Name:
How your clients refer to you:
Grownups and kids call me Bradley; really young kids might think my name is Gus, the name of my beloved guitar sidekick! ;)
Company:
Bradley True Entertainment aka Bradley True Rocks!
Contact info:
ph: (646) 283-6935; email: bradley@bradleytrueentertainment.com; website: www.bradleytrueentertainment.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I’ve been an educational children’s entertainer in New York for 14 years, and had a long and successful run as a proud uncle in in my native North Carolina.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I’ve always been great with kids. But I initially moved to New York to be an actor, then found myself even more drawn to singing and songwriting. Before long, I found that all my interests—including my deep love of nature and conservation—could be brought together in an entertaining, educational way for kids ranging from newborns to age ten.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I’m often told that I’m one of a kind. Maybe it’s my soothing voice or my friendly face, but I like to think it’s my empathy for every person, no matter how small, that helps me put even the most timid kids at ease. I am always writing new songs and field-test them in every performance, constantly looking for new ways to add silly, interactive, or educational moments.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
A boundless imagination, a sense of humor, and the referrals I get from former clients, which always warms my heart. Also, I entertain at private events from small gatherings to large venues, and provide my own concert-quality amplification.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I inspire joy and a sense of fun in kids and their families, communicating my love of music, friendship and nature through classes and live performances. My original tunes, imaginative curriculum and sometimes-silly antics result in experiences that enhance growth and promote positive interactions for all.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Singing my songs for you and your kids! Writing songs. Playing guitar. Giving shout-outs to science and the natural world. Oh, and making kids laugh and laughing along with them. Did I say singing?
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Fort Tryon Park, up near the Cloisters. Gorgeous year-round, come rain, sun, or snow!
How do you benefit mamas?
When parents book my services, they can rest assured that entertainment is completely covered. Moms have a million things to to take care of when hosting events—from catering to design to gift-bags and everything in between. It’s a big relief for them to know they don’t have to create elaborate diversions to keep kids absorbed, contained, and delighted—I’ve got it covered! Oh, and they can check one to-do item off their list: I bring a copy of my 17-song CD of original kids’ tunes, “A Fish is a Fish,” for every gift bag at the party. It makes the car ride home more fun, too!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Hard to choose! I often hear that my classes and performances were “the highlight of our week.” Cristina Alger Wang writes of her daughter: “She lights up with happiness when she sees [Bradley], because she knows she’s about to have a wonderful time. Bradley has an incredible way of connecting with, exciting and entertaining kids of all ages.” A grandparent of three writes, “Bradley is a natural performer and his rapport with young children exceptional. I always get a kick out of watching him cajole and improvise with his audience. Bradley has a magical bag of tricks that he employs with imagination, freshness, and wit."
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
In early education, my longtime mentor, Joe Robertson of Free To Be Under Three. In kids’ entertainment, Jester Jim—he’s a hilarious juggler and mind-blowingly talented.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Never be afraid to ask for help. I love reaching out to folks dear to me—colleagues, my two sisters, friends—and all of it keeps me growing in creativity and in business.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I cook a lot, and often make all my meals for the day at once. It helps!