Parachute Express Hopes to Land Children’s Market

Move over Raffi, Fred Penner and Sharon, Lois and Bram’s “Elephant Show.” In five years, Parachute Express hopes to be “the Beatles of children’s music.”

Parachute who?

Parachute Express is a trio of thirtysomething adults--Donny Becker, Janice Hubbard and Stephen Michael Schwartz--whose sophisticated vocal harmonies and participatory, movement-oriented lyrics are attracting notice.

Not yet the kind of notice reserved for the aforementioned Canadian stars who have dominated the children’s music market. But with a concert for the Disney Channel’s Kaleidoscope series, two videos and five albums under its belt, sell-out crowds and a national touring schedule, the trio is understandably optimistic.

Parachute Express’ next local appearance is at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Glendale High School Auditorium, and it’s sold out.

During an interview at Schwartz’s Glendale home, the trio’s chemistry was evident. The three members are unrelated, but like close siblings often finish each other’s sentences and speak in chorus.

The Beatles comparison was a laughing, unison response to being asked about their hopes for the future. “Raffi can be Elvis,” Hubbard said.

Becker got serious. “Raffi does important work; he really has paved the way. We don’t talk about our vision that much, but we believe in our music, and the chemistry between us feels so real, I think we’ll continue to grow.”

Parachute Express has already outgrown the traditional, mostly public-domain folk sound of its first album, “Shakin’ It,” five years ago. The group has found its niche in a slick mix of original songs in musical styles geared to young audiences, from ‘50s doo-wop and ‘60s rock to R & B and pop.

Schwartz said: “Our music sort of touches a baby-boomer nerve.”

It’s feel-good music, dedicated to helping “a small child feel bigger in his world,” Hubbard said. Songs range from goofy--”Doo-Wacka-Doo” and “Goo-Goo-Giggly-I-Oh!”--to practical--”Tie a Bow”--to lyrical--”Pioneer Baby” and “Indian Lullaby.”

Kevin Odegard, director of creative services for the music publishing company Filmtrax Holdings, while not professionally involved with the group, offers high praise.

“I discovered them as a parent going to elementary school fairs, and became a fan because my kids walked around humming their melodies,” he said. “The songs are well-written and well-crafted in the way great pop songs are.

“In live performances, they have that same performance vibe as Raffi--non-threatening, accessible and friendly.”

Parachute Express began as a non-performing, four-member group recording music for Gymboree, a movement/play program for parents and preschoolers.

Becker, a singer and former elementary school teacher, with his wife, Adrien, was an early Gymboree franchise owner who decided to enhance the program with music.

He enlisted his brother-in-law Rick Cunha and neighbor Schwartz. Both men are professional singers and songwriters; Schwartz is also an actor and a former preschool teacher, Cunha an engineer.

Schwartz brought in singer/songwriter Hubbard, a friend from the ‘70s when they both were members of Story Theatre, the ground-breaking fairytale theater founded by Paul Sills.

“We were just putting music together for Donny’s program,” Schwartz said. “We weren’t aware of what this was going to become.”

Public performances began when parents wanted to know where they could see the group.

The quartet became a trio when Cunha, who has other professional interests, opted out of performing. He’s still involved as both a musician and engineer. Schwartz’s wife, Althea, co-manages the trio with producer/musician Peter Dergee.

They’re eager to stress that they’re proud of the Gymboree affiliation, but it’s time to move on.

“We don’t want to be known as the ambassadors of Gymboree,” Becker said. “Even when we began, we tried to make music that existed on its own.”

Besides the vocals, Becker and Schwartz play guitar; Hubbard plays the banjo and the flute. Performances are lively, with “choreography, space work and mime,” using live and taped music. “We’re 5 years old on stage,” Becker said.

Becker, 41, who lives in Van Nuys with his two young children, is jocularly referred to by the others as “grandpa.” Hubbard, of North Hollywood, is single and 37; Schwartz, 36, has an 8-year-old son.

After a Parachute Express concert, “I’d like kids to come away with a feel for music and a sense of wonder at what the songs were about,” Hubbard said.

“Children are incredible critics,” Schwartz said. “If we even try to fake it, we’ll be busted, because kids know the truth. The minute we forget who we’re doing it for, it’s time to check out.”