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Ron Cooper Jazz Vocalist
Ron Cooper Jazz Vocalist
Date Posted: January 20 2011
Written By: Chicago Jazz
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Feature-Length Documentary "If I'm Not Home" to Premiere at Gene Siskel Film Center on Feb. 26th
Filmmaker Dustin Grove is pleased to announce that his feature-length documentary, "If I'm Not Home," will be premiering at the GeneSiskelFilmCenter on Saturday, February 26th at 8:00pm The film will have a second showing on Monday, February 28th at 8:00p.m. Dustin Grove and jazz musicians featured in the documentary will be present for audience discussion at both screenings.
Ron Cooper, Chicago jazz vocalist, pianist, drummer, and songwriter, almost succeeded in burying his own legend. "If I'm Not Home" documents two years in the peerless scat-singer's life, who went from frequently singing in legendary jazz clubs like the Green Mill to living in bars and on the El. Through the words of Cooper and many fellow jazz musicians, the film examines his unique contributions to the Chicago jazz scene, his struggles with homelessness and alcoholism, and the musical passion that sustained him
In addition to Cooper, "If I'm Not Home" features musicians Von Freeman, Fareed Haque, Kimberly Gordon, Joanie Pallatto, Lou Marini, John Roothaan, Pete Crawford, and Tom Allen. Club owners Dave Jemilo (The Green Mill), Earle Johnson (Quenchers), and Ken Strandberg (The Gallery Cabaret) also contribute their perspectives on Ron's talent, temperament, and lifestyle.
The film chronicles the enigmatic Cooper’s struggles for both survival and musical recognition in the city, showcasing him singing in venues from el platforms to jazz clubs, coffee shops, street corners, and finally, a nursing home.
Dustin Grove is a prolific independent filmmaker who lives and works in Chicago. He shot 25 hours of footage for the film from 2005 to 2007 and edited it into its current feature-length format from 2009 to 2011. "If I'm Not Home" has a running time of 62 minutes.
For more information and to view the trailer visit www.roncooperjazz.com
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