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Picture it in your mind… A piano sits quietly on the stage, eighty-eight keys…black and white. No sound, no music, just a piano.
Nothing special you say? Of course not, the magic hasn't yet begun.
A young man steps out of the wings. You think… "How interesting", for he wears the traditional straw "boater" hat, vest and sleeve garters of a piano player from days gone by. He sports a mighty mustache reminiscent of the 1890's. "Yes", you think, "How interesting indeed".
The room darkens and suddenly you are transported to another time and place. Extraordinary music fills the air - familiar melodies played in a rich, authentic style. They are songs you haven't heard for such a long time, but have known and loved for what seems like forever. It's Tin Pan Alley. It's a Baltimore Barrel House, Kansas City Vaudeville Theater, New Orleans Sporting Club. It's Don French - American Heritage Music, Authentic Ragtime Piano.
There are many words that describe the show. Original, authentic, delightfully entertaining are just a few. But it's so much more than that! It's like tasting the flavor of one of the most interesting, exciting and eventful eras of American History. It is quite literally a musical journey down memory lane featuring music that America has listened to and loved for more than a century.
The show opens with songs popular in the late 1800's. The audience is always amazed to discover just how many of those songs they actually know and they are never shy about singing along to such great American Standards as "Hello Ma Baby" and "Hot Time in The Old Town Tonight". Of course traditional ragtime, as most people know it, was born during this era, so the instrumental renditions of "12th Street Rag" and "Black & White Rag", always elicit a huge response.
What makes the show even more fascinating is the wonderful narration and amusing anecdotes, presented in a brief, clear, informative yet entertaining way. Each one illustrating the unique characteristics of the ragtime era. Little known facts, amazing feats, stories from the hilarious to the poignant bring a rich and vibrant quality to the historical tapestry that is deftly woven for the audience.
You can listen in awe while imagining yourself to be a spectator in the stands during the recitation of "Casey at the Bat" or simply sing along to "Take Me
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