One of the best things about music time at the library is that it’s free to everybody. Anyone can come to Belle Cooledge Library on Tuesdays at 4 pm, or Valley Hi Library on Thursdays at 4 pm, and join in with the Sing-Along Club. And you can come to Fair Oaks Library on the second Tuesday of every month at 11:30 am or the Pocket Greenhaven Library on the last Tuesday of each month starting at 11:00 am and do some Freeze Dance with me.

This music program was created and designed for all preschoolers, older siblings and their grown-ups. Kids can get used to playing around other kids and make new friends. Parents and grandparents can ask each other questions about all things children. It warms my heart to see a little community growing at your community library. And it’s FREE.

If you are enjoying the music or any of the other fabulous programs presented at the library, the best way to say so is by becoming a “Friend of the Library.” Simply click here and fill out the online application. You can choose which library you’d like to support. It’s easy and very much appreciated. Tell ‘em Mister Cooper sent you. Thank you for everything…

Schools get two weeks off for winter break. This year, because of the way the calendar worked out, I was still singing with kids right up to Friday, December 23. Inside, it seemed like I should’ve been on vacation or shopping. And then, since Monday, January 2 was a national holiday, I had all of last week off with nothing much to do. I wanted to sing with everybody all week long. It was very unsettling.

Today, all of that ends. It’s back to school. No more Christmas songs (too bad, my favorite part of Christmas is the music). Instead, it’s more “songs that teach.” Kindergartners will be singing the “Days of the Week” song both forwards and backwards along with the “B A Bay” song popularized by the 3 Stooges. And I’ll be starting two songs about Martin Luther King with all students. And many more that reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. It’s a fun and exciting time of year for me at the schools and preschools.

Thanks to everyone who comes out to their local library to sing along. Tomorrow (Tuesday, January 10), I’ll be at both the Fair Oaks Library (starting at 11:30 am) and later at Belle Cooledge Library (starting at 4 pm). This Thursday (January 12), I’ll be back at Valley Hi Library (4 pm start time) and on Tuesday, January 31, I’ll be singing at the Pocket Greenhaven Library (new start time – 11 am!!!). Please be sure to request a song if you have a favorite you’d like to hear. I’d be happy to sing it for you.

I hope we all have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. See you soon…

I’ve never been a big fan of year end lists. Especially if I have to number them. If it’s a top ten list, I can usually get to 6 or 7 easily and then have to make up the rest. And do I really want to spend the time ranking them in order? If I don’t care, why would anyone else?

Every once in a while, someone will come up to me after school or library music time and ask for a recommendation for different kid CDs to play after listening to Mister Cooper all afternoon (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Some parents ask about female artists or something uptempo with drums. I try to keep up with what’s available and new CDs that have come out. I always enjoy talking about music whether it’s for kids or grown-ups. Here are my favorites of 2011, in no particular order.

Kid Music:

Dan Zanes has long been one of my favorites. He had a great rock band back in the ’80s called the Del Fuegos. Now he records 21st Century folk music for the whole family. He released two recordings this year, “Contradance” and “Little Nut Tree.” I listen to “Contrdance” all the time. Both are fabulous.

In my humble opinion, Frances England is the best songwtier of kid’s music. She has a wonderful way of writing from a child’s point of view. Her kindie (indie for kids) style always sounds fresh to me ears. “Mind of My Own” is her best yet.

Elizabeth Mitchell has a beautiful voice, perfect for kids. She was the first new children’s music artist signed to Smithsonian Folkways in the 21st century. Her main musical partners are her husband and 10 year old daughter. “Sunny Day” is getting great reviews.

Grown-up Music:

Ry Cooder is a long time favorite and influence. He’s been much more prolific over the past few years. A CD filled with lefty protest songs in a variety of musical styles. This is how a guitar is supposed to sound.

Todd Snider is one funny guy. And a fantastic songwriter. This 2 CD set is culled from live concerts. The stories in between the songs alone are worth the price. I’m a big fan.

Greg Brown has the deepest voice of anyone I can think of and a veteren of the Americana folk scene. He has put out better records, but I enjoy this one every time I listen to it.

Danny Barnes used to lead one of my favorite acoustic bands of the ’90s called the Bad Livers (great name). He’s now a solo artist and every CD he releases is a gem. A banjo player extraordinaire, singer, and songwriter with music flowing from every pore.

Steve Earle has put out many CDs over the past 25 years. This one was produced by T-Bone Burnett and nominated for a Grammy. Protest songs, love songs, it’s all here. One of the great songwriters of our time.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have released a beautifully recorded and performed CD. She describes the music as “dour” and “bleak.” So it’s not for the weak of heart or everyday listening. Still, it’s been listed at the top of many year end lists.

There you go. Now you know. Listen to samples on Amazon or iTunes and let me know what you think. And to everyone everywhere…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’m still confused. Back when I was growing up, when you were leaving a friendly conversation, you said “Merry Christmas.” Since then, I’ve learned that not everyone was Christian. So, instead of listing all religious celebrations, I learned it was politically correct to say “Happy Holidays.” But that’s not all. What about the change of year? Does “Happy Holidays” include “Happy New Year”? Is it best to say both? I needed something to say that would be all inclusive. My wife said it by accident. Now I say it all the time, every time.

So, to all my friends, young and grown up, and to all your families. Happy Holidays, Merry and Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus (for the rest of us), Happy Hour, Happy Meals, Happy Solstice, Happy New Year, Happy Birthday (Capricorn), Happy Feet, Happy Endings, and Happy Trails to you. Or in other words…

HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!

Now for some friendly reminders:

Music time at Belle Cooledge Library will be tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 20) at our usual time (4 pm). Please remember the library will be closed all of next week. The next Sing Along Club meeting will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 4 pm.

Music time at Valley Hi Library will continue this Thursday (Dec. 22) at 4 pm. We will also be getting together on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 4pm. Did someone say “road trip”?

“Words to Live By” coloring books will no longer be provided at library shows starting in 2012. You are now able to print out your own coloring books by clicking on “The Coloring Book” above. Go for it.

All three of my CDs are always available from me for the reduced price of $10 each. Did someone say “great gift idea”?

Thank you all again and again for your support of my music programs. Your attendance at a library, concert, school event, or Farmers Market, is greatly appreciated. I hope to see you soon. But if not…

HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!

Click here for a special surprise…

Now that December is upon us and the holiday shopping season is in full swing, I am becoming overwhelmed with all that is going on. I’ll admit to feeling the stress of juggling schedules, traffic, crowds, and long lists of things to do and buy. And don’t get me started with the commercials on television. Each year seems to get a little crazier. This post was going to be about stuffing your stocking with a Mister Cooper CD. If you’re interested, there is plenty of information here on this website. But, I’m going to stop before I start. What I really want to say is that I hope you all feel the abundance of peace, love, and joy surrounding you during this wonder-filled time of year. Thank you again for your continued support of my music. I really appreciate it.

Here is a Christmas card for you and the kids. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Festivus (for the rest of us). The End.

Click to open your card

I make no bones about it. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of all. Better than Christmas, birthdays, Halloween, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day. It’s the one time I am especially grateful for all of the blessings in my life. And my list is long.

Thanksgiving is a special day to appreciate life with the extra bonus of fantastic food. I truly enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and all kinds of side dishes using family recipes passed down through the generations. And then there’s the pumpkin pie with (not too much) whipped cream. Ummm. Pumpkin pie.

Once again, my family and I have been invited to spend the holiday with friends I’ve known for 30 years. Before dinner, we go around the room and say out loud what we are thankful for. It’s a beautiful moment that I look forward to every year. Good friends, good food, football, music, lots of laughter, it’s all there on Thanksgiving Day.

When it gets to be my turn to speak, I never forget to mention how thankful I am for all of the music in my life and for all of the people, both young and grown up, who sing along. Be it at school, at a library, in the park, at a Farmers Market, or a concert somewhere, I thank you all for coming out and saying hello. Thank you for supporting my music all year long. May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. And an extra piece of pumpkin pie for me…

Thanks (that’s one)
Thanks (that’s two)
Thanks (that’s three)
Thanks (that’s four)
Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks
Thanksgiving

Over the years, I have printed out, collated, stapled, and given out thousands of coloring books for the song “Words To Live By” from my 1st CD “Mister Cooper.” It is now my pleasure to make the pdf file available for you to create your own copy of the coloring book. Color it however you wish. Use all 7 colors in a rainbow. Or just your favorite color (mine is purple). Make as many as you’d like. It’s now up to you. Take your time and do a good job. When you’re finished, please bring it to library music time so I can see it.

Look up at the row of pages and click on the one labeled “The Coloring Book.” There you will find the file and story about how the coloring book came to be. Please enjoy.

Once again, it’s time for another library update. Now that fall has fallen and winter is near, it’s getting too cold to come and see me sing songs for you in the chilly open air. Libraries are the perfect place to be for indoor adventures of all kinds, including music with The Sing-Along Club. Here is the current schedule for all the libraries I visit. I hope you can be there. It wouldn’t be the same without you…

Belle Cooledge Library:
We meet on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 4:00 pm.
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13, 20
January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14

Valley Hi Library:
We meet on Thursdays from 4:00 – 4:30 pm.
November 3, 10, 17
December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
January 5

Fair Oaks Library:
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am – noon.
November 8
December 13
January 10
February 14

Pocket-Greenhaven Library:
We meet on the last Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am – noon. Please note time change for 2012.
November 29 (11:30 – noon)
December – no music
January 31 (11:00 – 11:30 am)
February 28 (11:00 – 11:30 am)

A great big THANKS to all of the libraries for bringing The Sing-Along Club with Mister Cooper inside their doors where it’s nice and warm. I appreciate the continued support. And, oh yeah, I almost forgot. Happy Halloween! Please remember to BE SAFE. I’m not kidding. The End.

The Loose Acoustic Trio plays family friendly “good time music” all summer long at Farmers Markets, parties, barbeques, and other outdoor events throughout the Sacramento area. The 2011 season is almost over. But there are still a few opportunities for you to see us and hear the songs before we say “so long” for the winter. This coming Saturday, October 22, we’ll be performing at the Sunrise Farmers Market at the Light Rail station on the corner of Sunrise and Folsom Blvds. The next Saturday, October 29, we end the season at the Country Club Plaza Farmers Market, close to the corner of Watt and El Camino Blvds. And then we finish up that same night at Ettore’s Restaurant on Fair Oaks Blvd starting at 7:30 pm. I hope you can make it. If not, we’ll try it again in June 2012.

I was thrilled when I read the email telling me I had received a Fall 2011 Parents’ Choice Approved Award for my CD “Mister Cooper is for the birds.” I clicked on the link and here are the kind words I found:

“Acoustic musician and music educator Ken Cooper has an inviting, down-home way with a song, finding inspiration in the interconnectedness of living things, confidence-building (“Yes I Can”) and the joy of reading (“Dr. Seuss Is On the Loose”). Among the highlights: Cooper’s humorous spin on the definition of living spaces (“a peach is a house for a peach pit/a sandwich is a house for ham” in “A House is a House for Me”) and a tribute to that ubiquitous pause-filler, “Um.”"
Lynne Heffley © 2011 Parents’ Choice

Here is a little more information about the Parents’ Choice Approved Award:

The Parents’ Choice Approved Awards are given on the basis of the production, entertainment and human values they exemplify. It indicates a wholesome product that helps children enjoy developing physical, emotional, social or academic skills.

And here is a little something about the Parents’ Choice Foundation:

Parents’ Choice Foundation is the nation’s first and most respected nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys. An independent testing and information organization since 1978, Parents’ Choice is dedicated to providing trusted recommendations for books, toys, music, video games, digital media and more. Learn more at www.parents-choice.org.

Thanks again to the Parents’ Choice Foundation, Lynne Heffley, and everyone associated with this fine honor. Now, does that make me “Award Winning Children’s Recording Artist and Entertainer Mister Cooper”? I guess…