World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest & Festival
The World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest & Festival returns to Oxford, MS May 24-27, 2018 for its 44th season. After 41 years in Illinois, this contest and festival moved to its new home at The University of Mississippi in May, 2016. Our first two seasons in Oxford attracted visitors and contestants from over thirty states as well as Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. Held annually to coincide with Memorial Day weekend, this event boasts the largest, most comprehensive competitive events for pianists steeped in the musical genres of ragtime, traditional jazz and blues. Students up to age 18 can compete for cash prizes and trophies in the Junior Division while the Regular Division contestants vie for trophies and larger prizes totaling $6,000. A new contest for Seniors ages 60-and-up debuts this coming May. Performers compete in period costume, are interviewed before each round, and show their incredible musical skills in an attempt to advance to the Finals. Complete rules and guidelines are posted on the event web site. Smaller contests, including the New Rag Contest and Duet Contest, precede the main competition. Workshops by acclaimed guest artists, a Silent Movie Luncheon, Ragfest, and an epic sing-along of the old classics are held around the competitions. Off-site excursions including catered events will be held on the historic Oxford Square, adding a refreshing dimension to the festivities. If you love ragtime, jazz, blues, honky-tonk, boogie or novelty songs from the days of Tin Pan Alley, then you'll have the time of your life in Oxford on Memorial Day weekend. To capture the flavor of this event, visit "The Entertainers" trailer on line at http://theentertainersmovie.com. For a fun-filled four days of fabulous music, go to http://oldtimepianocontest.com and register for this year's World Championship. Find us on Facebook for regular updates, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter @oldtimepiano. All-event tickets, day passes and individual event tickets are available for purchase on line from the event web site. Order forms may be requested by contacting the artistic director Ian Hominick at (662) 915-1282 or oldtimepianocontest@olemiss.edu. Guest artists for this year include four-time champion Adam Swanson, Frederick Hodges, and Julie McClarey. There is something for everyone during this family-friendly weekend. We'll see you in Oxford May 24-27, 2018 for a fun-filled weekend of old-time music!
Date and Time
Thursday May 24, 2018 Sunday May 27, 2018
May 24-27, 2018 - events begin at various times. See web site calendar for details.
Location
All contests take place at Nutt Auditorium, 350 University Ave. Catered events occur at Oxford University Club.
Fees/Admission
All-event Pass: $205; Day Passes: $30; Single event tickets available for purchase on line or at venue
Website
Contact Information
Ian Hominick, Art. Dir.
(662) 915-1282
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