The World Championship of Old-Time Piano Playing is an annual festival held every Memorial Day Weekend

Schedule

May 26, 2023

10:00 am: Guided Tour of the UM Blues Archive - $15 - JD Williams Library on campus
Join archivist and historian Greg Johnson on a guided tour of the unique resources in our unique Blues Archive
12:15 pm: Luncheon with live music from 2022 Regular Division champion Eve Elliot and two-time Senior Champion Bobby van Deusen at McEwen's - $25
[MENU: Knuckle Sandwich (beef) / Grilled Salmon / Hail Caesar Salad] limited seating!                                  
2:00 pm: Presentation with Greg Johnson "Mississippi's Musical Diversity" - $10
3:00 pm: Presentation with William: McNally "How to Write a Rag" - $10
6:00 pm: New Rag Contest - $15
8:00 pm: Tune-Ups Party at the Oxford Armory Pavilion - $10 (ends at 10 pm)

May 27, 2023

8:00 am: Draw for playing order – ALL contestants (Rm. #153)
9:00 am: Junior Division Contest
Ted Lemen and Adam: Swanson emcee as youth competitors ages 17-and-under vie for trophies and cash prizes - $15
11:45 am: Silent Movie Luncheon with Adam: Swanson (UM Band Hall)
Join 4-time champion Adam: Swanson as he plays along to two classic silent films from the age of silent movies. Box lunch provided - $25
1:00 pm: Preliminary Rounds: Regular and Senior Divisions
Competitors ages 18-and-over perform two tunes each in the first round of the main contest, hoping to make it to Sunday's semifinals - $20
7:00 pm: After-hours and Sing-along at the Oxford Armory Pavilion - $10 (ends at 10 pm)

May 28, 2023

9:00 am: Master Class with Adam: Swanson for Junior Contestants - $15
10:55 am: Church Service at Oxford United Methodist featuring Contest pianists
1:00 pm: Regular Division Semi-Finals and Finals / Seniors' Final
These competitors have made it through the preliminary round and up the ante with their second round repertoire hoping to advance to the Finals.  Both the Regular Division and Senior Division champions are crowned - $20
7:00 pm: Red, White and Blue Farewell Party at the Oxford Armory Pavilion - $10 (ends at 10 pm)

Date: May 26 - 28, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Oxford, MS

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