Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Local musician John Beggs, 16, will once again be traveling to Oxford, Miss. over the Memorial Day weekend to defend his championship title in the Junior Division of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest. Beggs is scheduled to perform on Saturday, May 26, at the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss.
According to Ian Hominick, Artistic Director for the competition, this year's contest marks the 48th season for the event, which represents the best competition in ragtime, traditional jazz, blues and honky tonk piano. “Performers compete in one of four different contests for trophies, cash prizes and the right to be called 'Champion,'” said Hominick. “This year's contest features approximately 30 pianists, ages 10 to 82, from across the United States.”
For the competition, Beggs will be performing the popular tune “Tea for Two,” and a selection from the George Gershwin classic “Rhapsody in Blue.”