Fireworks and Parrot Heads
Dunedin prepares for July 3 celebration at Dunedin Stadium
By TOM GERMOND
| Article published on Thursday, June 25, 2009 |
|
 |
 |
|
![[Image]](/content_images/062509_dun-01.jpg) |
|
| Shana Banana and her daughter, Grace Ohana, 4. |
|
|
DUNEDIN – Here comes Shana Banana, fireworks and Parrot Heads.
Dunedin is preparing for “Dunedin Hometown USA,” the city’s annual free July 3 event at Dunedin Stadium.
Shana Banana is a singer and songwriter who developed songs for children as a touring folk musician. She will perform from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“We really encourage families with kids to get here early,” said David White, special events coordinator for the city. “We are really fortunate to have her here.”
The event, called “Dunedin Hometown USA Concert and Fireworks,” also will have a Parrot Head party theme. Attendees are encouraged by the city to wear their “parroty finest” to the party.
“It’s new this year,” White said. “We want to change the show each year.”
Also performing will be De Lei’ed Parrots, who opened for Jimmy Buffett in 2007 and the Drifters in 2008.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 6:30. Fireworks will be launched at 9:30 p.m.
Shana Banana
Over the years Shana Smith became nationally known as Shana Banana and earned a reputation as a children’s entertainer, performing blues, jazz and folk as well.
Smith has received many awards, such as two first-round Grammy nominations and “Best Children’s Song in the Country” by the Just Plain Folks organization, her Web site says.
“I live in Gainesville now (since 2005), but St. Pete was my hometown for 20 years and I still miss Pinellas County,” said Smith, in an e-mail. “Whenever my husband and I discuss where we’d like to live if we ever moved back to the Bay area with our two kids, Dunedin has come up.”
She said she has become used to a lot of nature, trees and space that she loves for her children, but misses the coast.
“Dunedin has both with Caladesi Island, plus an awesome family-friendly arts community. It’s great to be a part of the community celebration,” Smith said.
As far as what the audience can expect for the show, Smith said a lot of interactive, high-energy songs geared toward kids and families.
“I do all-original music, though I am very tempted to throw in a Buffett tune for the Parrot Head theme and for old-time’s sake. Believe it or not, before becoming Shana Banana, I used to play at beach restaurants, hotels, coffee houses, etc. and have quite a repertoire still stuck in my head of the requisite Parrot Head music. It’s a great theme that should fit in perfectly with going bananas,” she said.
“If kids of any age love to dance, move, and sing, then we’ll have a blast together ... I do like to use kids in the show, but it’s easy to participate from the audience as well. We’ll do lots of old Banana favorite songs, for those who’ve been to my shows before, and am also excited to introduce some new tunes,” Smith said.
She has performed at the White House, Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the Houston Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle’s Whirlgig and the Florida Folk Festival.
The De Lei’ed Parrots
The De Lei’ed Parrots also perform country and rock favorites.
“With decades of combined professional music experience and appearing at many respected venues across the country, they lace their repertoire with oldies, standards, trop-rock, dance tunes, and originals,” the group’s Web site says.
Among the tunes on the group’s song list are “A Pirate Looks at 40,” Jimmy Buffett; “Alright Now,” Tom Petty; “Amie,” Pure Prairie League; “Bobby McGee,” Janis Joplin; “Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding; “Fire on the Mountain,” Marshal Tucker Band; and “Folsom Prison Blues,” Johnny Cash.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their “parroty finest” to the Parrot Head party. Food and beverages may be bought at the concession stand. No coolers, food, personal fireworks or pets are allowed.
The event is being presented by the Dunedin Parks and Recreation Department, and Williams Entertainment and the Nielson Company. About 5,000 or more people are expected to attend.
“It’s become known as one of the favorite events around here,” White said.
Dunedin Stadium is at 373 Douglas Ave.
|
Article published on Thursday, June 25, 2009
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
