The 2018 San Antonio Ragtime Festival has officially ended, but not without making its mark on on the city. Presented by Castle Ragtime Co., BRICK at the Blue Star, the San Antonio Ragtime Society, and Genaro Design, the 2018 Festival was an official partner event of SA 300, San Antonio’s official tricentennial commission.

The festival kicked off with live piano performances by local pianists before Laura Niland and the Yellow Rose Accordion Band took to the stage. The trio played a wonderful set of Spanish-tinge pieces to christen the new stage. Ragtime piano then resumed as the next band began to set up their equipment. Benjamin Castillo, Kendall Lawson, and Stephanie Talanco performed an eclectic set ranging from classic blues and folk tunes to more contemporary songwriting efforts.

As the afternoon continued the venue began to fill up in anticipation of the next stage band. Festival-goers browsed the small market featuring antique sheet music, vinyl, and other goods while ragtime piano skipped along energetically in the background. Before long the festival was standing-room only. The Dirty River Dixie Band played an extended two-hour set to roaring applause. A surprise spectacle by members of the San Antonio Swing Dance Society ensured everyone present was having a good time.

After all of the excitement of the afternoon the festival took on a much more relaxed atmosphere in the evening. Curious groups explored the small Ragtime Museum as the live piano music continued. In addition to the piano, the Stray Cats Ragtime Duo performed an engaging set of ragtime hits to the delight of everyone present. As people returned from dinner it was finally time for the headliner, the Matt Tolentino Trio. The Dallas-based trio played songs and instrumental treats from the early 1900s through the 1920s. It was the perfect close to a historic event.

The festival was a success for music heritage and education in San Antonio. It would not have been possible without the help and support of its volunteers and sponsors. To stay up to date on future events stay tuned to castleragtime.com or any of our social media channels below!