2027 CONTEST SCHEDULE
*all events in Nutt Auditorium unless otherwise indicated
** after-hours activities at The Old Henry on the Oxford Square
$15 after-hours cover charge (*not included in all-event or day passes)
FRIDAY PASS / SATURDAY PASS / SUNDAY PASS
THURSDAY, MAY 27
- 8:00 pm Opening Preview Concert at TBA
An evening of non-stop piano playing by guest artists at the on the Oxford Square. This is your chance to catch the pros in action in an informal setting, hear some phenomenal piano playing and get a flavor for the style of music the weekend contests have in store for Oxford. Enjoy your favorite drink while you reconnect with old friends and make some new friends while listening to all of your favorites. Music from Brian Holland, Ethan Uslan, Jeff Barnhart, Bill Perry, Jr. and Paul Orsi. Bar and food available on site. *NOT included in all-event pass / $15 cover charge at the door
FRIDAY, MAY 28
- 10:30 am CartoonFest
This event is open to the public but will also be open to K-6 schoolchildren and their teachers. Jeff Barnhart accompanies some classic cartoons from the early days.$15 *included in all-event or day pass.
- 12:00 pm Luncheon with Paul Orsi
Join us for a musical luncheon in the UM Band Hall 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 while enjoying a Mexican luncheon! $30 *included in all-event or day pass
- 2:00 pm Concert: Jeff Barnhart
Jeff Barnhart returns to the concert again this year and will deliver a performance that will knock your socks off. Come and enjoy Jeff’s high-energy traverse of the keyboard. Reviewer Jack Rummel summed up the reason for Jeff’s popularity, offering, “When it comes to talent, speed, versatility, creativity, mastery of multiple genres and just plain entertaining zaniness, Jeff Barnhart stands alone”.$15 *included in all-event or day pass.
- 3:00 pm Concert: Ethan Uslan
Enjoy the talent of former 3-time champion Ethan Uslan in concert. His concerts are filled with passion, humor, virtuosity, and a deep love for America’s rich musical past. His vast repertoire includes original arrangements of New Orleans Jazz, blues, stomps, Harlem stride piano, swing, Cuban rumbas, jazzed-up versions of classical masterpieces, and even a polka or two.$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. Emceed by Bobby van Deusen. $15 *included in all-event or day pass
FRIDAY AFTERHOURS @ TBA - 8:00 pm Tune-Ups Party
Bring a friend and come out to listen to many of the pianists competing on the weekend. This is their last chance to test out their contest repertoire before the fun begins on Saturday morning. Bar and menu available. Contestants admitted free of charge.
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $15 at the door
SATURDAY, MAY 29
- 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 Paul Orsi and Ted Lemen conduct interviews with each performer.
$30 *included in all-event or day pass - 11:45 am Silent Movie Luncheon with Jeff Barnhart (UM Band Hall)
Join us in the UM Band Hall for two short classic silent films with live piano accompaniment from Jeff Barnhart. Box lunch and drinks provided with admission. An excellent and easy way to stay on campus during the pause in the Preliminary Competition. $25 *included in all-event or day pass
- 1:00 pm Preliminary Round continues …SATURDAY AFTERHOURS @ TBA7:00 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 $15 at the door
SUNDAY, MAY 30
- 9:00 am Master Class for Junior Contestants with Ethan Uslan
$15 *included in all-event or day pass. - 10:00 am Church Service at First Presbyterian Church with music by three-time champion Paul Orsi
- 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 2026 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. $30 *included in all-event or day pass
SUNDAY AFTERHOURS @ TBA
7:00 pm Red, White & Blue Closing Party
It’s sad, but this will be the final time to celebrate with friends before the long journey home. Come out 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 $15 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 2026 T-shirt & contest merchandise while you’re here.
Available on-site only (no mail-orders).
