From military drills to Music City stages, Canadian country artist Robert Ross is proving that the path from soldier to singer is paved with passion, stories, and good old-fashioned country music.
Ross, a former sergeant in the Canadian Army, is currently on a cross-country tour performing at legions across Canada — and he's bringing his show to the Carman Legion on Sunday, August 24th at 7:00 PM.
“Country music has always been in my heart and soul,” Ross shared in a recent interview. “I was a shy young fellow, always singing behind closed doors. But in the last 10 years, I decided to pursue it full time.”
Now based in Nashville, Ross has immersed himself in the songwriting scene, co-writing with notable artists like Gil Grand and crafting songs that reflect both personal experience and spontaneous inspiration.
“Sometimes an idea pops into my head, and I have to put it on paper right away — or I lose it,” he explained. “Other times, it’s something from years ago that comes back to life in a song.”
His sound blends the classic country of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard with the neotraditional stylings of George Strait and Alan Jackson.
“That’s where my heart lies,” he said.
Ross’s show at the Carman Legion is part of a larger effort to give back to veterans and communities. Notably, he’s performing for free, allowing legions to keep 100% of proceeds.
“The legions do so much good — scholarships, grants, community support, and of course, helping veterans. This is my way of saying thank you.”
Fans can expect a rich blend of original songs, covers of beloved country hits, and personal stories from the road and beyond.
“It’s a singer-songwriter-style show. You get the songs and the stories behind them,” Ross said. “And yes — I always throw in some George Strait, George Jones, and Johnny Cash.”
When asked what makes live music so powerful, Ross didn’t hesitate.
“It’s pure. It’s raw. You feed off the audience and they feed off you. If you can build that energy, the music gets inside your core. It’s beautiful.”
Tickets are just $10 and available at the Carman Legion Club Room.
All are welcome — you don’t need to be a legion member to attend.
Whether you're a longtime country fan or simply looking for a heartfelt night of live music, Robert Ross’s performance promises to deliver a soulful, down-to-earth experience with a whole lot of twang and heart.
With files from Ty Hildebrand