The Seahawk

Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Courtesy of www.myspace/jonroberttour

During a music period when Justin is bringing sexy back and the Backstreet Boys need to change their name to the Backstreet Men, it is nice to hear a singer who is grounded and writes about everyday things -- someone like Jon Robert. Who is Jon Robert? That is exactly what the staff and customers who enjoy the regular performances Wednesday night at the Wild Wing Café in Wilmington were asking.

One of the waitresses said, "People keep calling asking who is playing tonight, and nobody knows who Jon Robert is."

They quickly learned that Jon Robert isn't just some random singer to fill the Wednesday night performance, but the real deal. The 24-year-old Boston-based artist has a soothing but powerful voice that goes well with his songs.

Robert decided that he wanted to be a performer right after high school.

He said, "Singing and performing is the only thing I see myself doing. I love it, and I want to do it all the time. Sure it has its ups and downs, but it's want I want to do."

Robert got his big break when he won MTV's Artist of the Week. Artist of the Week is a contest hosted by Epic Records designed to give under the radar artists a boost in their career. It certainly worked for Robert. He has toured with JoJo, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Disney's Aly and AJ and "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu.

He has also been invited to have a regular spot at the Jones Beach Amphitheatre on Long Island. He will sing on a monthly basis there.

Robert is a part of sellaband.com, which is a site designed to help artists raise money for an album. Fans can go to the site, pick an artist or two that they like and support them by paying $10. If the artist can find 5,000 supporters he then has $50,000 to create an album. In return, the supporter gets a limited edition of the CD and other special offers. Roberts already has $10,000 and is a Sellaband Top 20 Artist.

Jon Roberts said his CD should be available January or February of 2008. According to his MySpace page, the CD title will be "Tattooed Faith."

His sellaband.com page said the songs should be similar in style to his song, "Myself in You," which is on his MySpace page, myspace.com/jonroberttour. He also has three songs on iTunes.

Robert is now headed to Columbia, S.C., for his next performance, but he did enjoy his first time in Wilmington.

He said, "I've really liked Wilmington. Both the people and weather are nice."

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