The Red Floor Room

Well, all it takes is a wee deadline to throw together the finishing touches on a renovation project.  At That Cooper House, it was the inaugural Art Show / House Concert, last weekend - May 24-26.

The floors were buffed, (most of) the trim was nailed into place, the walls were painted, finally, and what the guests saw as a quaint Victorian cottage where a nasty, heartless wreck of a house once stood.

Tea, coffee, wine, beer and mineral water were the beverages of choice for the guests who viewed (and bought) art and enjoyed the house concert.

Next Art Show / House Concert is slated for September 2013.  Two performers have stepped up with interest in taking part.  We do not have a visual artist lined up yet.

The original goal was to have the inaugural show, 9 months after taking possession of That Cooper House - and we turned the sod, in 18 months.  That's just how long it took.  There are still a few, insulation tasks to complete so winter 2013/14 will be cozier.  But now, it's comfy and ready to share.

The First House Concert

Those of us in Western Manitoba are hungry to hear the tunes of our home grown artist, Ainsely Friesen.  She has been doing most of her shows in Winnipeg and we are due for a gig, closer to the homeland.

Come to That Cooper House and enjoy Ainsley's sensitive songs and delicate playing.

As a bonus, that weekend, That Cooper House is hosting an art show of the works of Richard Yates.  The art will create an amazing atmosphere for Ainsley's Show.

Email ThatCooperHouse to reserve a seat.  The venue is small - about 30 seats.  But there is overflow space where the concert will be streamed, into the kitchen, and upstairs.  Please book early.

The Inaugural Show

  Installation is proceeding.  Full Moon for the opening.

The Venue

The Main Room is the last room to be done.
 I think I'll just paint over the wall paper.
The performance will be in  the corner.

The reno is nearly complete.

There are issues of insulation for winter.  The electric heating bills were a bit high.  It is a venerable old cottage, so that is understandable.

Most of the rooms have been painted.  The lighting in That Cooper House is pleasant.  It has a lovely south exposure and small windows on all other sides, upstairs and down.

It will be a tight, simple venue.
People sitting on the stairs can see the show
through the banister.
Of course there will also be chairs.

The first Cooper House Concert date has been set for May 25, 2013.  It will coincide with an art show that will open the previous evening and last through the weekend.  This will be the pattern for That Cooper House.  A show in the spring and fall, with a Saturday evening house concert to celebrate art and music.

Tickets will be $15.00 for the first season.  The performer takes all concert revenue.  The capacity is 30, seated.  It will be cozy, but there will be live feeds upstairs and in the kitchen area for standing room folk.  Tickets will be by reservation.

Refreshments will be served.

Keep in touch.

And don't forget,  you can also find That Cooper House on FACEBOOK on 

The need for That Cooper House

Musicians on a day off, while touring, often could benefit from a practice space.

Conveniently near Highways 16 and 10 and only minutes from Highways 1 and 83, That Cooper House  is a safe haven for musicians traveling across Manitoba.

2 sleeping areas.  1 bath room. 1 cooking area.  1 living/practicing area. Technology.

Sorry. Not provided.  Yum though.

Small town with services <<grocery, bar, medical, retail, mechanical>>. Scenic.  The owner lives in the house and offers minimal services. A roof over your head and a practice space.  She's a busy artist.  It's kind of like a B&B but for musicians and the host completely leaves you alone.  Sorry, no fresh biscuits with raspberry jam, except in season.

Just post a note here or message That Cooper House outlining your schedule and hey, link your music.  There is also the possibility for house concerts.

Follow - link.  Opening September 2012.