Fifty Years Later, Here We Are!

We got old. Fifty years added to our twenties, thirties, and forties in 1974 equals old for those who have managed to survive. And. for us who have survived, it was a marvelous reunion amid the throng of joyfully talented young and well-seasoned performers who entertained audiences of all ages. It was the 50th anniversary of the first Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri. I’ve been writing about the festivals for months now, and with this last reflection, I’ll move on, for like Andy Senior, I have new eyes for new adventures in ragtime and traditional jazz. Before I share my delightful impressions of the event, however, I must remark on the absolutely amazing gathering of talent Bryan Wright assembled for this historic anniversary festival. I was stunned by the talented headliners and amateur performers in 1974, but I was completely awed by this year’s musicians. Their technical skill (classically, traditionally, and individually trained) their new interpretations of the classics, and the range of styles were a privilege to experience. A version of Bob Darch’s famous words echoed through my head all weekend, “Ragtime dead? Hell, it not only isn’t even sick, it has never been more alive and relevant.” As Artistic Director, Bryan Wright’s carefully crafted concerts not only highlighted the wealth of talent he had signed (on a very lean budget I might ad