It’s rhythm time. Authentic American subculture time. It’s ragtime at Ragfest, a celebration of the syncopated musical form that changed the world a century ago, mixing African polyrhythms with—weirdly, joyfully—march music. So pull out grandpa’s Scott Joplin 78s, reread E.L. Doctorow’s novel, then show up at this multi-venue celebration in downtown Fullerton featuring ragtime piano solos and duets, vintage costumes, dancing and all-star jams. The two-day lineup includes Ian Whitcomb (ur-archivist of roots music, Tin Pan Alley, novelty songs and author of the classic After the Ball) and the reliably amazing Fred Sokolow (player and teacher nonpareil), with plenty of other ivory-ticklers, toe-tappers, hoofers and songbirds.
Sat., Oct. 25, 11 a.m.; Sun., Oct. 26, noon, 2008
