Music in the Park: “An Evening of Jazz”

WASHINGTON – Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “An Evening of Jazz.” On Saturday, July 19, ragtime enthusiast and performer, William McNally will perform on the 1874 Courthouse lawn.

Jazz music has its roots in local spirituals and other types of songs from the 19th century. One local musician named Scott Joplin of Texarkana influenced modern jazz music through his “ragtime” music. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

William McNally is a ragtime enthusiast and performer of the music of Scott Joplin. McNally is the 2016 and 2017 champion of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and the first three-time winner of its New Rag Contest. He has several recordings, including Chickens ‘n’ Kittens: a Ragtime Coup, which follows his interest in modern and classically trained ragtime composers. Learn more at www.williammcnally.com.

The event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Bobbie Arnold Atkinson Foundation, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Washington Grace Cottage, Hempstead County Historical Society, and Historic Washington State Park.