Alastair Moock is a Grammy Nominee (Best Children’s Album), three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Children’s Music Award. A songwriter and performer for 25 years, Moock has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe playing for adults, kids, and everyone in between. Like his boyhood hero Woody Guthrie, Moock believes in the power of music to reach all people — young and old, far and wide, for all occasions. Of Moock’s newest album, “Be a Pain,” Nora Guthrie says, “Alastair’s songs encourage our kids to pursue goodness, kindness, awareness and courage… Adults might listen up!”
Moock performs all over the country – at theaters, clubs, festivals and, of course, libraries… Lots of libraries!
Programs
Playing with Tradition (All Ages)
American folk music, like all folk music, is rooted in tradition. But the form is constantly evolving, with songwriters reworking older songs to tell new stories. In this lively, upbeat performance full of participatory singing and dancing, Alastair sings his own playful compositions and introduces younger kids and families to a diverse group of American musicians who have used folk music to teach lessons, chronicle history, champion causes, celebrate victories and simply make people happy… A truly “all ages” program for the whole family.
Alastair is joined by legendary folk musician and social justice educator Reggie Harris for a candid back and forth on history, current events, and the power of song. The two discuss their roots, what it means to live in one’s skin, how we can talk more productively about race, and why the past informs the present. Improvising together on songs like “Wade in the Water,” “Freight Train,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and Moock’s own “Be a Pain,” Reggie and Alastair demonstrate the unique ability of music to simultaneously express sorrow, joy, struggle, and determination… A must see program for anyone interested in booking race-conscious work for young people. Learn more HERE.
Programs for Older Ages
Libraries looking to book programming for older kids and adults will find a wide range of offerings on Alastair’s Education page. Learn about his language arts programs, writing workshops, and more advanced social justice assemblies HERE.
Testimonials
“If you’re looking for a uniquely wonderful program for all ages which celebrates diversity, inclusion, history and fun, Alastair Moock is your choice! An excellent musician and engaging singer, Alastair creatively blends original and traditional songs which will delight 3 year olds and up, as well as move and charm their adults… Highly recommended!”
– Corinne Fisher, Head of Children’s Services, Reading Public Library
“Alastair is the perfect mix: engaging original music for kids and adults, a contagious sense of fun, and an absolutely amazing voice. We are so lucky he does library shows!
– Nancy Boutet, Head of Youth Services, J.V. Fletcher Library
“5 star recommendation! Alastair performed here Tuesday night and was terrific. We especially loved the songs and stories of diversity and community. He sized up the crowd and was able to mix up the concert with something for every age.”
– Marianne Stanton, Head of Children’s Services, Melrose Public Library
“Alastair visited us for a sing-along and his lively demeanor had everyone participating. Adults and kids alike were having a rocking good time, swaying and clapping along, and the kids all wanted to give him high fives when the program was over. His music was a joy to hear and we look forward to having him back again.”
– Maija Meadows Hasegawa, Youth Programs Librarian, Boston Public Library
“We had Alastair for our summer kick off and had an excellent turn out. I especially liked that his performance worked for a wide age range –– we advertised it as 6 and up but even younger children enjoyed the show. He’s great to work with”
– Katelyn White, Youth Services Librarian, Newbury Town Library
“We were very fortunate to have Alastair grace our library’s lineup of musical performances this summer. He incorporates a gentle yet powerful combination of folk music and stories that not only engage his audience, but also encourage an awareness and understanding of people from all walks of life. He exudes patience, friendliness and ease with our youngest library visitors, and family members of all ages leave his show equal parts amused, entertained, and even moved… An absolute highlight of our season!”
– Nicole Claire, Children’s Librarian, Gleason Public Library
Mass Library Performances (Partial List)
Acton Memorial Library (Acton, MA)
Ames Free Library (Easton, MA)
Belmont Public Library (Belmont, MA)
Beverly Public Library (Beverly, MA)
Boston Public Library (Boston, MA)
Boston Public Library / Allston (Boston, MA)
Boston Public Library / Jamaica Plain (Boston, MA)
Boston Public Library / Roslindale (Boston, MA)
Burlington Public Library (Burlington, MA)
Cambridge Public Library (Cambridge, MA)
Cape Cod Youth Services Librarian’s Roundtable (Sandwich, MA)
Chelmsford Public Library (Chelmsford, MA)
Concord Free Library (Concord, MA)
Cotuit Library (Cotuit, MA)
Duxbury Free Library (Duxbury, MA)
Eldredge Public Library (Chatham, MA)
Fiske Public Library (Wrentham, MA)
Fitchburg Public Library (Fitchburg, MA)
Gleason Public Library (Carlisle, MA)
Groton Public Library (Groton, MA)
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library (Hamilton, MA)
J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford, MA)
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library (Boston, MA)
Jones Library (Amherst, MA)
Lincoln Public Library (Lincoln, MA)
Medford Public Library (Medford, MA)
Melrose Public Library (Melrose, MA)
Nantucket Athaneum (Nantucket, MA)
Nevins Library (Methuen, MA)
Newbury Town Library (Byfield, MA)
Norfolk Public Library (Norfolk, MA)
Peabody Institute Library (Peabody, MA)
Reading Public Library (Reading, MA)
Reuben Hoar Library (Littleton, MA)
Robbins Library (Arlington, MA)
Somerville Public Library (Somerville, MA)
Somerville Public Library / West Branch (Somerville, MA)
Stoneham Public Library (Stoneham, MA)
Stoughton Public Library (Stoughton, MA)
Thomas Crane Public Library (Quincy, MA)
Tufts Library (Weymouth, MA)
Turner Free Library (Randolph, MA)
Waltham Public Library (Waltham, MA)
Wilbraham Public Library (Wilbraham, MA)
Watertown Free Public Library (Watertown, MA)
Booking
For booking inquiries and further info, please contact Stacey Babb at #ob#fgnprl#at#bcravatqbbefcebwrpg.arg#ob#.