Mister Cooper's Blog & Website

Gee, I had a great time yesterday. I finished up a 6th grade music residency, called “Back To The Notes”, with a rock and roll concert that had the joint jumpin’. Over the course of the last week, I visited each classroom playing the recordings of some influential African American musicians, directly linking them to the “Beyond The Notes” unit in their Open Court reading anthologies. The kids enjoyed hearing the sounds of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Ray Charles (pictured). As a writing prompt, each 6th grade class wrote their own version of “The Homework Blues.” Then the real fun started. With the help of my fellow band mates in the Loose Acoustic Trio, plus our good friend and drummer, Jim Caselli, we turned on the electricity (guitar, keyboard, bass) and rocked the house. The set list included “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Crossroads,” “Unchain My Heart,” and all three original versions of “The Homework Blues.” Who knew the 12-bar blues could be educational and so much fun at the same time?

It was suggested to me (thanks, Miss Sally) that I create a space where I can post my schedule of upcoming performances. So, this will be the place to look for finding out all the “whens” and “wheres” you need to know. Here is what I have now…

Every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 until 4:30 pm at the Valley Hi Library. Good news. My kid’s music program (ages 3-7) has been extended through the first week of June. For more info, please click here.

Saturday, March 27 from 9:00 until 10:30 am for the Great Land Park Egg Hunt. Near Riverside Blvd. between 12th and 13th Ave. It’s going to be big fun.

Wednesday, April 7 from 4:00 until 4:45 pm at the Southgate Library for a “Read Along – Sing Along” music program. For more info, please click here.

Saturday, May 29 from noon until 3:00 pm at Fairytale Town for “Farms, Friends & Fairytales” with the Loose Acoustic Trio. Come on out and see the band. For more info, please click here.

More dates will be posted when confirmed. Check back often, won’t you?

Whenever I think about bringing a new song into a classroom full of students, I try to find one that will reinforce what they are learning at that time. When I can’t find one, it’s especially gratifying for me to make one up that fits with what the teachers are currently teaching in school.

Dr. Seuss’ (his real name is Theodor Geisel) birthday is March 2nd. We now celebrate it as National Read Across America Day. I really wanted to have a song to commemorate this great writer and event. The song I wrote is titled “Dr. Seuss Is On The Loose” and I started playing it last Tuesday. It’s going over so well with the kids that I think I’ll continue singing it for the whole month of March. Thank you, Dr. Seuss, for all the fabulous books.

Dr. Seuss is on the loose with all his funny friends
Dr. Seuss is on the loose again
Grab a book, take a look
The stories never end
Dr. Seuss is on the loose again
© 2010 Hot Biscuits Music (BMI)

Easter is April 4th this year. But if you like to hunt for eggs, you won’t have to wait until then. On Saturday, March 27, the Land Park Community Association and the City of Sacramento present The Great Land Park Egg Hunt. There’s going to be games, face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny and music by your pal, Mister Cooper. The festivities start at 9:00 am with the Egg Hunt beginning at 10 o’clock sharp. Please bring a basket and your best sing-along voices. It’s all happening near Riverside Blvd. between 12th and 13th Aves. There’s even a hat contest. And it’s FREE. You better be there.