2023-2024 Touring Season

Concert Programs:

*NEW* Have an historic American theater? We have an NEA presenting grant! Click here for details: Paragon Live in Historic American Theaters!

“…delightfully infectious. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and its dynamic director have found a winning formula for educating the public in the most enjoyable way….”

– FANFARE

SCOTT JOPLIN & THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF RAGTIME

The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra presents SCOTT JOPLIN & THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF RAGTIME

Travel back to the early 1900s as modern life begins: America falls in love with electricity and automobiles, flying machines take to the sky, and vaudeville creates American Idols. Join Rick Benjamin and the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra as they bring to life the thrilling sounds of Scott Joplin – “King of Ragtime Writers” – and his ingenious rivals, as they invent “America’s Original Music.” PRO’s most popular program – critically acclaimed across 48 U.S. states and several countries abroad!

Download the PRO Concert Programs flyer/poster here: PRO Concert Flyer (PDF file).

Watch a video excerpt of this show:
PRO record the hit 1917 dance number, “Step With Pep,” which has been the longtime “opener” of their Scott Joplin & the Original Kings of Ragtime program.

Read an unsolicited presenter endorsement of this program: “Thank You, PRO”

BOOKING INFORMATION:
North America and China –
ARIEL ARTISTS
[email protected]
(857) 472-3366

Europe, South America, Far East (except China) –
PRIMUSIC – MUSIDAT LTD, VIENNA
[email protected]
+43 (676) 500-9036

‘ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

PRO Christmas Program

Touring annually in November and December, ‘ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE is PRO’s stylish and warm-hearted tribute to America’s Holiday musical traditions. This colorful program features favorite selections from the theaters, ballrooms, grand mansions, and humble hearthsides of the Victorian era. Familiar Christmas songs and carols are heard from their original 19th century scores, along with novelties (including a ragtime version of the Nutcracker Suite!) and sparkling instrumental and vocal soloists. As a finale, the Orchestra accompanies a screening of one of the world’s first Christmas movies – a 1905 Thomas Edison production. ‘ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE is a unique event that will delight and cheer your audiences well into the New Year.

Sample program and sound clips coming soon!

BOOKING INFORMATION:
North America and China –
ARIEL ARTISTS
[email protected]
(857) 472-3366

Europe, South America, Far East (except China) –
PRIMUSIC – MUSIDAT LTD, VIENNA
[email protected]
+43 (676) 500-9036

YOU’RE A GRAND OLD RAG:
GEORGE M. COHAN’S BROADWAY

PRO - Cohan Program photo

For generations, the name GEORGE M. COHAN has conjured the rollicking magic that is Broadway. And this legend is real: as America’s beloved tunesmith and original “Song & Dance Man,” Cohan actually was the father of modern musical theater. This exciting PRO program – starring Colin Pritchard – offers a stirring look at George M’s amazing life and music – “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “H-a-rr-i-gan,” “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Over There!,” and all the rest. You’re A Grand Old Rag is a tap-dancing bravura performance that brings audiences to their feet!

Colin Pritchard as Geo. M. Cohan

Sample program and sound clips coming soon!

BOOKING INFORMATION:
North America and China –
ARIEL ARTISTS
[email protected]
(857) 472-3366

Europe, South America, Far East (except China) –
PRIMUSIC – MUSIDAT LTD, VIENNA
[email protected]
+43 (676) 500-9036

SPECIAL EVENTS & CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS:

PRO at South Street Seaport, NYC.

The Orchestra also creates customized programs for special events, Centennials, celebrations, and holidays. With over 20,000 historic scores covering every musical style popular from the Civil War era to the Jazz Age, and with acclaimed American music expert (and showman) Rick Benjamin in charge – we have the power and experience to custom-build programs especially for your venue, event, or theme. Your imagination is the only limit! Our client list over 30 years ranges from billion-dollar entertainment conglomerates to major performing arts centers and museums to small not-for-profit groups (and everything in-between). Call us with your ideas for a free consultation: (570) 524-9511, or email [email protected]

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS:

The PRO also offers condensed 50 minute versions of all of the above programs for “Young Audiences” in schools; we have different versions of each designed for specific age levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade, Grades 3-5, Middle School, and High School students. For information on educational programs, and on how to bring Paragon to your school, please call (201) 524-9511, or email [email protected]

Rick Benjamin talks to students