Going Forward: Building on the Legacy of Bryan Cather

When I reached out about contributing stories to The Syncopated Times last fall I included a long list of topics for articles. I had carefully crafted a list that included a mix of past and present performer profiles, spotlights on events, and anything else I could think of that would highlight the evolving future and rich history of traditional jazz, blues, and ragtime in St. Louis, Missouri. On that list was a profile of Bryan Cather and a look at the Scott Joplin House and the Friends of Scott Joplin which I had anticipated writing this spring so that it could be published in time for the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia and the annual St. Louis Piano Festival. However, the unexpected and sudden loss of a friend required me to shift my trajectory. Larry Melton wrote a lovely remembrance piece; it really showcases the work which Bryan did over the years alongside thoughtful messages from loved ones. I’m sure that this article will stylistically deviate from anything I write in the future, but it’s necessary. Instead of focusing on solely on Bryan, I’m going to look at the Friends group, the Joplin House and attempt to grapple with the loss of one of our music scene’s most beloved champions. You should not begin an article about someone else, by writing about yourself; however, I need to explain my background to explain how I came to know Bryan and get invol