Piedmont Wind Symphony: Ragtime Concert

Join us on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as the lively rhythms of ragtime fill Körner’s Folly, brought to life by members of the Piedmont Wind Symphony in a spirited chamber performance.

Emerging from African American communities in the late 19th century, ragtime became the first distinctly American popular music to capture national and international attention. Rooted in dance traditions such as the cakewalk and influenced by marches, folk melodies, and early blues, ragtime is defined by its syncopated—or “ragged”—rhythms that created a thrilling sense of motion and surprise. Long before jazz took hold, ragtime’s lively pulse filled saloons, parlors, theaters, and world’s fairs across the country.

Presented in an intimate chamber setting, this performance explores the rich legacy of ragtime beyond the piano, highlighting the music’s warmth, elegance, and joyful spirit. Set within the imaginative architecture of Körner’s Folly—a home born of the same turn-of-the-century optimism that fueled ragtime itself—this concert offers a lively evening where American history, innovation, and irresistible rhythm come together.