Fred Blankenburg is the producer, lead singer and guitar player of the PineCone People Kids Music Show. Fred is an acomplished musician who began his music career in high school writing song parodies. Fred later formed several bands including; "Freddy and the Blankouts", "Sneaker Fear" and "Crooked Toke".
Post College Fred went on to create several adult solo music projects including; "Issues", "A Thin Line Between Love and Filth", "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 sounded like songs that children might appreciate more than adults.
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 project codenamed "Project Rated G". By the end of 2004 most of the music was recorded, and real drums were later added with the help of Vance McNear. The only task remaining was to create the cover art. In just one day, Fred created and photographed the diorama and clay sculptures for the PineCone People CD covers and the rest is history. One year later, the much anticipated sequel, "Penny Saves the PineCone Kids" was released. The second CD included new addition Russ Montalbano on Bass guitar, Vance McNear on Drums, Saxaphone and piano, and Fred Blankenburg on guitar, vocals, keyboards, words and music.
Our third CD, "Dog on the Moon" was released in November of 2008 and is our most ambitious recording to date. Dog on the Moon features a hybrid of 70'sesque rock and roll wrapped in a Country music wrapper. In addition the new CD features a 2-act story inspired by low budget science fiction movies from a simpler time.
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, camps, YWCAs, libraries, parks and recreation events, daycares, family events, etc.
Our regular performance includes your baby's first rock concert, an interactive puppet show, audience participation, giveaways and fun! 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". Our new CD features the return of "Bad Blue Jay", and "Stinky Stu" the smelly skunk Disc Jocky at "WDOG Dog Radio" who helps Penny in her quest to find a way to the moon!
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