Join us for a special pre-show performance in our courtyard from 5:30-7:30pm by the New England Syncopators! Performances will take place during weekday evening performances & weekend matinees. 

You have reached the best destination for ragtime and old-time music this side of New England! We are the New England Syncopators, a historically accurate ensemble recreating the music of the 1890s and early 1900s. Ragtime is what we may consider today, a sub-genre of jazz, but was once the dominant style of popular music in America. With its' roots in African and Caribbean styles, and the traditional fiddle music of Ireland and Scotland, this unique music was born out of the South. It was popularized by the "King of Ragtime", famed composer Scott Joplin, and his associates, Joseph Lamb and James Scott. 

The popularity of ragtime was immense by the late 1890s and had reached all corners of the U.S.A. Composers from California to Connecticut would try their hand at this new type of music, creating a music publishing boom in the 1910s. Ragtime would be performed at America's many bandstands, vaudeville theatres, private clubs, school graduations, etc. By the end of World War I, with the advent of 'jazz', ragtime was seen as passé. Since the 1970s, ragtime has seen a revival of performing and composing, brought on by the film score of The Sting.

The Bushnell prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets. Performance run times are an estimate only. Most performances are live in nature and therefore run times are subject to change without notice.

The Sunday, October 4 evening performance of THE GREAT GATSBY will be American Sign Language interpreted and audio described; The Friday October 2 evening performance will be open captioned. For all accessibility inquiries, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator at (860) 987-5900 or info@bushnell.org.

LEARN MORE WATCH ASL PROMO

Join us for Broadway in Hartford! Explore Broadway Series subscription package options: 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

To purchase tickets for groups of 10 or more, please call (860) 987-5959 or contact groups@bushnell.org.

See group ticket pricing