THE ART OF RAGTIME WITH NICO RHODES - JANUARY 4TH

[LCS Notices]

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An LCS Concert in the Park!
The Art of Ragtime With Nico Rhodes

Date: Wednesday, January 4, 3:30PM
Cost:
   VIP seating: $500 pesos
   General seating: $350 pesos

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE
One of the best shows to come this season to Ajijic — people will be talking about this! For some Canadians their exposure to Ragtime may not be extensive. But changing that is Canadian, Composer and pianist, Nico Rhodes takes us on an intriguing musical journey through the evolution of Ragtime from classical to contemporary, featuring the rags of its best-known proponents and little known stars.

Ragtime was an ethno-syncretic intersection of African and European culture that shaped the musical landscape of popular music in North America for more than a century. Taking its inspiration and unique character from the melodic and rhythmic vivacity of Afro-American folksongs and dances, it was birthed in honkytonks and brothels, the only places black musicians were allowed to play. Ragtime’s influence can be heard in contemporary rock, blues, jazz and classical genres, despite an evolution hindered by prejudice against both the form and its performers.

In 1916, Opera Magazine wrote: “Ragtime has carried the complexity of the rhythmic subdivision to a point never before reached in the history of music.” One hundred and one years after Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag was copywritten, Nico brings the music he originated back into the limelight.

Nico Rhodes Bio:

At 17, Nico Rhodes began his professional career in pit orchestras for musical theatre and was quickly promoted to the role of musical director. By the age of 30, he had conducted and arranged more than 40 professional productions across Canada from the Arts Club and Chemainus to Persephone and Drayton Theatres. He’s created 5 original musicals and musical adaptations and his many kudos include multiple Ovation and Jessie award nominations for ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ (2014), ‘Out of my Dreams’ (2015), ‘Best Laid Plans’ (2016) and ‘Talking Sex On Sunday’ (2020). In 2018 he was honoured with the Emerging Cultural Leader Award by the City of Nanaimo.

Nico’s love for Ragtime led him to develop ‘The Art of Ragtime’, a one-man historical-musical journey through the evolution of Ragtime from classical to contemporary, combining the rags of best-known proponents and little-known stars with insightful history, humour and anecdote.

Reserve your tickets now.