2020 Scott Joplin Festival Canceled

The 2020 Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival has been canceled, it was announced on Tuesday with the following statement:

With all factors considered, especially those in regard to the potential health implications associated with the coronavirus, a decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival. This decision is supported by festival partners - the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation Board, the Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Sedalia Area Tourism Commission, and the City of Sedalia.

The decision to cancel now, rather than later, permits the Foundation to secure deposit refunds on pianos, venues, marketing, insurance and other expenses incidental to the operation of the 2020 Festival. We’re disappointed to announce this decision but we’ve already received many requests for ticket cancellation and don’t expect virus concerns will abate soon enough for us to proceed confidently with Festival plans this year.

We wish you good health and urge you to remain vigilant as the Covid-19 virus crisis unfolds in the coming weeks or months. We will re-focus on the 2021 Festival and continue to promote ragtime and our Festival through our web site and Facebook page.