Equal-parts classroom-style discussion, interactive late-night talk show, pop concert, dance party, and stand-up comedy special, Gab Bonesso's GAB SQUAD is an experience unlike any other!
Based in Pittsburgh, performer Gab Bonesso has spent the last six years traveling the U.S. with a series of unique and interactive musical comedy programs for children, teens, and families. Her work has been featured in over 800 school, community, church, camp, library, and festival locations across fifteen U.S. States, and has directly engaged an estimated 400,000 youth, educator, and adult participants in the process.
Gab has appeared on CBS and PBS television for her efforts, received regular airplay on renowned radio stations such as WXPN Kids Corner and WYEP-FM with her music, garnered national press and awards for her live appearances, and has partnered with organizations such as Reading is Fundamental, American Eagle Outfitters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and many more. GAB SQUAD programs utilize original music, interactive comedy, and educational discussion to explore themes of tolerance, positive expression, bullying awareness, and above all, the use of creativity as an alternative to negative expression.

In the course of her work as an anti-bullying advocate, performer, and writer/comedian, Gab's credits and accolades include:
Voted "Best Comedian" by Pittsburgh City Paper staff & readers, 2017 & 2009.
Named "Best Comic" by Pittsburgh Magazine, 2010.
Starred as Corporate Video Host with American Eagle Outfitters AEO-TV, 2011-2013.
Acted as America Online "Rocking The Suburbs" columnist, 2010-2012
Received Experimental Artist Residency at Carnegie Mellon University, 2012.
Selected as Tedx Talk Speaker, 2015.
Collaborative performances with songwriter and musician Josh Verbanets, of Meeting of Important People, performing as JOSH AND GAB, and winning both "40 Under 40" and "Best In The Burgh" honors, 2012-2018.
Signed Recording Contract with Misra Records for release of debut comedy album, 2017
Represented by Docherty Talent Agency, 2011-present.
Nominated “Best New Talent” in Radio, 2008 AIR AWARDS
Served as On-Air Radio Producer at CBS Radio, 2007-2008
As adult comedian, has shared stage with performers such as Richard Lewis, Brian Posehn, Jen Kirkman, Fortune Femster, Kurt Branholer, John Hodgman, Tommy Chong, Eddie Ifft, Adam Sank and Lizz Winstead.
Appeared in TV/Internet spots for Sony Jobs, Burgatory Restaurants, and others, 2008-present.
Partners, Clients, & Past Performance Locations Include:
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, various locations
Aire Libre Festival, Monterrey Mexico
Reading Is Fundamental
Mario Lemieux Childrens' Home and Childs' Way
Spina Bifida Association Camp Firefly locations
TedX Talks, 2015-16
Church-In-The-Gardens School, Forest Hills NY
World Cafe Live, Wilmington DE
Carnegie Mellon University
Tennessee Ridge School District, Erin TN
PROPEL Charter Schools, various locations
Pittsburgh International Childrens Festival
Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh
Cherry Hill Library, Cherry Hill NJ
America Online Digital Column Content
American Eagle Outfitters
Veterans Association Healthcare System, various locations
Hubbard Schools, Hubbard Ohio
Music Is Family Record Label
YMCA Summer Camps and CAMP AIM, various locations
JCC Association of North America
Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh PA
Morgantown Kids Zone, Morgantown WV
Marcus L. Ruscitto Charitable Foundation
U.S. Homeless Childrens Education Fund
WXPN Kids' Corner Festival, Philadelphia PA
Allegheny County Womens Shelter
Catholic Charities USA
MISRA Records
KINDIEComm Festival & Industry Showcase
Grace Day School, Massapequa NY
UPMC Childrens Hospital
SONY Jobs Web Content
Bricolage Theater Company
WQED PBS Television
KDKA CBS Television
National Conference for Albinism & Hypopigmentation
AARP
Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh, various locations
Wheeling Country Day School, Wheeling WV
Sarah Heinz House
Bay Shore School District, Bay Shore NY
WXPN-FM Radio
WYEP-FM Radio
102.5 WDVE Radio
Childrens Museum of the Ohio Valley
In her work with frequent musical collaborator Josh Verbanets, Gab has collected testimonials, client reviews, and recommendations/referrals from past events:
“Working in the school setting for the past 9 years has given me the opportunity to be a part of numerous school assemblies. I can honestly say that this is one of the most fun and interactive assemblies I have witnessed. Through songs and role- playing skits, the show focuses on bully prevention and making good choices. My students in grades K-4 absolutely love the performance. We have brought them to our school for the past three years and plan to continue to ask them to return. The students continue to sing the songs throughout the year and frequently ask when she will be coming back. If you are looking for a fun and engaging way to teach students about bullying and positive choices, this is the right program for you.”
-Ms. Lisa M. Mumau, MEd.,NCC.,LPC
Professional School Counselor, Yough School District
"In a word: Awesome! The squad beings so much excitement and energy and the kids just love them! They have a great message; therefore, kids are learning and having fun too. We can’t wait until the next time we can work together.”
-Juwanda Thurmond, Youth Programs Manager,
Pittsburgh Childrens Museum.
“This show was a wonderful treat for both our students and our staff. It was refreshing to have a performance that reinforced the same anti-bullying message we’ve been teaching our students. After the show was over, you could hear their songs being played in several of our classrooms. One of our students even e-mailed the website asking them to come back and perform at our Valentine’s Day Dance. I highly recommend that every school book a performance, as the programs present the perfect mix of humor and rock n’ roll to deliver such an important message. We definitely plan on having Gab back!"
– Julie Sumper, Beechwood Elementary School,
Pittsburgh Public Schools.
“Our faculty were quite impressed with this program, both with fun, friendly and pleasant personalities so much so that my faculty couldn’t stop talking about the presence Gab had on the microphone and with our students! The music was current and our students were excited to participate and engage in the conversation. I absolutely love the interactive presentation- it truly gives meaning to such an important message.”
-Mark Grgurich, Principal,
Christ The Divine Teacher Academy.
“Gab entertained students not only with a bullying-awareness message, but also with themes of tolerance, diversity, and true friendship. Students especially loved being called to dance onstage—this was a fabulous job!
-Tracie Michalowski, Assistant Principal,
Marshall Middle School, Wexford PA
“Thank you SO much for coming to California Area Elementary School today! This was the BEST assembly we have ever had! The staff and students were so impressed and entertained by your enthusiasm and energy! And most importantly, the students took away a tremendous lesson about making the right choices and living a positive life! There's nothing else to say except - You're GREAT!
-Rachel Nagy, Elementary Principal,
California Area School District.
“My children wanted me to let you know what an impact you had on them today with not only your message through songs but your fantastic personality as well. They would like to know when you will be doing another public event so they can attend and support you!! Thanks again for what you promote and for all you do to help the young ones out there understand the importance of what bullying is all about and how not to be one. I wish you all the best in your career.”
-Melinda Suzrnsky, Parent,
Assumption School, Bellevue.
“This program, featured on our Community Stage, put a wonderful spin on the message that bullying is NOT okay. Kids clapped and families danced along!”
-Michelini Pollini, Pittsburgh International Childrens Festival
“This show was the perfect combination of fun, music, comedy and education, using music and comedy to pass on some very important messages about bullying. The creative team interacted with the audience to help make the topic of bullying relatable. Gab kept everyone laughing as she worked her way through the audience singing and rapping. Enthusiastic students clapped and waved their arms ready to participate and share their answers. The music was uplifting and fun and the performers even shared some personal stories through their songs. This show was an awesome assembly, we look forward to working together again in the future!”
-Ann Cole, Gym Teacher,
Regency Park Elementary School
“I Cannot thank you enough for the outstanding assembly you presented to the students of Moraine Elementary School. Your high-energy performance was a huge hit. Your songs and skits were age-appropriate and so very meaningful to the students. You speaking from experience of bullying in your own lives helps our students understand this is not a new problem, but one we will continue to work to eliminate. You not only entertained our student body, you informed and educated them in an engaging way. Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts with us.”
- Rebecca J. Sopher, Music teacher,
Moraine Elementary School
“We were lucky enough to schedule Gab at our school for two separate school events; once for just our students, and once for both students and families. Both performances were engaging, exciting and entertaining all the while promoting a positive message for our students. I look forward to possible scheduling again in the future and would recommend this show to anyone that is looking for an entertaining event filled with Anti-Bulling messages.”
- Adam Kmetz, Guidance Counselor,
Propel East School
“Gab came to my Son's school for a special assembly on bullying. It was fun and engaged the kids on their level. My son was being bullied by a classmate, which really hurt him and made him want to stop attending kindergarten. Through proactive efforts like Gabby's, kids and faculty are more aware that bullying is a culture that needs to change. Following the show, my son was happy and felt understood and engaged. I am really grateful that this local artist has made it her mission to reach out and help kids like my son, to use love against bullying.”
- Crystal Lee Morgan, Parent,
Canon-McMillan School District.