For our first show since the pandemic began, we are thrilled to feature Dana Cooper, a poetic songwriter, insightful storyteller, and rousing musician whose performances engage and inspire audiences around the world. Cooper’s mixture of flat-picking, finger-picking and percussive strumming is legend among other guitarists. And fellow singer-songwriter Buzz Holland says, “Cooper is a person who can sing like an angel and play like the devil."
Dana has performed on Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, and the Kerrville Folk Festival, where he was nominated for their Hall of Fame. Cooper is the recipient of the 2014 Heritage Musician Award from Pilgrim Center for the Arts in Kansas City, and the 2015 Spirit of Folk Award by Folk Alliance International.
His songs have been recorded by luminary artists such as Claire Lynch, Maura O’Connell, Pierce Pettis, Jonell Mosser, Christine Albert, Trout Fishing in America, Jeannie Burns, and Susan Werner.
He is an integral figure in the Music City songwriting community collaborating with renowned writers including Tom Kimmel, Sally Barris, Kim Carnes, Don Henry, and Kim Richey. Dana has been invited to participate in songwriting workshops from Belfast to Copenhagen to Austin.
Dana's eponymous first album released on Elektra Records featured luminary players from "The Section" Leland Sklar, and Russ Kunkel, along with Jim Horn, Michael Omartian, Jim Gordon, Joe Osborn, Milt Holland, and Al Perkins. Cooper moved to Houston Texas in 1978 to join forces with longtime friend and co-writer Shake Russell. Their collaborations led to a half dozen albums as well as appearances on Austin City Limits, and Mountain Stage.
His critically acclaimed “Miracle Mile” on Compass Records was nominated for a Nashville Music Award as Best Pop Album and was chosen by Performing Songwriter Magazine as one of the top DIY recordings for the year. Cooper's co-producer and guitarist on the project is the legendary Josh Leo. Lyle Lovett and Maura O'Connell sang harmonies and George Marinelli of Bonnie Raitt's band joined Leo on electric guitar.
“Harry Truman Built a Road” was named one of the best records of the year by The Tennessean and was also chosen as one of the top 12 DIY recordings. “Made of Mud” released on King Easy Records won Dana the Best Male Songwriter Award by Indie Acoustic Project.
Chris Keaton, writing for Country Music News International Magazine, says of Dana’s newest Travianna Records release “Incendiary Kid,” "This record is a beacon. A shining North Star. If you're looking for a brief respite from this crazy spinning circus of world and a unique lyrical and musical spin from the mind of a real songwriter, this record is for you."
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. with two opening acts: Jimmy Lee Robbins and Jim Young. $15 general admission, $8 members and students with ID; free for ages 12 and younger (become a member and save). Admission only at the door (no advance tickets).
Baked goods, coffee, tea, and water available for purchase in the Community Center.
Please visit our website for the latest on COVID-19 protocols at our shows.