Events
An Afternoon of Ragtime in Conroe
Ragtime music will be heard again in Conroe at the “Afternoon of Ragtime” on Saturday, August 23 from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Conroe Symphony Centre, located at 1500 North Frazier in Conroe. This is a free event, and the public is welcome to come for the entire afternoon, or to come and go as needed.
Ragtime — also spelled rag-time or rag time — is a musical style that enjoyed its peak popularity between 1895 and 1919. Its cardinal trait is its syncopated or “ragged” rhythm.
According to organizer Bill Thompson, this will be sixth in a “somewhat-annual” series of ragtime concerts, and is part of the Conroe Symphony’s Salon Series, which features soloists and smaller ensembles.
“This year’s event will see the return of favorite performers from across Texas, plus some local participants,” Thompson said. Members of the San Antonio Ragtime Society, including Monty Suffern, Brooks Christensen, Michael Chisholm, Steuart Dewar and Belinda Huber, will be traveling to Conroe to perform such ragtime works as “Dogzigity Rag,” “The Ragtime Dance,” “Hot Chocolate,” and “Rosebud Rag.” Stephanie Harris, principal flutist for the orchestra, will lead the group Flute Rhapsody in May Auferheide’s “The Thriller” and Scott Joplin’s “The Cascades.” Popular Conroe pianist Hayden Braun is scheduled to play several rags in his second appearance at the Conroe ragtime event. Conroe piano teacher Alecia Russell will be participating with Thompson in a piano duet arrangement of “Junk Man Rag.” Abby Jo Jackson is scheduled to perform “Ragtime Do-Si-Do.”
The “Afternoon of Ragtime” is a free event. Light refreshments will be served. The audience will get a preview of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming 2025-2026 season, which will start on September 27 and will be conducted by Music Director Gary Liebst. There will be an opportunity to purchase season tickets, subject to availability.
For more information, contact Bill Thompson at 936-520-1663.
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/Conroe-Ragtime-2025
Visit https://conroesymphony.org/ for more on the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
Source: Conroe Symphony
