Jon Pontrello’s Website

In the last few weeks I’ve had two podcasts come out that feature songs I recorded about boats. The first is from the Unsolved Histories podcast that explores the story of what happen to the SS Valencia off the coast of Vancouver Island. Shortly after this 1906 tragedy, a song was written by a Seattle composer. Feliks Banel, the host of the podcast, reached out to ask me if I could bring the old song to life. You can hear it on this recent episode the Unsolved Histories podcast “Have you seen the Phantom Ship”

You might also be aware that I have been gearing up to release the song “Roll On Kalakala” written by Jack Broom back in 1998 when the Kalakala returned to Seattle. Feliks Banel, also a host on KIRO 97.3FM invited both me and Jack down to the Seattle ferry dock at 6am the morning after the bomb cyclone a few weeks ago. In case you weren’t awake, or your power was out, or both! The live broadcast is archived on the Resident Historian podcast, and can be found at MyNorthwest.com with an article also written by Feliks! (He is a busy man!) https://mynorthwest.com/4011661/streamline-ferry-kalakala-rolls-on-in-song/

“Roll On Kalakala” will be released in two weeks, on December 19, 2025. It will be available on all streaming platforms, and there will be a lyric video with many archival photos that tell the visual story of the Kalakala chronicle. The following month there will be a Sunday matinee on January 19th at the Rabbit Box Theatre with special guest Al Hirsch. Stay tuned for ticket info. Roll on!