Use The Brothers’ Network’s discount code “BRONET24” when purchasing tickets.

“Melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint” (New York Times) are hallmarks of Aaron Diehl’s playing. Praised for his “freedom and playfulness” (Philadelphia Inquirer), this celebrated musical polymath makes his PCMS debut with a program titled: An Evening of Ragtime and Harlem Stride. One of the most athletic forms of jazz piano from the early 20th century, “stride” features a characteristic leaping left hand and a heavy use of improvisation and syncopation. It was also highly competitive. Pianists would often have “cutting contests,” many times at Harlem rent parties, where performances occurred in homes to help the tenants and musicians make ends meet. Aaron Diehl’s Valentine’s Day recital connects that history to our current time with a concert featuring compositions by James P. Johnson, Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller, Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith, and other luminaries from the 1920’s.

An Evening of Ragtime and Harlem Stride
featuring works by Eubie Blake, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, and more

Running time: 75 minutes (without intermission)