The 1999 Shows

at the Woodstock Opera House

The Egbert Van Alstyne
Memorial Ragtime Show

8 p.m. Friday, June 11

Mostly forgotten for many years, the music of the once famous composer, Egbert Van Alstyne, is featured in on the finest stage in the county of his birth. Each act on the program will perform at least one of his compositions, presenting many songs and instrumentals which are heard for the first time in 70 to 90 years.

The line-up will include many of the best performers in ragtime who will come to honor this wonderful composer with a rousing, rollicking show -- with plenty of variety in talent and music. Watch for the appearance of a special guest performer, to be announced.

Of course, the show will also include special group numbers, arranged especially for this festival.

Chicago: The First City of Ragtime

8 p.m. Saturday, June 12

Last year, our symposium presenters showed that Chicago was indeed the "First City of Ragtime." It is only fitting that the music of this most important city be featured. Egbert Van Alstyne spent most of his career in Chicago, and many other musicians either were born, educated, or lived in Chicago. For the first time ever, the importance of Chicago and its musicians is recognized.

Each featured act will perform some of the best ragtime music that was either written or published in Chicago. The show may also include a special guest performer, to be announced.

Once again, the show will be filled with great music, wonderful entertainers, and a rousing group finale of specially-arranged music heard here for the first time.

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Minstrels, Movies and More!

2 p.m. Matinee Saturday, June 12

In the interest of expanding the program to include some of the more authentic forms of entertainment of the ragtime era, producer Tracy Doyle is considering a matinee show unlike any that has been seen at previous ragtime festivals.

The first act would consist of a short minstrel show recreated from original material. Next, a silver screen would drop, and audiences would be treated to a few short silent comedies with live piano accompaniment, just as would have been heard in the old days.

Finally, the performers would wrap up with a mini-vaudeville show, featuring comedy routines, magic and, of course ... music!.

Write to me and tell me what you think!