Joe Fun Ross

Short Biography

No one can resist Joe Ross’ invitation to have fun when he’s performing his interactive “edu-taining” shows with various instruments. Born in v*rginia and raised a “military brat” in Japan, his music career started on electronic organ player in 1960s rock/soul bands. He heard his first strains of bluegrass on Armed Forces Radio's Far East Network. He began playing bluegrass and Celtic music in the 1970s at University of Oregon. Ross has played in many bands over the past four decades, from Celtic to Country, Latin to Hawaiian, and Gypsyjazz to Swing. Joe’s albums (available at Amazon and CDBaby) span various genres and emphasize originality, eclectic influences and award-winning accompaniment. Besides UVBB and in various duos and trios, he currently performs with The Celtic Tradition, KeynotesPolka Band, The Liberty Players, Alamojo Western Swing Band, Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers, and AccordionClub of Roseburg. Joe also presents a storytelling program (Folk Tales of Old Japan), gives lessons at Absolute Music in Roseburg, and writes regularly for music magazines, blogs and websites. Now retired after 34 years working for the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Marine Corps, he works full-time to share the “enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of making music together.”