Who We Are
The West Coast Ragtime Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization established for the preservation and promotion of Ragtime and vintage American music.
The Society produces the world's premiere annual ragtime festival in Sacramento / Northern California, the ragtime capital of the world! There's lots and lots of great music from the finest musicians and groups from the U.S. and other countries, spread over three days in convenient multiple venues, including dancing, all at a very reasonable price. This well-managed festival can proudly state that no other festival offers such a terrific program!
The Society was founded by ragtime enthusiasts in Fresno, California in the 1980s. The first ten festivals were produced in Fresno from 1987 to 1996. In 1997, the Society transferred its base of operations and the Festival to Sacramento.
Our Objectives
- To promote and preserve Ragtime music
- To provide a community where ragtime musicians can play their music to interested audiences
- To provide a liaison between ragtime musicians, ragtime societies and the listening public
- To provide young musicians of high school and college age and other beginners with the opportunity to play along with older and more experienced musicians