Joelle James

America's Most Talented Kids
The Valley News, March 4, 2005

NBC-PAX television's "America's Most Talented Kids" ("AMTK") competition, which aired the Tournament of Champions show on Feb. 8 and 13, showcased outstanding homegrown Temecula Valley talents, including finalist 13-year-old rock violin virtuoso Antonio Pontarelli, finalist 12-year-old singing sensation Tori Kelly of Canyon Lake; and semi-finalist 14-year-old gifted vocalist Joelle James of Murrieta.

Antonio, who ultimately won the "AMTK" championship by captivating the audience and judges with his version of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze," performed on his six-string electric violin. He recently returned from accepting the first place Alternative Strings Award at the 2004-05 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) national convention in Reno, NV, at the end of February.

His unique rock violin, called the Viper due to its flying "V" shape, was designed and manufactured by fellow violinist and musician Mark Wood and gives him the freedom to explore the vibrant genre of rock and roll music using his classical training. "His range is extremely broad," explains Antonio's mother, Greta. "He's an improvisational artist with many textures to his music. He can do a classical concerto and the next moment he can do rock and jazz." Not only has he served as the Junior Concert Master of the San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra for the past two years and played with the symphony for the previous three years, but he has also appeared at the Whiskey a GoGo club in Los Angeles, the Coachhouse in San Juan Capistrano, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show, and a long list of performances that attest to his versatility and talents. His next gigs are performing at the LA Marathon on March 6 and playing with Scarlett Pomers of Reba McEntire's "Reba" show at the Roxy in LA on March 11.

"I've met many phenomenal people," said Antonio as he humbly lists music legends Isaac Stern, Mark O'Connor, Billy Preston, among others, "and it has helped me and inspired me in my musical career." Along with music lessons in violin, drums, piano theory, guitar, songwriting and vocals, Antonio's music is influenced by rock musicians Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Incubus, Evanescence and 3 Doors Down, as well as violinists John Bell, Isaac Stern, Mark Wood and Mark O'Connor. "I listen to new albums and new music constantly, but ultimately my music comes from within," he says. "I'm writing a lot more music and really focusing on it."

Antonio is currently working on a CD, "Underage," which is scheduled to be launched at the end of this spring.

Twelve-year-old AMTK finalist and vocalist Tori Kelly is an up-and-coming young talent. She began entering and winning vocal competitions at age 7 and has compiled a long list of awards and accomplishments.

While competing in the "Star Search" semi-finals when she was 10 years old, celebrity judge/singer Naomi Judd enthused, "You've got a voice dripping with honey." Tori was a featured performer at the 2004 Wildomar Street Fair, Sights and Sounds of Riverside, America Sings, Callaway Winery, and Temecula International Film and Music Festival, to name a few invitations. She has also sung the National Anthem at MLB Anaheim Angels games, Strom Baseball Opening Days and games, Canyon Lake Fiesta Days, and the World Championships of Gymnastics Opening Ceremonies, among others. She won the 2003 Norco Valley Fair's first place and Best of Show talent in her age division and performed live on-air at KATY 101.3 and KGGI 99.1 radio programs.

Tori takes all of the attention in stride and tries hard to keep her life as normal as possible, with a lot of help from her family. "It's happening naturally," says Tori's mom, Laura, of her daughter's success. "Everything's normal and it's all fun. We take her to all of her gigs, the play-offs and the competitions and it seems very naturally coming her way."

Vocal lessons, sleepovers, going to the mall with friends, dancing, acting in Calvary Chapel Christian School's play "Sermon On the Mound" (a baseball play), and wakeboarding during the summer balance her busy schedule. "I like to do all the girl stuff, too," said Tori with a laugh. Her musical inspiration comes in many forms ‹rhythm and blues to funk and pop artists. From Christina Aguilera and Jill Scott to The Brand New Heavies, Tori expands her song repertoire with each competition. She sang her own version of "It's Love" by Jill Scott for the "AMTK" Tournament of Champions. "I like a challenge and I pick songs that challenge me. Then, I rearrange it and make it my own," she said.

Tori's next project is performing at the Lake Elsinore Storm Baseball's Opening Day on April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Diamond Stadium.

Murrieta singer Joelle James astonished onlookers and television viewers with her astounding performance of the National Anthem at the 2005 NASCAR Auto Club 500 race in Fontana on Feb. 27.

The 14-year-old Murrieta Valley High School student was invited to sing at the NASCAR event after a promoter heard her sing at the MLB Anaheim Angels vs. Red Sox game last fall. Joelle has sung the National Anthem for many different events ‹ the LA Lakers, the LA Sparks, the LA Kings, the LA Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, the San Diego Chargers, the Lake Elsinore Storm ‹ and had many other opportunities to showcase her talent.

When she was 11 years old, she sang "Georgia On My Mind," for the late Ray Charles as he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival. "That was a big moment for me, now especially that he's gone; to sing his signature song for him means a lot," she fondly reminisces.

Joelle has also competed in "AMTK" and "Star Search" as a semi-finalist. Last year, the city of Temecula honored her with a proclamation and certificate of appreciation for her community service.

In between high school track practice, daily vocal exercises and weekly vocal training, Joelle finds time to absorb music from her favorite artists, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Christina Aguilera. "I like songs and singers that have a lot of emotion and tell a good story with their voices," she explains. "Aretha (Franklin)Š of course, she is the queen idol and I get a lot of inspiration from her."

Joelle's next appearance will be singing the National Anthem on April 2 at the Lake Elsinore Storm vs. San Diego Padres game. Then, she'll perform at the April 17 Multiple Sclerosis Walk at the LA Coliseum.

Not only do these accomplished young performers inspire audiences with their unique gifts, but despite busy schedules juggling school, family, friends, and music careers they all have found ways to donate their time and talents to charitable causes as well.

Both Tori and Joelle are involved in two charitable foundations: LA-based Kids with a Cause and Kids 4 Kids, a fundraising concert of local students created by their vocal trainer, Billy Purnell of Riverside, which includes Antonio's talents too.

Kids with a Cause, represented in 2005 by international co-spokespersons Haylie and Hilary Duff, connects disadvantaged children with celebrity teens in a variety of settings like foster homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals where they can interact regardless of financial situations. "One of my greatest pleasures is working with children, especially the less fortunate," said Joelle, who was recognized as the volunteer who donated the most hours to the charity in 2004. "We've gone to Mexico and given children blankets and school supplies and we've performed at the Los Angeles Mission for a summer block party. It feels really good to interact hands-on with kids, perform before a live audience, and know that you are helping them."

Antonio has also dedicated himself to the improvement of society through philanthropic works. At the age of 8, he and his late godfather created The Music Prodigy Foundation, Inc., where Antonio donates a percentage of profits from merchandising sales and prize money to help finance ways to keep music in people's lives. "He learned early to always give a piece of it back," explains Antonio's mother. "We really believe that it is important for children to have a life mission as their lives unfold. It makes life more meaningful to leave a little handprint of helping others."

Antonio, Tori, and Joelle are three phenomenal young talents in the Temecula Valley and their community is fortunate to enjoy their performances at local and national events. To learn more contact www.antoniomusic.com, www.tori-kelly.com, and www.joellejames.com for each respective artist.

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