cary cooper: news

click the link for the news story in the Topeka-Capitol Journal. http://cjonline.com/news/2012-01-22/late-bloomer-last-minute-folk-series#1

Dear Friends and Fans,

I just LOVE January. Always have. I love the idea of taking inventory, fresh starts and new beginnings. January always reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by George Eliot : "It's never too late to be who you might have been." What an inspiring thought! A year ago January, I did a lot of soul searching about my life and my career and what I wanted from both. Somewhere in the middle of all that searching, a really happy pop song kinda popped out. You can listen to it here: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3535536 (It's also on my latest album, "Pink Umbrella")



As it turns out, January is a very BUSY month musically. Starting with a CD release show at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse in Dallas on Friday, January 20. http://unclecalvins.org/Upcoming.aspx If you live in the DFW area, I would be so honored by your presence at this show. I am so excited to be sharing new tunes with you. I am sharing this show with Tom, who will be having his own new CD to release very soon!! It promises to be a very fun evening.


Even though my album hasn't been officially released, I found myself on a 2011 Top Ten list! Here's what Mike Hall had to say about Pink Umbrella:


"By simply picking up a ukelele, this already-great songwriter has found her muse. One song after another, done in her own somewhat quirky way, yet with depth and brimming with heart and soul. She is stepping up her game and stepping out with a voice that's all her own."


Jan 22, Tom and I will be traveling to San Antonio to participate in the 19th birthday party of Celebration Circle. We will be performing a concert in the afternoon as part of a day long celebration. If you live in San Antonio (even if you don't attend Celebration Circle), feel free to crash the party!!


The following week, I'll be loading up ZuZu with all my warmest clothes and heading to the midwest for 5 shows. I'm tickled to death to be bringing along Forrest Evans, a 17 year old bass player from Topeka, KS. Forrest is the reigning Kanas State Fiddling and Picking/Finger Style Guitar Champion. Here are the deets on the shows:


Jan 25th - Last Minute Folk - Topeka, KS

Jan26th - Open Table Concert Series - Lincoln, IL

Jan 27th - Springfield House Concert - Springfield, IL

Jan 28th - Barrington House Concert - Chicago, IL

Jan 29th - This Old House Concert Series - Berwyn, IL

(Full details can be found on my website: http://www.carycooper.com/calendar.html)


Looking forward to February, I'll be attending the International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis for the first time as a solo artist. If you're attending the conference, be sure to catch my Official Showcase on Saturday at 7pm in the Nashville Room. I'll be posting my full showcase schedule later this month on my website and on Facebook.


Knowing that not everyone feels the same way I do at this time of year, I am sharing a link to my newest song, written for anyone in a dark place. http://youtu.be/a5rjrY8emVc


Peace, Love and Resolutions,

Cary

Well folks, it's official! Tom and I were informed that we will be part of the primary cast for the new TV show, "Troubadour, TX" set to premiere in September on the CW network (formerly WB and now merged with CBS) Be sure to check your local listings as it will be airing on over 150 stations around the country! Their new and fancy website will make it's debut on July 7th so be sure to check it out! http://troubadourtx.com/ If you're a Facebook junkie (like me) you can also "like" their fan page for more information on the show. http://www.facebook.com/troubadourtxtv Their camera crews have already been to our house several times for interviews and they spent a night following us around the Kerrville Folk Festival. (pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.160112224054539.43077.144596398939455 ) We can't wait to see how our "stories" unfold.

In addition to being picked for Troubadour, TX, I was offered a publishing deal by BE Music and Entertainment. All the details are still being worked out, but basically this means that I will be getting paid to write songs!! Michael Blanton (google him) is the president of the company and has worked with lots of big names in the industry. Part of their plan is to send me to Nashville to meet AMY GRANT and personally pitch a few of my songs to her. I grew up on Amy Grant's music, so I feel like i'm in the middle of a big surreal dream. Will keep you posted as things develop!

I have a booking agent!! The WONDERFUL Marilyn Edge has stepped up to the plate to begin booking gigs for Tom and me. I am currently compiling a list of venues we've played, venues we'd like to play, etc for her to contact. If there is a venue in your area that you would like to see me/Tom/us play, send me an email at cary@carycooper.com and i'll be sure to pass the info along to Marilyn. I am starting to book solo gigs, openers and split bills with other artists, so if there is an artist you think would be a good fit for me to open for or to split a show with, drop me a line with the name! If you'd like to deal with Marilyn directly, she can be reached at marilyn.edge@gmail.com.

Speaking of getting to the place of being ready to play solo, I have a new blog posted: http://carycooper.wordpress.com/ I'd love it if you have the time to read it and leave a comment.

In light of all the good news, I am reminded of a quote by Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls." Thank you, my friends, for supporting me in following my bliss. None of this would be possible without you. I am so grateful.


(would you like to receive notices like this via email?? sign up for my mailing list!!!)

At the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, Tom and I were approached by the producers of a new TV series set to air nationally in September about Texas Singer-Songwriters. The show is called Troubadour Tx. So far we have met with the producers here in Dallas for an official "meet and greet" and then last week they sent a film crew to our house to film one of our songwriting gatherings and to interview Tom and me. They have plans to follow us to some gigs and see what our lives look like on this journey. We're still not sure how much we'll be featured on the show, but all indications are that we're definitely in! You can check out their website and see what the show is all about. It's a very cool concept: http://www.troubadourtx.com
Speaking of websites, I've added a few videos of new songs to mine. You can look for them on the front page. I will be recording some of them in April as Jagoda comes down from New York and we continure working on my new project. Hoping to be done with it in time for a summer release. Can't wait for you to hear it.

Hope you're enjoying beautiful weather and hope to see you soon at a show!

Peace, love and daffodils,
Cary

I will be attending the International Folk Alliance Conference Feb 16-20 in Memphis. My showcase schedule is listed below in case you'll be there too:

Thursday
3:20PM Rm #1929
11:30PM Rm#1730
12:30AM Rm#1723

Friday
2:00PM Rm#1711
10:50PM Rm#1725
1:00AM Rm#1707

Saturday
10:30PM Rm#1826
12:00AM Rm#1806
1:00AM Rm#1707
2:30AM Rm#1704

If you're coming, I hope you'll try and catch a showcase. Lots of new songs to hear!!

Go to the "look" section of the website to see incredible new shots by photographer, Dee Hill. She has a fabulous eye! You can find her on the web on Facebook. http:www.facebook.com/deehillphotography

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! Hope this email finds you healthy and happy and holding fast to all your resolutions. Here's what is happening in my world:

1. GIG IN SAN ANTONIO ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

On January 23, Tom and I will make the not so long trip to San Antonio to play for the Celebration Circle's 19th Birthday party. We will be playing at their morning service as well as doing an extended concert at 1:30 following a potluck. If you're in San Antonio, come join us for the celebration. it's always extremely uplifting to be in the presence of Rudi Harst and his lovely wife Zett. (A lot of fun too!)

2. NEW ALBUM IN THE WORKS

Later this week, our dear friend Jagoda will be heading to Dallas from New York to help produce my newest record. This recording is going to be lots of fun. Probably a bit more upbeat than Dirty Little Secret. Can't wait to get started. Actually, I DIDN'T wait to get started. Tom and I spent the week between Christmas and New Years recording rough mixes of several of the songs that will be on the album. If you'd like a sneak peak listen, click on the following link:

http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3136433
There are two songs, "Time To Let Go" (which will sound much different when it finally appears on the record) and "If'n I was God" (which is a cover of one of my favorite childhood songs…this won't be on the record as it has already appeared on a Hudson Harding Christmas Compilation, but i thought you might like to hear it anyway!)

3. Cary IS #2 ON REVERBNATION FOR THE 3RD WEEK IN A ROW!

I'm not sure how all this works, but I'm not gonna argue. Click here for a list of all the artists.

http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/main/bes_chart?genre=folk&genre_geo=Local&page=1
4. HEADING TO FOLK ALLIANCE IN FEBRUARY

It's been at least a couple of years since Tom and I attended the International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis. This year we'll be going and doing several solo and duo showcases as well as trying to drum up business for the Wildwood Tofu Bar, our recording studio. If you are attending the conference, please look us up and attend a showcase. Lots of new songs to be heard.

5. CARY QUIT SMOKING

It was my New Year's Resolution. So far so good. I know my daughters will be happy. My audiences will be happier (without having to hear me hack my way through songs). And in the end, I will be happier as I'll live a longer and healthier life. Just thought you should know. Here's a quote that gives me a lot of hope when I make a committment to do something:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’"
- W.H. Murray


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Well that's it for January. Hope to see you somewhere soon!

Peace, love and Texas snowflakes,
Cary

Cary remains at #2 on Reverbnation Music Chart for the Dallas Area for the 3rd week in a row. She follows Midlake at #1. Midlake is also #3 on the National Reverbnation Chart. Read it for yourself at http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/main/bes_chart?genre=folk&genre_geo=Local&page=1

Dear friends -

I am so excited to be writing you this month. Mainly because I have something really special i can't wait to share.


As a songwriter, every song you write feels pretty special. But every great once in a while, a song comes out of nowhere and seemingly writes itself. This month, I wrote one of those songs. A song for the holidays. A song for any day. A song of hope. I would love for you to hear it and watch the video I produced on my website. http://www.carycooper.com If you like it, let me know!!

Tomorrow, Tom and I will take Thurman to the kennel, pack the girls in the car and drive the hour north to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family. Even though we all live fairly close, life and activities keep us running in different directions most of the time, so it's nice to slow down, relax and enjoy a little time together. My goal for this holiday is to tell every single one of my relatives what they mean to me. I hope you'll consider doing the same.

Here's a little story to inspire you:

The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. In the two years it was missing, more people went to stare at the empty space where it hung than had gone to see the actual painting in the prior 12 years. Don't wait till the beautiful things in your life are gone before you express your gratitude and appreciation. Our lives are filled with Mona Lisas. Let the people that matter to you know they matter to you.

Peace, Love and Mona Lisas,
Cary

Howdy Friends and Family!

QUESTION: What happens when you take two fiercely independent artists with perfectionist tendencies who both feel they have a lot to say and try to write one newsletter that speaks for them both?

ANSWER: You end up with two fiercely disgruntled independent artists with perfectionist tendencies who are never satisfied with anything they send out. So they stop sending newsletters altogether.

Meet Cary Cooper and Tom Prasada-Rao
.
Actually, in THIS newsletter, meet Cary Cooper.

But first, a list of upcoming gigs:
November 7 Park City UT Riffs Acoustic Music
November 13 Dallas TX Rock House Films
December 12 Kerrville TX Kerrville House Concerts
December 13 Corpus Christi TX Burning Bush Concert Series
December 17 Dallas TX Winter SolstiCelebration

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In the three years since Tom and I have been off the grid, we’ve changed residences, stopped touring, retired the name The Dreamsicles, opened a thriving music studio, taken part –time jobs as music teachers at an elementary school, released 2 new solo albums, launched 2 solo websites, adopted a goldendoodle, survived being parents of a junior high student and started touring again. WE’RE BACK, BABY!! Both on our own and together.


In our final newsletter as The Dreamsicles we told you how grateful we were for our many fans who came to our rescue at the end of 2007 and helped us with some huge financial burdens. With their help we were able to restock our CD’s and find a new home where we couldn’t be happier. Around that same time, when the economy tanked, we made the decision to leave the road. It was a hard decision to make, as we both love to tour. But as typically happens when one door closes, another opens. This time, the open doors led to a new recording studio and part time teaching positions.

The detached garage in our new home quickly became the newly renovated WILDWOOD TOFU BAR recording studio. We covered the walls and ceilings with Tom’s mother’s beautiful saris from India. It’s quite an amazing site. Since opening the doors, Tom has produced roughly 20 CD’s for folks nationwide, including Johnsmith, Erik Balkey, Christopher Smith and me! We are always on the lookout for new recording clients, so if you or anyone you know is looking for a producer and studio to record in, we’d love to talk to you!

In 2008 White Rock Montessori School lost their music teacher and someone sent them our way. So every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, Tom and I co –teach four music classes of 1st -6th graders. We’ve had so much fun. Last year we led them through an in-depth study of The Beatles as well writing class songs and producing music videos for each class. This year we are studying different contemporary and classical composers. We’re lucky to stay a couple of steps ahead of the kids! But we’re grateful for our work there and the steady paycheck it provides.

I released my 3rd CD in 2008 called Dirty Little Secret. I am happy to say it was well received by the press and radio. Performing Songwriter called it “a masterpiece” and Texas Music magazine said “Cooper and her little secrets are well worth your attention”. If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, you can get it on http://www.cdbaby.com. Along with the release of DLS, I launched a new solo website http://www.carycooper.com. (Be sure to check out Tom's website too: http://www.tomprasadarao.com) Free free to visit anytime and be sure to leave a note in the guestbook, it’s always fun to see who’s stopped by!

Caroline is now 14 and a beautiful freshman in high school interested in all things dance, drill team and boys (oh my). Hannah Kate is 10 and a 4th grade soccer playing blackbird singing girl scout. And Thurman, our obnoxiously large and loveable dog keeps us all laughing and guarding our socks, undies and stuffed animals (which he’s been known to eat). Everyone tells you how fast time flies, but no one prepares you for just how fast it goes… We’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of great family time while not touring.

Which brings me to touring and why we’re not using The Dreamsicles name anymore. When I released Yellow in 2005, it was apparent to both Tom and me that more people were becoming familiar with my name, Cary Cooper, than with the name The Dreamsicles. And as even more time went on, it seemed that the songs Tom and I wanted to perform were songs from our solo albums and less and less from The Dreamsicles albums. And so, we let it go. While I know some folks were sad to see The Dreamsicles end, overall, we’re both a lot happier just going by our names. We still perform shows together as well as solo and are starting to book gigs again, so if we haven’t played in your area in a while and you host a house concert or book a venue, we’d love to set up a date!

My favorite discovery of the last couple of years is FACEBOOK. If you’re my friend on facebook, you already know I’m on it constantly (in fact, it’s a pretty good place to keep up with me if you’re so inclined). But right around this time last year something really wonderful happened as a result of being on Facebook. I was at the Sisters Folk Festival competing in the songwriting contest when I fell in love with a beautiful Breedlove guitar. I posted something about it on facebook and in less than two weeks, my facebook friends raised enough money for me to have my dream guitar. I have been so blessed in my life and I try not take any of it for granted. So guess what? I’ve learned to play it!! And I’d love to play it for you.

In closing, I’d just like to say how much I’ve missed communicating with you. I promise not to bombard you with mail but will try to keep in touch about once a month letting you know what’s up and where I am playing. Thanks for being here!

Peace love and caramel apples,
Cary

For the second year in a row, Cary will be returning to Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, OR for the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriters Competition on September 11. Wish her luck!!

I received a call yesterday from the Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, OR that I have been selected as one of 5 finalists in the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriter Contest. I'll be heading to Oregon September 11-13 to compete. Wish me luck!!

Are you tired of your current ringtones? Try one of these! FREE for a limited time!!

http://www.myxer.com/carycooper
or TEXT CARYCOOPER to 69937 (MYXER) to get Cary's content directly from your phone

I just added lots and lots of new (old) videos! A couple that I recorded myself at home and a few that I found on youtube from various concerts over the years. I'll keep adding more as I keep writing new songs. So check back often!
I write a lot.

Yesterday, the UPS man rang my doorbell and delivered 4 huge boxes full of my new CD, Dirty Little Secret. Happy day!

Today, I'm getting things together to mail some to CDbaby and CDfreedom. As soon as they get them inventoried, I'll let you know! Till then, feel free to listen to all the songs here!

And be sure to leave a note in the guestbook and let me know what you think of the new site!

Peace love and cute UPS men,
Cary