Chris Koza, guitar player and vocalist for Rogue Valley, said Borderland’s sub-zero temperatures had a “literal influence” on his songwriting. The influence was so strong that it produced the band’s song “Icebox,” which the band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ranier Community Building.
Koza and the rest of the Minneapolis-based band is traveling to the area to share their music with the community of Koza’s in-laws, Charles and Mary Casanova.
“I love it up in the I. Falls area, and it is such a special community,” Koza told The Journal. “Being able to share my music up there has been a goal of mine, and the best way to make it happen is to book a show.”
Cost for Rogue Valley’s show is $5 and the doors to the community building open at 7 p.m.
Although he admits his bias, Koza said those who attend the band’s show can expect “a thoughtful and unique blend of acoustic and electric elements, interesting chord progressions, poetic lyrics, and strong, passionate vocal textures.
“Because our collection of songs was inspired by the seasons, we try to sonically reference them throughout our set.”
Rogue Valley has been performing together since 2010, and generally plays folk-rock music. In addition to Koza, the band consists of Luke Anderson on drums, Paul Engels on bass, Linnea Mohn on keys and vocals, and Peter Sieve on electric guitar and vocals.
Koza said he is looking forward to the band’s performance and said, “I am always so grateful when people take the time to listen to the music we make, because there are always 150 other things to do. I feel like I create music because I was inspired by other people in some way, shape, or form to do so. And I would hope that energy would translate to people coming to the show, and they would leave feeling inspired.”
