Jon Pontrello’s Website

Painting by Andy Pham at the Rabbit Box Theatre

The idea to release “Roll On Kalakala” started out as a seed in the corner of my mind when I met the lyricist, Jack Broom, in late 2023 to borrow an old record while researching songs about PNW ferries. The seed blossomed into a room full of people and music at the Rabbit Box Theatre for a Sunday matinee on January 19, 2025 to celebrate the release of “Roll on Kalakala and other seaworthy tunes”, as well as to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the demolition of the iconic ferry. 

During my research of old ferry songs, I have read articles and documents that are over 100 years old. For this reason, I am very excited about the great press this song has received, because it has helped to establish this song in as a part of the Kalakala’s long story, making it possible for future generations to pick up this yarn and carry it a little further. For me personally, there have been so many people I have met and got to work with because of this song. I am grateful to all of them, and to everyone who has listened and helped to share this song in all ways big and small. Below I have shared links to a segment on 94.9FM KUOW’s show “Soundside,” and an interview on SPACE 101.1FM show “Cascade of History”. Roll on Kalakala!

KUOW 94.9FM – Soundside

‘Roll On Kalakala” celebrates the beginning, the end, of a Seattle icon by Libby Denkmann & Sarah Leibovitz – originally aired on KUOW 94.9 FM on January 16, 2025

https://www.kuow.org/stories/roll-on-kalakala-celebrates-the-life-and-death-of

SPACE 101.1 FM – Cascade of History

Cascade of History w/ host Feliks Banel – Episode 92 – Jon Pontrello sings “Roll On Kalakala” and other Songs of the Sea. Originally aired on January 12, 2025 on SPACE 101.1FM