Ragtime Episode Comes to Libraries

That jaunty, infectious, perfect blend of melody and syncopation known as "ragtime" has from its beginning maintained affection in the hearts of its devoted listeners, but it regained a prominent place in American pop music in 1973 with the release of the Oscar-winning movie "The Sting," which featured on its soundtrack songs by the Chopin of ragtime, Scott Joplin.

Visit one of three Metropolitan Library System locations on Sept. 14 th or 17 th to travel back in time with " A Ragtime Episode" featuring banjoist Clarke Buehling of the Skirtlifters.

Clarke Buehling's Skirtlifters have been called "the premiere concert string band. They have traveled extensively from Belgium to Broken Bow carrying with them the joy of their music-not to mention all those banjos.

Clarke Buehling, founder of the Skirtlifters, authentically recreates the music of the 19th century riverboat, stage and parlor, enlivened by period humor, skits, songs and percussive dance. His repertoire includes jigs, reels, rags, galops, marches and waltzes. Mr. Buehling's programs range from Louisiana Purchase to Civil War to the early 20th century Ragtime.

The president of the National Country Music Association said about them that "they captured the hearts of every acoustic music lover in mid-America." Find out why.

You can enjoy a little bit of ragtime music and humor on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker , from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Their program will be repeated that evening at the Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23 rd , from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. , and on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave. , from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Skirtlifters' concerts, which are co-sponsored by the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System, are free to the public and suitable for audiences of all ages. For more information, call the MLS Outreach office at 606-3835

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.