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Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin have traveled as far away as Alabama and Montana performing to kids. Photos by Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Kids at the Westwood Library were dancing and singing along as Rolie Polie Guacamole played high-energy, family-friendly songs last Wednesday evening.
Frank Gallo and Andrew Tuzhilin, the two members of Rolie Polie Guacamole at the library, have been playing together full-time for almost ten years. The two met when they were at the same high school together in New Jersey. As a result of their music career, they have travelled the country performing for children.
“My girls love the songs, and they end up singing them the next morning,” said Erika Darcangelo, who was in attendance and has seen the group perform before. “They’re kid-friendly with catchy tunes.”
As the pair sung upbeat and fun songs, kids of all ages were dancing to the positive messages that revolved around everything from the importance of brushing one’s teeth to eating fruits and veggies. The performance perfectly demonstrated just why Rolie Polie Guacamole counts several Parents’ Choice Awards among its accolades.
A conga line at Westwood Library is evidence of Rolie Polie Guacamole’s fun performance. Photos by Daniel Curtin
“It’s a really rich experience for me,” said Tuzhilin, who plays bass and sings. “It’s great to see the kids dancing and for the family to also be involved with the music as well. It’s generally a very happy experience for the families.”
Rolie Polie Guacamole is “kindie rock,” so the group’s songs are aimed at a younger audience. Their aim was certainly true in Westwood - the band motivated members of its audience to alternately dance like birds with their arms flapping up and down, then to hop like kangaroos.
“It is so incredibly rewarding,” said Gallo. “There was a father at the last show that maybe saw us four year ago, but just the fact that he knows all the words to Rolie Polie Guacamole. It’s really amazing, especially as we get older. I’m hoping some of our talking points touch them somehow.”
