A Q&A with Laurie Berkner Here are some questions that Berkner’s fans submitted via social media, along with her answers. Maybe they’re questions you or your child would ask too. Q: Where did you play your first concert? A: I am pretty sure that my first concert for kids was a benefit for a preschool on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. A parent who had my first cassette, Whaddaya Think of That? suggested we raise money together for the school. At the time I was also performing in a couple of rock bands, and I remember doing the show solo – wishing I had a band with me! Q: Which song became popular but surprised you that it did? A: You might not believe this, but it’s “We Are the Dinosaurs.” I think it’s because it was the first song I wrote for kids, and I just didn’t believe they would like it as much as they did. Luckily, the engineer I was working with knew right away that it would be a hit and really encouraged me to put it first on the album - which led me to name the album after a line from the song (“We are the dinosaurs, whaddaya think of that?”). He was so right! Q: What was your favorite book when you were a little girl? A: Pat the Bunny! I loved being able to interact with the book, and into my adulthood my whole family used to joke about “feel Daddy’s scratchy face” (one of the actions in the book). Q: What do you do to relax? A: I love going to yoga class, doing The New York Times Sunday crossword, hanging out with my daughter, Lucy, reading, swimming, biking, knitting, going out with my husband, Brian. Lots of different things. Q: What song of yours is your favorite? A: I love playing “My Family” and watching families sing it with me. For more than two decades, Laurie Berkner and her music has kept us happy ... in the car, in the supermarket and up and down the aisles at her concerts.
human nature, human kindness and human connection. What is most appealing, and helps us connect with her music, is that it all comes from a good place — heart and soul. Laurie Berkner currently resides in Manhattan with her husband, Brian Mueller and her daughter, Lucy. When not working she likes to cook, take a yoga class and maybe
share some music, a game or a television show with her family.
Q: What do you and your family like to do for fun when you’re at home? A: Go to see musicals! Play music together, watch shows together (we’re watching The Crown right now), play games together.
Elena Deutsch-Glantz is a Westchester mom, former talent agent and manager and current writer and communications specialist. She is married and has three children and two dogs that help keep it real.
Q: What makes you feel special? A: I think what makes me feel special is not so different from what I try to give to kids and families after my shows. I like to feel paid attention to, acknowledged and loved.
November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com
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