A career in rhythm
Three decades of learning, leading, and drumming — told year by year. The path that led Robert from a music student in Chicago to the heartbeat of the Black Ensemble Theater.
Following the beat
Studies at Columbia College Chicago
Robert studies in the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago and cuts his teeth on local bandstands, learning the discipline that turns a good drummer into a bandleader.
Joins the Black Ensemble Theater
Robert becomes a central creative force at the Black Ensemble Theater — the beginning of a relationship that has now lasted more than three decades.
Named Resident Musical Director
Robert takes the chair as Resident Musical Director of the Black Ensemble Theater — leading every musical aspect of the company's productions: arranging, composing, transcribing, conducting the band, and playing.
Confessions of a P.I.M.P.
Robert plays drums for André De Shields' Confessions of a P.I.M.P. at Victory Gardens Theater — one of many collaborations beyond the Black Ensemble stage.
Rick Stone: The Blues Man
He directs the music for Rick Stone: The Blues Man at the Black Ensemble Theater, digging into the deep roots of the blues.
Award recognition grows
Over the course of his career, Robert earns seven Black Theater Alliance Awards and seven Jeff Award nominations for Best Music Director — honors spread across multiple seasons.
Pump Boys & Dinettes
Robert music-directs Pump Boys & Dinettes at Porchlight Music Theatre, bringing his signature groove to the roadside-diner songbook.
Two world premieres
He leads the music for the world premieres of Blue Heaven and Grandma's Jukebox at the Black Ensemble Theater, and directs Women of Soul at the Mercury Theater Chicago.
Shakespeare and soul
Robert stretches across genres — music-directing Twelfth Night for Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Shakes in the City, alongside The Other Cinderella and A Taste of Soul at the Black Ensemble Theater.
The Salon & Hitt Records
A busy season at the Black Ensemble Theater: the musical The Salon, the world premiere of Hitt Records, and Living in the Light — a run of new work and revues.
That's What Friends Are For
Robert directs the music for That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a revue celebrating three legendary voices.
The Jackie Wilson Story & Men of Soul
He opens the Black Ensemble Theater's 50th Anniversary Season with the biographical musical The Jackie Wilson Story, followed by the revue Men of Soul.
The R2Project takes the stage
Beyond the theater, Robert founds and tours with his own band, The R2Project — featuring Bonnie Phillips — bringing his sound to audiences outside the playhouse. He is also honored as a Porchlight ICONS "Scene Changer."
Want Robert on your next production?
From full-book musicals to soul revues and recording sessions, Robert brings decades of experience and a deep well of Chicago talent.
Book Robert →