The Elite Syncopoators

For the past 10 years, the Elite Syncopators have been playing a wide variety of folk, classic, popular, stride and novelty ragtime.

Under the musical direction of pianist Terry Parrish, this group has amassed a repertoire of many rare, obscure and important tunes as well as some comic and novelty songs. Parrish is a noted sheet music collector and scholar of authentic playing styles. He has mastered many playing techniques from such legends as Luckey Roberts, James P. Johnson and Jelly Roll Morton. As a composer, Parrish has created various "tribute" pieces in the styles of the best composers of the era.

Mike Schwimmer is probably the best-known washboard player in ragtime. His background in the ragtime community is extensive. Mike was the co-leader of the well-known Red Rose Ragtime Band for many years. He is also a singer with a fine and distinctive ragtime style. He also finds himself increasingly in demand as an emcee, percussionist, and all-around helper at ragtime festivals, independent of the group.

The ensemble is rounded out with Jim Marshall on the banjo and tuba player Steve Ley, an alumnus of the Chicago jazz band "The Salty Dogs."