Norman Public Library West invites all music fans to the library at 5:30 p.m. on February 8 to hear from accomplished musicians and husband-wife duo David Cook and Shayna Steele and learn more about their careers in the music industry.
David Cook is a 15-time Grammy and Emmy winning artist who, for the last 12 years, has been the Musical Director and Pianist for Taylor Swift. He has helped shape Taylor’s career, having written and arranged music with her, toured the world for performances, and has led her band for over a decade. He has also served as the pianist or musical director for NSYNC, Kesha, Jennifer Hudson, Thomas Rhett, Ben Platt, Maren Morris, and many others.
C ook is a two-time State Ambassador of Music, and as a jazz musician has performed with Dennis Chambers, Quincy Davis, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten.
Shayna Steele is an eighttime Tony and Grammy winning artist. She was on the original cast of the Broadway production of Hairspray and has performed on Broadway for many other hits including RENT and Jesus Christ Superstar.
She is a #1 Billboard charting artist as a soloist, has music featured in the Bourne Identity and Sex and the City soundtracks, and has recorded and performed with Moby, Chris Botti, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, and Bette Midler.
Steele won a Grammy for being featured with Snarky Puppy on their Family Dinner – Volume 1 album.
Musicians and music programs have enjoyed a steady presence at the library located at 300 Norman Center Court.
“When we first opened Norman Public Library West, feedback from customers was that they wanted us to have music,” said Branch Manager Mike Pierson. “Being in the former Borders building, Borders would have live music in their café, and that’s what our customers requested from us as well. So, we’ve been hosting music programs since opening 10 years ago.”
“In My Experience: Shayna Steele and David Cook” is open to all ages and is presented in partnership with the OU School of Music’s Resonance Series, which is created and hosted by Administrator Coordinator and Adjunct Professor Eric Walschap.
The Resonance Series is a guest lecture series that works in collaboration with the Recording Academy and the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, which brings world-class musicians to campus and connects them with students. Panelists range from Grammy winners to professors, directors, and Deans of Music or Colleges of Fine Arts.
