Photo Credit: Conroe Symphony OrchestraMusic
The Rags Return: A Free Afternoon of Ragtime Comes to Conroe
The syncopated, toe-tapping sound of ragtime returns to Conroe this month. The Conroe Symphony Orchestra presents “An Afternoon of Ragtime” on Saturday, August 22, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Conroe Symphony Centre, 1500 North Frazier in Conroe. The event is free and open to the public, and guests are welcome to stay for the full afternoon or come and go as they please.
Part of the Conroe Symphony’s Salon Series — which features soloists and smaller ensembles — this marks the seventh installment in a “somewhat-annual” tradition of ragtime concerts, according to organizer Bill Thompson.
“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, Will Partridge, Steuart Dewar, and Belinda Huber — will travel to Conroe to perform ragtime favorites such as “Texas Fox Trot,” “The Thriller,” “Tiger Rag,” and “Red Peppers.”
The afternoon will also spotlight local talent. Stephanie Harris, principal flutist for the orchestra, will lead the group Flute Rhapsody in James Scott’s “Great Scott Rag” and Irving Berlin’s “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Conroe piano teacher Alecia Russell will join Thompson for a piano-duet arrangement of May Aufderheide’s “Blue Ribbon Rag,” and Thompson and Partridge will duet on Ted Snyder’s “Wild Cherries Rag.” Abby Jo Jackson is scheduled to perform “Dill Pickles” and Scott Joplin’s iconic “The Entertainer.
”Ragtime — sometimes spelled “rag-time” or “rag time” — is an American musical style that reached peak popularity between 1895 and 1919. Its signature trait is a syncopated, or “ragged,” rhythm that gives the music its lively, forward-leaning swing.
Light refreshments will be served. Guests will also get a preview of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming 2026–2027 season, which opens September 26 under the direction of Music Director Gary Liebst. Season tickets will be available for purchase, subject to availability.
Event Details
- What: An Afternoon of Ragtime — free community concert (Conroe Symphony Salon Series)
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 · 1:30–5:00 p.m.
- Where: Conroe Symphony Centre, 1500 North Frazier, Conroe, TX
- Admission: Free and open to the public · Light refreshments served
- Event info: Bill Thompson, 936-520-1663
- Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/Conroe-Ragtime-2026
About the Conroe Symphony Orchestra
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1997 to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community, assuring a better quality of life for the Conroe area. Its objective is to provide the region with the best possible musical experience, while creating music lovers and connecting the Conroe community. The CSO strives to be recognized as one of the outstanding community orchestras in the state of Texas. As a nonprofit community orchestra, it is supported through individual and corporate donations, grants, and ticket sales. The City of Conroe Arts and Culture grant supports the whole season. Learn more at conroesymphony.org.
Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra
