It is with great sorrow that we have to announce that Randy Ponzio passed away November 17th, 2011 in Vancouver, BC Canada. Randy went missing on November 15th and a vast network of friends, fans and Vancouver’s musical community started an exhaustive search to find him. Randy left behind three young children and donations for the Ponzio Children Fund can be made at
www.randyponzio.com. Randy had just released his latest EP, “For the People” on November 8th, 2011.
“When Randy went missing, there was an entire community of people who went to look for him and helped spread the word in an attempt to bring him home. We are grateful for all the generous donations people have given to his children. We are truly humbled,” says Bruce Randolph Ponzio, Sr. The Ponzio Family thanks all who have reached out to offer help and comfort during our grieving. Love, Peace, Foundation and Family.
More about Randy:
Over the past few years Randy Ponzio has steadily been recognized for his unique sound which at its core is pop and soul with hints of reggae. Randy's intense lyrics and soul-stopping voice are the medium to deliver his message of hope and humanity in his music.
Much of Randy's music comes from the humanitarian work Randy 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.
"I was blown away by the people of Kenya who opened up their doors for me in safety, shelter and food as well. It was humanity serving humanity despite the politics of a rigged election that chose to divide people into groups in a potential tribal war," Randy said about his experience in Kenya. He remembered the joy in the eyes of one particular woman he and his team rescued, who offered all that she had - a few tomatoes - in gratitude for her rescue.
Randy continued to work with children in Kenya and was establishing programs with the Bavubuka Foundation to assist East African children in music education, giving these kids the tools to create their own musical voices.
Randy performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, recently opened for Ky-Mani Marley at Vancouver's legendary Commodore Ballroom and later opened for Ziggy Marley at The Vogue in Vancouver. Most recently, Randy won the Shore 104.3 FM Song Search with his song "For the People".
released November 8, 2011
© 2011 Quest Poetics
Produced by Randy Ponzio. Mastered by Brad Graham, Turtle Recordings.
All songs written and composed by Randy Ponzio except
‘On a Bus’ lyrics by Randy Ponzio and Darja Milidragovic.
Album art by NMS, photography by Shereen Jamil
www.randyponzio.com