Antonio Pontarelli

Angeles, CA (AP News) September 25, 2006 -- Southern California is in for a special treat as multi-award winning singer/songwriter/violinist, Antonio Pontarelli rocks out the stage on September 29-30 at the 10th Annual Mercedes-Benz WaveFest at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Pontarelli, whose fiery performances never fail to get the audience on their feet, will join a star-studded line up of artists who represent a cross section of genres including Grammy award-winning group Earth, Wind & Fire and multi-platinum artist Brian McKnight. A limited number of tickets are still available through ticketmaster.com for this unforgettable weekend of music under the stars!

"As an artist, it's all about the music and so it's important to connect with a broad palette of musical styles and collaborate with other artists to grow musically and to be current," says Pontarelli. "My diverse training has allowed me to find my voice in modern rock which has blues, classical and jazz influences." Because of this fresh forward thinking style Pontarelli has been asked by major Grammy winning producers to write songs for some of the industries biggest stars. Currently, he is in the studio with his band recording his debut rock album which is slated for release in 2007.

At age four, Pontarelli began studying classical violin and starting winning violin competitions when he was only 7 years old. He has made a number of special guest appearances with some of the most talented Grammy award-winning musicians in the nation such as Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Mark O'Connor, Jethro Tull and more! The Grammy organization has recognized Antonio as an emerging talent to watch in 2006 and have showcased many of his performances to industry insiders. Whether it's on the stage or on television, Pontarelli has been seen by millions of people through appearances on NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Fox News, E! Entertainment, TV Guide and NBC just to name a few.

With a number of awards already under his belt, Pontarelli is most recognized for his achievement of the 2006 Songwriter's Universe Competition where he won for "Best Song" for "Things Fall Apart." He was also voted by "Music Connection Magazine" as one of the hottest 100 acts of the year. In 2005, not only did he become "America's Most Talented Kid," Grand Champion on the NBC/PAX show but was also recognized as the 2005-2006 ASTA (American String Teachers Association) National Alternative Styles Rock Competition Winner.

For additional information about Pontarelli, including video clips, photos and music samples, please log onto www.antoniomusic.com or become his friend on MySpace www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli.







- AP NEWS

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Tickets for the Lukas Rossi / Antonio Pontarelli Concert at the Key Club, Hollywood on Wednesday, June 6th are now officially on sale. This will be a night of extraordinary talent as Pontarelli takes the stage opening for the dynamic Rock Star Supernova front man, Lukas Rossi. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Pontarelli, who is an award winning singer/songwriter/rock violinist, has an impressive resume of performances and collaborations including working with numerous Grammy winners and recording artists including Serj Tankian of "System of a Down". Last year he assembled a group of young all-stars for a dream team band."When I started recording my album, I looked for young, hip, passionate players who could express a high level of musicality and the result was magical."

On drums is Thomas Lang who was voted by the fans of Rhythm Magazine three-times winner as " Best Drummer" . On guitar is Dan Monti, who has recently worked with Serj Tankian on his new album and on bass, Italian virtuoso Mario Pagliarulo. Pontarelli who has been called "electrifying" by audiences and reportedly "burnt down the house" by NBC, will be putting on a show that you won't forget.

Don't miss the one night only Lukas Rossi / Antonio Pontarelli performance at the Key Club, Hollywood (9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069) on June 6, 2007. For additional artist information, please visit http://www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli or http://www.antoniomusic.com. You can also download images and listen to the band's latest music.

###




- D Baylor

Los Angeles, CA February 13, 2007 -- Antonio Pontarelli rocked the red carpet at the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards and gave audiences a sneak preview of his debut CD which is scheduled for release later this year. Pontarelli is an award winning singer/songwriter/rock violinist with an impressive list of live performances and collaborations. Recently he recorded with Serj Tankian of GRAMMY Award-winning rock group System of a Down and has joined together with some of the of the industries finest players to form a band. "Last year, my focus was on writing and performing my own material as well as collaborating and this year my focus is on recording my bands debut CD. We aspire to bring something fresh to the alternative rock scene."

Pontarelli is a classically trained musician and has been involved in numerous music programs. "It is important to me to keep developing as an artist and that is why I have been so supportive of keeping music in the schools and "Grammy Camp" which is an educational program of the GRAMMY Foundation. It is an honor to be involved with them and I have been fortunate enough to be a scholarship recipient for the past two years. I encourage anyone interested in jump starting their musical careers to get involved in their programs which can be found on www.grammy.com."

Earlier this year Pontarelli was awarded "Best Male Artist" at the 2007 Inland Empire Music Awards where he brought audiences to their feet with "The Void" which received a "Best Song" nomination. He also received the 2007 ASTA (American String Teachers Association) national "Alternative Styles Award" for rock. He was also featured in a promotional spot for "GRAMMY CAMP" which aired throughout the 49th Annual Grammy Award Show to promote music education. A portion of Pontarelli's music was selected to showcase the spot.

Pontarelli and his band are rocking stages throughout the country .Dan Monti is on guitar (Buckethead and recorded with Serj Tankian of "System of a Down"), Thomas Lang on drums (Drummer Magazine's "Drummer of the Year 2006") and Italian bass phenom, Mario Pagliarulo. The band sums up their philosophy perfectly in five simple words…"It's all about the music."

For additional artist information about Pontarelli, please visit www.antoniomusic.com. You can also download images and listen to the bands latest music at www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli.

###










- Yahoo News

Music Review by David Banks, June 12th , 2007, LA, CA

Pontarelli has been performing all over the country with his unique style of violin performance that is tightly woven into an interesting mix of modern, classic and progressive rock influences. As he opened his set, Pontarelli played a violin solo through a billowy cloud of smoke that parted once he kicked into vocals. It created a mystique about this rocker which drew the crowd to immediately arm themselves with their cell phones to snap photos before he became too famous.

Shredding on the violin with his hair flying and playing as if his life depended on it, Pontarelli drew the Key Club crowd to him like moths to a flame. Half way through the show, Pontarelli traded his traditional violin for a 6-string fretted violin that rivals an electric flying V guitar. The audience cheered as he attacked the violin while moving dangerously close to the edge of the stage. The audience constantly reached out to touch him as if to capture a piece of his magic.

Often compared to Hendrix and Zeppelin, Pontarelli uses his violin to create a story and takes audiences through a musical journey. It was refreshing to see epic moments of Baroque classical woven into rock that is so current sounding. In the end, we were all left with wanting more violin! More violin!

The musicianship of Pontarelli and his band is top drawer. World renowned drummer Thomas Lang creates a synergy that anchors the group while Italian virtuoso, Mario Pagliarulo on bass and the expert guitar work of Matt Rodriguez keep things tight. Pontarelli's authentic emotion of his vocals adds a large melodic soundscape. But we still want to see more violin!

This alternative rock band is exciting, talented and polished. With a sound that provides pyrotechnics without the necessity of fireworks, Pontarelli is an artist who has it all.

www.lastheplace.com

- Lastheplace.com

Temecula's teenage rock violinist already has the string credibility

By MELISSA HARRISON / Teen Correspondent Special to The Press-Enterprise
Antonio Pontarelli live at The Roxy

Antonio Pontarelli, a 13-year-old rock violinist from Temecula, dreams of becoming a world-class rock musician.

Considering he's shared the stage with everyone from Ray Charles to Billy Preston to the San Diego Symphony, Antonio's dream isn't too far from reality.

On the Pax TV show, "America's Most Talented Kids" last November, Antonio's rendition of "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix won him first place. Two weeks ago, he was brought back for the Tournament of Champions and won the grand prize: a package that included cash, a plasma TV, a trip to Jamaica and the title "America's Most Talented Kid."

"It was an incredible experience I'll never forget," Antonio said.

Antonio Pontarelli, a 13-year-old rock violinist, singer and songwriter from Temecula, was crowned winner of Pax TV's "America's Most Talented Kids" special edition, the "Tournament of Champions." Pontarelli rocked his way to stardom with his arrangement of "All Along the Watchtower."

Antonio, who picked up his first violin at age 4, didn't need celebrity judge Daryl Sabrira (from the movie "Spy Kids") to tell him, "You are headed for stardom." After all, he was winning competitions at 7 and was composing original music by 8. When he was 9 years old, Antonio's dad was diagnosed with leukemia. Antonio wrote a concerto for his father, who beat cancer and credits Antonio with healing him through music.

Six-Stringed Passion

"I first spotted the Viper at music camp as a kid," he said, referring to the six-stringed electric violin he's known for playing. "That's when I knew music was what I wanted to do with my life."

Sharing this passion for music is something Antonio feels strongly about, so he's donating his prize money to a foundation he set up with his family, which aims to provide lessons and instruments to young musicians. "For me, it's all about bringing music and opportunities into other people's lives," he said

Being a teen in the music industry has its pros and cons, Antonio acknowledged. "The age factor can sometimes hinder you. You're always going to have skeptics who think your age is a gimmick. You just have to work extra hard to prove them wrong. At the same time, since you're young, you've got your whole life and career ahead of you, which gives you time to grow musically and build your talents," he said.

Busy Schedule

How hard is it to balance school and a music career? "I go to a charter school," Antonio said. "They're pretty flexible with hours, and they work around my schedule," he explained.

That schedule includes being the concertmaster of the symphonic orchestra of the San Diego Youth Symphony and a first violinist for the Young Musician's Foundation Debut Orchestra.

He's also performing at The Roxy in Los Angeles with teen actress and guitarist Scarlett Pomers of the WB's "Reba," a Riverside native. In addition, he's also working on original material for his upcoming album, which he says is a mix of rock, blues, classical and jazz.

And for fun? Early this month, Antonio attended every music lover's dream: The Grammy Awards. As a member of the Recording Academy, Antonio mingled with some of music's brightest stars.

"I ended up sitting near the lead singer of Incubus (Brandon Boyd). It was so cool talking to him," he said. "I'm a big fan of their music."

Antonio maintains that focus and determination is key to achieving your goals in life. He said, "No matter what you want to do, just follow your heart and go for it. Don't ever give up."
- Press Enterprise

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 5, 2005 -- The 26th Annual Young Artist Awards honored 14 year old musical prodigy Antonio Pontarelli with the “Outstanding Young Rock Musician” award. Antonio who was crowned the grand champion of NBC’s PAX TV “America’s Most Talented Kids” earlier this year also gave a special performance that left the audience mesmerized on his 6-string electric Viper Violin. The Young Artist Awards is held annually to honor and reward deserving young actors, actresses and entertainers and to provide international recognition for superb achievement through Special Honoree Awards in the television and film industries. Other of the top winners in the star studded event included "That’s So Raven” (Disney Channel) starring Raven-Symone, Miracle Run and Reba. Past nominees and winners who have attended have included Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Christina Applegate, Tori Spelling, Gary Coleman, Shannon Doherty, Mario Lopez, John Stamos, Hillary Duff, Lindsey Lohan, Scarlett Pomers and Jamie Lynn Spears.

The buzz surrounding Antonio in the world of music entertainment is not new. He won his first of eight string competitions when he was barely 7 and composed for FOX TV, national television at age 11. He is currently the Concert Master of the San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra and a first violinist for the Young Musician's Foundation National Debut Orchestra. He is the national 2004-2005 winner of the ASTA (America String Teachers Association) Alternative Styles Award as a rock/blues violinist. He has performed jazz, classical and rock violin in concerts with many Grammy and Emmy winners including: Mark O’Connor, Richie Cole (Manhattan Transfer), Marshall Hawkins (Miles Davis) and Mark Wood (Trans –Siberian Orchestra), Brian Torf (Stephane Grappelli) as well as major orchestras such as the San Diego Symphony. Antonio has opened for Billy Preston and the Ray Charles Lifetime Achievement Award. Antonio is currently collaborating as a jazz and rock violinist with several well known rock and jazz bands as well as pouring his passion into his CD, “Under Age” which will be released later this year. He also has been busy performing mini-tours on the East coast, for Hollywood and Grammy VIP’s, locally at the Temecula Jazz Festival and Copley Hall in San Diego. His next local performances are at the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival on Friday 6PM, opening for Eddie Money, July 4th at the Riverside Fireworks Celebration and Saturday Sept. 3rd at 3PM at “On Stage” to benefit the Temecula Theatre Foundation.

Additional information about Antonio including media files can be viewed by logging onto http://www.antoniomusic.com

- Yahoo News

As our first Best Performance prize winner, we are proud to introduce triple threat singer/songwriter/violinist Antonio Pontarelli. In addition to being the co songwriter, that's him on both the powerful rock vocals of his winning performance, but also on the fiery violin licks that are an equal part of his signature sound. Visit his website to find out more about this multi-talented young artist - Unisong International Songwriting Competition

February 16, 2005

Rock Violinist/Singer/Songwriter - Antonio Pontarelli is NBC PAX "America's Most Talented Kids" Grand Champion

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 15, 2005 -- 13 year old rock prodigy, Antonio Pontarelli rocked his way to stardom Sunday by winning the “Tournament of Champions” of "America's Most Talented Kids". Antonio’s technical virtuosity on the violin and smoky vocals mesmerized the audience with his arrangement of “All Along the Watchtower." He ignited the crowd from the very first note and held them captive until the end when he articulated licks with the power of a machine gun while on his back. The judges high fived each other and said that it was the most amazing act that they have ever seen. Daryl Sabara of “Spy Kids” affirmed “You are unparalleled, you are destined for stardom. I said it once and I’ll say it again you ROCK”! The show which airs weekly brought back seven of their top winners of their season to compete on the most exciting talent contest to date. Antonio took all, winning $15,000.00 worth of prizes and the coveted title of Grand Champion.

Antonio who plays a 6-string fretted Viper violin that looks like a flying v guitar auditioned against thousands of kids nationwide. When casting heard his soulful fiery licks and saw his passionate performance, he was immediately called for a spot on the show. When PAX marketed his first performance they created industry buzz by running ads "What if Jimi Hendrix played the violin?"

Playing on the stage is not new for Antonio, who is the Concert Master of the San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra and a first violinist for the Young Musician's Foundation Debut Orchestra. He has performed jazz, classical and rock violin in concerts with many Grammy and Emmy winners including Mark O’Connor, Richie Cole (Manhattan Transfer), Marshall Hawkins (Miles Davis) and Mark Wood (Trans –Siberian Orchestra), as well as major orchestras such as the San Diego Symphony. He has recorded his pre-release "Under Age" and is currently collaborating as a rock violinist with major rock bands. Antonio also is a national 2004-2005 winner of the ASTA (America String Teachers Association) Alternative Styles Award

Antonio started playing violin when he was four and won his first violin competition when he was seven. When he was nine years old his dad was diagnosed with a serious form of leukemia with rather grim prognoses. Antono, who has a deep belief in the power of music especially DNA Music, started writing music for his healing. Every day when he went to see his Dad he brought his violin and played a piece of it. There was never a doubt in his mind that his Dad would have a complete and total recovery and he has. He was deeply inspired by this experience to create a foundation to fund projects that share his vision and bring music into people’s lives.

Don't miss the encore performance Friday, February, 18th at 8PM EST on PAX where Antonio steals the heart of America and becomes the Grand Champion of "America's Most Talented Kids".

Additional information about Antonio including a preview video clip of the “Tournament of Champions” is published on his website; antoniomusic.com

- NAMM- TheMusicEdge.com

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 20, 2006 -- Antonio Pontarelli, a highly gifted, singer/songwriter & rock violinist who is only 14, has won the prestigious SongwriterUniverse Best Song Contest in March, for his song Things Fall Apart. Pontarelli, who is a resident of Temecula, CA, is including Things Fall Apart on his new, EP CD. He not only wrote the piece, but he sang the vocals, played electric and acoustic violin, piano and co-produced it.

The song Things Fall Apart was reviewed by industry heavyweight, Dale Kawashima who called it "a powerful, soaring rock cut which has a soulful bluesy edge to it". The lyrics in the song are about fighting back and recovering from major setbacks in life and about having faith and believing in yourself. It was written at a time when Pontarelli was inspired by the strength of those who went through Katrina and the empowerment they found through making their challenges a thrusting block for growth. Kawashima called the production of the song "outstanding." "It features strong soulful lead vocals by Pontarelli, with a 6-string electric violin solo (played by Pontarelli) which resembles the fiery intensity of a Jimi Hendrix-like guitar solo. The piece also features solid keyboards (played by Pontarelli) and guitar, and bass tracks by co-producer Dan Monti (who has been working with Pontarelli and is also a member of experimental rock artist Buckethead band)."

Pontarelli started playing violin when he was four. When he was six he won a classical violin competition and started getting serious about his music. It was at the age of 10 when he got his electric “Viper� violin, which has 6 strings, that he realized that he could play anything that a lead guitarist could. “I became very motivated and started writing and performing rock music and also got serious with my vocal training.� Although he gives his early relationships with the legendary Isaac Stern, Grammy winner Mark O’Connor and Mark Wood credit for inspiring him, he currently is influenced by rock guitarists.

Pontarelli has received numerous honors both musically and for his academics. Earlier this year he won “Best Instrumentalist “at the Southern California Music Awards as well as the Inland Empire Music Awards. In February he was featured on the Jay Leno Show and Entertainment Tonight where he played and did interviews “Live from the Grammy Red Carpet�. Last summer he was one of 10 singer/songwriters selected internationally by the Grammy Foundation to participate in its Grammy Camp, where he worked with industry pros such as David Foster and Lamont Dozier. Despite a busy schedule with his music Pontarelli manages to be a straight A student and a John Hopkins University Scholar, which allows him to take special college classes at John Hopkins University online.

Pontarelli received extensive publicity in 2005, when he was featured on the NBC's PAX TV's America’s Most Talented Kids� and was named the Grand Champion. As a result of this national exposure Pontarelli has made many music industry contacts including playing violin with Jethro Tull. “I am entertaining label deals, and putting together a good (music business) team. I love performing and my goal is to make a difference in this world with music.�

Pontarelli’s next local performance will be at the Orange County Music Awards on April 8th at 8PM at the Grove in Anaheim. Pontarelli will be opening the show with a bang with his own laser light show. Tickets can be purchased at Ticket Master. Information about Pontarelli can be found by visiting www.antoniomusic.com.


- Google News

Los Angeles, CA, (PRWEB) April 30, 2008 -- It was just announced that Rock Violinist-Singer-Songwriter Antonio Pontarelli won the People's Voice Award of the International Songwriters Competition (ISC). ISC received over 15,000 entries from 100 countries throughout the world and Pontarelli received the highest number of votes from fans who voted in the competition. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have original songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry. The New York Times is quoted as saying that "ISC is the songwriting competition to take note of."

Winning awards is not new for Pontarelli who has won dozens of awards over the years as a songwriter as well as a performing artist. He won his first national championship at age 13 when he became the Grand Champion of "America's Most Talented Kids" which included American Idol winner Jordan Sparks. In 2005 and 2007 he won the ASTA National Alternative Styles Competition for "Best Rock" and the Southern California Music Award for "Best Instrumentalist". In January Pontarelli won the 2008 Inland Empire Music Awards for "Best Rock Band", but this is the first award that was based solely on input from the public. "It is a true honor to win the ISC "People's Voice Award" Pontarelli stated."I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support from fans all over the world."

America's Most Talented Kids
A classically trained violinist and pianist, Pontarelli's innovative approach in bringing these elements into alternative rock makes him one of the most exciting artists to arrive on the Indie music scene. It is by connecting his Classical and Baroque roots with timeless rock influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Tool and System of a Down that this fresh innovative sound is created. The bands' music will soon be heard on the airwaves as they are currently in the studio recording for a late summer CD release and tour.

Pontarelli has been involved with numerous projects over the past year, including collaborating with Grammy award winners including Serj Tankian, the voice of "System of a Down" (SOAD) where he added rock violin madness to Tankian's solo CD "Elect the Dead". Tankian stated "Antonio Pontarelli is a great musician that brought ambiance to the music". The album peaked at four on the US Billboard charts.

Pontarelli's passion as an artist extends beyond the concert stage. He created a 501c3 non- profit foundation in 2002 to fund projects that put music into the lives of those who are less fortunate. He has done workshops at schools and universities throughout the US and has made Grammy Red Carpet appearances promoting Grammy Camp and music in the schools. On August 30th his band will take a break from their tour to be a special guest of NAMM's Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA. Pontarelli will be giving an "Informance" that reveals some of his secrets to bringing the haunting timeless magic of the violin to popular music. Pontarelli will be playing some unique electric violins from his own collection and unveiling a few from the museum's special exhibit. Advanced ticket purchase recommended at www.museumofmakingmusic.org or (760) 438-5996, ext. 212.


- Yahoo News