Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation

08/25/2026

👋 Welcome to all of our new followers!

If you're new here, we're the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation, based in Sedalia, Missouri—the city where Scott Joplin lived, worked, and helped shape the music we now know as ragtime. 🎹

Our mission is to preserve and promote Joplin's remarkable legacy while celebrating ragtime music and the musicians who continue to bring it to life today.

Each year, we host the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, bringing musicians and ragtime fans from across the country and around the world to Sedalia for several days of incredible music, history, education, and fun.

But ragtime isn't just something we celebrate once a year! Throughout the year, we share performances, stories, history, educational opportunities, special events, and plenty of reasons to keep tapping your toes. 🎶

Whether you've loved ragtime for decades or you're just discovering it, we're so glad you're here!

🎹 Welcome to the wonderful world of ragtime!

08/22/2026

SJRF volunteer, Nicole Rounds, is in Chicago today helping out at the Fox River Ragtime Festival!

08/21/2026

It’s a great day at the Missouri State Fair with Mr. Zeke Backus!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1K7Gi4i4EM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/21/2026

We are looking forward to a wonderful afternoon of ragtime at the Missouri State Fair here in Sedalia!

08/20/2026

We hope to see some of our ragtime-loving friends at the Missouri State Fair tomorrow and Friday!

Note: Ragtime day at the fair was previously held on Thursday, but they moved us to Friday this year - we are excited for this change!

08/20/2026

This weekend - don’t miss it! 🎹🎶

08/18/2026

A beautiful tribute from the Barbershop Harmony Society, and such a special opportunity for our friend, Royce Martin! 🤍

08/04/2026

ALL ABOARD FOR RAGTIME - We are so proud of Anderson Pries, our 2026 Ragtime Kid, and producer of the Fox River Ragtime Festival, and we're excited to share about this wonderful festival with our friends and followers!!

Fox River Ragtime Festival
August 22–23, 2026

Experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Ragtime Era at the beautiful Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois.

🎹 Live Ragtime Music
Enjoy performances by world-class ragtime musicians on historic trolley cars and on the museum grounds.

🚋 Historic Trolley Rides
Ride beautifully restored electric trolleys dating back to the early 1900s as they travel through the scenic Fox River Valley.

🎶 A One-of-a-Kind Musical Experience
Your festival admission includes unlimited trolley rides and live music all day. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and offers fun for all ages.

Performer Lineup:
Paul Asaro, Nathan Beasley, Sue Keller, Ted Lemen, Sammy G,
Faye Ballard, Anderson Pries, The Mudcats, Tim Barton, and Leo Roth

Fox River Trolley Museum
365 S. La Fox Street • South Elgin, Illinois
Tickets & Information:
foxtrolley.org/ragtimefestival

Ride the Rails. Hear the Music. Step Back in Time.

We hope to see many of you there!

07/07/2026

🎹 Scott Joplin's music continues to touch hearts around the world.

More than a century after it was composed, Scott Joplin's "Bethena" has become the musical heart of the award-winning Taiwanese children's short film Tutti.

Produced by the Fubon Cultural and Educational Foundation, Tutti follows two children brought together through their school's recorder ensemble as they discover friendship, perseverance, and the power of music. The 18-minute film premiered in the Generation Kplus competition at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival and has since received international recognition, including the Children's Jury Honorable Mention at the Hamburg Short Film Festival.

The filmmakers shared this heartfelt message with the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation:

"We are deeply grateful that this remarkable work continues to resonate with young audiences more than a century after it was written."

We couldn't be more honored that "Bethena" serves as the emotional centerpiece of this beautiful film, accompanying one of its most moving scenes and inspiring a new generation of young musicians.

From Sedalia, Missouri, to Taiwan, Scott Joplin's legacy continues to prove that great music transcends time, language, and borders.

Thank you to Yung-Shuang, the Fubon Cultural and Educational Foundation, and the entire Tutti team for sharing your wonderful work with us. We wish you continued success as audiences around the world discover this remarkable film. ❤️🎶

Learn more about Tutti here:

The official trailer for “Tutti“ (Ni Chui Do Wo Chui Si) by Zhuang ...

05/25/2026

Meet the Musicians: Ethan Leinwand

Last but certainly not least, Ethan Leinwand takes center stage as both a performer and the newly selected Artistic Director of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. Based in St. Louis, Leinwand has become a driving force in the region’s ragtime and blues scene, known for his commitment to preserving and revitalizing early piano traditions.

A self-taught pianist, he specializes in barrelhouse blues, with a repertoire that stretches from ragtime to boogie-woogie—bringing the full story of blues piano to life. Since making St. Louis his home, he has been a regular presence in local venues and festivals, collaborating with artists like Valerie Kirchhoff and T.J. Muller, and helping to build a strong, connected ragtime community.

Leinwand’s impact extends beyond performance. He is president and co-founder of the St. Louis Ragtime Initiative, and was named the Scott Joplin Foundation's 2026 Artist-in-Residence—an honor that reflects both his artistry and leadership within the ragtime community. As he steps into his new role as Artistic Director, his vision signals an exciting future for the festival.

Join us in Sedalia to welcome Ethan into this new chapter and experience his powerful connection to the music.