***OFFICIAL***

Dan

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About Me

Dan Ponce is the founder and first music director of Straight No Chaser. Before SNC reunited, he was a reporter for ABC News in Chicago. Dan's brother Anthony is a reporter for NBC in Chicago, and his father Phil is the host of 'Chicago Tonight' on WTTW (PBS). Dan grew up in Wilmette, IL, a north suburb of the Windy City. He attended Indiana University for undergraduate degrees in music and journalism. He founded Straight No Chaser in 1996 - Dan's sophomore year. After graduating from IU, he spent four years living in Atlanta writing songs and performing with other original members of SNC. During that time he taught private piano, violin and voice lessons. In 2004, Dan decided to go back to school, and earned his master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University. Dan lives in Chicago.

Voice Part:

Baritone

Birth Name
Daniel Felipe Ponce
Nickname
Cobra
Birthday
December 7
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Height
5’9”
Eyes
Brown
Currently Living In
Chicago
Hometown
Chicago
Relationship Status
In a relationship
Trademark
can whistle a melody and hum the harmony at the same time
Hobbies
piano, running, weight lifting, reading
Favorite SNC College Memory
Walking off the stage after the debut of "Dry Campus" - the comical song I wrote about Indiana University's no-alcohol policy
Musical Influences
Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin, Bach, Vivaldi, Robert Shaw, Daniel Barenboim, Sir George Solti
Favorite Songs to Perform Live
Straight No Chaser (the group's original theme song)
Favorite Place You've Traveled
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Favorite Things in General
Indiana University Basketball, Chicago White Sox Baseball, performing live in a great auditorium, tropical fish, trying new restaurants in Chicago
What Magazines/Periodicals do you read consistently?
Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine, Time Out Chicago - can you tell I live in Chicago?
Name Your Top 5 Favorite Foods
Mom's Chicken Pot Pie, Mama Maxi's tortillas, Mad Mushroom Cheesesticks,
Lasagna, Black Raspberries
Name Your Top 5 Favorite Books
A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe, Blindness by Jose Saramago, The World According to Garp by John Irving, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Name Your Top 5 Favorite Movies
Hoosiers, The Shawshank Redemption, The Hunt for Red October, Sideways, Glory
Name Your Top 5 Favorite Bands/Artists
Sting, Seal, Billy Joel, Elton John, Boyz II Men
Name Your Top 5 Favorite Songs
“Every Breath You Take” (The Police), “Kiss from a Rose” (Seal), “I’d Die Without You” (PM Dawn) “Maria” (from Westside Story), “Ave Maria” (Franz Biebl)

My Activity

  • Dan
    commented on
    Joan Blouse's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    thanks Joan - sad to be leaving, glad you liked the show! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    Terry Pius's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    hey! hope you liked the show, thanks for writing! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    Stel's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    thank you!! I'll be at the Chicago Theater show for sure, see you then! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    Jules's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    thank you so much for your note!!! Go Hoosiers! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    Jeanette P.'s
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    Hii Jeanette!! thank you for your note, yes - I'll be keeping in touch on this website for sure. All the best to...
  • Dan
    commented on
    Karen's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    Hi Karen - thank you so much for your kind note and your warm wishes!! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    diane's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    my last show is Aug 28 - very sad to be leaving, but excited for my next chapter!! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    yeye's
    profile.
    3 weeks ago
    Hi 'yeye' thanks so much! Walt and I did the songs for the current show in AC... thanks again for your wishes, All...
  • Dan
    commented on
    Terry Pius's
    profile.
    4 weeks ago
    Hi Terry, thanks so much - we'll see you and your mother on the 18th!! Dan
  • Dan
    commented on
    Laura's
    profile.
    4 weeks ago
    Hi Laura - your note really meant a lot to me, thanks for taking the time to write! Dan

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Comments (311)

  • Diane & Brian Lee in Australia says
    (1 day ago)

    Greetings Dan,

    You were always my favourite. I know, we aren't supposed to choose favourites. But, I did. There was always, in my opinion, a special little spark about you. You will be sorely missed.

    On the other hand, I am thrilled that you have found someone to share life's ongoing adventure with. To love, and be loved, there is nothing better. Congratulations, and may life unfold in many joyous paths for the two of you.

    As to your acceptance of general assignment reporter at WGN, I completely understand. As a former reporter ... who misses it ... I know the fulfillment that comes from this profession. I'm sure the same spark you brought to SNC will stand you in good stead as you perform your duties for WGN.

    In closing, always remember, you are always remembered.

    With sincere gratitude, and thanks,
    Diane and Brian Lee
    Queensland, Australia

  • Wayne says
    (2 days ago)

    Dan - We (your fans) are most definately going to miss your vocal talents. While you did a great job on the WGN news covering Daley's decision not to run for re-election, it was just wrong on so many levels for a Chaser fan to see you talking about a political story, and not arranging a song about it.

    However,as with all changes in life, I'm sure as we see more of you, it will become second nature to see you on the news as a reporter, and perhaps someday behind the desk as an anchor. (Tell Suppelsa to give you a shot. :).

    As always, we wish you and Amy all the best in whatever new endeavors you choose to pursue. Keep living the dream, and know that your fans will always be there for you.

    Time for a plug. Chaser fans - We all can still get our Dan fix by watching the 9pm CST news on the WGN America channel. You've heard him sing, now see him report the news as an assignment reporter. Let's give him our full support and return to him some of the love he and the boys have shown us through their music.

  • mom2tynjen says
    (2 days ago)

    Dan - I second the motion for a guest spot at the Cincinnati show. Hope to see you there!

  • jms says
    (2 days ago)

    On behalf of all the dedicated SNC fans in Maine, I want to wish you and your fiancee every happiness. Ah...the memory of seeing you all at Berklee in Boston, then catching the late train back to Portland, getting back to Waterville at 3AM and still being in my classroom to teach my HS seniors at 8! Tired, but happy. :>)
    As a singer of all kinds of music with a particular love for a cappella, I hope you will continue to contribute to SNC ...or *any* group... because you have such an obvious gift for vocal arrangement and love for what the human voice can do.
    I'd love to hear if you have any immediate musical plans. All the best- Joyce

  • Lisa says
    (3 days ago)

    Sad to see you go! You will be sorely missed. Best of luck to you in the future!!!

  • kellem says
    (3 days ago)

    DAN! I am so sad to see you go. You were my favorite, but I am sure that the new member will be as awesome as the other guys. I saw you all in Atlantic City for my birthday, and it was one of my favorite shows! I'm a chaser for life! Good luck with anything and everything you do!

  • Lakink says
    (3 days ago)

    i miss you already, dan!!!

  • GBPF says
    (1 week ago)

    Had the pleasure to attend two SNC concerts. At the Birchmere I asked you if you missed the snow and cold of Chicago, you said you did. Didn't know about Amy at the time!

    I wish you and Amy all the love necessary to build a strong marriage to weather whatever Life(and the Chicago winds) send your way.

    We would love to see a wedding photo or two on the website...in lieu of personal invitations to the wedding!

    Guess you won't have to hire a wedding singer...

    Will miss you as a constant contributor to SNC, but do keep the original pieces coming. You have proven your ability to touch many people with your words and musical arrangements. Creatively, I think that part of a muscian never goes away---just needs recharging with new inspiration. Big thank you to Amy for "All My Life."

    Dan, you are truly a gifted person. Do remember, "to whom much is given, much is asked." Being the gracious and humble person you are, I know you'll keep that in mind, especially when making your way over snow drifts in sub zero temps for onsite reporting for the news!

    Thank you for giving the world SNC (in its collegiate and professional forms) and for leaving it in the unquestioned talented hands of the current 9 and "player to be named later."

    Best to you ALL!

  • Tina Gaston says
    (1 week ago)

    Of them all, I shall miss you most. Best wishes, Dan!

  • SteveRinLex says
    (1 week ago)

    Dan - wishing you all he best, but will miss you as part of SNC. You should make a guest spot in Louisville or Cincinnati, will be at both shows. I know you'll do well back in Chicago, thank you for founding and directing SNC, I've been to two shows in Atlantic City and one back in Dayton, so you've got a serious Chaser here, looking forward to many shows in the future. Best wishes to you and your family!