banner
Programs and Info

Joe Gandelman
Ventriloquist / Puppets / Comedy

  • Programs: Secrets of Ventriloquism, Anti-drug show, Anti-tobacco show, Character & Respect, Pro-Reading, Cultural Diversity, Respect=No Teasing/No Bullying

  • Ages: All Ages

Video Preview

Joe Gandelman has done his show in countless -- and often colorful -- venues throughout the country. He has performed on huge historical vaudeville stages, at school assemblies, at private homes, on boats, restaurants, at fairs and festivals -- also in the back of a pickup truck and in a Pig Barn Arena in Texas.

His shows are famous for being fast-moving, with a BIG cast of high-visual wooden and puppet characters plus his famous lip sync number where Joe "throws" his voice into five wig-clad volunteers who mouth the words to an oldie while he does the voices. All of his shows re packed with laughs, fast-moving segments with a variety of characters and interaction.

Joe Gandelman

Every year he adds a new character. Two of his most highly popular new ones (in adult, family and kids' shows): an elephant that squirts water out of its trunk and a dragon who gets mad at him and blows smoke out of his nose.

Meanwhile, in his highly acclaimed school assemblies Joe combines BIG LAUGHS with his increasingly famous Learning through Laughter® technique which gets information across to students of ALL ages in a highly entertaining -- and highly retainable -- form. He does elementary, middle, junior, and high school assemblies all over the country. He performs at city events and fairs and festivals as a stage act or fun walk around entertainment.

A BIG CAST of characters. A show may include "star" John Raven, the genie head-in-the box, and the grumpy bulldog, opossum, nervous turkey, baby and even a green Martian! Joe changes his "cast" from time to time.

Bilingual shows: Some parts and songs in Spanish (Joe was a journalist in Spain and covered border issues for the San Diego Union newspaper before he went full-time).

Programs and Descriptions:

Secrets of Ventriloquism:The assembly that others tried to copy (even down to using almost the same title) but have not been able to duplicate, various school officials say. Students see a highly educational and entertaining fast-paced show mixing comedy, music, interaction and info about ventriloquism and puppetry "secrets." At one point, student volunteers (and occasionally an enthusiastic principal or teacher) don wigs and must lip sync a rock oldie while Joe "throws" his voice into them.

Anti-drug show: Contains all the entertainment and some of the information of Secrets except crucial statistical and anecdotal anti-drug information is also presented throughout. Kids laugh at the funny stuff, listen to the serious stuff -- and remember important points and info. Also includes anti-tobacco, anti-alcohol, anti-gang points. Over the years, these presentations have been funded by schools, PTAs and federal grants.


Anti-tobacco show: Developed at the request of a Northern California school district, this program is crammed with memorable anecdotal and statistical anti-tobacco (cigars, pipes, cigarette AND chewing tobacco) information, all neatly framed within the context of a time-and-audience-tested FUN show. All the elements of Secrets included.

Character & Respect: All the elements of Secrets are also included in this character reinforcing program. This program was developed at the request of a Portland, Oregon school.

Pro-Reading: The joy and importance of reading books (and on computers) stressed throughout. Joe Gandelman is an avid, fervent reader and his lifelong love for books and reading comes across -- which is why he is also popular at libraries around the state. All the elements of Secrets included.

Cultural diversity: All the elements of Secrets. Joe draws on his experience working and living as a reporter in Asia and Europe, and working as a US-Mexico border reporter to stress the importance, beauty, and cultural enrichment aspects of diversity. He will touch on his visits to various countries (India, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, Italy, Greece, England, Israel, Mexico, France, Israel and Afghanistan). Anecdotal and statistical info included. All the elements of Secrets included, too.

Respect=No Teasing/No Bullying: One of Joe's most popular, frequently rebooked themes. It defines teasing and bullying (including in 21st century terms), explains teasing/bully's impact on the victim and aggressor, stresses the importance of making good choices, stresses the meaning and fact of consequences and underscores zero tolerance for bullying. (This has been highly popular at all levels, including middle and junior high schools).

Special school assembly themes customized at no additional cost.

“Joe Gandelman performs at libraries, schools at all grade levels, fairs, festivals, family nights, malls and also offers special holiday shows such as Christmas, Chanuka and Purim shows.”

Testimonials

"You delighted thousands of people in various areas of the grounds with your unique blend of entertainment. The children really liked the dummy, John Raven. You and John are easy to work with and provide a unique form of fun accessible to all areas of the fairgrounds.

‘Our sponsor was pleased with the exposure you gave them and the ability to ‘work’ their booth daily during the Fair. You certainly provide smiles and fun for people of all ages!"
— Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT

"You and your friends were just terrific! The way you managed to captivate the audience was absolutely amazing. The characters seem to alive and full of life that one could not help but feel that your special friends were perhaps human. It’s entertainers like yourself that have helped our festival to achieve the continued success we have seen over the years."
Gilroy Garlic Festival, Gilroy, CA

"You were professional, worked diligently and you were certainly entertaining. Not only did the children enjoy the show, but the adults as well. Your performances added variety and fun to our line up."
Del Mar Fair, Del Mar, Ca

"You and your ‘friends’ are the Cats Meow! In other words: Wonderful! Joe Gandelman and Friends made us proud."
Decatur Celebration, Decatur, IL

"Laredoans are much richer after sharing your unique experience with us. Young and young-at-heart" alike were entertained by your delightful characters, rich sense of humor and audience involvement.

"You were very professional and easy to work with. Everyone was obviously comfortable with you. Your love for your work and your ability to connect with your audience should ensure you continued success. Thank you for everything!"
—H.E.B.. Children’s Fun Fest, Laredo, TX

Joe Gandelman