Musician Going H-wood

Byline: JILL LEACH
(OC Register - March 1, 2001)

He's a home-grown Tustin boy who hasn't forgotten his roots.

Rob Blaney, Hewes ('83) and Foothill High ('87), is headed for Hollywood for a concert March 10 at the Cinegrill at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Blaney is a pianist, singer and song-writer who attributes his success to Ed Doyle and George Waibel, Foothill High music teachers. ``That's where I discovered music and how I wanted to make my living,'' he said. ``They told me to work hard and go after my dreams.''

Other positive influences have been Dr. Hanan Yaqub and Fran Johnston of Trinity United Presbyterian Church and Susan Raskulinecz of Woodbridge High, who mentored him in the area of piano playing.

Blaney decided to study ceramics, painting and sculpture at Concordia University in Irvine. ``Art allowed me to be creative and to still work on music on my own time,'' he said. In college, he free-lanced as musical director for youth theaters, colleges and community productions. After college, he moved up to regional theaters and national tours including Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita last year.

Most recently, he accompanied Harry Connick Jr., recording songs for the film Life Without Dick.

On March 10, Blaney will play his own music with his band at 8 p.m. at the Cinegrill. For tickets or information, call (323) 466-7000 or visit www.RobBlaney.com.


top