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Georgia

Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, Jazz & the Blues: A Millionaire’s Retreat on Jekyll

Program No. 8009RJ

Jekyll Island was once an exclusive destination for millionaires and the political elite. Join us at the historic Jekyll Island Club for an adventure of learning and island exploration.

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6 days

5 nights

12 meals

5B 3L 4D

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Jekyll Island, GA

Ragtime, Early Tin Pan Alley, Dixieland, Behind the Scenes

Jekyll Island, GA

Music Continues, Jekyll Ecology, Historic District Tram

Jekyll Island, GA

Music Continues, Free Time

Jekyll Island, GA

Music Continues, Boat Tour, Jam Session

Jekyll Island, GA

Wrap-Up, Program Concludes

Jekyll Island, GA

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At a Glance

Spend a week with two of the country's leading authorities and performers in the field of Ragtime, Dixieland and turn-of-the century popular music. Learn about great musicians like Scott Joplin, W. C. Handy, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and others, and immerse yourself in the music with live piano, flute and vocal performances of the tunes for which these artists are best remembered. Also explore Jekyll Island – one of Georgia’s southernmost barrier islands – home to the famous Jekyll Island Club, the exclusive and lavish resort where families like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once wintered.

Activity Level

Easy Going

Standing for on-site lectures, getting on/off a tram and boat during excursions. At the hotel, there are steps leading from the Bellstand to the veranda at the entrance (there is a handicap lift available). There are also 4 steps leading to the front desk. There is a gift shop at the hotel that has steps as well, which include 3 steps up and 3 steps down.

Best of all, you’ll…

During your stay, learn the history of the extravagant Jekyll Island Club Hotel, formerly one of the most exclusive clubs in America, which counted Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts among its members.
Learn from one of America’s leading authorities and performers of ragtime, Dixieland and other popular early 20th century music with live performances and engaging lectures.
Learn about Jekyll Island's rich history and ecology on a guided trolley tour through the National Landmark Historic District and a guided boat tour along the pristine Georgia coastline.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

Jeff Barnhart

Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, ASCAP composer, educator and entertainer. Jeff began his professional career at age 14 playing and entertaining four nights a week in a restaurant in Connecticut. In addition, he has lead two bands in the UK: the Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band and Jeff Barnhart’s British Band, which performs small group swing of the 30’s. Jeff enjoys performing with smaller groups, most notably Ivory&Gold®, a group he co-leads with his wife, Anne Barnhart.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

JoAnn Buisson View biography

JoAnn Buisson is a retired elementary school teacher from Boston, Mass. After college, she was employed as a nursery school teacher until 1981. She remained at home until 1994 in order to raise her children. In 1994, JoAnn accepted a position with a local elementary school as an art teacher, eventually retiring in 2014. Upon retirement, she moved to Jekyll Island with her husband. She continues her interest in the arts, taking several classes in pottery.

Jeff Barnhart View biography

Anne Barnhart View biography

Anne Barnhart is a flutist and vocalist whose musical experiences with Ivory&Gold® have taken her around the world. Her performances have been enjoyed from coast to coast in the US and abroad. When she is onstage, audiences are dazzled by her technique, awed by her tone and enthralled with her timing when bantering with her husband, pianist Jeff Barnhart. Anne is also a gifted educator, having taught hundreds of students over the past 30 years. Anne holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music.