Pianist returns Aug. 4 to Braumart Theatre
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Bob Milne will make a return appearance at the Braumart Theatre on Friday, Aug. 4.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7.
Milne is considered the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world. He was filmed and documented for future generations in 2004 during three days of interviews at the Library of Congress and was declared a National Treasure at the conclusion.
Milne is an active musical ambassador for the U.S. Department of State, and has performed numerous times in Japan, including the Okinawan Islands and Hokkaido. He has also performed in this capacity for members of the Swiss Parliament at the U.S. Embassy in Berne.
Milne's natural ability to hear and play music goes back to his early childhood. He said, "I knew how to play a piano long before I ever started, just push down the notes you hear, and the instrument will play itself. Can't everyone do this?" He considers either looking at music or practicing to be cheating.
A French horn player in high school, he went to the prestigious Eastman School of Music at the age of 17, and then became assistant first horn in the Rochester Philharmonic at age 19.
After symphony concerts, the students all hung out in local places. When the piano player didn't show up at a sing-along saloon one night, Milne filled in. They hired him on the spot. He continued playing the horn until age 21, then became a full-time piano player in the Detroit area, playing seven nights a week for 25 years.
Playing in concert halls now since 1991, Milne plays worldwide every year. He teaches music history at various universities around the country and is also the founder and director of the Frankenmuth Ragtime Festival in Michigan.
Milne teaches music and music history at Florida/Atlantic University every winter for lifelong learning. His courses are among the most popular in the curriculum.
Milne has been averaging about 250 performances a year. He is highly sought after for both his piano playing and easygoing, modest presentations.
He said, "If I have been given any ability at all, it is my duty to honor it by trying to improve that ability every time I perform."
The list of music festivals he's appeared at is extensive. They include the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Mo.; the Montreal Jazz Festival; the Eau Claire, Wis., Ragtime Festival; Sacramento Ragtime Festival in California; plus many others.
"Each time Milne plays at the Braumart I am amazed at the music, the stories he tells and the people he has met and played with. He is amazing. I look forward to a memorable evening of music," said Jinx Brew, director at the Braumart.
Advance tickets are on sale online at www.thebraumart.org for $14. Tickets also will be available at the door while supply lasts.