'Jammin' Band plays to kids

By: JEANNIE O'SULLIVAN, Managing Editor
08/10/2006

Dawnie & the Peanut Butter-n-Jammin Band, a musical trio geared to young audiences, got people twisting and shouting when they performed at the McLaughlin-Norcross Dell at 10:30 a.m. as part of the morning Kids Kapers series.

The show's interactive nature bonds parent and child over the thrill of singing, movement and tooling around with instruments, according to Dawnie Allynne, the group's founder. She said that along with playing music, the band members leads sing-alongs, clapping routines, and dance moves.

"There's a lot of dancing. We do a little bit of everything at the show," Allynne said.

As for the type of music to be expected, the self-styled rock-pop-everything band churns out hits that encompass practically every genre "short of opera" "I write in ska, reggae, rock, folk, even classical," she said.

They showcase Dawnie mainstays along with tunes from their newest CD, "Ladybugs, Bunnies & Molly, Oh My!"

The songs appeal to every palate. "They're about everything." said Allynne, a new York native now based in the Jersey-shore area.

One tune, "Smiles Like Snowflakes," is a holiday song that salutes different religions. Another one, "Haunted Castle," is a "keyboard-driven rock tune" featuring spooky sounds.

One of the R&B tunes, "Molly," is a fan favorite.

"Everyone loves Molly. It's like Mustang Sally and Johnny B. Good. Basically it's like practice makes perfect," Allynne said.

A lot of these stories, she said, are culled from her own life experiences.

"My Big Red Ball" is about a ball that follows her around, imaginary friend-style.

"This is about finding things to do when you don't have friends around," Allynne said. "Once again, my imagination mixes fantasy and reality."

On Aug. 9, the audience will also hear "Great Big Castle," a newer song in which the band members and audience members form circle groups.

"Ladybugs, Bunnies & Molly, Oh My!" is available at Dawnie's concerts and in record stores, and can also be heard on satellite radio networks. XM Satellite Radio plays Ladybugs' "Big Red Ball" and "My My Molly," along with "Catch Me If You Can" and "Ouch! Don't Pet the Bumble Bees!" from Dawnie's previous CD, "Silly Critter Talk." Sirius Satellite Radio plays "The Little Caterpillar," one of Dawnie's favorites.

The squirmy creature happens is also featured in "The Little Caterpillar and the Great Big Tree," Allynne's first children's book. It comes with a CD and a little plastic caterpillar, and is available online and at shows. Other merchandise available for sale includes guitar picks, T-shirts, stickers and headbands.

The Peanut Butter-n-Jammin' Band culminates from a diverse career path rooted in a guitar hobby Allynne honed when she was 10. Throughout educational pursuits that included an illustration studies and a parenthood - Allynne is mother of four - she never imagined music would be her bread and (peanut?) butter.

Growing up in a large family motivated Allynne to set herself apart.

"We would form girls' doo wop bands," she said. "You find your own thing to do. My imagination took me on adventures."

The band comprises Allynne and two musicians, bass player Ted Palumbo and drummer-vocalist Vinnie Capodice.

Programs are generally 45 minutes but can be tailored for any length of time and venue. They play at summer events, concerts, school dances and parties, birthdays, corporate functions, family events and picnics, and holiday functions.

Benefits are important to the band. Allynne is active with Light of Day, a Parkinson's Disease awareness organization, and later this month, they'll play at a cancer research benefit in Asbury Park.

The members perform in both group and solo formats, and Allynne herself has her own brand of "grown-up" music she showcases during nighttime gigs at local venues. Visit www.dawneallynne.com for more information.

But during the day, it's all about getting youngsters into the groove.

"The kids get involved and excited and we call them 'jammers' and 'jammettes.' It's a great bonding moment," said Allynne. "We want the kids to let it all out."

©Haddon Herald 2006