FEATURES
6
October 23, 2007
The floor of the Imperial Ballroom is worn away by couples dancing to the music of Wyndham and Co. during the RagFest. The annual festival pays homage to a music form popularized in the early part of the 1900s. Attendees use the event as a chance to dress in period clothing and cut a rug. Photos By Damon Casarez/For the Daily Titan
Musicians tickle the ivories in Downtown Fullerton “ By Eleni Reed
Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com
Ragtime tunes are lively, joyous and intricate melodies fun for people of all ages. Starting seven years ago, the tunes found a place in Downtown Fullerton at what would become the annual Ragtime Festival. Over the course of two days, a variety of artists perform classic songs or their own composed work. On Oct. 20 and 21, multiple acts were located at various venues in the area, such as The Imperial Ballroom, Steamers, Mo’s Music Center and The Fullerton Public Library. The occasion attracted both young and old and brought out those dressed to impress. Authentic costumes of the era brought about smiles to spectators’ faces. It was also an outlet for the creative to show off their vintage style. Mikal Sandoval, a singer also knows as “The San Francisco Song-
bird,” presented original tunes. an original Tex Wyndpiece she wrote ham was one herself. such act who Sandoval has been playpurchased her ing ragtime off-white ankle for 35 years. length lacy dress He closed his at a thrift store. half-hour set – Eric Marchese, She added with a song Ragtime Fesitval her own pink written in Organizer ribbon, bought 1921 during at a fabric store. the ProhibiShe bought a matching hat from a tion era. Goodwill and added “flowers and “Although this is a Prohibition such” with material she purchased. tune, the lyrics really celebrate what “I have lots of outfits. To be part we are celebrating here together at of my whole situation is dressing the RagFest during the weekend, and part,” Sandoval said. that is the uplifting and therapeuIt was her first time performing tic values of this music,” Wyndham and attending the RagFest, but said said. she enjoyed it tremendously. Mo’s Music Center also hosted The Imperial Ballroom featured solo pianists. Among those musiThe Heliotrope Ragtime Orchestra. cians, there were two unique perThe big band belted out archetypal formers. melodies that brought the guests Vincent Johnson addressed the in costumes to their feet. Dancing crowd about the songs he was playtraditional moves in pairs, the men ing and the history behind them. twirled their women around and For example, he said that cats were around. a popular subject for novelty pieces, The entire atmosphere felt like a a specific type of playing style of ragpainting from the early 20th century time. come to life. He checked how much time he Steamers featured solo pianists had left with a silver pocket watch with amazing talent to mimic the and tapped his black and white Vans along with the beats he played. Johnson is only 15 years old. He said he was drawn into ragtime playing for various reasons, but began to mimic them on his keyboard at home. Johnson has composed some of his own work, as well. “I do this festival once a year,” Johnson said. “This is my first year as an official performer.” Shirley Case was the only female pianist featured at this year’s RagFest. She opened up her set by playing original music from female composers of that era. Both songs were food-themed and she said she has a full-length CD specializing covering only songs with food in the name. Eric Marchese is the mastermind
There is no end to the supply of music from 100 years ago or from the new composers.
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The annual RagFest celebrates live music from a bygone era
Members of Wyndham and Co. perform ragtime style music in the Imperial Ballroom during the annual ragtime festival held in Downtown Fullerton. The group is led by Tex Wyndham (not pictured), a recognized authority in ragtime music.
behind the annual event. Working with an outside organization, Friends of Jazz Inc, Marchese spends all year preparing for the event. He said that the kickoff event in 2000 was a test run and it drew a strong response. Each year the event has gotten larger and larger, hosting all the acts and celebrations in venues around the area. Marchese began the function for the love of the music and its elating effect. “It puts you in a good mood. [It is] wonderful, wonderful music. There is no end to the supply of music from 100 years ago or from the new composers,” Marchese said.
Erica C. Miller performs alongside Eric Marchese at Steamers Jazz Club in Downtown Fullerton during the 8th annual RagFest.