Get ready for a dance event that could only happen in New Orleans! April 3-5 is Ragtime Day NOLA, presented by Silver Swan Ragtime Innovations, 501c3, in conjunction with the 10th annual New Orleans Ragtime Festival, and it will be a weekend to remember.
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We have so many special announcements to make, beginning with our new collaboration with Walter Nelson of Los Angeles, CA. Walter is the founder and producer of many historic dance events including the world-famous Avalon Ball, the largest annual dance of its kind, in the historic Avalon Ballroom on Catalina Island. Walter is a renowned expert on historic social dance, and a sought after dance instructor. You will love his class, Friday April 3, 2026 at noon, which will cover dances from the 1890's through the 1910's, complete with live music and a film presentation, and a special visit from Nina Bozak, the dance history specialist from the Historic New Orleans Collection.
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After the class, a Cocktail Dance set from New Orleans' Silver Swan Ragtime Quartet, to prepare for the Friday night concert of the New Orleans Ragtime Festival.
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Saturday April 4, come out for a trip back into New Orleans' history, with the New John Robichaux Society Orchestra. Rescued from boxes at the Hogan Jazz Archive at Tulane University, this group recreates the music of one of the most successful society bands in the history of the city. Born in Thibodaux Louisiana in 1866, John Robichaux was famous for being the first to play the latest hits of the day—before recordings, before radio. Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious' recreation of this almost forgotten music is an amazing musical trip through time, and will be an unforgettable night for all!
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Sunday April 5, be prepared for and afternoon Tea and Turkey Trot featuring another of the Crescent City's amazing ragtime bands, Orange Kellin's Deluxe Orchestra. Kellin, a founding member of the Manhattan Ragtime Orchestra, assembled this group in the 1990's with top-notch New Orleans musicians, and played until recent years, when disability forced his retirement. This band is being put back together by the musicians themselves, who wish to pay tribute to Orange's amazing career by playing one last gig in his honor. It is truly one of the best late-ragtime/early jazz performances you will ever hear.
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There are more exiting announcements as plans get underway, so please make your plans to join us for this special one-of-a-kind, only-in-New-Orleans, dance and music event, and enjoy the New Orleans Ragtime Festival's 10th anniversary on the same weekend!
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​To receive email updates, please email pmackey@silverswanragtimeinnovationsl.com, or just follow us on Facebook and instagram @ragtimedaynola.
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[pictured above, the original John Robichaux Orchestra]
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