LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: CAPE ROSE RAG IS AN ORIGINAL

Dear Editor,

I wish to correct the impression that may have been created by Thursday's Speak Out about The Cape Rose Rag, the music commissioned by Lady Luck for Cape Girardeau.

I commissioned the composition from one of the nation's outstanding ragophiles and composers about two months ago. It will be copyrighted as The Cape Rose Rag. It was my idea to commission this piece. I assure you this music is not used anywhere else by Lady Luck. Ragtime is traditional riverboat music.

The composer, Trebor Tichnenor, is a headliner at many national musical festivals, including the one in Seattle, Washington, which he played the Saturday following our premiere party. He is also the co-author of the book Rags and Ragtime, and has twice been featured on the NBC Today Show. He founded the St. Louis Ragtimers in 1960.

Tichenor was selected to create this music because of hs reputation as a ragtime composer and musician. He was invited to play the first performance of his own music, which is customary. We are aware that there are many fine musicians in Cape Girardeau, and, in fact, employed local pianist Beverly Reece to play during part of our party.

SANDRA LAROUCHE

Communication Assistant

Lady Luck Resort & Casino