SALISBURY — “Dr. Rob” Robertson will bring his high-energy piano performance back to the Meroney Theater this week in two concerts benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries.

The concerts will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A similar benefit concert held in April for Rowan Helping Ministries was a sellout with nearly 350 tickets sold.

Concert proceeds will be used by Rowan Helping Ministries to provide essential needs for Rowan County citizens who struggle to make ends meet. Tickets for the program can be purchased for $15 per person on Rowan Helping Ministries’ website, www.rowanhelpingministries.org, or at the door the nights of the performances. For more information, call 704-637-6838, ext. 103.

Robertson is well-known in the community as a piano teacher, music specialist for Salisbury Academy and the Salisbury Music Conservatory at the academy, and music director at Grace Lower Stone Church.

But those attending his April concert were surprised to learn that he has performed across the country and is an award-winning pianist, having recently won the silver medal at the SilverArts state music competition in Raleigh. In his concerts, Dr. Rob has received standing ovations from capacity crowds of up to 2,000 people and is known for his unique and energetic performances.  

“The music has a creative spin to it,” he said. “There is a lot of high energy or electricity in my performance style, and I try to connect with my audience with some light-hearted humor and banter.”

He says one of his favorite concert venues has been the Biltmore House in Asheville.

 “However,” Robertson said, “I am very excited about my upcoming concerts at the Meroney. Last year’s April concert had an electric atmosphere to it, with a full house of cheering listeners who really got into the music. It was a blast!”

Featuring a rich variety of music, next week’s performances will range from sacred, patriotic, and ragtime selections to pop music and the music of Broadway and Disney. Included will be music from “Cats,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.” Several songs of Elton John, John Lennon, and the Eagles will also be presented.

Dr. Rob will be up to some of his usual antics, such as playing the piano while lying down on the floor and other surprises for the audience.

Kluttz Piano Company will be providing the baby grand piano Dr. Rob will play, and The Salisbury Emporium, Lyerly and Associates (Dr. Alan Lyerly and Dr. Matt Lyerly, dentists) and Owen and Elizabeth Norvell are providing the venue.