Carson Kemp was a personal friend of Antonio's who suddenly passed away on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 This banner is being placed here to commemorate her life.
Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've added a new Street Team member, but I believe that our members be avid supporters. Brianna is definitely one of those people. She manages to find a way to get to every one of Antonio's shows regardless of her own musical career.
She is currently in the middle of completing her demo CD. Personally, I can't wait to hear the finished product.
I have added a link to her page if you wish to listen to her music.
When Brianna turns up at Antonio's concerts, her enthusiam is so contagious no one arround her can help but do the same thing. Not only that she is so friendly she will talk to anyone who approaches her and is a dynamic individual. If you see or talk to Brianna you will never forget her.
Please take the time to say hello to her when you see her at Antonio's shows or her own for that matter.
Thanks for being such a wonderful friend to me and to Antonio. We need people like you in the world.
And thank you for being such a large part of Antonio's street team, I know he appreciates it and you will also find her in his top friends.
Brianna, you totally rock!
A new Street Team member will be featured periodically, so let me know if you would like to be featured and I will gladly add you. Please submit a recent picture of yourself.
Antonio at the Grammys for 2008 on the red carpet
Antonio Pontarelli won best rock at Inland Empire Music Awards.
I (Jeff Findley) started playing violin and piano at the age of 9, so I have a lot of respect for Antonio... he makes me wish that I would have stuck with it! Like I have told Antonio himself, his lyrics and music as a whole... touches me... I can really relate to what his talent projects. I... "get it". Hopefully... you will relate and enjoy what he has to offer as well.
Pictures in this album were taken by Jeff Findley of Antonio and his great band at the NAMM Convention... In Anaheim, CA in Jan. 2008... at The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Stage. For those taking pictures of his great set... know that the shadows and time of day made it a challenge to get the kind of shots wanted. Hope you enjoy the shots that were taken... and more than anything... enjoy how great they sounded!
Go support Antonio @ http://www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli
As they say on television... "Tell him that Jeff Findley sent ya!"
Jeff Findley
www.jfindley.com
"Kodak Theatre Plaza -- Torch Relay Event All pictures below taken by Yvonne Westmaas
THIS WAS A NIGHT NEVER TO FORGET. THE KEY CLUB JUNE 6TH, 2007. SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Thanks Mitch. You did an awesome job on this video!
DEMAND TO SEE ANTONIO AND HIS BAND PLAY IN YOUR AREA.
Rock music with a flare. The lead in this band doesn't play a guitar, he plays a 7-stringed fretted violin, but it's rock to the core.
WHAT AN EVENING!
Friday, April 20th was one of the most anticipated events of the year for Antonio Pontarelli and his band. With the addition of Thomas Lang as Antonio’s new drummer, we have a new band (name to be announced soon) who will eventually take the country by storm, and then the world. Friday night was a special showcase for the band to wow a few select industry people with their music. They did not disappoint. A few friends and fans were also invited. Many of these people came from great distances to be here for the band’s very first public performance.
The event was held at the Swing House in Los Angeles. The Swing House is basically a rehearsal and recording studio, but it had a large enough stage and enough room to seat as many people as we needed. The show started at 7:00 PM and we were treated to a great lineup of music which consisted of 9 songs, which in order of play were:
The Void
Find Me Waiting
All That I Can Take
Saving Face
The Sign
Waking Up
My Way Out
Fades to Black
Mercury
I can honestly say that I don’t think they disappointed one person in the room that evening. It was a show that most people would have loved to attend since it was in such an intimate setting. Everyone who was in attendance had the special gift of actually meeting the band members, getting their autographs on promo cards, having pictures taken with them and as an added benefit almost everyone also got a free CD with the lineup of songs they had just performed.
All in all everyone had a fabulous time and everyone is very much looking forward to seeing the band perform live again. Please mark your calendar, the next local show will be at the Key Club in Los Angeles, on Wednesday, June 6th. Stay tuned for more details.
-Yvonne Westmaas
National Street Team Coordinator
For Antonio Pontarelli and The Band
If you have never seen Antonio Pontarelli perform, now is the time to do so. This upcoming rock musician is a star in the making, and I can promise you it will not be too long before he is one of the world's best rock violinist. His need to play the violin was recognized early by his parents at the age of three and Antonio's certitude and conviction to play is what gave him this great start in life. He grew up playing classical music and eventually branched out to other genres of music and each genre will make you shake in your boots with his amazing talent and exceptional spirit in which he plays.
He is the Jethro Tull of today and the Jimi Hendrix of yesterday. That alone should make you want to see him.
Yesterday, May 4th, Antonio was honored to play with Michael Paulo at the Music and Wine Festival in Temecula. For me, after taking pictures of Antonio for several years, I was able to sit down and actually watch him play without looking through a lens of a camera. I always knew his fingers were quick and nimble but yesterday was unlike any other performance. This performance was ALL violin. Although his singing voice is phenomenal, I have never ever heard Antonio just play violin. Given the chance to play like this he let loose on the audience with an outstanding performance along with his long golden hair being thrown around from his soul being thrown into his work. The audience could not help but give him a standing ovation. What they didn't know is that Antonio's performance was "Made up on the spot." He literally did not practice what he was going to play before going on stage. Can you say Jimi Hendrix? With that in mind, Antonio also plays with a 5 to 7 string fretted violin--in case you don't know, violins are usually made with four strings. His fingers moved over the strings so fast that this time it was like watching it with a wave of speed so fast that it looked like it was in slow motion. In short, I have never seen anyone play the violin like this.
If you get the chance to meet Antonio after the show, you will find him signing autographs with people selling his t-shirts and CD's which can also be bought on his website listed below. The humbleness of his attitude is astounding for a musician of his calibre. There is no pretense about him at all which makes him all the more charismatic and his eyes will capture your soul.You will walk away knowing you will never forget this marvelous musician!!
See pictures from the show below.
Also check out Antonio's music pages.
www.antoniomusic.com or http://www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli
-Yvonne Westmaas
All pictures below were taken by Brianna Thomas
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Antonio has made the cover of Teen Strings
If you wish to see Antonio play please see the calendar below for his upcoming shows.
Upcoming Shows
Grab a pen and mark your calendar. 2008 is here and these are the upcoming shows where you will find Antonio playing. This list will grow as time goes on, so don't be too disappointed if there is nothing in your area, I assure you that will change eventually.
Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jul 12 2008 8:00P
Spaghettini Grill and Jazz Club Seal Beach, CA
Jul 18 2008 7:00P
Summerfest Headliner
Jul 19 2008 8:00P
Summerfest Headliner
Aug 29 2008 8:00P
Temecula Winery - Temecula, California
Aug 30 2008 5:00P
NAMM Concert Series Workshop and Concert - Carlsbad, California
Sep 17 2008 6:00P
Pechanga Casino - Temecula, California
See you there!
Antonio definitely rocked the OC Tavern on Sunday night. I'm fairly sure we made a lot of money for his charity. Thanks everyone for being there. You all rocked!
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This picture was taken by Jeff Findley at the OC Tavern on Sunday, February 17th.
Antonio Pontarelli won the hearts of America when millions watched his electrifying performances on national television and now with a band of adept musicians he has been working hard making his mark in alternative rock. His passion for music began at the early age of three when he asked his parents for a violin and began classical training. When Antonio won his first violin competition at age six he realized that he loved the stage and the thunderous applause and he got very serious about his music. Today as an international award winning rock singer, songwriter and violinist, and a band with a signature sound composed of the industries finest players, they are kicking into high gear. They are currently recording their original material and collaborating with Grammy winning artists and producers including Serj (System of a Down) and Howard Benson.
Antonio's popularity catapulted when he won the Grand Championship of NBC's PAX TV's America's Most Talented Kids. NBC claimed that “Antonio burnt down the house” with his fiery rock violin arrangement of "Purple Haze" and ran commercials calling him the next Jimi Hendrix. He soon became involved with the Grammy Foundation and also became a spokesperson for keeping music in the schools. His performances and interviews were featured "Live from the Grammy Red Carpet" on the Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight and the TV Guide Channel. Antonio has graced the covers of several magazines and has had coverage in Billboard, Music Connection and String Magazine where he inspired others to develop a strong foundation in music and to follow their dreams. “I aspire to write empowering songs that touch people deeply and tell a story”. I was moved after Katrina to write a song to inspire others to use life’s setbacks for growth and that formed the roots of “Things Fall Apart”. "If you want to be authentic it has to be "All about the Music".
Welcome to Antonio Pontarelli's Official Street Team Myspace page, music's hottest rock violinist. This page is for Antonio's street team members and fans and anyone else who is interested in getting to know Antonio.
Below you will hear some familiar songs of Antonio's plus his latest song, "Fades to Black." This song is not available on any other Myspace page. Feedback is welcome! Enjoy!
Click to activate
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Interview with Antonio Pontarelli
Posted by ZAk on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 10:51 PM
Once you hear modern rock artist Antonio Pontarelli, you will never forget the sound of this passionate electric violinist. He puts a spin on everything he plays to make it his own creating a signature trademark.
Antonio picked up a violin at the age of three and started winning competitions by age seven. His parents shortly discovered that their child was gifted in music and it wasn't long before he was playing on national television. His electrifying performance and arrangement of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" won NBC's ITV's "America 's Most Talented Kids" in Nov.2004. In February 2005, he delivered the performance of the season in their "Tournament of Champions" episode when he ignited the audience with his very first note. Later that year he had the honor of being the "Young Artist Awards" winner for "Outstanding Young Rock Musician." The awards are helmed as the Oscars for talented young people in film, television and music.
After his successful collaboration with Serj Tankian's 'Elect The Dead'. In addition with sharing the stage with Serj, SOADFans were curious to Ask Antonio some questions about what he did, what he dose and what he's gonna do in the future...
Q How did you know you were born for playing an instrument? What makes you want to keep playing?
A. There was never really a moment where I suddenly realized I wanted to be violinist. From the time I was in the womb, my parents were always playing music for me, so I was fond of music from the time I was born. However, when I started playing the violin, it was very much a hobby and I wanted to be a doctor, not a musician. However, I think my dedication to the violin gradually developed from playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at my family Christmas parties to performing in recitals and competitions. I became seriously involved as a musician as my family began to invest more time, money, and effort into obtaining violin lessons, driving me to orchestra auditions, and just being supportive of my music. The reason I continue to play is because I have an inner desire to spread music and somehow make people feel a little better about life. Despite the problems that may exist in the world, life has a undeniable beauty and I think the subtleties of music perfectly portray that quality.
Q. You were very young when you picked up the violin. What was it about the violin that made you decide that was the instrument for you?
A. Since I can remember, my grandmother has always had KUSC, the Los Angeles classical music station, playing in her house, and when I was three years old, I would always ask about the "viowen" that was playing on her radio. I asked for a violin a few months later, probably just because I liked the way it sounded, and the way it looked too.
Q. What do you feel would have the biggest impact if music wasn't encouraged for today's kids growing up, like it has been taught in schools up until now? Has music in school made a difference for you?
A. While school music programs are invaluable in K-12 education, I got a music education from private instructors and community orchestras. The schools I attended did not have in-depth music programs and I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who funded my music instruction. If public schools did not support the arts, I feel that not-for-profit organizations and community programs could fill that role. However, it is still important for the public education system to encourage music education.
Q. What kind of violin do you use? Any kind in particular that you chose to play on stage and in the studio?
A. I use different violins for different circumstances. I have a regular classical violin that I use when I perform classical music and record in the studio. I used that violin mostly in the session with Serj. I also have a flying V electric violin that I plug into a guitar amp for solos, but I do not use that instrument as much as I used to. I used this violin in the bridge of "Falling Stars", one of the extra songs on the limited edition of Serj's record. The violin that I use the most for live is an acoustic violin with an electric pickup that keeps a warm classical sound, but has the ability to scream when I put it through a half-stack.
Q. Since the violin is classical instrument or lets say it is considered as classical instrument, do you think it matches with rock music?
A. I do not like to think of definite "genres", but like you said, the violin is considered a classical or country instrument rather than something used in rock music. However, people used to think the same about the flute until Jethro Tull became popular in the 70's and brought the flute into the rock genre. I think any instrument can work in any genre, just as long as it is presented tastefully. Also, in my opinion, the general direction of rock music is moving towards chord progressions and melodies that are typical of classical music, so I think that the violin definitely has a place in rock music.
Q. How did you get to meet Serj Tankian? And what was it like working with him on the album?
A. Well, I had been working with Dan Monti at the Village Studios in Santa Monica for about a year. As a matter of fact, almost all of the music that I have recorded was done with Dan. Dan and Serj met through the "Buckethead & Friends" record, so Serj used Dan for Elect the Dead. When they needed a violinist, "Commander Dan" came through and gave me a call. Serj was awesome to work with. He was laid-back and casual, but he knew exactly what he wanted for each song.
Q. In Serj's studio did you ever come across his leftover materials and demos? If so what were they like?
A. To be honest, the only song that I heard that I don't think was released to the public, was the studio recording of "Charades". It's a great song, but I think he only plays it live.
Q. I was wondering if there are any funny/interesting stories involving you and Serj in the studio. If there are, would you care to tell us? Well... He did have this medieval sword from Scotland that he wanted me to try to play the violin with... It didn't really work... to say the least. :) Are you rock/metal music fan in general, SOAD in particular?
A. I listen to a lot of rock music, particularly System of a Down and Fair to Midland. However, my music library ranges from Disturbed to Chopin to Imogen Heap to the Supremes. The only music that I really don't listen to is country music.
Q. How did your band begin to form? Did they find you or did you find them? How long have all of you been playing together?
A. To be honest, I don't have a steady band that I always play with. In the beginning of last year, my band comprised of Dan Monti on guitar, Mario Pagliurulo on bass, and Thomas Lang on drums. Understandably, Dan and Mario took the opportunity with Serj's tour. Ever since then, I have been playing shows with local musicians and friends who are actually great players. At the moment, I'm playing with three brothers: Matthew Rodriguez on guitar, Nic Rodriguez on bass, and Jules Rodriguez on drums. Russell Berkley, a friend of mine, joins in ..boards. We're quite the wild bunch.
Q. Besides your love for music and being on the stage, what other artists have encouraged you? Are there any favorite artists in particular that you enjoyed working with?
A. I was inspired more than anything by my violin teachers and orchestra conductors.I am not the most disciplined person when it comes to practicing exercises and repertoire, so their support helped me grow as a musician. The two artists that I have really enjoyed working with are Serj Tankian and Jethro Tull.
Q. How much has your popularity made an impact on your life today? Has that influenced you any differently from the first time you started performing?p
A. I am not very famous by any means, so my popularity has not had much of an impact on my life. My goal isn't to become a celebrity. I'd rather continue doing what I love, which is creating and performing music.
Q. You have inspired others to follow their dreams. Knowing this, has anyone told you what your music means to them and how has that inspired you in your songwriting? Do you now only write songs based on what you feel you want to convey to everyone?
A. In the past, I have received emails from people who were not really interested in the violin until they heard it in rock music. Other people have told me how certain songs helped them through tough circumstances in their lives. However, when I write, I just take a basic idea and develop it in any way I can. Whenever I have tried to over think the purpose or direction of a song, the quality of it has suffered.
Q. Are you currently touring now? any plans for a major tour?
A. Not at the moment. I will continue to play in the Southern California area until anything bigger presents itself.
Q. Any upcoming projects or collaboration you'd like to tell SOAD Fans about? I am recording and mixing my official EP at the moment. I still have to finish my freshman year at USC, but after that, who knows what could happen. :)
For more info & to hear music samples, you can check Antonio's myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli
Thanks Antonio ~ :)
Los Angeles Orange County Fair - Sept 29, 07
Going to the fair is an experience everyone should experience at least once in their life. Having the added benefit to see Antonio Pontarelli perform at the same time is priceless. The LA County Fair is by no means a small event. You can literally get lost trying to find the band you want—Antonio, however, was easy to find; people that worked there seemed to remember him quite well.
Seating was arranged in the front of the stage for approximately 100 people. Beyond that there were quite a few people milling around checking out various other attractions who also inquired about Antonio. Antonio had 4 performances to do that evening and did not disappoint anyone.
The show began and everything seemed normal, but wait—something seemed different….
Antonio introduced a song, “Saving Face.” It didn’t start out the way it usually does. This intro was done on his acoustic violin and started out as a soft classical intro with an edge that turned into hard rock. It was some of the best violin playing imaginable. It’s unreal to see how fast his fingers can actually move across the strings, and the emotion he puts into his playing. Bravo! His expertise on the violin continued like that throughout the night. His charisma and personality are vibrant and captivating; if he just looks at a girl for more than two seconds she will never forget it. When he’s on stage you cannot take your eyes off him.
I vote more classical violin into some of his music. It brings so much diversity and color into his music, which leaves you in awe even if you’ve heard him a hundred times before because it’s as if that was the first time you’ve ever heard him. The violin intros add spice and variety to his music because you never know what you’re gonna get.
There were many people who couldn’t wait to buy his CD or t-shirt afterwards. They couldn’t get Antonio from the stage to the signing booth fast enough. He was extremely popular that night.
More violin, more violin!!
The Voice of Las Vegas
Italian-American Community La Voce
Artist of the Month: Antonio Pontarelli
By Anthony J. Sperduti
It’s time you met Antonio Pontarelli, a zealous seven-string electric violinist/singer/songwriter, who is transforming the world of music with his unique rock style and improvisational blends of influences.
He is being called a modern-day Jimi Hendrix by the critics, but once you enter the “AP Experience” as they call it, you’ll see why Antonio is the number one rock violin artist in the world.
Antonio said, “It is my style and I have been performing since childhood. I love it.” Antonio, 16, began in the classical field at the early age of four and moved on to win many violin competitions, which led him to serve as the official concert master of the San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra for three years.
At eight, Antonio started performing with the biggest names in the classical and jazz genre and quickly became one of the most sought after performers and session players in the music industry.
Now he is looking to bring excitement into the music world, so he started playing rock music on his electric violin and found that he could blend the influences of both past and present.
His music is strong and undeniably Rock N’ Roll. He jams hard with his violin with great passion, and his vocal sounds are tremendous. You can truly see he loves what he is doing and his skills will make him a superstar.
Antonio has been inundated with awards for his music and song styling. In 2006, he won Best Song at the “Songwriters Universe” competition, the People’s Voice Award at the “International Songwriter’s Competition” and was even voted “Music Connection Magazine’s” Top Unsigned Artist of the Year. This year, Antonio was awarded Best Male Artist at the “Inland Empire Music Awards” at Morongo Casino Resort where he also performed to debut “The Void.”
Antonio’s alternative rock style, vocals and songwriting have really become apparent with audiences. The youth of today are just electrified by him. But, it is no wonder. Antonio has a superb personality and is confident in his abilities. He speaks well and is mature beyond his teenage years.
“I want to win a Grammy,” he said. Antonio added, “I will be playing for a longtime because I love it. I try my best to put on a great show and always look to the future.”
Well, the future is exactly where Antonio is heading, and Las Vegas is one of his stops. He will be performing on Saturday, September 1 at 7 p.m., at the Henderson Pavilion located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. He is the opening act for a rock extravaganza. Included in the line-up are Vince Neil, Quiet Riot and Las Vegas’ own Slaughter.
If you cannot make the concert but you are still interested in hearing Antonio’s music, you can go to www.antoniomusic.com or www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli. Trust me, you will not be disappointed if you love rock music.
A NIGHT AT THE KEY CLUB WITH ANTONIO PONTARELLI AND LUKAS ROSSI
June 6, 2007 was one of those nights that everyone had been anticipating for a very long time. The stage at the Key Club is rather large and gives the musicians plenty of room to move around, and I can promise you Antonio took full advantage of that opportunity. Wearing his famous knee-length jacket with the dragon on the back he came on stage with the lights dimmed and his back to the audience. The audience was packed tightly at the front of the stage—I don’t think one more person could find a spot up front if they wanted to… Antonio started the show with “The Void,” but added a short violin intro on his acoustic violin, which never ceases to amaze the crowd before he exploded into “The Void.” The audience was rocking after that, and so was Antonio.
I have never seen Antonio so animated in my life. He moved around more than I had ever seen him before on stage. The fans were stretching their hands out begging him to come over and touch their hands, which he willingly obliged as much as possible. Fans were holding up cell phones, cameras and videos cameras just to take a piece of Antonio home with them; girls were screaming and some were evening crying trying to get closer to touch him. I have never seen anything like it in my life!
Towards the end of the set Antonio announced Thomas Lang, who did a drum solo for the crowd which was outstanding. Thomas is an amazing drummer and clearly one of the best in the world. It would be a shame to not recognize his talent and give him the stage. I was so glad to see that drum solo.
After the show, Antonio did a Meet and Greet where he signed autographs, took pictures, talked to the fans, and signed t-shirts for them. Antonio is always so very gracious and grateful to all his fans for coming to see him and will always take the time and trouble to spend time to talk with them as much as possible—so thank you to all of you who came downstairs after the show to meet Antonio. He was truly grateful and humbled by your presence and hopes to see you all again very soon.
-Yvonne Westmaas
National Street Team Coordinator
for Antonio Pontarelli
Hello, my name is Yvonne and I am the National Street Team Coordinator for Antonio Pontarelli. If you would like to join Antonio's Street Team, please send me either a message on here or an email to YvAngel@yahoo.com.
If you believe that it is all about the music you will see why everyone is so excited about Antonio Pontarelli. If you are not a friend already please add him by clicking on the banner below and if you are a friend, please share his link which can be found on his Myspace page:
Who I'd like to meet: I would like to meet anyone who is a fan of Antonio's and anyone who would like to help promote Antonio to the top of the music world where he belongs; that spot at the top of the music world is available for this amazing rock violinist.
If you have not met this irresistible young man yet, please check out his Myspace page by clicking on the banner below.
Antonio Pontarelli Street Team Page's Friend Space (Top 26)
Antonio Pontarelli Street Team Page has 5036 friends.
We were being and knowing That two were one, and we were three In twelve sided cosmos, drifting by I wasn’t seeing I was feeling And wasn’t being, doing, two were one And when I looked to it Nothing but the corner of my eye Then we were three, and being Being and doing I hadn’t known that two were one We were that same one, and being When I know, I feel I see that two were one We were three and being Drifted through twelve sides And we were being Knowing that two were one And falling there on clouds like stars We were three and known We were one, I don’t know I was being, doing, but I knew That two were one And clouds flow down Drifting, we know, and see Doing, and knowing we were three And knowing two were one That two were one.
We have picked up some new members. When there are two or more incomplete projects joining there is always the question of "Which projects band name do we use or do we start from scratch?" Well, we are asking for your feedback
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nonami wants you to join their band in Rockstars, a game where you can form bands with your friends and play gigs, battle rival bands, and become famous on MySpace!
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