From Register Staff

Trailblazing Rockapella returns to Napa this weekend with new songs, new staging and new surprises. The five-man vocal powerhouse performs at the Napa Valley Opera House Friday and Saturday.

Rockapella, called the kings of contemporary a cappella, has performed on “American Morning,” “Jane Pauley,” “Fox and Friends,” “The Tonight Show,” and “The Today Show,” on HBO with Whoopi Goldberg, and with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. Even “Saturday Night Live” has recognized Rockapella in satirical spoof.

The group was singing on New York City street corners with a hat out when they caught the eye of a producer putting together a television special titled “Do it a Cappella,” hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee. This led to a daily appearance on “Where in ihe World is Carmen Sandiego?”

Since then Rockapella has become an international sensation, touring throughout the United States, Asia and Europe. Rockapella has released 20 albums over the last 18 years, with their most recent being “Live in Japan.”

Known for its blend of rhythm & blues, soul and rock, Rockapella has also sung commercials for national brands including Folgers Coffee, Taco Bell and Budweiser.

On their current American tour, Rockapella’s musical lineup is jam-packed with their latest material, including Rockapella-flavored versions of favorites like “Rock the Boat” and “Papa Was a Rollin' Stone,” as well as new original songs like “Tonight” and “California Sad-Eyed Girl.” Songs from the tour have been recorded on Rockapella’s CD release “Smilin’.”

All five of Rockapella’s members are accomplished musicians. Super-bass George Baldi was formerly a member of the band Boyz II Men; tenor Kevin Wright costarred with Cleo Laine, Lauren Hill and others in shows on and off-Broadway and on national tours. High tenor Scott Leonard, the band’s leader, writes original music for the group, and arranges and produces most of the material. Tenor John K. Brown has performed across the country, on Broadway and off-Broadway, and has shared stages with greats such as Phil Collins, Tina Turner and Julie Andrews. Jeff Thacher, a pioneer and leader in the mouth percussion world, anchors the group’s instrument-less sound.