The newly formed (2014) White Star Line Ragtime Ensemble is a time-capsule that revisits the era of the forerunners of our modern ocean-going liners which plied the Atlantic from 1845 until 1934. Aboard these magnificent vessels under the White Star Line Banner were full company orchestras which often split into smaller groups to entertain passengers throughout their voyage in various venues on these “Sultans of the Seas.” Fully blossoming by 1912, ragtime and other popular music of that era was played by talented on-board musicians for the enjoyment of all passengers who delighted in listening and dancing to these syncopated melodies.

Let the White Star quintet of musicians put their own hallmark on some of these special favorites of that era. The Ensemble is comprised of Frank Sano on piano, Kay Fiori on violin, Paul Goldman on washboard and percussion, Hal Groody on banjo and guitar, and Art Levin on tuba. The ensemble’s appearance at Steamers is its RagFest debut.