[1][2] Roberts started her professional career at age 15[3] and has gone on to perform at hundreds of jazz clubs, numerous festivals, and in multiple residencies in Chicago, Phoenix and Singapore.
[5][7] That same year, Roberts made her first of four appearances at the Chicago Jazz Festival, playing with Neal Seroka on guitar, Michael Fiorino on bass and David Derge on drums.
[9] Roberts later collaborated with jazz singer Jackie Allen, including on two albums (Santa Baby and Autumn Leaves) in the late 1990s.
[10] Roberts returned to the Chicago Jazz Festival in 1990, performing on the closing day with Neal Seroka on guitar, Jim Cox on bass and Phil Gratteau on drums.
[11] In 1999, Roberts performed as part of the Chicago Jazz Festival's closing act with the Marian McPartland Trio, along with Willie Pickens and Jodie Christian.