It's H.R. Puffenstuff for a new generation... a mini-music opera about a dog for kids who demand more than the usual run of the mill alphabet song...

16 MP3 Songs
KIDS/FAMILY: Children's Pop, ROCK: Folk Rock



Details:
This new entry into children's genre has been featured on several children's music radio shows including; Princeton New Jersey's WPRB 103.3 FM "All Ages Show", KUNM FM 89.9 the "Children's Hour", and KIOS FM 91.5 "Parade on Music for Little People" show,"Family Groove" Kids Internet Radio on the world-wide web, and a current finalist on the Children's Music Web.

Penny and the PineCone People is a musical mini-opera adventure of a dog named Penny, her lost ball, and her unforgettable adventures beyond the backyard fence! The CD includes ten clever children's songs, and a magical story narrated by a 500 year old tree named "Old Man Red Wood"! While on her trek to find her lost ball Penny makes new friends including "Little Lizard", a wise cracking Cattail, the omnipotent "Mr. Sun Moon and Stars", and a cast of PineCone People who help Penny along the way.

Fred Blankenburg began his music career in the early 1980's when he and friends wrote song parodies, and made short movies, and music videos. In those days, Fred experimented with "claymation", a comic strip called "Bone head's Mishaps", and teamed up with High School pal Brian Montgomery writing funny songs between classes.

As a college student Fred daydreamed about directing low budget horror movies, however, he became focused on his music and formed several bands including; "Freddy and the Blankouts", "Sneaker Fear" and others.

With limited success of those bands, Fred went on to create several post-college solo music projects including; "Issues", "A Thin Line", "Tattooed by Television", "Male order Bride" and "Sensitive Guy". These groundbreaking experimental music projects may be made available here someday if there is enough interest.

Fred has a Masters degree in Counseling From Villanova University and currently works with children and families in a foster care program. Fred is also a professional portrait painter and starving artist.

Fred gained the help of Vance McNear to play the drums on the CD and for live performances. When not working as a Counselor at a private school, Vance can be found playing drums for various congregations in the tri-state area. He currently is on tour with the PineCone People Children's show. Bruce Mills is the voice of Old Man Redwood, and MaryKate Nyman is our puppeteer. Penny has also been known to sign autographs at appearances.

So there you have it! That's how it all happened to the best of our knowlege. And we are the PineCone People!