The Teddy Bear Band to Perform its 10,000th Concert
What was supposed to be a one-time act to benefit a parent advisory council is now a musical powerhouse.
For the past 38 years, the Teddy Bear Band has been entertaining children with its musical shows.
Next week, the local band will celebrate a big milestone—its 10,000th show.
The Teddy Bear Band set to hit a milestone at its show in Osseo next week.
Popular Performers Tailor Each Show to Their Audience
The Teddy Bear Band encourages young listeners to sing along and dance with a teddy bear or another stuffed animal they’ve brought along.
“Every song we do has a participatory aspect for the young children,” said Ron Gustafson, co-founding member. “My field is child development early education, so we know what to do, what’s developmentally appropriate for little ones and what they love to do, which is participate.”
From libraries to county fairs and other venues, the band plays all over Minnesota.
Co-founding member Richard Erickson says they perform between 250 and 350 shows a year.
“This never gets old. I get to keep doing it,” said Erickson.
After 38 years, Teddy Bear Band to perform 10,000th show.
Along the way, the band became a family affair.
Gustafson’s wife created the band’s panda mascot costume. She’s also donned the costume during the band’s performances.
“It’s become a big part of our show,” said Gustafson.
As band approaches 10,000th show, they aren’t slowing down
The musical act has received many awards from the Minnesota Music Academy and was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame induction in 2016.
“We are healthy. We are having fun. There’s a demand for our performance, people want it, so we are going to keep it going,” said Gustfason.
And that’s good news for parents who saw the show as a kid, now bringing their own children to experience the Teddy Bear Band.
The band will perform its 10,000th show Tuesday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Osseo Boerboom Park.
