On June 9, 10, and 11, 2013, you’ll be able to hear history with the music from the era of J.W. “Blind” Boone, who lived at the historic home at 10 N. Fourth St., which is currently being considered for interior renovations.
The “Blind” Boone Early Jazz and Ragtime Festival tickets are on sale now and tickets can be purchased here. Performances are in the historic and recently renovated Missouri Theatre on Ninth Street in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to separate concert prices, there is a basic two-day pass for $100 and a three-day pass for $150, for four events and six events, respectively.
The concerts are a short walk from Boone’s historic home at 10 N. Fourth Street, which has had its exterior renovated, but awaits further improvements.
The concerts are sponsored by the J.W. “Blind” Boone Foundation. For more information, see http://www.concertseries.org/event/blind-boone-early-jazz-ragtime-festival/
This year, the event includes The Launch as well as a Ragtime Bash, with proceeds from these two events slated to fund future “Blind” Boone Early Jazz and Ragtime Festivals.
Why is this concert series important? J.W. “Blind” Boone, the child of a run-away slave and U.S. Union bugler, lived from 1864-1927 and played and composed ragtime music, as well as classical music. Many say he was the first person to bring popular, ragtime tunes to the concert stage, and his motto, despite being blind and African-American during a trying time, was “Merit, not sympathy, wins.”
Here’s the schedule for the 2013 Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
4 p.m. — The Launch, Silent Film – $5 (or free with a Ragtime Bash ticket). Silent Film with Dennis James at the Organ and Frederick Hodges at the Piano
6 p.m. The Ragtime Bash! – $50 (includes a ticket for The Launch, Silent Film)
Monday, June 10, 2013
4 p.m. — The Young Turks Concert- $23
7:30 p.m. — A Tribute to Johnny Maddox – $33
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
5:30 p.m. – Piano and Organ Extravaganza – $23
7:30 p.m. – Sweet and Hot Duets – $33
For more information, see concertseries.org, or call 573-882-3781.