Beginning in 2016, musicologist Aaron Robinson began a 3-year long journey to compile, transcribe and edit the complete ragtime works for piano of American composer, pianist and long-time friend: Glenn Jenks (1947-2016). Not realizing the magnitude of archival material, the folio grew from a few rags into a 300-page compilation with a Foreword by legendary composer and pianist Max Morath. Robinson gathered personal stories by those to whom Jenks had dedicated rags, and a remarkable collection of nearly 40 masterworks for keyboard was published that included: One-Steps, Two-Steps, Classic Rags, Cake Walks, Novelties, Tangos, Waltzes, etc. If you would like to purchase a downloadable copy of the COMPLETE RAGTIME WORKS OF GLENN JENKS – please visit the SHEET MUSIC section on this website.

During the compilation process, an idea began to take hold with Robinson to resurrect the Ragtime Revue that Jenks himself once produced and hosted on stage at the Camden Opera House in Camden, Maine back in the 1990s to sold out audiences; but this time – in honor of his colleague and friend – rename the Revue: The Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue. Almost 30 years to the day (October 12, 1989 – October 5, 2019) from when Jenks himself launched his very first Harvest Ragtime Revue, Robinson premiered his Ragtime Revue to a sold out audience in the same Opera House to benefit the Glenn Jenks “Future in Music” Musical Scholarship through the Bay Chamber School of Music Prize Program.

Today, the Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue holds its annual event in various locations throughout the Midcoast area of Maine. In addition to bringing together the world’s most talented and influential musicians in ragtime and early jazz, the Ragtime Revue recognizes both upcoming musical talents and those in the Ragtime field who have achieved acclaim and regard through lifetime devotion and contribution to the genre. Recipients of the Glenn Jenks Ragtime Emeritus Award have been pianist Sue Keller (2019), author and music historian Dr. Edward A. Berlin (2022) and Susan Boyce (2024).

Recipients of the Glenn Jenks Lifetime Achievement Award have been Max Morath (2022) and Larry Melton (2024).

The Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that sponsors each year a FUTURE IN MUSIC scholarship to young musicians in Maine who wish to further their studies in the field of music through the Bay Chamber YOUNG STARS OF MAINE Award Program. Winners of the Award: Owen Kennedy – fiddle (2019), Mavy Le – electric violin (2022),  Benjamin Rosenthal – violin, (2023) and Michael Bostock – piano (2024).

Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue performers artists and special guest appearances include: Martin Spitznagel, piano – Studio Red Dancers – Sean Fleming and his Ragtime Orchestra – Sue Keller, piano – Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi, piano – The Halcyon String Quartet – Owen Kennedy,  fiddle – Mavy Lee, electronic violin – The Ragtime Revue Chorus – Ethan Uslan, piano – Brian Holland, piano and Danny Coots, drums – Corte Swearingen, piano – Jones & Boyce, dance.

American pianist and musical archivist Corte Swearingen released  THE COMPLETE RAGTIME WORKS FOR PIANO- VOL I by Glenn Jenks on March 1, 2024. Volume I contains 17 ragtime works by Jenks from 1972 – 1986, including THE HARBOUR RAG, THE EXEMPLAR and THE RAGTIME HERMIT THRUSH. You can purchase the complete Album HERE.

For more information about the Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue  – to join its Mailing List – or learn how to become a sponsor: Email – bonniebrae1947@gmail.com

MISSION STATEMENT: Ragtime Revue honors the life and legacy of composer, pianist and musicologist Glenn Jenks (1947 – 2016) by promoting music through performance, education and scholarship to aspiring musicians.