Former Blue Note owner part of Cooper’s Landing purchase

A Columbia man known for his role in an annual music festival and his former ownership of two live music venues will now be part owner of another local icon — Cooper’s Landing.

Richard King said Monday that he and three partners hope to open the operation under new ownership by April 1. King is the former owner of The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall and president of Thumper Entertainment, which puts on the yearly Roots N Blues N BBQ festival at Stephens Lake Park.

Cooper’s Landing on the Missouri River in southern Boone County has been a popular local attraction for decades, brining in people to camp, take in live music or eat and drink.

King said he and current Cooper’s Landing owner Mike Cooper had talked about the purchase for several years, but King’s obligations kept him from closing the deal. In the last year things changed and the deal came together, King said.

King said he and his partners don’t plan to change much of the formula that has made the landing so popular.

“Michael has established something really special for Columbia,” King said. “You can’t find a nicer setting, as far as I’m concerned, sitting on the banks of the Missouri River.”

The primary changes will be site improvements such as permanent bathrooms and showers and a full bar, King said.

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