The Asbury Park Press
LocalNews
February 2005

Allynne sings about love

BY JOHN MAJESKI
Staff Writer

For musician Dawne Allynne, writer’s block doesn’t seem to be much of an issue.

“I’ll sit at home and think of something and it all comes around,” the Long Branch resident said of her writing style. “I race to get my thoughts down...the songs just pour out of me.”

Her material, she said, come the various experiences that exist in her life as well of the lives of others.

“I take it all in,” she said. “I’m like a sponge.”

Allynne is scheduled to share her creations on Saturday when the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park hosts its 31st anniversary show. Other scheduled musicians include Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Soozie Tyrell and Boccigalupe & The Bad Boys. Allynne will open the show with a solo acoustic set.

Performing solo is only one a few music projects for the self-taught guitarist. Allynne is also a member of Bootsie Lewis & Da Funk --- a six-piece rock, blues and funk band --- and Moxy, an all original rock group which has been less active as of late. Allynne also performs on her own as Dawnie, a children’s musician, for her company, Peanut Butter –n- Jammin Music.

Allynne is most active as Dawnie; her latest CD is called “Silly Critter Talk.”

Although each of these situations is different, Allynne said they are all part of who she is as an artist.

“This is my life,” she said. “I don’t know how to explain it. It is who I am.”

The songs she will perform on Saturday are more thoughtful and introspective compared to her other projects, she said.

“I try to keep it upbeat,” she said, “but it’s about real issues.”

Topics in her music have dealt with the existence of a higher being, people keeping secrets and misguided love, she said. Her song “true Believer,” she said, is about the frustrations people experience when they are working hard but things seem to be going nowhere.

“You’re doing the best you can but spinning your wheels,” Allynne said. “that’s what this is about, hanging in there. You have this faith, and you keep trying.”

“It seems to touch home for people,” Allynne added.

Allynne, who has been playing since she was 10, ha s been playing more regularly on her own in the past year.

“It’s always nice to have that push (of other band members) Behind you,” she said, “but by myself, I have a lot of control over the situation."

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available from Ticketmaster. For more information about the event, call The Stone Pony at (732) 502-0600 or visit www.stoneponyonline.com on the Web.