Next month Middle and High school students are provided a unique opportunity to hear authentic ragtime, blues and early jazz music performed by the The Kentucky Symphony's Newport Ragtime Band. This Free multi-media concert presentation covers the historical rise of black composers / musicians, and the birth of America's popular musical heritage from 1898-1933. Admission is free.
Seats are still available for the 10 a.m. "Rags to Riches" performance offered on
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion in Florence, Kentucky. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Please return the reservation form
(Click here for Reservation Form).
A limited number of free buses to KSO programs for schools located within the I-275 corridor are available through ArtLinks. Contact
ArtsLinks directly at 513-562-3031 for additional information and availability.
A question and answer session follows the concert giving students and teachers the opportunity to ask questions of any musician or the conductor.
I look forward to welcoming you to this historically enriching and entertaining program.
James R. Cassidy
KSO Music Director
A sample program of some music students may hear:
"Just a Closer Walk with Thee" .........................Traditional "The Entertainer"................................................Scott Joplin "St. Louis Blues"................................................W.C. Handy "Queen Rag"......................................................Floyd Willis "Black Bottom Stomp"..............................Jelly Roll Morton "When It's Sleepy Time Down South".........Clarence Muse "Castle Walk".......................................James Reese Europe "Weary Blues".............................................Artie Matthews "Minnie the Moocher"...................................Cab Calloway
"When the Saints Go Marching In"...................Traditional
Both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky composers and musicians, as well as some local history, are incorporated in this visual presentation and authentic performance.
What teachers say about the program
"The slide show was a great addition with interesting facts that made the composers and the time period more relevant."
- Kris Vilaboy, Corryville Catholic
"Very well organized; quality of performance was excellent! Loved the powerpoint."
