FOR THE PEOPLE: A Benefit Concert for the Children of Randy Ponzio
I was not privileged to know the musician Randy Ponzio, but some of my own close friends were friends of his, and I would think his tragic death last year left his children in a precarious position. As you know, if you’ve read my blog for some time, I love to promote charitable causes and I can’t find a better one.
When:
February 17, 2012 (Friday)
8:00p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Where:
The Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St. Vancouver
Tickets:
$40 (advance)
Line-Up:
Kyprios, Chin Injeti, David Morin, Tonye Aganaba, Foundation, Beauty vs Facts, Valerie Ponzio, Jess Vaira, Alex Maher, Dan Ross, Mario Vaira, Airtights, Un-1, Aspire, Jessi Nicholson, Heads Hang Heavy, Atma, Little T, Kelsey Klassen, Ed Lam, Chantel Upshaw, Asha Moyo
In November 2011, Vancouver musician Randy Ponzio was reported missing 24 hours after leaving an upscale bar in Chinatown. Hundreds of friends and fans immediately launched a search, and mobilized tens of thousands of people through social media. Three short days later, however, the hopes of thousands turned to sorrow when the news spread of Randy’s passing.
Before this unexpected tragedy, his career was on the rise: he won the Shore 104.3 FM Song Search with his song Bigger than You and Me, he performed several shows a month, and continued to gain fans by busking on Vancouver streets. Most notably, he opened for Ziggy Marley at the Vogue Theatre, Ky-Mani Marley at the Commodore Ballroom, and Yellowman at Fortune Sound Club. His album, For the People, was released on November 8th, 2011.
Over the past few years Randy Ponzio was becoming recognized for his pop and soul sound with hints of reggae. Randy’s intense lyrics and soul-stopping voice delivered his message of hope and humanity in his music.
Much of Randy’s inspiration came from the humanitarian work he has done in places such as the Philippines, Mexico, and countries in East Africa. Prior to starting his musical career he traveled to the Philippines where he established a birth clinic and feeding program for pregnant mothers and malnourished children that is still in operation. He has also traveled to East Africa to work with children there, and was in Kenya in January 2008 where he witnessed first-hand the post-election violence the country suffered.
Tickets:
$40 (advance) available at the following:
Red Cat Records
4332 Main St. | 604.708.9422
Highlife World Music
1317 Commercial Drive | 604.251.6964
You can find more information on the Facebook Event Page:
