Milne plays to full house in Opera House gallery

Bob Milne, considered to be the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world, performed before a full house June 12 in the Opera House Lobby & Gallery.

Milne's performances were filmed and documented for future generations in 2004 during three days of interviews at the U.S. Library of Congress, and was declared a "national treasure" at the conclusion. He is an active "musical ambassador" for the U.S. Department of State, and has performed numerous times in Japan, including the Okinawan Island and Hokkaido. He also has performed in the same capacity for the Swiss Parliment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern.

His natural ability to hear and play music boes back to his early childhood.

"I knew how to play a piano long before I ever started," Milne said. Just push down the notes you hear and the instrument will play itself. Can't everyone do this?"

Milne teaches music and music history at Florida/Atlantic University every winter for the Lifelong Learning program. His courses are among the most popular in the curriculum.

He has performed at many music festivals including the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Mo., and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Milne is co-founder of the Michigan Music Retreat, a 4-day event held in his hometown each September.

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of Bob Milne's performance at the Opera House June 12. Photos by Ken Schmierer.