DESCRIPTION:
Eli Smith performing "Grizzly Bear Rag" and "Dizzy Fingers" at he 41st Annual World Championship Old-time Piano Playing Contest and Festival 5-23-2015 in East Peoria, IL. This fun filled musical weekend is sponsored by the nonprofit OMPA )oldtimepianocontest.org) and features a riverboat cruise, youth and adult piano contest, silent movies, antique sheet music and records and much more. This piece of Americana depends on donations to their website oldtimepianocontest.org to sponsor this music festival each year. Contestants and audience members gather from around the world to celebrate music prior to 1940. Performers are judged upon piano technique, interpretation, style, audience interaction and costume. Please consider a small donation to this volunteer organization and additional information about this music festival at oldtimepianocontest.org. OMPA desires to continue to support younger pianists like Eli with this unique event. Please view the numerous videos on YouTube and the award winning documentary movie "The Entertainers" at www.TheEntertainersMovie.com