Pavlo delivers his Mediterranean music to Ronan Jan. 19.
Pavlo delivers a musical amalgam he simply calls “Mediterranean music” – a blend of Greek, flamenco, Latin, and even Balkan flavors, wrapped in contemporary pop – to Ronan Jan. 19 as part of the Mission Valley Live series.
For being all-instrumental, Pavlo’s Mediterranean music speaks for itself. Over the span of his 20-year career, the internationally renowned, award-winning recording artist, performer and songwriter, has released 11 albums of his own music, plus two collaborative projects, including 2015’s Guitarradas with Remigio Pereira, and 2009’s Trifecta with fellow guitar masters Rik Emmett and Oscar Lopez.
When the Toronto-born artist was 10, he spent hours hidden away practicing his guitar. Pavlo’s parents soon realized that his connection to the instrument was undeniable. Instead of discouraging him, Pavlo’s father told him, “Have the courage to do what you love, and the drive to do it well.”
After years of guitar lessons, from classical to flamenco, Pavlo spent his early years playing in rock groups, and wedding bands. Eventually, he discovered his own distinct sound, created his own record label, and marketed his debut album.
Soon, through craft shows, café gigs and festival performances he found a larger audience, and released his second album, Fantasia, which made it to the Billboard Top 10 and earned Pavlo his first Juno nomination.
He went on to release several albums and performed in theatres across Canada, eventually landing in the legendary Massey Hall, where both shows were sold out.
In 2008, Pavlo completed an 80-city tour across the U.S. and now tours throughout Europe and performs in Asia. Along the way he’s performed for royalty such as Prince Charles and worked and toured with artists including José Feliciano, Jon Secada, Olivia Newton-John and The Tenors.
He also starred in the PBS special, “Pavlo: Mediterranean Nights,” and is currently on tour promoting his second PBS special “Live in Kastoria,” filmed in Greece.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Ronan Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $13-$15; call 406-887-2739 or visit missionvalleylive.com.