Ready for Ragtime
tap your toes to turn-of-the-century tunes at annual fest
Considering Eau Claire has put itself on the map in the jazz world with outstanding programs and performers, it’s fitting the city also has carved out a niche as a showcase for one of jazz’s progenitors: ragtime. For the past 15 years, when the temperatures have reached their coldest, ragtime performers from around the nation have heated up the Chippewa Valley with a weekend of lively syncopated tunes from the turn of the last century. Like jazz, ragtime is a uniquely American genre, melding European and African styles into something distinct – and distinctly joyous. I defy anyone music lover to listen to – or better yet, watch – ragtime without breaking into a grin. If your experience with ragtime is limited to Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer,” attending one of the festival’s many performances will be an eye- (and ear-) experience, as you’ll encounter the width and depth of ragtime and related genres, from early jazz to stride piano to Dixieland. Featured performers this year include pianist Brian Holland, a three-time winner of the World Old-Time Piano Playing Championship; drummer Danny Coots, who’s performed in 90 countries; and pianist Dave Majchrzak, a festival veteran and a regular performer at the Scott Joplin Historical Site in St. Louis. In addition to big 7pm concerts both Friday at Saturday at First Congregational, the festival includes a 2pm “Pianos on Fire” show Saturday; opportunities to dine while enjoying live music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; silent film screenings with live piano accompaniment; and a gospel church service at 10am Sunday. The music will be virtually nonstop, and much of the fun will be free – although tickets to the big shows certainly are worth the price (especially considering proceeds go to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic). Expect toe-tapping fun that will keep you warm long after the last chord fades.
Eau Claire Ragtime Festival • Friday-Sunday, Jan. 10-12 • times vary • most events at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St., Eau Claire • ticket prices vary • for schedule, visit www.ecragtime.org and click on “Program at a Glance” • (715) 834-2668
