Bio

The Bernstein Bard Trio has become an acoustic music phenomenon in the Hudson Valley of New York over the last 15 years. Known for their imaginative arrangements, diverse repertoire, and infectious grooves, they perform up and down the East Coast for dances, concerts, weddings, and private events.

The Trio features brothers Mark Bernstein on guitar and vocals, Steve Bernstein on mandolin and vocals, and Robert Bard on upright bass and vocals. They frequently expand to a quartet when performing with percussionist Brian Melick.

Latin, Swing, Waltz, Tango, Reggae, World Music, Pop, and beyond ... anywhere you can imagine or can't even begin to comprehend ... The BBT will take you there.

Robert Bard
Bassist Robert Bard began his career in the 1970s, playing music on the streets and in the clubs of New York City. He graduated from Columbia University in 1981 and studied at Mannes School of Music shortly thereafter. He worked for 15 years as a composer and music director for CBS-TV, where he was nominated for 8 Emmy Awards. He then moved to New Paltz, NY, where he currently performs with the Bernstein Bard TrioBig Joe Fitz and the Lo Fi'sBetty and the Baby Boomers and other ensembles. Robert has recorded countless artists at Skytop Sound, his production and recording company. He also teaches bass privately and at the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz, NY. 
Steve Bernstein
Mandolinist Steve Bernstein also plays guitar and mandola. He has played folk and country blues guitar with the Bear Brothers Band, rock and reggae electric mandolin with Quallah Battoo, and folk with Shot of Redemption and The Jay Mankita Trio. Steve also plays solo Italian Mandolin, Classical Mandolin in Carlo Aonzo’s Mandolin Orchestra, records in Metropolitan area studios, writes songs, and teaches.
Mark Bernstein
Guitarist Mark Bernstein also plays bass and has performed with such artists as Willie NelsonThe Oakridge BoysBoots Randolph, and Mel Tillis. Playing with the jazz quartet Avenues, he has shared the stage with Grover WashingtonThe Brecker BrothersDave ValentineKenny Rankin, and Bela Fleck. Mark toured for five years with the ten-time Grammy Award winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, and maintains an active teaching practice in addition to performing with the Bernstein Bard Trio.