Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival 1974 Memorabilia

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in 1974 marked a significant milestone in the revival of interest in ragtime music. Held during a time when ragtime was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, the festival brought together fans and enthusiasts of the genre to celebrate the life and legacy of its most iconic composer, Scott Joplin.

The festival took place against the backdrop of renewed interest in Joplin's music, which had been largely forgotten in the decades following his death in 1917. However, with the release of Joshua Rifkin's album of Joplin's rags in the early 1970s and the subsequent success of the Academy Award-winning movie The Sting, which featured several of Joplin's compositions, including 'The Entertainer,' ragtime music was once again on the rise.

The festival itself featured a range of performances and activities, including concerts, workshops, and exhibitions. Attendees were treated to live performances by pianists and other musicians who specialized in ragtime music, as well as lectures and demonstrations on the history and techniques of ragtime composition.

One of the highlights of the festival was the premiere of Joplin's opera Treemonisha, which had been rediscovered and reworked in the years leading up to the festival. The opera, which tells the story of a young African American girl who becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two men from different social classes, was widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in 1974 was more than just a celebration of ragtime music, however. It was also an opportunity for fans to come together and pay tribute to the life and legacy of one of America's most important composers. Through its performances, lectures, and exhibitions, the festival provided a unique glimpse into the world of ragtime music and the man who helped bring it back to life.

Memorabilia from the Festival

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in 1974 was a significant event in the revival of interest in ragtime music. To commemorate the occasion, a range of memorabilia was created, including programs, posters, and souvenirs. These items are now highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of ragtime music.

Some of the most popular items from the festival include:

* Programs featuring the schedule of events and performances

* Posters advertising the festival and its performers

* Souvenir T-shirts and tote bags featuring the festival's logo or Joplin's image

* CDs and vinyl records of performances recorded during the festival

These items provide a unique glimpse into the world of ragtime music in the 1970s, as well as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Scott Joplin. For those interested in collecting memorabilia from the festival, they can be found online through auction sites or specialty stores that focus on vintage and collectible music-related items.

Overall, the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in 1974 was a significant event in the history of ragtime music, marking a turning point in its revival and ensuring its continued popularity to this day.

Scott joplin ragtime festival 1974 memorabilia