LENOX, Mass. - Every week, you can find Terry A La Berry and his band, Terry A La Berry and Friends, at the Lenox library, performing for an excited audience of kids.

“It’s what I love to do,” said A La Berry. “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years now.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Terry A La Berry is a children’s performer in the Berkshires
  • He also was the drummer for folk singer Arlo Guthrie for more than 40 years
  • A La Berry says he couldn’t say which band he enjoys being a part of more
  • Guthrie retired last year, but A La Berry has no plans to stop performing any time soon

A Berkshire native, A La Berry spends his summers entertaining children. But it’s not his only career. For more than 40 years, he served as the drummer for renowned folk singer Arlo Guthrie.

“We had a band here in the Berkshires called ‘Shenandoah,’ and we were playing at the local clubs,” said A La Berry. “Then, (Guthrie) came and said ‘Would you guys like to go on tour with us?’ And that was back in October of 1975.”

A La Berry traveled with Guthrie around the world, and performed at some of the most famous venues, including Carnegie Hall.

While A La Berry said he enjoyed every minute of his adventures with Guthrie, it’s difficult to say which band he enjoys being a part of more.

“I think I got to be a better children’s performer by working with Arlo, because I learned so much from him,” said A La Berry. “So, while they’re related, they’re not really because I played drums with Arlo, but I don’t really play drums with our band. I get to go out there and let the kids sing, and just run around and be goofy.”

While Guthrie made the decision to retire last fall, A La Berry has no such plans. His audiences are what keeps him coming back.

“It’s not us, it’s the kids,” said A La Berry. “All we are is a catalyst to give them an hour, just so that they can be kids, and that’s what it’s all about.”