Chipmunk Love

Dawne Allynne, 44, of Long Branch, fits into the Jersey Shore tradition of red-headed rockin' women, of which Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen's spoken for, is part of.

Allynne of Long Branch has a knockout voice, plenty of sass and a work ethic that won't quit. In addition to fronting the Shore bands Bootsie Lewis & Da Funk and Moxy, Allynne is also a solo performer who gives it up for the kids as Dawnie. "Silly Critter Talk" is the name of Allynne's children's album, released on the Highland Park-based Schoolhouse Records.

But come Sunday, Allynne will be performing for grown ups in "An Evening of Jersey Shore Rock 'n' Roll," which is presented by legendary promoter Sid Bernstein to help rebuild the Kamala Grammar School in Phuket, Thailand. Since Bernstein's name is closely associated with The Beatles' early days Little Steven, Tim McLoone, Ed Manion, Bruce Foster, Gene Ween, Allynne and others will be performing Fab Four tunes at the show.

Allynne stopped by Pulse this week for a little silly critter talk.

Q: What kind of critters do you find the most talkative?

A: I have to tell you in the summer those squirrels, they don't stop. They make all kinds of noises. I actually have a song on the "Critter Talk" album called "(Adventures of) Chipee Chipmunk." I love squirrels, how they come up and eat out of your hand. But you have to be careful with them because it can be a little risky because their nails and teeth are so sharp. They're so cute looking, the way they hop around, they're very lively, very playful and very childlike. Chipee Chipmunk is a chipmunk, I'm sorry. I don't see a lot of chipmunks here. I'm more in the city where I am but there's a lot of squirrels. They made their noises in the trees -- I try to imitate them sometimes and they look at you.

Q: In the chipmunk song ("Adventures of Chipee Chipmunk"), you refer to him as a brave chipmunk, but it's been my experience that chipmunks are kind of timid, anything but brave?

A: I don't know why but this little guy is a brave chipmunk. Chipity Chipmonk is actually fascinated with him, she's a newscaster. She follows the stories everywhere, whenever there's a chance to write a story on Chipee, she gets in there with her news team. What he does, he helps other animals get out of situations they can't get themselves out of. On the CD, the turtles were swimming in a pond and some of the babies got stuck along the side where there's a lot of seaweed and branches and stuff. They got trapped so Chipee came over to rescue them. Because he's such a great hero in this town where he's from, they've actually written a song about him. Then there's the Chipettes. They hold a concert in honor of him. He comes to the concert and everybody's out there cheering.

Q: How can chipmunks sing with their cheeks stuffed full of food?

A: You have to use your imagination, yes you do.

-- Chris Jordan