Boundary area musical personality Johnny Popoff is returning to his native valley as part of Lava, an exciting new group from New Zealand.
The five-member folk/pop band will be performing in Grand Forks on Thursday, April 21 and advance tickets are selling well.
Popoff’s friends and neighbours, as well as mentors and those he’s mentored, fellow-musicians and music lovers at large will probably be among those reserving their seats. Similarly, people that have sampled Lava’s inspiring original music and compelling vocal harmonies on the Internet will be in for a genuine musical treat.
On a recent visit Down Under, Johnny met some fellow musicians – New Zealanders of part Maori descent, already well-known as The O’Connors. Based in Wellington, NZ, Sean and Amanda have also lived in Nashville, U.S.A, produced several CDs and toured in New Zealand and America. Composing much of their own music, they also play folk, traditional Irish/Celtic music, mixed in with Maori songs and interpretations of rock and pop classics.
“Adopted” by the O’Connors, Popoff joined them for Sean’s new solo album tour, appearing together on NZ Radio and TV. Soon they formed LAVA, a new band comprising Popoff (Vanya Popov), the O’Connors and their talented teenage daughters Acacia and Rose.
LAVA performed at various venues, including the Grand Hall of Parliament and toured New Zealand, to rave reviews.
Lava’s April 21 concert at the Grand Forks Secondary School Centennial Auditorium begins at 7:30 p.m., with opening appearances by Joan Thompson’s Second Street Singers and Leeza and Eddie.
Advance tickets are available at The Source, Gallery 2, Thistle Pot Gifts and the USCC Office, or call 250-442-5397. Seating limited, so get your tickets soon.