Quick Q and A with Bonnie Lee Panda
 by Kathy S-B  ·  10 November 2008

Here’s an opportunity to get up and close with Bonnie Lee Panda and learn more about her background and what makes her tick as an artist. Take a listen to some of her tunes on her MySpace page.

According to your website, you knew at a very early age that you wanted to make music. Do you recall any one experience that resonated with you and prompted you to come to that conclusion?

As far as I can remember, my biggest dream was to sing on stage. My parents divorced when I was five, and I remember going to visit my Dad’s family on Sundays. We would travel a good half hour there and back with the radio on, and I would daydream that I was the one singing. It was my biggest passion even as a kid. However I also felt in my heart that it would never happen. Stemming from a lot of issues from growing up in a broken home, I had a deep-rooted belief that I wasn’t a good enough person for that to happen to. My musical journey has also been accompanied by a profound growth and spiritual healing, which I believe can be felt throughout my songs.

Your style is country but at the same time it’s got folk and soul entwined throughout. Do you have any musical heroes from all those genres?

I’ve been influenced by many musicians, all across genres, from classical to pop to country and bluegrass. I trained classically in voice in early high school and definitely can appreciate the incredible vocal techniques of Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. I’ve always listened to a lot of Broadway music, my favorite plays being “West Side Story,” and “Les Miserables.” I love the stories written in country music, and have learned a lot about that style of songwriting. My favorite country artist is Martina McBride. I didn’t realize the plethora of amazing folk artists until I entered the folk world a few years ago, and now have a ton of new influences, some being great friends, including Pat Wictor, Erik Balkey, and Jonathan Byrd.

What did you learn from being in an a cappella group in college?

When I got to the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT, I was hoping to sing in an a cappella group. I had seen these great a cappella groups perform when I had visited my sister at Boston College, so I looked forward to that at UConn. Surprisingly, as big as UConn is, there were no a cappella groups. I can’t easily sum up the amazing things I learned co-founding the first a cappella group at UConn. I learned business skills, musical skills, interpersonal skills (working with 13 women ain’t always easy!). The ‘Chordials’ just celebrated their 10th year anniversary, and there are now 6 a cappella groups on campus. I’m honored to have been a part of that.

Tell us about your recordings.

I have recorded 3 CDs as of yet. My first recording, “Within,” was recorded in 2004 and is an 8 song EP, with 7 original tunes, and the song “I Hope You Dance,” originally sung by LeAnn Womak. My second recording was a live performance in 2006 at the Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret, CT, recorded by Mark Thayer of Signature Sounds Studio (who also recorded my first CD). My third CD I finished last November and is a holiday tribute called Magical Winter Day, with one original tune, a few traditional holiday songs, and songs by artists like Alan Gershwin and Tom Prasado-Rao.

Do you have any plans for the new year?

I’m getting ready to record my 4th CD, a full-length original album. I plan to start that in the next few months. I’ll also be perfecting my new kids program, where I go into elementary schools to chat and sing with the kids about self-esteem, anti-bullying and following their dreams. I’m focusing on 3rd to 5th grade, and so far have had some amazing workshops. Here are a few quotes from the kids…

• The message I learned from Bonnie Lee was that if you feel bad, remember that you are always special. You should always feel good about yourself every single day, even if you don’t make a sports’ team after you try out.

• The best part for me was when Bonnie Lee sang a song called, “I’m Gonna Like Me,” because after her singing, I felt good because it told me that I don’t have to be perfect.