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About Us PineConePeople.com is the official website for the "Penny and the PineCone People" Children's Music Show and CDs! Penny is a real dog who goes on some unreal musical adventures. Although her adventures often take her far from home, in the end Penny knows that a family is a dog's best friend. Our CDs follow the continuing story of a dog named "Penny" who ventures beyond the backyard fence while her family is away. Our music has been featured on many 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", WDBX 91.1 "Kids Camp", Boston's WERS 88.9 "The Playground", KIOS FM 91.5 "Parade on Music for Little People" show, WTUL New Orleans radioactivity.fm, and "Family Groove" Kids Internet Radio. Our first CD, "The Adventures of Penny and the PineCone People" CD was featured as a finalist on the Children's Music Web Awards in 2005. Our second CD, "Penny Saves the PineCone Kids" is the hillarious sequel that further builds upon the original story while showcasing the developing musical cohesiveness and styles of the band. Our third CD, "Dog on the Moon" features a make-believe radio station for dogs and Penny's quest to join her Dad's band who play a rock concert on the moon's surface! All three CDs are available for purchase at CDBaby.com. Our live kids music show includes a 3-man rock band and musical puppet show that illustrates the stories of "Penny" the dog and her adventures beyond the backyard fence. The "PineCone People children's show" has performed at many venues including; Barnes and Noble Book Store, Pearl S. Buck International, Maguire Air Force Base Discovery School, The Goddard School, school events, YWCAs, libraries, parks and recreation events, daycares, family events, etc. Our regular performance rate is $500 per show, which includes audience participation, giveaways, the full "rock band treatment" and puppet show! The "PineCone People" childrens band were finalists in a local Sam Ash music competition in 2006, and just finished recording their third CD entitled, "Dog on the Moon" available now at CD Baby. Our new CD features the return of "Bad Blue Jay", and new character "Stinky Stu" a smelly skunk Disc Jocky at "WDOG Dog Radio" who helps Penny find a way to get to the moon. Origins of the PineCone People Fred Blankenburg is an acomplished musician who began his music career in high school when he and friends wrote song parodies, made short movies, and music videos. In those days, Fred experimented with "claymation" movies, wrote 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 and becoming a professional photographer. In that same creative vein, Fred later concentrateed on music and formed several bands including; "Freddy and the Blankouts", "Sneaker Fear" and others. Post College Fred went on to create several adult solo music projects including; "Issues", "A Thin Line", "Tattooed by Television", "Male order Bride" and "Sensitive Guy". Some of that material can be heard at our "parents' night" out shows. During this phase, Fred began exploring ideas for childrens songs including early versions of "Little Lizard" and "Bed in the Sky". He also wrote the songs "Wash My Car", and "The World's Silliest Vegetables", which celebrate these mundane topics to the point of obsurdity; fortunately that was the hook! In 2004 Fred's music got the attention of producer L.E. Jinxt who felt that the "kids music side" of Fred needed to be heard. L.E. Jinxt funded a top secret Marykate Blankenburg is the puppeteer extrodinaire for the PineCone People show. Marykate is also the voice of PineCone Kelly on our CDs, and Penny's dog trainer. When not with the PineCone People Marykate is a guidance counselor, and married to Fred! Russ Montalbano plays bass for the PineCone People show and is also a local Chiropractor. Russ recently finished a CD with his band "Bethany" and plays bass on our "Penny Saves the PineCone Kids" and "Dog on the Moon" music CDs. Russ performing with "Bethany" in 2007. When not playing music, Russ is a local Chiropractor and Father of four wonderful children. In the ninetees Russ was better known as "Russ Money", a professional wrestler in eight states for ICW, MEWF, NWA, IWCCA, and the IWA in Puerto Rico. Russ was a "scab" wrestler who crossed picket lines to get his face rearanged by angry unionized wrestlers. Click here to see his promotional wrestling photo! Andy Orr is the unforgettable voice of Cautious Cattail and Bad Blue Jay. His silly voice instantly draws in the young ones and keeps the whole family entertained/ annoyed for hours on end. Andy has appeared at some of our live shows and is prominently featured on all three of our CDs. Penny is a real dog. She is a 5 year old Bearded Collie mix, who lives in Lansdale Pennsylvania with her family. Penny was adopted through the SPCA when she was only 6 months old. Penny loves children, and other dogs, and is very protective of her friends and family. She is very loving and has an unusually expressive face and hair-raising hound-dog bark. Penny often does cameo appearances at our live shows and even signs Pautographs! Penny graduated from obedience school and knows many commands. Penny even did some volunteer work with the elderly through "Paws for Life", and has participated in "walks" to benefit different causes. Very Special thanks to all of our fans. Our Producer LE Jinxt for her financial backing, faith, and guidance. Scott Blankenburg for Web design. Andy Orr, Mark Hansen, Bruce Mills, Josh Kennedy, Jerry Summers, Tom Boyle and Pat McGee for lending their voices. To Jerry Summers for his photography. To my Mom and Dad. And finally to "PineCone Kelly" Nyman who inspired the song of the same title! The PineCone People Kids Music Show! The Premier Children's Music ShowAbout a Dog Named "Penny" and Her Unforgettable Adventures Beyond the Backyard Fence! *3 Man Kid-Friendly Rock Band! *45 Minute Show *Puppet Show! *Giveaways *Audience Participation Perfect for elementary schools, libraries, daycares, birthday parties, fundraisers, block parties, or we can tailor a show to meet your specific needs! Reasonable rates $500 for our full show. For schools, community events. Includes full rock band and puppet show! or contact Fred at (610) 209-5454
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Penny and the PineCone People is the continuing musical mini-opera adventure of a dog named Penny, her lost ball, and her unforgettable adventures beyond the backyard fence! The PineCone People Story begins in the early 1980's with a young and unfocused Fred Blankenburg...
Brian Hess, Chris Ruhberg, and Fred at Roanoke College circa 1989. Five years in College were hardly long enough for Fred and company.
Fred (right middle stage) on bass with his band "Up in the Air" in 1988. In those days, writing kids music was nowhere in the plan.
Promotional photo for Fred's "Tattooed by Television" CD 2003. Yep, those are wrecking balls and Fred is wearing a referee shirt. Still not sure what it all means though...
Looks sure can be decieving, as this little dog certainly has a loud bark, especially when startled or when salesmen knock on her door. Once you get Penny started, it can be hard to get her to stop! You can hear Penny's many different barks on the "Penny and the PineCone People" CDs, where she was trained to "speak" on command by her trainer Marykate. Although Penny is a "star" now, she hasn't let this go to her furry head. As part of her contract with Kennel-vision Studios, Penny has decided to continue her three CD contract as long as her family promises to feed her at least 1/2 can of wet food and 1/2 cup dry food per day.
"The PineCone People" perform in Colchester Connecticutt
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