Événement

An Edwardian Evening of Entertainment

Galen Wilkes hosts a fascinating trip back in time to the turn of the 20th century in a Victorian mansion. Piano music, a nickelodeon show, and artists from the Edison cylinder phonograph will all come alive in the period setting. A special feature will be the making of a wax record as done in the early 1900s.

Mr. Wilkes is known as a performer and composer of ragtime and a longtime producer of related events. This special evening will include piano solos of the era plus his originals - a number of which are standards now in the current ragtime scene. He has spent many years researching the genre and has hosted radio series, published articles and interviews, and continues to give lectures.

The Edison phonograph will bring alive performers of the era - heard just the way they were a century ago out of the morning glory horn! No electricity needed! The sounds and voices of the stars of the phonograph will fill the parlor once again. An extra special feature will be the making of a recording on a wax cylinder. The audience will be part of the process.

Mr. Wilkes will also accompany a nickelodeon show - early programs to appear in the first movie theaters. Such shows were made up of short films, slides, singing, and educational or news items. The program is jam packed with wonderful historical films - a scene of New York City in the 1890s; a magical trick film with special effects; scenes from the San Francisco earthquake of 1906; Max Linder - forgotten comic genius and world's first star comedian on the screen; a talking picture from 1905; an Illustrated Song with gorgeous hand-painted slides; and the fantastical science fiction film, A Trip To The Moon, from 1902.

This is one wonderful evening!

Attendees are most welcome to dress in period attire. Late 1890s to the teens are ideal.