GASF Perfect Harmony Spotlight: Mike Cook
April 25, 2020
The Great American Songbook Foundation has a dedicated team of docents, collections processors and Perfect Harmony volunteers who devote their time and talents to preserving and educating the Great American Songbook.
This week is National Volunteer week and we'll be showcasing one volunteer a day
Today's highlight: Mike Cook
What brought you to the Songbook Foundation?
There was an article about the Foundation with Lisa’s photo and her interview in the Indpls. Star in early 2012 or late 2011.
When did you start volunteering for GASF?
8 years in June of this year.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for GASF?
Working with Alzheimer’s Association group and memory units from all the senior facilities that come to Perfect Harmony sessions. That’s now 6-8 times’ month. It was once per month when we started.
Who are your favorite musical artists or composers?
Too many to list, but a few are Oscar Peterson, Carmen McRae, Ella, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Esperanza Spaulding, Jane Monheit, Eliane Elias, Sarah Vaughan, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (as a group and individually), Miles Davis, Sibelius, Duke Ellington, Tony Bennett, The Gershwins, Johnny Mercer, Joe Williams, Kevin Mahogany and on and on and on...
What are you watching, listening to or doing to keep yourself occupied in this time of social isolation?
I’ve been working a bit on the Foundation’s Disaster Plan, updating it for the Warehouse location. Also, I’ve been working on monthly programs for the Summer and Fall months. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of reading, working out, working around the house and doing vocal and piano practice.
What is your favorite GASF program?
Perfect Harmony, of course.
What is your favorite musical?
South Pacific, the movie version.
Where would you spend all of your time if you could?
Two places split: Chicago and/or Traverse City, Michigan
What makes you happy?
My wife, my grandchildren, my music and my Perfect Harmony contributions.
What's the luckiest thing that has happened to you?
Meeting my spouse, 44 years ago.
Here's one more song from Mike Cook's album "Leftover Dreams"
Thank you for all you do, Mike!
