” – Howell High School, Faculty Advisor
NERFA Official Showcase (North East Regional Folk Alliance)
Robert & Matt have established an exciting new non-profit program called Common Chords. For more info visit https://commonchords.net