Dangerous Music: The History, Style and Reception of Ragtime' at COD Nov. 10

The College of DuPage Africa and African Diaspora Committee will host “Dangerous Music: The History, Style and Reception of Ragtime” on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in the McAninch Arts Center, Room 139. This program is free and open to the public.

College of DuPage Music Professor Larry Ward will discuss ragtime, a style of American music popular from approximately 1896 to 1918. Reviled by some as a virulent poison, polluting nuisance and malarious epidemic when it first hit the stages, ragtime was also embraced by others who touted the music as “the one original and indigenous type of music of the American people.”

During his presentation, Ward will reflect upon the history, African-American roots, musical style, perception and influence of ragtime. In addition, Pianist and COD adjunct faculty Steven Havens will perform the premiere of Ward's two new piano rags – “All-Rite Rag” and “Sabbatical Strains.”

For more information, call Professor Ward at (630) 942-4174 or email wardla@cod.edu.