More Sedalia, MO, and the Scott Joplin Festival

I'm about two weeks behind in my blogs, but my only excuse is, "I've been busy". So I'll be catching up over the next few days and I really will try to keep up.

This is the Bothwell Lodge.

 Mr. Bothwell built the lodge over 20+ years, starting around the turn of the century. A widower, he never remarried, but enjoyed having friends and family join him at the lodge. At his death, he willed the lodge to a group of close friends and family. They could use the lodge until they were all gone, then the property went to the state. It was 1977 before the property was turned over to the state and eventually became a state park. The lodge was built with many innovative ideas for the times, such as natural air conditioning using the cool air from an underground cave, indoor plumbing and running hot and cold water.

We extended our stay in Sedalia so we could attend the Scott Joplin Festival. It was the first time for Rellene and myself, but it was about the 4th time for Max. We also met up with Myra, Barb and Ron, Darrell, Chuck and Virginia, who were staying out at the fairgrounds.

The festival has been going on for about 25 years, celebrating the music of Scott Joplin, who many consider the father of ragtime music. It was 3 great days of music and entertainment.

Frederick Hodges and Ann Gipson

Dr. Dave Majrchzrak and Dave Reffkin (violin)

Adam Swanson, a 19 year old, who in my opinion, is one of the best ragtime muscians, even though one of the youngest.

In front of the old KATY Depot, which is also a stop of the KATY trail. One of the music venues is held inside. It is now a gift shop and museum.

There is always a fashion show just before the parade. I wonder how many young boys today would like to dress like this everyday?

More fashion conscious dressers.

Mimi Blais, from Canada. I got to hear her play some of her own compositions, which were not ragtime. Wonderful pianist and entertainer.

There were 4 stages and music changed about every 20 minutes. The last big production of the show was at the Stark Pavilion. Here are Martin Spitznagel and Bryan Wright, along with Mike Schwimmer on the washboard and Marty Eggers on the tuba. This was sort of a dueling pianos.

Jeff Barnhart and Brian Holland, along with Danny Coots on the drums. I can't begin to explain how much fun this last set was. Not only good ragtime music, but entertainment as well. By the final number they had at least 6 pianists playing on the 2 pianos, and probably another dozen performers were on the stage.

So I highly recommend attending the Scott Joplin Festival, always the first weekend in June, Sedalia, MO.