2025 CONTEST SCHEDULE
*all events in Nutt Auditorium unless otherwise indicated
** after-hours activities at The Old Henry on the Oxford Square
$10 after-hours cover charge (*not included in all-event or day passes)
FRIDAY PASS / SATURDAY PASS / SUNDAY PASS
THURSDAY, MAY 22
- 7:00 pm Tune-ups Party at The Old Henry
An evening of non-stop piano playing by contestants and guest artists at the The Old Henry on the Oxford Square. This is your chance to catch the contestants in action in an informal setting, hear some phenomenal piano playing and get a flavor for what the weekend contests have in store. Enjoy your favorite drink while you reconnect with old friends and make some new friends while listening to all of your favorites. Bar and food available on site. *NOT included in all-event pass / $10 cover charge at the door
FRIDAY, MAY 23
- 9:00 am Paul Stewart Presentation
The Piano Music of George Gershwin: The Creative Synthesis of Ragtime, Blues, Jazz and ClassicalPaul Stewart helps celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s premiere of the Rhapsody in Blue and the lasting magic of Gershwin’s music … creating a bridge between the jazz and classical genres. Paul, former Chair of the University of North Carolina School of Music, shares his knowledge of Gershwin’s music. $15 *included in all-event or day pass
- 10:30 am Trolley Tour of Historic Oxford (*departs from circular Band Hall loop)
Join us for a trolley bus tour of historic Oxford including stops at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulker, and Cedar Oak. Visitors wishing to take their own vehicles may park on campus free after 5 pm Friday. Parking passes for events during Friday morning & afternoon will be handed out upon arrival. The trolley leaves from the Band circle at 10:30 am. $25 *included in all-event or day pass.
- 12:15 pm Luncheon at The Old Henry with music by 2024 Champion Paul Orsi
Join us for a musical luncheon at The Old Henry with three-time champion Paul Orsi providing entertainment. Paul has played his high-energy ragtime style in a variety of restaurants and venues throughout Southern California. In 1983, he joined the elite group of Coke Corner Pianists at Disneyland, where he performed for 10 years. You will be sure to enjoy Paul’s exciting style! $30 *included in all-event or day pass
- 2:00 pm Bobby van Deusen Recital
The Piano Works of Arthur MarshallThree-time Senior Division Champion Bobby van Deusen presents “The Rags of Arthur Marshall”. Born in 1881, Marshall was a contemporary of Scott Joplin, collaborating with him on ‘Swipesy’ and ‘The Lily Queen’. Although not as prolific as other ragtime composers (15 published pieces, 3 posthumously), his interesting compositions hold an important place in the ragtime literature. Join Bobby for his performance of some rarely heard ragtime gems. $15 *included in all-event or day pass
- 3:00 pm Sue Keller Presentation
Glenn Jenks: The Man and His Music
Known for combining traditional ragtime & classical themes and producing the Harvest Ragtime Revue in Camden, ME, Glenn Jenks composed over thirty piano rags incorporating a more contemporary harmony than his predecessors. Join Sue Keller as she explores the music of Glenn Jenks.$15 *included in all-event or day pass
- 6:00 pm New Rag Contest
The annual New Rag Contest is the first contest of the weekend. Composers must adhere to a strict list of rules and their selections must adhere to the standard format of a traditional rag. Come out and listen to pianists from across the country premiere their original compositions and compete for the New Rag trophy and cash prize. $20 *included in all-event or day pass
FRIDAY AFTERHOURS @ The Old Henry - 8:00 pm After-hours Party
Bring a friend and come out to listen to many of the pianists competing on the weekend. Bar and menu available. Contestants admitted free of charge.
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $10 at the door
SATURDAY, MAY 24
- 8:00 am Draw for playing order – ALL contestants (Rm. #153)
- 9:00 am Preliminary Round (Junior, Regular & Senior)
Competitors ages eight to eighty compete for trophies and cash prizes as the Junior, Regular & Senior contestants play their first couple of selections for the audience and judges. The Junior Champion is crowned at the end of the day while Regular & Senior competitors vie to make it into the semifinal round on Sunday. Learn more about each contestant before they perform as emcees Ted Lemen and Adam Swanson conduct interviews with each performer.
$25 *included in all-event or day pass - 11:45 am Silent Movie Luncheon with Adam Swanson (UM Band Hall)
Join four-time champion Adam Swanson as he displays his talent of providing a musical soundtrack to a couple of classic old-time silent films you’ll be sure to enjoy. Box lunch and drinks served.
$25 *included in all-event or day pass - 1:00 pm Preliminary Round continues …
- 7:00 pm Guest Artist Concert featuring Richard Dowling, Sue Keller, Paul Orsi & Adam Swanson
After a long day of contests, enjoy listening to the seasoned offerings of our special guests Richard Dowling, Sue Keller, Paul Orsi & Adam Swanson.
SATURDAY AFTERHOURS @ The Old Henry
$20 *included in all-event or day pass
8:30 pm After-hours Party
Relax after a long day of competition with some great music and refreshment with new and old friends before the final day is upon us. Bar and menu available.
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $10 at the door
SUNDAY, MAY 25
- 9:00 am Master Class for Junior Contestants with Richard Dowling
Richard Dowling works with three of the contestants from the Junior Division in a public lesson. You’re sure to learn a lot from this seasoned artist even if you aren’t one of the performers. $15 *included in all-event or day pass. - 10:00 am Paul Orsi Presentation – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Top 10 Most Requested Rags of All TimeJoin three-time Regular Division Champion Paul Orsi as he performs and speaks about the most often-requested tunes from the field of ragtime.
$15 *included in all-event or day pass. - 11:00 am Service at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with music by Sue Keller & Bobby van Deusen
- 1:00 pm Regular Division Semi-Finals & Finals / Seniors’ Final
Up to 10 Regular Division entrants compete with two selections each in the semi-final round. The field is narrowed down to the top 5 who vie for the crown of 2024 Champion with their one remaining selection. Those who advance from the Senior Division winners play their final round and the winners are announced at the end of the Semi-finals. $25 *included in all-event or day pass
SUNDAY AFTERHOURS @ The Old Henry
7:00 pm Red, White & Blue Finale
It’s sad, but this will be the final time to celebrate with friends before the long journey home. Come out to The Old Henry and celebrate the service and music of the army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard on this special weekend. If you were in the service, stand up and be recognized for your contribution! Enjoy one last chance to take in the awesome talent arrayed under one roof! *FREE Admission for veterans!
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $10 at the door
*NOTE: Your sales receipt is your ticket. Your name will be added to the guest list at the door for each event purchased.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2025 T-shirt & contest merchandise while you’re here.
Available on-site only (no mail-orders).
