For Hometown News
VERO BEACH -- Back by popular demand is "Ragtime, Romance & Roses" featuring highly regarded Ragtime pianist Bob Milne.
For this Feb. 14, 7 p.m. performance, Mr. Milne will build a diverse show, which also incorporates romantic melodies spanning the decades.
"You'll want to grab somebody's hand and give it a squeeze," said Mr. Milne. "If you feel like tapping your toes, go right ahead. And, if you want to dance in the aisles, enjoy yourself. We will have no shortage of fun at this Valentine's concert."
Considered by many to be the best Ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world, Mr. Milne specializes in the music style that developed in America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Although Mr. Milne comes from a classical background, having excelled as a French horn virtuoso at the Eastman School of Music, he is completely self-taught as a pianist, playing totally by ear.
He became fascinated by Ragtime music and progressed to the concert stage, becoming acknowledged by many as one of the best pianists of his time.
Mr. Milne brings enthusiasm, ease of playing and an engaging manner, while telling stories about Ragtime and boogie woogie music with warmth and humor.
He was filmed and documented for future generations in 2004 during three days of interviews at the Library of Congress and was declared a national treasure at the conclusion.
Advance tickets of $20 may be purchased online at www.TheEmersonCenter.org,or by calling the box office at (772) 778-5249. Tickets at the door are an additional $5. A complimentary rose, sponsored in part by Monti's Flower Market, will be offered to the first 100 ladies.
The Emerson Center, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, is located at 1590 27th Ave., on the S.E. corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue.