Bonzo Crunch is a former Ringling Brothers Circus clown now residing in Austin, TX. Services provided include clowning, juggling, magic, rope spinning, roving entertainment, music (ukulele and harmonica) and more. Appropriate venues include school shows, library programs, pre-school and day care, after care, summer camps, corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions and picnics, as well as all sorts of private functions. Recently voted "favorite kids entertainer" by the readers of Austin Family Magazine, Bonzo Crunch has been a favorite entertainer in Central Texas for over a decade.
Kids loved BONZO Crunch performance . I would highly recommend him .
Bonzo Crunch was amazing! He stayed in character throughout the entire visit and was fantastic with the kiddos. We’ll definitely be reaching out again next year for our Fall Fundraiser.
Thank you, Bonzo Crunch!
We had Bonzo perform at a one year birthday party with kids ranging from 3-15 and everyone had fun. Even adults were in their seats for the 45 minutes. We would happily suggest Bonzo for any parties to let guests have some laughs before the main event.
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you for your kind words, Bharath. You helped set me up for success by having such a well organized party and setting the room up perfectly for the show. I enjoyed entertaining your family and friends!
Bonzo Crunch was extremely professional (with me) and so fun and playful with the kids! My daughter and her friends thought he was absolutely hilarious. He made her birthday extra special and even sent her a birthday card in the mail which made her feel like a queen! Thank you Bonzo Crunch!
Pep rally short performance/ did a few tricks and worked with the crowd.
Would have been better with clip on mic
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
I agree about the clip-on mic. I brought one, but my system wasn't powerful enough.
I hope the Bulldogs went on to victory!!!
I've hired Bonzo more than once. He is a true artist in the craft. He's not just someone who puts on makeup and calls themselves a clown, like most "clowns" you can hire locally.
If the concept of a birthday party clown brings to mind negative images from movies or tropes, know that Bonzo is actually the real deal. He's professionally trained in the art of clowning, and performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. for years. His skills are widely varied and his humor/timing is brilliant.
If you take away one thing from this review, I hope it's that if you know anyone who thinks they don't like clowns, have them come to your event to see Bonzo. I guarantee they'll walk away a huge fan of him, clowns, and YOU!
Bonzo Crunch provided a great magic show for our Vacation Bible School students. He played the ukele, juggled and did incredible magic tricks. We hope to have him back for future events.
We all laughed, not just kids!
We hired Bonzo last minute for a birthday party that had to switch venues due to rain... and we knew we'd need entertainment. We had a bouncy house, Bonzo, facepainting, and a balloon twister, and HANDS DOWN when I asked my three kids what their highlight from the party was-- every single one of them said BONZO. Also, Bonzo may be a clown but he doesn't run his business that way! Once we booked him he was super prompt to contact us, knew ALL the little details and questions to ask about the venue (where to set up for best guest experience, etc.), and let us know exactly what to expect, step by step, so we could just relax into the party.
I have three kids that all LOVED him so we will for sure be hiring him again, and I hope you give your kids that same gift! It's a lifelong memory!
What a fantastic time!!! From kids to the adults, everyone enjoyed themselves and were left in “ aww”. Highly recommended!!! Bonzo Crunch did a great job in integrating everyone. Definitely rehire him for future events or even “just because “ events.
Thank you Bonzo Crunch!!!
Photos from this event
The Bonzon Crunch was a natural fun person, the kids enjoy his show.
The kids loved him and kept them very entertained!
Every aspect of this engagement was perfect. Thank you so much to Bonzo Crunch!!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you for having me, Peter. I can tell you're a kind man and a very loving father!
We really enjoyed the privilege of having Bonzo Crunch perform at our special occasion- a celebration for our son completing his 2.5 year cancer treatment! Bonzo's performance was professional and kept the kids (and adults) entertained and in good spirits.
We particularly liked that he's a clown with a magic act- such a great combo. We do recommend him to others- he really helped make our event extra special!
Thank you, Bonzo Crunch!
Everyone (tweens, kids, and adults) loved the show!
Photos from this event
Bonzo was very professional in his coordination, and willing to work with our special requests. We loved having him come to our bachelor party and hope to have him come again.
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you, Wesley. I was a little nervous about doing a bachelor party, but I knew we were on the same page when I told you I would offer a family friendly show and you told me the bachelor was adamant that you NOT hire a stripper! That was a really nice group of guys and you were all a lot of fun!!!
The kids at my five year old’s birthday party loved Bonzo Crunch! The adults laughed almost as hard as the kids. Bonzo Crunch was great at keeping control of the kiddos when they got a little rambunctious. Definitely recommend him!
Bonzo Crunch was a great addition to my son’s birthday party! He had the children laughing and did some cool magic tricks that made it interesting for the adults as well. The part where he took the torn pieces of newspaper and reversed them back to one whole paper in an instant fascinated me! The kids loved the balloons he twisted at the end of the show and I had a fun time watching him as well. He has a great humor, full of energy, and is talented at what he does. It’s great to see your family laughing and I would love to have Bonzo Crunch over again for another party!
The kids loved him! Not only the kids, but the adults as well. It was an amazing turn out and he is the best a what he does! I’d love to see the show again.
Bonzo Crunch is a very talented performer. He’s really laid back and cool. I booked him three years ago and he remembered things about our home and family. He handled the kiddos very well. And kept us laughing through out. I would recommend him to everyone looking for great entertainment for their kids birthday party. My guest showed up a tad bit late and he didn’t want to start till everyone was there. I appreciated that a lot. Great entertainer.
Kmn.
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Kids and parents absolutely loved Bonzo Crunch. Without a doubt we will be booking him again for future events. Very age-appropriate and a wonderful personality.
It was a great show. Bonzo was in contact with me all the time before the day of the show and before arriving. Kids really enjoyed it.
Absolutely wonderful to work with! Such an excellent entertainer!
I had never event planned for a preschool before, so I was a little nervous as to which kind of entertainment our age range would enjoy. Mr. Crunch was just perfect. I mean, I can't think of a better description than simply "perfect". The way he played to the various ages of children AND adults in the audience was incredible. His magic tricks were legit. The humor style was appreciated by every age, too. AND, on top of those insane performance skills, he was a total professional and just like, a really kind guy. I'm totally blown away. We will DEFINITELY be hiring him again in the future. Thank you so much, Bonzo!!!
We booked Bonzo Crunch for our Halloween carnival at the park I work at. He really delivered a fantastic show! The kids loved his jokes and tricks. Mr. Crunch was very nice, as well as communicative when planning the show. 10/10 recommend!
Great! Always in character! Had Bonzo Crunch for my 15 yr old nieces Birthday. He kept their interest and made them laugh and gasped at his tricks. My 6 and 8 yr old loved him! The teens couldnt stop talking about him for at least an hour.
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We were needing a clown and Bonzo fit the description perfectly. Everyone was pleased and loved his show. Everything that I asked of him was BETTER that I could have imagined. Super great guy!
His material was good for ALL ages.
Will definitely be booking him again!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you for your kind words, Kelsey. The party was very well organized and clearly from the heart; it was absolutely worth the long drive to perform for you all!
Great costume. But average/ok performance.,
Very expensive & not sure if the value was there. Mostly didn’t juggling & some balance tricks
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Hi Melissa,
I’m so sorry you weren’t happy with the juggling, balance, magic and lasso performance. I thought I had communicated what I was offering, but it looks like I didn’t do that well enough, and more importantly, didn’t perform it to your satisfaction.
I charged $180 for a half hour and 45 miles travel; GigSalad added some to your fee and took an equivalent amount from mine, and I feel that that price falls within reasonable parameters, but if you weren’t satisfied with the show that is entirely on me and I humbly apologize. As always, I will strive to make the next show better than the last!
Check your mail box for a personal note.
Wishing you and your family the best.
Sincerely, Rik “Bonzo Crunch” Gern
Photos from this event
I can’t begin to express what a wonderful experience this was. Because of the pandemic, my grandson thought he wouldn’t have a party for his 4th birthday. His mom arranged a car parade and I surprised them with a performance in the street by Bonzo Crunch. A genuine professional performer! He delighted our whole family and the kids that were in the last vehicle of the parade. He made a forever memory for all of us! And it was just what we all needed in these trying times.
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Bonzo came and entertained 80 Cub scouts. The kids and Bonzo had so much fun that they never wanted it to end!!! Bonzo is truly a master of his craft.
Bonzo was amazing at my son's 6 yr bday party. His show was interesting, funny a and kept the kids glued to their seats for more than half an hour. While booking the event there was an overlook and I had booked him on the wrong event date. Bonzo was extremely flexible and kind to adjust his schedule and made sure every thing was carried out as per plans. I highly recommend his show for your next event.
Bonzo was able to keep more than 15 kids sitted,(most of them 4 year olds) excited and laughing for 45 minutes!!! As parents we were all surprised to see our kids paying attention to the full show, he had them all engaged! and also super happy to see them laughing so hard. My son, the birthday boy was super excited about Bonzo, the exciment started before the party, Bonzo left a voicemail and send a card for him, my son felt like he already knew Bonzo and was not shy at all... He enjoyed being able to make the magic trick and keep repeating "I made magic"...it has made me so happy to see how much fun he had on his birthday party! Thank you Bonzo!!!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you Diana. That was a great group of children--I loved their energy!!!
Great Performer! Very professional! The kids thought he was so funny. They loved him.
Bonzo (Rik) was fantastic. Our crowd was a bit quiet at first and he was able to get them going. For the investment and the cost of other entertainers, Bonzo was worth every penny. He kept the crowd going and our daughter (3 years old) interacted right back with him. It was her birthday party. He was on time, polite and efficient. Would HIGHLY recommend him for any party. Thanks again Bonzo!
First off, Bonzo drove a good 3 hours to attend my daughter's 5th birthday party. He was kind, generous, and very accommodating. Secondly, my daughter and her 10 guests absolutely LOVED Bonzo (in fact, I never seen these kids sit and watch something for over 10 minutes!). It was great watching them laugh, giggle, and participate. I got every penny worth of the experience! I highly recommend Bonzo Crunch!
Bonzo was great! He had the children entertained and the balloon sculptures were sooo cool!
Bonzo was great! From booking, to discussing the event, to performing. He was responsive, flexible, and held the kids' attention (even the 10-11 year old's!). Great show!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you, Maria! You all are doing great things with those kids. Blue & Gold dinners are always a lot of fun!!!
Bonzo was very professional, committed and really loves what he does! This was evident from his calls to confirm being on time and his magical entry! He also did lot of Balloon Twisting as a freebie! His show was liked by kids, parents and all age groups!! He was excited to see kids enjoying the show and on his own actually stayed more time! Greatly recommended!!!!
Photos from this event
I enjoyed the show very much as did all the children. The parents told me they liked it as well and said that it was a brilliant idea for me to hire a clown for the kids party. Bonzo was funny and entertaining. He even was patient enough to wait for my whole party to arrive so no one would miss too much of the show. Thanks Bonzo!!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you Karen! The children and adults alike were a delight. I think I had as much fun as your guests!
Definitely entertained the kids! They all loved the show. Children who seemed to be afraid of clowns warmed up within a few mins and even complemented Bonzo in the end saying “You’re so funny!”
Hilarious, prompt, professional, talented, reasonable rates, great props and material, relates very well to the kids, all ages loved the show!
Bonzo Crunch fool at large, was AWESOME the kids loved his performance and so did the residents. He was a HUGE success and funny from the time he made it to the community. It was AMAZING!!! Thank you Bonzo Crunch you are a class act.
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thanks Nicky! That was fun doing a show and balloons for the children, and then doing a show for the senior residents. I couldn't resist adding balloons for the residents as well!
He was at my nieces 1st birthday and now 16 years later I got him for my daughters 1st birthday and is still as wonderful! I really recommend Bonzo if you plan keeping the entertainment for your children's birthdays or any age!!
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you Denise; it was so nice performing for your family again. Everyone, from the young to the old, was nice. It was a real pleasure and an honor to be a part of your celebration!
Bonzo Crunch performed at my daughter's 8th birthday. She and her friends loved the show. The smiles and laughs proved that we made the right choice for entertainment! ♡♡
Response from Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large:
Thank you Misty. That was a wonderful group of children. I've never had my face on a birthday cake before--that was a treat!
Kids had lot fun thanks a lot
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 30 - 600 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $3,000,000 - Performers of the U.S.
Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large, also known as Rik Gern, has been performing as a clown since 1978. Inspired by the classic slapstick comedians of the ‘20’s and ‘30’s, Rik began his training at the Dell ‘Arte School of Mime and Comedy, and later graduated from the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College.
As Bonzo Crunch, Rik has performed from the streets of Sydney, Australia, to cities all across the United States and Canada; in venues ranging from A Taste of Chicago to the Texas Governor’s mansion. Rik has performed on his own, and as a clown in the Ringling Brothers circus, and later as their advance clown, or “Goodwill Ambassador”.
His performances are family friendly and suitable for all ages. He offers a comic juggling and magic show suitable for anything from assembly programs and banquets to picnics and birthday parties, as well as roving entertainment, meet and greet, lasso, ukulele, balloon sculpture, face painting and more.
Performances range from 30 minutes to an hour or longer, and can accommodate a stage setting as well as more informal "roving" situations. In addition to a vaudeville style comic juggling and magic show, educational programs such as a reading show, a fitness program and/or workshops are available.
Having performed in venues ranging from the intimacy of hospital visits, senior centers and birthday parties in the living room to large venues such as basketball games and circus arenas, and everything in between, including school assemblies and pep rallies, Bonzo Crunch is comfortable with large crowds as well as small groups. His makeup was designed to be expressive from a distance, but non-threatening in a close-up context. He possesses patience and gentleness that make him suitable for young children, as well as a level of skill and wit that make him appropriate for older children and adults.
Rik currently lives in Austin, TX where he has been voted “Favorite Kid’s Entertainer 2012” by the readers of Austin Family magazine. Rik/Bonzo continues an active schedule of clowning, and uses his spare time to improve his craft.
| February 08, 2025 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| January 18, 2025 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 15, 2024 • 12:00pm - 12:45pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| September 24, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:15am | Fundraiser |
| August 24, 2024 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| August 17, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | House Party |
| August 09, 2024 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Corporate Event |
| July 14, 2024 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| June 27, 2024 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | School Assembly |
| May 09, 2024 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Corporate Event |
| April 14, 2024 • 11:00am - 11:45am | Children’s Birthday Party |
| February 10, 2024 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| February 03, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| January 06, 2024 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| December 07, 2023 • 9:30am - 10:30am | Christmas Party |
| November 03, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | School Assembly |
| August 27, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| July 13, 2023 • 10:00am - 10:30am | School Assembly |
| July 08, 2023 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| June 23, 2023 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Camp Event |
| June 02, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Festival |
| May 13, 2023 • 11:30am - 12:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| May 11, 2023 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Corporate Event |
| May 06, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| April 29, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| March 25, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| March 03, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| February 10, 2023 • 6:00pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
| February 04, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| December 03, 2022 • 3:30pm - 4:15pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| October 14, 2022 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | Fundraiser |
| October 08, 2022 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| October 01, 2022 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| August 20, 2022 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| July 12, 2022 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Campus Event |
| June 26, 2022 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| June 25, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| May 07, 2022 • 1:30pm - 2:15pm | Personal Occasion |
| April 10, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| April 09, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| March 12, 2022 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| March 05, 2022 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Bachelor Party |
| February 12, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:45pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| January 08, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| December 04, 2021 • 2:30pm - 3:15pm | Birthday Party |
| September 25, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| September 11, 2021 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| August 07, 2021 • 3:30pm - 4:15pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| June 05, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| June 03, 2021 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| May 15, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| April 08, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| March 04, 2021 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Birthday Party |
| February 13, 2021 • 9:30am - 10:30am | Festival |
| January 16, 2021 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| November 24, 2020 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Birthday Party |
| October 24, 2020 • 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Camp Event |
| October 10, 2020 • 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Camp Event |
| September 26, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Teen Birthday Party |
| September 17, 2020 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Birthday Party |
| September 05, 2020 • 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Teen Birthday Party |
| June 05, 2020 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Camp Event |
| May 17, 2020 • 2:00pm - 2:15pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| April 04, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| February 16, 2020 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| February 06, 2020 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| November 17, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| August 17, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| August 17, 2019 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| May 26, 2019 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| May 18, 2019 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| April 27, 2019 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| April 26, 2019 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| April 07, 2019 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Fundraiser |
| February 23, 2019 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| February 09, 2019 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | School Assembly |
| February 02, 2019 • 12:30pm - 1:15pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| December 09, 2018 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| October 13, 2018 • 2:30pm - 5:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| August 04, 2018 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| June 02, 2018 • 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| January 14, 2018 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| December 02, 2017 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm | Holiday Party (Christmas) |
| June 27, 2017 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
| October 04, 2016 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Festival |
| September 25, 2016 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
| September 10, 2016 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| July 16, 2016 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| June 27, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Fundraiser |
| May 21, 2016 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| May 19, 2016 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
| May 14, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| April 30, 2016 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| March 27, 2016 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| January 24, 2016 • 4:30pm - 8:00pm | Birthday (Child) |
| November 07, 2015 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
| August 20, 2015 • 10:00am - 10:45am | School Assembly |
| May 10, 2015 • 4:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
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