Every year over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest is held to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940. Through the years, the contest has provided more than $70,000 in prize money to more than 500 piano players from across the United States and from five foreign countries. Players in 2025 will participate in three divisions-Regular, Junior & Senior, competing for cash prizes, trophies and medallions. The New Rag Contest, where aspiring composers present their original tunes, will also have its own cash prize and trophy. A variety of other activities include presentations, guest artist performances, silent movies, a youth master class, and after-hours events every night on the Oxford Square.

This is a weekend packed with Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Standard tunes played by amazing piano players. You don’t have to play piano to enjoy music that will have your toes tapping. You’ll have the time of your life at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

Schedule:

8:00 am: Draw for playing order - All contestants (Rm. #153)

9:00 am: Preliminary Round (Junior, Regular & Senior)

Competitors ages eight to eighty compete for trophies and cash prizes as the Junior, Regular & Senior contestants play their first couple of selections for the audience and judges.  The Junior Champion is crowned at the end of the day while Regular & Senior competitors vie to make it into the semifinal round on Sunday. Learn more about each contestant before they perform as emcees Ted Lemen and Adam Swanson conduct interviews with each performer.

Tickets: $25 included in all-event or day pass

11:45 am: Silent Movie Luncheon with Adam Swanson (UM Band Hall)  

Join four-time champion Adam Swanson as he displays his talent of providing a musical soundtrack to a couple of classic old-time silent films you’ll be sure to enjoy. Box lunch and drinks served.

Tickets: $25 included in all-event or day pass

1:00 pm: Preliminary Round continues...

7:00 pm: Guest Artist Concert featuring Richard Dowling, Sue Keller, Paul Orsi & Adam Swanson

After a long day of contests, enjoy listening to the seasoned offerings of our special guests Richard Dowling, Sue Keller, Paul Orsi & Adam Swanson.

Tickets: $20 included in all-event or day pass

Saturday Afterhours @ The Old Henry
 
8:30 pm: After-hours Party

Relax after a long day of competition with some great music and refreshment with new and old friends before the final day is upon us. Bar and menu available.

Tickets: Not included in all-event or day pass - cover charge $10 at the door

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