Rockabilly Music in Vietnam? The Trio Story...
The Johnny Kongo Trio began in the heart of My An Beach on the edge of Da Nang, Vietnam when guitarist Paul Popp and vocalist/bassist Johnny Kongo decided to join forces…. Story has it the arrangement was the result of a bad bet made over Huda beer late night at the famous Minsk Bar... and resulted in arguably the best rockabilly band in South East Asia.
This group can really bring the heat when it comes to onstage performance, leaving roots rock-n-roll and honky-tonk fans alike in full approval. The members of the band have gathered a lot of experience over the years. Upright bass player and Colorado, USA native Johnny Kongo has been a professional/touring bass player and singer for 15+ years. Johnny has played with many rockabilly/country acts and is even known to pop up on a surf band stage every once in a while. Guitar slinger Paul Popp started playing in Hamburg, Germany with bands in bluegrass, rock, and country styles. He then ventured across the globe where he has played with country, rock, and blues bands across Australia and South East Asia for years, finally ending up in Vietnam. In 2016 Johnny and Paul started playing together and have been rocking ever since. Drummer Josh Weatheritt brought his 10+ years of experience, playing with bands in England and Spain, to the group in 2020 to solidify The Johnny Kongo Trio active today.
The Trio spends most of the time playing shows across Vietnam but also has performed in the USA and in festivals in South East Asia. Notable festivals include Hoa Fest 5x (Vietnam), The Miri Country Music Festival (Malaysia). Musical selections of the band include a mix of classic rock-a-billy, honky-tonk, vintage country, blues, and rock-n-roll songs that provide a good sing along/dance atmosphere as well as a unique blend of original music inspired by the spiny cactus roots and whiskey drenched feel of the American Southwest.
“We like the old rockabilly power trio... Keeps us honest but gives us enough room for experimentation.”, declares Kongo, “Plus it’s easier to haul around!”.
And haul around they will. The band has plans to book as many shows as possible in 2026/2027 and is currently seeking sponsorships and festival placements all around South East Asia, Australia, Europe, and the USA. Please contact the band for booking details.
The Johnny Kongo™ Trio brings all the professionalism of an established and seasoned act while delivering a quality music experience to listeners, concert goers, and dancers all over the world. The band is located in the beautiful city of Da Nang in central Vietnam and is available locally and internationally for festivals, shows, parties and functions.