WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026, 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/4 p.m. CT/5 p.m. ET  
 
Before there was jazz, swing, rock and roll, or even the blues as we know it today, there was Ragtime. Fueled by infectious rhythms, dazzling piano performances, and unforgettable melodies, ragtime became America's first great popular music craze. From saloons and dance halls to family parlors and vaudeville stages, ragtime's syncopated sound captivated audiences at the turn of the twentieth century.In this engaging presentation, we'll explore the remarkable story of the musicians who helped shape American music, including the legendary Scott Joplin. We'll discover how ragtime developed, why it became so popular, and how it eventually influenced the birth of jazz in New Orleans. 
 
Along the way, we'll listen to famous compositions, examine the unique techniques of ragtime piano, and uncover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the performers, publishers, and audiences who fueled the ragtime craze. 
 
Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious about America's musical roots, this session offers a fun and accessible journey into one of the most important chapters in popular music history.  Presentation will run 1.75 hours--class will be recorded for replay on-demand.