Local musician Robert Zeien passed away Tuesday, January 30 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was guitarist and lead vocalist for the Stoney Mountain Ramblers, playing with them for 16 years and over 285 gigs. He was 53 years old.
Robert and the Stoney Mountain Ramblers have been fixtures at NCBS events over the years – including the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, the Brookdale Bluegrass Festivals, Bluegrass on Broadway and the inaugural Foggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival. SMR made numerous appearances on KKUP Radio’s Monday Night Bluegrass, and Robert is composer of a bluegrass KKUP station identification jingle.
In the months since receiving his diagnosis, Robert continued cheerfully living life to its fullest with family and friends. He rallied to play one last gig at the Summit House five days before he passed away.
Robert was a dedicated father, husband and band-member. Always kind, gentle, soft-spoken and humble, and always up for picking “one more.” His energy, good humor and love of music will be missed.
— Gary Anwyl, Scott Dailey, & Bill Hamburgen