Matt Watroba

Bio:

What would you call a person who is on a first name basis with almost all of the major folk musicians in the North American continent, who has an astounding grasp of the folk music genre both past and present, who manages to be a husband, father, teacher, writer, and excellent folk music performer? The answer, of course, is Matt Watroba.

Matt brings a very special set of talents to the stage whenever he appears as a folk musician. His excellent guitar playing, mellow voice, friendship with his audience, and knowledge of his presentations is impressive. Add to that Matt’s own special brand of humor and you are in for a most entertaining and enlightening evening. You will feel his obvious love of folk music, both traditional and contemporary--the writers and performers, the heroes and villains. Matt sings songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and every day living. He sings songs that you will feel and remember for a long time. You will love his music, you will love the journey that his music takes you on, and you will love the place that his music takes you to. His musical partnership with the Reverend Robert Jones has created one of the most sought-after and unique educational experiences available in the country today.

His love of folk and roots music has led him to his position of "Folks Like Us" radio host, a position he has held for over 22 years on WDET-FM. In 2007 he partnered with Sing Out Magazine to create the Sing Out! Radio Magazine, an hour long syndicated radio show heard across the country and on XM Satellite Radio. He was awarded "Best Overall Folk Performer" by the Detroit Music Awards for the year 2000, and his long list of credits include the prestigious Ann Arbor Folk Festival, the Detroit 300 celebration, The Ark, the Spirit of the Woods Festival, the New Jersey Folk Weekend, Louisville’s Kentucky Music Weekend, The Old Songs Festival, The Great River Festival, The Fox Valley Festival and hundreds of school and community presentations throughout the Great Lakes Region. He has shared the stage with some of our greatest performers, including Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Shawn Colvin, Christine Lavin, Anne Hills, and Lou & Peter Berryman.

Member Since:

October 12, 2008

Members:

I have been known to perform with Katie Geddes (harmony and lead vocals) David Mosher (guitar, mandolin, fiddle, vocals and just about anything else that produces music)Bud Michaels (Bass, vocals) & Peter "Madcat" Ruth (Harmonica). I also do concerts, as well as educational presentations with Robert B. Jones. check out his website www.revrobertjones.com for more info.

Influences:

Woody, Pete, and all of their musical children!