Durango Keeps Ragtime Music Alive

About this episode

The episode explores the unique presence of ragtime music in Durango, Colorado, particularly at the Diamond Bell Saloon.

Ragtime music — a blend of European styles and African American rhythms considered the forerunner of jazz — has found an unlikely home in Durango, Colo. For nearly 70 years, the Diamond Bell Saloon at the historic Strater Hotel has featured live ragtime piano, making it one of the only venues in the country where audiences can hear the music performed regularly. A pianist who holds a master's degree in historical musicology from the Peabody Conservatory plays up to six nights a week on an 190...

Topics covered

• ragtime music
• live music
• cultural heritage
• local history
• jazz forerunner

Keywords

• ragtime
• live piano
• Durango
• musicology
• jazz
• cultural venue
• historical music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Diamond Bell Saloon, Strater Hotel, Peabody Conservatory

Places: Durango, Colo.

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