March 11, 2005

Upcoming country star will shine
as campus music guest

Musician Julie Roberts will bring her country/soul act to California State University, Sacramento at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7 in the University Union Ballroom. Roberts has been creating a buzz in the Country Music scene since the release of her debut album, Julie Roberts. Often described as mainstream country’s answer to Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt, Roberts is more than just honky tonk, she’s also rock and soul.

Julie Roberts

After moving to Nashville and graduating from Belmont University, Roberts began working at Mercury Records to support herself while pursuing her goal of becoming a country singer. Once producer Brent Rowan heard her demo, he was so impressed that he began working with the singer immediately. In 2003, Rowan met with Mercury Records label head Luke Lewis who, coincidentally, happened to be Roberts’ boss at Mercury. When Lewis heard her demo, he signed her and Roberts’ debut record was released in 2004.

Roberts has been enjoying a fair amount of success since her debut release hit stores. After a successful fall tour supporting Rascal Flatts, Roberts is headlining her own tour this spring. Her debut album recently went gold and, according to the Associated Press, is in the top 10 country music albums of the year. In addition, Roberts is also the singer on the promotional ads for “Good Morning America.” Roberts’ video for her single, “Break Down Here,” is also up for the 2005 CMT Music Awards breakthrough video of the year.

Associated Press writer John Gerome says of Roberts, “Don’t let the glamour girl cover fool you. Roberts is a serious singer who can belt out a song as well as anyone. Her debut is a collection of bluesy country with shades of Bonnie Raitt and Dolly Parton. The sound is honest and uncluttered with her sultry vocals carrying the songs rather than glitzy production.”

Two-time Sammie nominated singer/songwriter Richard March will be opening the show at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general, $8 for Sacramento State students, and available from the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323 or Tickets.com.

For more information, contact (916) 278-6997, or visit Julie Roberts website. For media assistance, contact public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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