Don Franz: Tuba,
Trebor Tichenor: Piano,
Bill Mason: Trumpet,
Al Stricker: Banjo and Vocals,
Clarinet: Glenn Meyers or Eric Sager,
Guest Vocalist: Jeanne Kittrell
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December 2022
The St. Louis Ragtimers were together for 50 years as a group. The Ragtimers started in a very small bar in Gaslight featuring Traditional Riverboat Jazz.. at "The Natchez Queen." When Gaslight Square was mostly demolished by a tornado, Don Franz (after an idea by Trebor Tichenor, Ragtime Historian) purchased an old, run-down showboat on the Mississippi River Levee. The group helped restore the old boat and hosted Ragtime and Traditional Jazz Festivals there for over 30 years.. bringing in the very best performers from all over the U.S. and Europe. The Goldenrod became a National Heritage Site and The St. Louis Ragtimers, a National Treasure.
We are sad to report that Bill Mason, the last performing member of the group passed away recently (in early 2026) not long after Don Franz's wife passed away. Most Traditional music lovers are very familiar with the very long and storied career of Bill Mason, but Margie Franz was also an important booster for the band and the Goldenrod Festivals. Bill is survived by his family which includes Mark (Sonny Boy) Mason who has an ongoing internet radio show which recently broadcast a Show dedicated to his Father's career. LINK
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