SOURCE: The Kansas City Star • June 2009 BONGO BARRY LEADS THE BAND By Jennifer Bhargava Barry Bernstein gets paid to make kids laugh, sing and bark like dogs. He couldn’t ask for a better life. The 55-year-old entertainer is in the midst of his latest Bongo Barry Summer Tour, where he brings music therapy into the lives of children all over the Kansas City area. This year’s show, “The Dewey Decimal Stomp” marks the 10th anniversary of his children’s program. During the 45-minute performance, Bernstein helps kids learn rhythm using fun songs and musical instruments including guitars and bongo drums. “This job is a lot better than sacking groceries for a summer job,” said Bernstein, who is a music therapy consultant for the Blue Valley School District during the school year. “It sparks my creativity and keeps me young. I have a blast every time.” Decked out in a tie-dyed shirt and friendly grin, he sang a cheerful song about his dog, Rizzo, at the De Soto Public Library earlier this month. On cue, the children in the audience barked, between giggles. His favorite part of the show is helping the kids turn themselves into an instrument. He has them clap and use funny hand movements and sing. The parents get a kick out of seeing the enthusiasm written all over their children’s faces while they jump around. “I thought the program was right up my girls’ ally — singing and being silly,” said Heather Moss, a De Soto resident who brought her three young daughters to the show. “We bought the CD so we can sing the songs on the car ride home. I like how they are catchy tunes which will be easy for them to remember.” To help the kids cherish their show forever, Bernstein is recording each one and uploading them on his website. Parents can then find their kids’ show and download it onto an iPod or burn it onto a CD for the entire family to enjoy. He also helps the kids learn to make their own instruments. Each kid who attended the De Soto Library show received a wax paper kazoo and a colorful shaker. The gifts proved popular among the audience. “The shaking was my favorite part because I like to shake things,” said Jason Leuenberg, a 9-year-old from De Soto. “I want to go home and shake things now.” While he’s inspiring children around the Kansas City area, Bernstein is lucky enough to have an assistant: his 13-year-old daughter, Sydney. She helps him out by setting up equipment and instruments, and running their little traveling store of Bongo Barry T-shirts, CDs, and bumper stickers. “She also observes the audience and gets a feel for what parts the kids and adults like, which helps me out tremendously,” Bernstein said. “I love her opinion. She’s my greatest advisor.” They both enjoy watching the kids fall in love with music and act goofy. But the adorable scene wasn’t always a part of Bernstein’s life. Twenty years ago, he was conducting Alzheimer’s Research at the VA hospital in Topeka. In the summer of 1990 he was invited by a friend to attend a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., about how music affects the elderly. His friend introduced him to Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, who — along with other musicians — worked with Bernstein to create a non-profit organization, Rhythm for Life. The organization looked at how rhythm could be used as a wellness tool and members traveled all over the world conducting workshops. In 1995, Bernstein broke off from the group, moved to Kansas City, and started his own organization, “Healthy Sounds.” He also took the stage name Bongo Barry because he felt it would be easier for kids to remember. He started conducting music therapy assemblies for schools and businesses. A few years later, the summer tour was created. It was the best decision he made in his life, he said. Bernstein enjoys the traveling, performing and most of all, the kids. “Some of these kids come year after year, which is really cool because I get to see them grow up,” he said. “I get to know them and that makes this job even more special for me.”
	• TOP • (913) 888-5517 barry@healthysounds.com P.O. BOX 40304 • OVERLAND PARK, KS • 66204

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