Ragtime returns to Menlo on the 4th of July
Local ragtime pianist Nan Bostick emails InMenlo that “another toe-tapping All-American Ragtime Blast” to benefit the local U.S.O. will take place at the First Baptist Church (1100 Middle Ave., corner Arbor) on the 4th of July in Menlo Park. “Donations of any amount will be gratefully accepted,” she says. No reservations are required; doors open at 2:30 pm, performance begins at 3:00 pm.
This year’s special guest is Dave Majchrzak (pictured), music director of Missouri’s International Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. The concert also features Bay Area mandolinists Nick Robinson and Dennis Pash of The Ragtime Skedaddlers String Band plus guitarist/vocalist Meredith Axelrod and percussionist Pete Devine of Devine’s Jug Band.
Emails Nan: “Past July 4th Ragtime Blasts have generated over $1,000 for the U.S.O. The six musicians performing this year are featured artists at ragtime and traditional jazz festivals throughout the country, including the annual Memorial Day Jazz Jubilee and November West Coast Ragtime Festival held in Sacramento.”
Beverly Childs July 05, 2011 at 3:39 pm
The program was outstanding….I am making my reservations today for the Red Lion Hotel in Nov…this makes about 10 years I have attended !!!! I have one question, Nan…midway through dueling pians, in the Entertainer, you yelled out something and started playing even faster……what did you say? You were wonderful,,,next time do sing something..and the man from Joplin was thrilling.
Nan Bostick July 06, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Thanks everyone for making our July 4th Ragtime Blast at the Menlo Park 1st Baptist such a huge success. We collected over $1500 for our local U.S.O. from our generous audience. Beverly, I bet you’re thinking of our silly “Chicken Chowder” stunt. We started out at a reasonable pace (me being a grandmother) but halfway through, I yell out: “Hey, I’m not THAT old!” and we double the pace. Fun, fun. Look forward to seeing you at the Red Lion in Sacramento for this year’s West Coast Ragtime Festival. For info on that Festival and local calendar listings, visit: http://www.westcoastragtime.com.