Staff Writer
Although the attendance was disappointedly light, those who were present felt like they were in the midst of their own private concert when the Flannery Brothers, Mike and Dan, were on stage at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. The event, a fund-raiser for the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, was sponsored by the CCDM volunteers and board members and other area businesses.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Michael and Daniel Flannery proved that true harmony includes strumming the strings when your brother has a broken hand. The two provided a Kids Concert sponsored by the Caribou Childrens Discovery Museum.
The Flannery Brothers along with drummer Justus Magee, provided a music-filled afternoon, with songs geared toward children but with musical beats even the adults couldn’t resist.
With titles that included, “Dilly Beans”, the “Crab Walk,” “Rutabagas,” “Broccoli Yet,” the “Elephant Dance,” one about a seal, and even “Happy Birthday Caribou and Presque Isle,” the brothers kept things moving right along, with their young concert-goers, dancing right in front of the stage.
During intermission, the crowd was treated to birthday cake in honor of Caribou’s 150th birthday. The cakes, created and donated for the Sunday afternoon affair, by Renee Ouellette, featured one decorated to show what the museum wjill look like, one depicted the CCDM logo and the third, celebrating the city’s milestone birthday.
Following the short intermission with everyone refreshed with cake and juice, the Flannery Brothers continued their performance and their audience followed suit.
The musical talents of these two brothers has proven to be very successful with their song, “One Wasn’t Enough,” written by Daniel Flannery and won the 2008 John Lennon Song Writing Award.
“Broccoli Yet,” received honorable mention in the International Song Writing Competition and the “The Elephant Dance,” was a semi-finalist entry in the International Song Writing competition.
Michael Flannery, a graduate of Rutgers College with a BA in English, was signed in 2001 by Jason Flom to LAVA/Atlantic Records where he produced two full-length records and a number of singles which were all released internationally. By 2005, he had songs in the “Scooby Doo Movie, “Mean Machine,” “CSI” and MTV specials. He started his own music studio in 2006 where he produces and mixes recordings. Flannery commented he really wants to make kids music for a living.
Daniel Flannery received a BA in English at Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a master of fine arts in new media at the University of Maine. His production of “Jumping Jacks,” was released through GAP Kids. Other music accomplishments include, his music being featured on the David Blain special, “Vertigo,” and his production of Kena Anae’s, “Melt You Down,” hit the top 10 on MTVU.
The recently released album ”MEE WEE: Hip Hop for Kids,” of which Dan was producer and songwriter plus his song, “The Crab Walk,” both won the Children’s Music Web awards for best album and best song for school age children. Like his brother, Michael, Daniel Flannery really wants to make kids music for a living.
The Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum is a non-profit organization. Donations (individual, family and business/corporate are the driving force behind museum development. Any gift amount is appreciated and will be recognized on the organization’s Web site at cariboudiscovery.org. All donations are tax deductible with any donation over $250 having a special plaque on the Founder’s Wall within the discovery museum. Checks should be made payable to CCDM and mailed to CCDM, P.O. Box 487, Caribou, Me. 04736.
“It is the vision of the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum volunteers and directors to transform the lives of children and families by awakening their senses to imagination and discovery. Through interactive exhibits, visitors explore the wonders of science, nature, heritage and the humanities. The groups mission is to see that the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum stimulates and delights the minds of all who enter to the wonders of the world,” state museum directors.
The CCDM meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at NMDC.
Opportunities to participate in the planning of the CCDM are open in grant writing, fund-raising, facilities, exhibits and community outreach. Volunteer time and talents are often the best gifts that can be given.
Area business who assisted in sponsoring the Flannery Brothers Kids Concert include; Paradis Shop’N’ Save, WAGM, Katahdin Trust, MMG Insurance, McDonald’s of Caribou, Renee Ouellette and Nancy Chandler.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
It was definitely difficult to stay in your seat when the Flannery Brothers sang “Dilly Beans,” or any other of their catchy songs.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Kids weren’t the only ones who did a bit of jumping and jiving during the Flannery Brothers Kids Concert held recently at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Claire Ouellette helped celebrate Caribou’s 150th Birthday during intermission at the recent Flannery Brothers Kids Concert sponsored by the CCDM.
