La Villa strangiato

Robert grew up in the Rock and Roll Capital of the World - Cleveland, Ohio. He started playing guitar when he was 13. He found an old acoustic guitar in his father's closet that had a Mel-Bay book with it and began learning on his own. The guitar was old and a little beat up, the strings were extremely high off the fret board which made playing difficult. Robert kept at it though. His father watched him struggle for nearly a year and then bought him his first electric guitar for his 15th birthday; a G&L telecaster which he still has today.

Robert quickly progressed on the guitar from that point. He formed a RUSH cover band with his best friend who was an incredible bassist. The band was aptly named Freewill. He played in random garages and basements throughout high school.

Robert has worked for an Airline since 1988 and has progressed upwards into the leadership ranks. In 1995 the airline transferred him to NC where he has settled down. Robert met his wife Christi in 2006 and quickly became a step father to 3 children, David, Aaron, and Stella. In 2008 their son Alex was born. Alex is a frequent on stage addition to Old Play and is learning the drums as well.

Robert has a music/business degree from NCCU and an MBA from NCSU. He also holds a PMP certification.

Robert enjoys hanging with the family, rock climbing, football, fishing, movies, and music. Robert enjoys rock, classical, jazz, and reggae.

Fun fact, Robert took his 7 year old son to see the last RUSH show ensuring his upbringing was set on the correct path.