Charles H. Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival and the Gatsby Gala

Mark your calendar for the 16th Annual Charles H. Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival & the Gatsby Gala. The Templeton Festival is the only one of its kind in the southeast that brings world-renowned artists and entertainers to campus to perform throughout the weekend, sharing their insights and love of ragtime, jazz, and blues music.

This year marks the first appearance by the Sweet&Hot Quartet which includes Jeff and Anne Barnhart and Josh Duffee and T.J. Muller.  With Jeff and Anne playing their popular piano, flute and vocals, the Barnharts are thrilled to introduce audiences to Josh Duffee and T.J. Muller.  Josh is an accomplished percussionist—both jazz kit and xylophone—and is comfortable playing all styles from ragtime to classic jazz and swing to 1980’s punk rock!!  TJ originally hailed from the UK but now lives in St. Louis, where he entertains as a soloist and with bands playing his banjo, guitar, trumpet and trombone (though not all at once!) and singing with his charming English accent.  This foursome will perform many styles, and all will be hot, sweet, or both!

Another magnificent musician debuting in 2022 is the incomparably talented and versatile pianist, Donald Ryan.  Born in Trinidad, Donald eventually settled in Oklahoma and is internationally lauded as a performer and teacher.  He is a gifted performer of ragtime and swinging jazz and has graced the stage with such stars as Henry Mancini, Red Skelton, Eddie Daniels, Diahann Carroll, Joe Williams and William Warfield to name a few.  His interpretations of ragtime, jazz and the Great American Songbook will thrill you.

Returning favorite Adam Swanson will astound audiences with his pianistic pyrotechnics and move us with his tribute to Janice Cleary who, with assistance and encouragement from our Artistic Director Jeff Barnhart, bequeathed her unparalleled sheet music collection to the Library shortly before her passing. 

As the Festival continues to expand into other musical realms beyond ragtime, fans of blues, boogie, jazz and swing have come to count on the event as an entertaining and illuminating smorgasbord of styles.  Don’t miss out on the fun!

As in years past, the festival will begin with Gatsby Gala, a 1920’s inspired fashion show that features clothing designed by MSU students and modeled by the MSU Fashion Board.  For more information visit http://festival.library.msstate.edu