Well, here's an intriguing gentleman for ya. If you haven't watched Shaun grace an acoustic in every way that is possible I'm here to tell you how happy I'd be if I got the honor of turning you his way.
    Wouldn't even mind if you stopped reading and and just YouTubed him right now but not without recommendation: "Train", "tribute to Andy McKee" and a great medley of Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition". Watch for the guest appearance by Stevie himself.
    I’ve heard many descriptions about his very unique style of working a fretboard, or the entire vehicle that is an acoustic guitar, but there's no use me tryin’ to one-up any of them professional guys.
    A bass player originally, Shaun Hopper’s roots are definitely in percussion and rhythm. The amount of discipline and focus it took to study classical guitar and merge the two into his own composition is astounding to anything that breathes oxygen.
    I had the pleasure of a chat with this old soul and found it easy to be on a first name  basis. It's his incredible skill on the guitar that makes great music but it’s his southern demeanor and ability to capture anyone within earshot that makes him a great showman.
    With no lack of experience on the road as a bass player, Shaun would play a full night in the rhythm section and return to the hotel to practice on the six string for several hours in the bathroom which he claims was not to disturb his band mates. I think secretly it's also that every guitar player knows that bathrooms offer the best acoustics in the world and wish we could all just play gigs in the john.
    When he finally went solo he found a huge amount of support from his family and his community and eventually worked up the ranks to play for B.B. King.
    One of common grounds for us was our huge admiration for Stevie Wonder. I went to watch Stevie perform some years back and can relate to the life changing experience that it was.
    I can’t help but daydream about an experience Shaun has actually lived. Not only the opportunity to meet Stevie Wonder but to get to play for him and even more astounding, to play with him  - the YouTube video I spoke of was the first part of the dream.
      It was at a convention that Shaun first got to play for Stevie. Shaun saw the guest appearance and decided to take the opportunity to tickle the most receptive sense of the great one.  As he busted out his fantastic rendition of "Superstition" he could see Stevie's head turn toward him as be pulled his entourage toward the sweet sound he was hearing.
     The dream could have ended there with a great story to tell for life, but it only got better. The opportunity to play with Stevie Wonder would surely be the experience that only Shaun can carry in his bank of great memories. There were no cameras or recording devices rolling when that opportunity came. The song was "Over Joy," Shaun's choice, and the next several minutes of his life would probably be the most amazing for sure.
     Recently Shaun has set up camp in Rehoboth and made the eastern shore headquarters for the summer at least. His future plans are a subject that our schedules didn't leave time to discuss but I'm sure he'll make time for a good conversation with us at any one of his many shows in the area.
     His current schedule includes regular appearances at several venues across the area: specifically, Fager’s Island on Wednesdays, the Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth Beach Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays. These may change and shift now and again but be assured Brenda and the staff at Coconut Times will surely keep us updated.
     Don't worry, West-siders you haven't been excluded; Shaun will be at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on August 16th.
     Well, e'rbody, my work is done here. Grab a date or a BFF for an evening out with Shaun Hopper. Hold your table after dinner,  order up one more bottle of wine and enjoy it with one of the best talents we've ever seen on our sliver of summer paradise. Take a moment to google Shaun Hopper or go to the website that bears only his name and enjoy a big something new.