Album Notes

Grand Prize Winner: American Idol Underground's Comedy Contest!!!

Don Barnhart's comedy style incorporates physical facial expressions along with witty, off-the-wall observations with an upbeat, fast paced, improvisational edge. He has the versatility to go from hip-hop to the corporate world without missing a beat. He has performed at US Embassies in the Middle East, Def Jam Concerts, shows for the hearing-impaired and nudist colonies and has a Southern California flair that keeps audiences of all ages howling for more.

Born in Yakima, Washington, Don Barnhart Jr. moved to Southern California at an early age. He went from ice hockey to surfing and then found his interest in performing arts. His involvement in theatre began in high school, creating a solid foundation for Barnhart's future in comedy. It was then, while his father was directing Mork and Mindy, Don spent his after school time on the set hanging with and learning from Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters.

Out of school and looking for a job, Don worked as a doorman at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA. As luck would have it, the house emcee got sick and Don Barnhart was literally thrown onstage. Using his improv ability, Don filled in and that was the opportunity that launched his career.

Barnhart started writing jokes and soon became the house emcee, manager and talent coordinator for the club and before long, Don was ready to take his show on the road and hasn't looked back since.

Headlining such top comedy clubs as the Improv and Punchline across the country, performing for the USO and Comics On Duty around the world including Afghanistan, The Middle East and the Persian Gulf, as well as performing over 20 weeks a year for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Don is also an accomplished writer, director and actor.

Barnhart just released his first comedy special on DVD which includes an original sketch show, "The South Bay Boys", his short film "What Are The Odds?" is currently making the film festival circuit and Don has just finished writing, directing and starring in the feature film, "China Dolls".

Don Barnhart's television appearances include two pilots, the Sci Fi television show, "Genesis Wars", MTV, Comedy Central, Star Search and Evening at the Improv. Barnhart is also a graduate of the Second City Conservatory program in Los Angeles. Don resides in Redondo Beach, California with his fiancé and two cats. When he finds the time, he also enjoys his two favorite hobbies: beach volleyball and surfing.