Art has retired and for the most part entertaining for Private Functions ; however, when possible all Public Functions will be posted directly below:
ART can only be reached by writing to him at:
P.O. BOX 388
BIG BEAR LAKE, CA.
92315
THE MESSAGE POSTED BELOW IS AN ARTICLE FROM BIG BEAR LAKE, CA. POSTED ON "BIG BEAR TODAY MAGAZINE".
During this Jan. of 2022 ART turned 80 years old!!!
Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer, Speaker, Art Harriman is True Royalty
Entertainer Art Harriman on his famous world’s smallest harmonica, just an inch long, which he has played on stages ranging from Big Bear to the Grand Ole OpryAs a youngster the kids at school nicknamed him “King Arthur.” But Art Harriman’s mom let him know in no uncertain terms who the real king is.
“There’s one king above all other kings,” Art recalled her replying when he told her of his second or third grade nickname. “The king of kings is Christ.”
King Arthur got more than religious inspiration from her response. “So as a kid I decided I wanted to meet all the kings Jesus is king of in my lifetime,” he said.
At age 78 it’s safe to say mission accomplished. He’s met or worked with a far-reaching variety of kings of their own profession. Like the king of cowboys, Roy Rogers, along with his son whom Art hosted long-running City of Big Bear Lake Mayor’s Prayer Breakfasts with back in the day. And the king of the jungle, Johnny Weissmuller, the original Tarzan.
More royalty? How about the king of comedy, Bob Hope. For six years Harriman appeared on the star’s Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, and if that’s not enough laughter for you, he’s also appeared on Bill Cosby original television show, and met George Carlin to boot.
In Nashville he got to play with kings of country Roy Acuff and Johnny Cash. He’s met king of the ring Joe Lewis and the diamond’s Joe DiMaggio. Football kings Jim Brown and Merlin Olson are also on the list. In fact he co-wrote a song with the latter, “Ol’ Jack Danielson,” that he’ll play on request during gigs at Barnstorm Restaurant the last Saturday of each month including March 28. Sometimes other Saturdays too when he joins in with regulars Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin.
By his count Art has met or worked with 15-20 kings. He even has a photo of king of pop Michael Jackson taking a photo of him! “He was around 20 at the time, the front man for the Jackson 5,” Harriman recalled. He’s been on stage with the king of blues B.B. King and king of theater, Sir Lawrence Olivier.
By far his best royal encounter was with the king of rock `n roll. In the movie “Live a Little, Love a Little” Art played the band leader and friend of Elvis Presley.
“I took pictures as a fan of Elvis when he landed at Waikiki while I was stationed in Hawaii in the service,” Art said. “I knew when his helicopter was going to land and was waiting. Six years later he was tapping me on the shoulder in a movie.”
Art has slowed down a little but still knows how to woo an audience. Barnstorm was filled to the brim for Valentine’s Day with lovers who love listening to his unique style of good-time music. He no longer plays the guitar so he was joined by Silver Moon’s Brad Riesau but Harrriman still dazzles with his world’s smallest harmonica, an inch-long instrument he makes amazing music with. Which he also played on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
“When Art plays this restaurant is full,” Barnstorm owner Renee Wagner said. “His way of relating to customers is phenomenal.”
No surprise there. Harriman has played at virtually every Big Bear venue after arriving here in 1972. Places that aren’t even there any more have hosted his talents—Chad’s, Navajo, Highlander, Bear’s Den, Goldie’s Folies, The Pub, names straight out of the history books. For 35 years he co-hosted the annual tree lighting in the Village with actress Shirley Jones. Whether playing Rotary’s senior holiday dinner or for kids at Co-op in the Pines, Art’s listeners span generations.
Along the way he became a fixture co-hosting the ski team auction with late Snow Summit president Dick Kun, both properly attired in tuxedos. “One year I didn’t get back from New Hampshire (where he spends each summer) in time and the first thing Dick said to me was `Where were you? You cost us $25,000!’ ” Art said.
“I still have skis he gave me, signed R. Kun,” Harriman added. “I used them three years. I’ve been on chairs when people have asked where I got those skis. Steal them?”
Harriman used to ski 40 days a year but gave up the sport a couple years ago. Yet he still takes listeners downhill with his song “Vitamin Ski” paying homage to Snow Summit, the lyrics of which were framed and hung outside Kun’s office.
Another original is “Live Free or Die,” written with Ernest Thompson who penned On Golden Pond. “Brace yourself,” the playwright told Art in a recent phone call. “John Davidson is recording our song.”
So after meeting all these kings, what’s Art king of? “King of the one-man band,” he chuckled. King of korn comes to my mind, since he was on “Hee Haw” for years. Maybe of life coaches too, a role he’s also filled, “not as much for large groups anymore, but in person or phone.
“All of us have greatness inside of us,” he added. Art’s is just more visible.
Entertainer Art Harriman on his famous world’s smallest harmonica, just an inch long, which he has played on stages ranging from Big Bear to the Grand Ole OpryAs a youngster the kids at school nicknamed him “King Arthur.” But Art Harriman’s mom let him know in no uncertain terms who the real king is.
“There’s one king above all other kings,” Art recalled her replying when he told her of his second or third grade nickname. “The king of kings is Christ.”
King Arthur got more than religious inspiration from her response. “So as a kid I decided I wanted to meet all the kings Jesus is king of in my lifetime,” he said.
At age 78 it’s safe to say mission accomplished. He’s met or worked with a far-reaching variety of kings of their own profession. Like the king of cowboys, Roy Rogers, along with his son whom Art hosted long-running City of Big Bear Lake Mayor’s Prayer Breakfasts with back in the day. And the king of the jungle, Johnny Weissmuller, the original Tarzan.
More royalty? How about the king of comedy, Bob Hope. For six years Harriman appeared on the star’s Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, and if that’s not enough laughter for you, he’s also appeared on Bill Cosby original television show, and met George Carlin to boot.
In Nashville he got to play with kings of country Roy Acuff and Johnny Cash. He’s met king of the ring Joe Lewis and the diamond’s Joe DiMaggio. Football kings Jim Brown and Merlin Olson are also on the list. In fact he co-wrote a song with the latter, “Ol’ Jack Danielson,” that he’ll play on request during gigs at Barnstorm Restaurant the last Saturday of each month including March 28. Sometimes other Saturdays too when he joins in with regulars Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin.
By his count Art has met or worked with 15-20 kings. He even has a photo of king of pop Michael Jackson taking a photo of him! “He was around 20 at the time, the front man for the Jackson 5,” Harriman recalled. He’s been on stage with the king of blues B.B. King and king of theater, Sir Lawrence Olivier.
By far his best royal encounter was with the king of rock `n roll. In the movie “Live a Little, Love a Little” Art played the band leader and friend of Elvis Presley.
“I took pictures as a fan of Elvis when he landed at Waikiki while I was stationed in Hawaii in the service,” Art said. “I knew when his helicopter was going to land and was waiting. Six years later he was tapping me on the shoulder in a movie.”
Art has slowed down a little but still knows how to woo an audience. Barnstorm was filled to the brim for Valentine’s Day with lovers who love listening to his unique style of good-time music. He no longer plays the guitar so he was joined by Silver Moon’s Brad Riesau but Harrriman still dazzles with his world’s smallest harmonica, an inch-long instrument he makes amazing music with. Which he also played on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
“When Art plays this restaurant is full,” Barnstorm owner Renee Wagner said. “His way of relating to customers is phenomenal.”
No surprise there. Harriman has played at virtually every Big Bear venue after arriving here in 1972. Places that aren’t even there any more have hosted his talents—Chad’s, Navajo, Highlander, Bear’s Den, Goldie’s Folies, The Pub, names straight out of the history books. For 35 years he co-hosted the annual tree lighting in the Village with actress Shirley Jones. Whether playing Rotary’s senior holiday dinner or for kids at Co-op in the Pines, Art’s listeners span generations.
Along the way he became a fixture co-hosting the ski team auction with late Snow Summit president Dick Kun, both properly attired in tuxedos. “One year I didn’t get back from New Hampshire (where he spends each summer) in time and the first thing Dick said to me was `Where were you? You cost us $25,000!’ ” Art said.
“I still have skis he gave me, signed R. Kun,” Harriman added. “I used them three years. I’ve been on chairs when people have asked where I got those skis. Steal them?”
Harriman used to ski 40 days a year but gave up the sport a couple years ago. Yet he still takes listeners downhill with his song “Vitamin Ski” paying homage to Snow Summit, the lyrics of which were framed and hung outside Kun’s office.
Another original is “Live Free or Die,” written with Ernest Thompson who penned On Golden Pond. “Brace yourself,” the playwright told Art in a recent phone call. “John Davidson is recording our song.”
So after meeting all these kings, what’s Art king of? “King of the one-man band,” he chuckled. King of korn comes to my mind, since he was on “Hee Haw” for years. Maybe of life coaches too, a role he’s also filled, “not as much for large groups anymore, but in person or phone.
“All of us have greatness inside of us,” he added. Art’s is just more visible.
Check out the You Tube Video time line between 50 seconds and 1.10 minutes to see Art Hariman in HEAVENLY ANGLE. Art's part in His latest movie advanture is the part of 'THE OLD CODGER' ... posted directly below
HEAVENLY ANGLE
Written and directed by Mr. Thompson, the story of a well-traveled filmmaker who comes to a small town in New Hampshire to make a movie.
"Heavenly Angle" is Ernest Thompson's NEWEST film. Art plays the part of an interesting character in this film. Be sure not to miss this special presentation.
Written and directed by Mr. Thompson, the story of a well-traveled filmmaker who comes to a small town in New Hampshire to make a movie.
"Heavenly Angle" is Ernest Thompson's NEWEST film. Art plays the part of an interesting character in this film. Be sure not to miss this special presentation.
Ernest Thompson of GOLDEN POND
comments on an Art Harriman Article!
Art's new Smiff Brother: Alex
Alex, owner of 17 (plus) Common Man Family of Restaurants and Art have over 30 years of friendship… In fact, for some ARTrivia, Art has dubbed Alex as his NEW Smiff Brother.
Alex Ray, playing one of Art Harriman’s “gui-tubs,” joins Art Harriman for a duet, entertaining the lunchtime crowd at Saturday’s Battle of the Badges in Ashland. Harriman has been a staple in summer entertainment through the Ashland and surrounding areas over the past 35 years, but before he wraps it up for the season, he’ll be serving as Master of Ceremonies at the Sandwich Fair on Oct. 10-12, his 30th year at this event… -Matt Perloff- staff-The Record Enterprise, Thursday, October 1, 2009. |
Every Saturday Art entertains at The Barnstorm Restaurant 5 to 9 pm.Throughout the winter... during the day he skis. Next photo THE FOILAGE TRAIN see you in the fall of 2015.
Art's van was know as 'Old Brown"
If you have ever noticed when attending Art's performances; he will almost without fail do a small tribute to Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens...
Two years in a row Art has played Blues Harmonica with Jorma Kaukonen (Guitar Player for Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna)… This year at Miracle Springs Resort Spa in Desert Hot Springs, Ca. when Jorma invited Art on stage to play, the third player was G. E. Smith (Band Leader for 10 years, leading TV’s “Saturday Night Live” Band)… Needless to say, another exciting experience in Art’s life journey… …Check out Jorma Kaukonen’s “Fur Peace Ranch” (Guitar Camp) @ furpeaceranch.com
|
Late one night at the Ashland Common Man Restaurant; Art with Donnie Saviano on base guitar;August 15th 2009.
|
Art's up stair Common Man Rest Corner... where he played in this barn as a child.
|
