Meet Brian Barrentine | Family Music Guru & Theatre Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Barrentine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
(say “fun-EEE-KEE-jam”)
“funiki” (Japanese): “(musical) atmosphere”
“jam” (Indonesian): “time (well spent)”
FunikiJam = music time (around the world)

I founded FunikiJam in Nashville to meet a growing demand for quality education and entertainment programs for young children and families. Starting with a weekly audience of just six families, the program quickly became so popular that I started training teaching artists, opening new locations, recording the music, and touring live shows to schools, music festivals and lofty venues like the Historic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Blending original rhymes, chants, songs and stories with indigenous music from around the world, FunikiJam’s mission is to empower global citizens to reach their highest potential – and explore world culture – through “music exploration for the next generation” classes, live shows, musical recordings, film production, and teacher training.

After relaunching in NYC, FunikiJam has evolved into a landmark early childhood education and entertainment organization with an annual reach of over 70,000 patrons and a cast of international artists from around the world. The always evolving body of work includes hundreds of songs, a popular YouTube channel, a streaming series (and 24 city tour) in China, and 10 original off Broadway and touring musicals.

Now we are poised to partner with a streaming network to launch “The FunikiJam Show with Captain Jam” a new musical adventure series for kids that builds upon our 20 year success as a global entertainment and education brand to engage audiences with special missions where they have fun, jam, and explore the world using music, movement, and imagination.

And starting this Fall, we are pleased launch Florida operations with a residency at Orlando Rep for a limited engagement of “The FunikiJam Show: Rock or Treat Halloween!” from October 21 – 30.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started the business it was MusicTime International but a wise pro from Music Row suggested choosing a name that reflected the unique global focus of the work… so we borrowed words from other culture to create a new word -FunikiJam

(say “fun-EEE-KEE-jam”)

“funiki” (Japanese): “(musical) atmosphere”
“jam” (Indonesian): “time (well spent)”
FunikiJam = music time (around the world)

I attribute our success to the passion we have for the work, the ability to adapt, and the constant drive to exceed expectations.

Over the years, clients say that what sets us apart is the joy of the programs, the professionalism of the cast, the production quality and the strong educational content.

We strive to have entry points for all audiences regardless of age or background. By meeting them where they are developmentally, we make it exciting for kids, easy for parents, and engaging for all.

Whether in the classroom, the stage, the car, the screen, or the home, our goal is entertain, educate, engage, and open doors to conversations about diversity and the changing world we share.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks and shout outs to Marvel and Disney executive, David Gabriel who encouraged me to bring FunikiJam to NYC and adapt my touring show for the off Broadway stage by saying – like Walt Disney’s “it all started with a mouse” – “it can all start with one show…” ; Grammy award-winner, Victor Wooten who recorded my first album of family music; Ali Harnell of Live Nation who jumpstarted FunikiJam touring; and longtime music collaborator and producer, Joe Mazza.

Website: funikijam.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/funikijam

Image Credits
Brett Deutsch