Have Violin, Will Travel

A great article about Ms. Lorenza Ponce in the Asbury Park Press.

When Bon Jovi added a Nashville accent to its sound for its “Lost Highway” tour, the band turned to Lorenza Ponce for some country-rock violin.

Sheryl Crow also recruited Ponce for tours, and encouraged the violinist to play guitar and to sing, as well as to write string arrangements for the tour.

On her own solo tour, the New York-based Ponce takes with her the lessons she learned from these stars and applies them to club performances.

“One thing I learned from Bon Jovi — it’s good to be on top,” Ponce said, with a laugh. “They live a great lifestyle. But, it’s a lot of hard work and they are incredibly disciplined. Everything is geared to the show — working out, eating, vocal warm-ups. Everything is scheduled to be gig-ready. And that’s why they’re so successful. It’s a job. They love it, but they know they have to take it seriously. They don’t always get the best press or whatever, but there’s a reason why they’ve lasted. You can go crazy and drink and last for five years, or you can have the discipline that Jon has and still be performing at the top after 25 years.”

Ponce continues to make occasional guest appearances on Bon Jovi’s current tour, promoting “The Circle.” The tour will open the new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, with shows May 26, 27 and 29, as well as July 9.

Meanwhile, Ponce celebrates the release of her most recent solo disc, “Soul Shifter,” with a show May 24 at The Living Room, 154 Ludlow St. in Manhattan. Ponce performs at 8 p.m., followed by an after-party at the club’s Googies Lounge from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Admission to the show is free, though a one-drink minimum is required.

“Because of the tours I’ve been on, I haven’t been in clubs for so long,” Ponce said. “I love being able to talk to people and take pictures with fans, and sit for a couple hours afterward. I’m really active on Twitter and Facebook, so I know a lot of foreign fans, especially from Italy, are coming in for the Bon Jovi shows and they’re coming to see my show, too.”

The full article can be read here.

~ Hath