Renowned composer, musician to perform and discuss ragtime music at the University of Chicago

Reginald Robinson

What/Who: “Rediscovering Ragtime: An Evening with Reginald Robinson.”

The 2004 MacArthur ‘genius’ grant recipient and lifelong Chicago resident will lead the audience through a musical history of ragtime, through performances, historical discussion and projected images. The student-run Chicago Society is hosting the event.

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23

Where: Fulton Recital Hall, 5845 S. Ellis Avenue

Background: Robinson, 33, divides his time between performing and educating about ragtime across the country. In addition to ragtime, he specializes semi-classical, Latin, early blues and jazz. Of Thursday’s event, Robinson said, “It won’t just be a performance and it won’t just be a speech. I will share the music, but I also need to explain where the music comes from.” The event will be the first of its kind for the Chicago Society, which usually focuses on world issues and politics. A reception will follow the event.