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Sammie Haynes’ new CD takes a look at nature — and at life
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By DARRYL CAUCHON
Staff Writer Foster's Daily Democrat
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — "Sit still and keep quiet" need not apply to the tiny tots attending a Sammie Haynes concert.
After years of performing for children, the singer/songwriter, who will showcase her newest 14-song collection of catchy, singalong tunes titled "Natures ABCs" during a CD-release party Nov. 13, has learned to take into account the ages, attention spans, and endless energy of her audience.
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With most just out of diapers or just entering elementary school, Haynes said during an interview recently at her South Berwick home, that she prefers to only sing with and for children, never at them.
In fact, singing along, dancing along, clapping along, laughing and smiling, even getting up and wandering around a bit — under a parent’s watchful eye, of course — are just fine with her.
"You really have to make them a part of the concert because there’s no point otherwise," Haynes said. "I feel ‘let’s all do it together.’ If they’re listening, they’re listening. If three are listening and 30 are running around doing something else, so be it. Hey, that’s what being a kid is all about."
Haynes welcomes the children and even the adults to do all or some of the above at her upcoming concert, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at South Berwick Town Hall, and sure to feature plenty of the CD’s charming, participatory songs from "We’re Going On A Picnic" to "Nature’s All Around Us."
Sammie Haynes is releasing her newest 14-song collection of catchy, singalong tunes titled “Natures ABCs.” (Doug Despres/Democrat photo)
Haynes said a lot of hard work beforehand by everyone involved will likely result in a fun time being had by all.
Tender and spirited, "Nature’s ABCs" provides a warm and playful look at nature and everyday life. Haynes explores the world of nature all around us from apple trees to zebras, stopping in on an amusing family camping trip, a magical visit to the library, and maple syrup season along the way.
The CD may be aimed at ages 3-8 but the CD is one adults won’t mind hearing — very likely 100 times daily if the tunes become personal favorites of their children .
Haynes has been a familiar face in the Seacoast for many years, doing children shows just about anywhere children are found — from the Cocheco and Strawberry festivals to libraries, bookstores and schools to Prescott Park and The Children’s Museum.
Children she once entertained are now bringing their own children to see her shows.
During her interview, Haynes’ enthusiasm for performing and composing songs shined through as she politely and graciously served tea from her tea set.
Eager to discuss her hourlong CD-release party, Haynes quickly noted a portion of ticket sales will be donated to The Great Works Regional Land Trust, a nonprofit group working to preserve Maine’s "farms, fields and forests" in the Berwicks, Eliot, Ogunquit and Wells.
In this light, her concert, usually chock full of fun-filled, heart-warming songs and skits, will kick-off with a short presentation by Karen McElmurray, director of the Center for Wildlife, featuring Bianca the Barred Owl to teach the importance of conserving the environment.
"It is so important to respect the habitat of these animals. ‘Nature’s ABCs’ deals with this subject too. So I decided to have this organization come and have the kids put the two together," Haynes said.
Born in New England, her earliest memories are of performing for her grandmother’s sewing circle.
She has shared the stage with such notable artists as John Sebastian, Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, and David Bromberg, to name a few. She also performs as lead singer in the popular local Texas swing band, Mainesqueeze, and with her husband, folksinger/songwriter Cormac McCarthy.
Her upcoming concert will feature Jon Booth (also of Mainesqueeze) on bass/guitar, Taylor Whiteside on fiddle, guitar and accordion, and Mary Kaye, a neighbor down the street, who will sing a couple of numbers with Haynes.
Even her revived Treetops Chorus, consisting of five kids between the ages of 6-9, will feature backup vocals for several songs.
The Treetops Chorus also helped provide ideas for songs and one in which her 15-year-old son, Davis, once belonged. Local children, Lane Klossner, Nicole Harvey, and Kathleen Flynn, have already committed to take part.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, $10 for families and are available at the door the day of the concert. Refreshments will be served and CDs will be available for purchase.
Although Haynes released a previous CD, "Many Hands", her latest CD is being promoted nationally by a distributor in New York, a step Haynes termed not necessarily into the big time, but more like "medium-time."
To purchase a CD, log onto www.gentlewind.com or call toll-free at 1-888-FUN-SONG.
For more information on Haynes, log onto www.sammiehaynes.com.
Nonetheless, Haynes is simply encouraging parents to bring their children for what she believes will be an entertaining show the kids will enjoy.
"A grandmother said to me recently ‘I’m not sure I can get my grandkids to sit still.’ Hey, that’s the last thing I want them to do. I want them to get up and sing, dance," Haynes said. "I just love doing this. And if the children hear something they enjoy, all the better."
Democrat Staff Writer Darryl Cauchon can be reached at 742-4455, Ext. 5213, or dcauchon@fosters.com. |
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