RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
As we’ve followed North Texas native Allison Ponthier’s music career, we’ve been witness to a number of firsts: She dropped her first EP, Faking My Own Death, in 2021. Her first Dallas concert was as the support act for Bleachers in May 2022.Then she headlined her first Dallas Pride Music Festival in June 2023.
So, of course, we have to be there for Ponthier’s first tour where it’s all eyes on her.
Ahead of her first — yes, first — full-length release, the former Allen resident has embarked on her first ever headlining tour which kicked off on June 12. When she returns to Dallas, she’ll headline a venue she’s frequented to see others play when, on June 20, Ponthier’s Karaoke Queen Tour takes over Club Dada.
“I was in Deep Ellum all the time in high school and at the beginning of college, catching live music,” Ponthier said. “I spent many nights in Deep Ellum picturing what it would be like to play there, so I’m very, very excited to play Club Dada.”
Ponthier laughed about her “chronic opener” syndrome before this tour. Along with Bleachers, she has toured in support of NIKI, Maren Morris and Hayley Kiyoko. But to headline now is perfect for Ponthier.
“I love being an opener, and I’m honored to open for people I’m fans of. But I think it’s time,” she said of her new tour. “I’ve been around a few years now, and I want to reach the people who’ve been there for me, so I’m overdue.
“I’ve only done three headline shows before this, and those were the best days of my life.”
Ponthier added there is far less pressure, too: “Well, because I’m a chronic people pleaser, I have to win them over, which is exciting. And I get experience playing huge venues,” she said. “Festivals are always fun, because it’s always a surprise.”
This tour will preview Ponthier’s first full-length album, expected to drop later this year. The album follows three her EP releases since 2021, and it comes after Ponthier was dropped by a major label. That initially shook the singer, but later, she reassessed the entire situation. “I’ve had lots of ups and downs, and that was certainly a hit,” she said. “I love that people seem to respect me and come see me and right now, I’m just really proud of my songwriting.”
The tour name comes from the album’s first single.
In her rising stardom, Ponthier hung out with Elton John, met Brandi Carlile and even had a childhood icon give her a nod. Recently, on her talk show, Kelly Clarkson sang Lord Huron’s “I Lied,” which features Ponthier’s vocals.
“Oh my god, and I was not very cool about it when I commented on her post,” Ponthier laughed. “I was obsessed with her, and, obviously, she’s also a Texan. Her Breakaway was my first CD, and I remember rooting for her during American Idol. When she won, that made me feel like that could happen to me.”
Ponthier called it a full circle moment.
Playing Dallas — her hometown — during Pride is another one of those special moments, even if she’s done it before. This time, she says, it as a healing moment.
This was the place she came out. This was the place she began her musical journey. And the place, she figured out who loved her for her. This is her home.
Ponthier added that she’s doubling down to stand up as well for her queer community.
In the past, she’s collabed with Dallas Hope Charities raising money for the DFW organization. Lately, Ponthier has been working with Transgender Education Network of Texas.
“They make me proud to be Texan,” she said. “Not only are we thinking of our own communities, we have to think of all the areas where trans people aren’t safe. I can’t fix everything going on, but I am trying to fight harder to help protect the trans community.”
Ponthier continued, “I’m really happy coming back to Dallas. It’s the perfect place to play, and Pride is so important right now.
“I want my shows to be entertaining but also safe and all people appreciated and welcomed. You will always find that at my show, and I hope that can inspire people.”
For tickets, visit DadaDallas.com.