Tues., Oct. 7 at 7:00 p.m. Richard Zimmerman, the grand wizard of ragtime piano, returns from Illinois to perform at the First Baptist Church of Menlo Park at 1100 Middle (corner Arbor) very near where his ragtime career began in 1956 while a student at Stanford University. Suggested donation is $20. Proceeds will benefit Samaritans Purse in assisting recent storm disaster victims. For information, contact Carol Maslin (650)323-8544 or cfjmaslin@juno.com or visit www.firstbaptis.com.

Zimmerman played his first professional ragtime concert in Palo Alto 52 years ago while studying mechanical engineering at Stanford. A consummate entertainer, ragtime historian, recording artist, and a professional magician – musically and otherwise – he has since earned the title “Champion Ragtime Performer of the World.” He is also noted for his historical writings as editor of The Rag Times, for co-founding the Maple Leaf Club in Los Angeles, and for serving as music director for countless ragtime festivities, including the International Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, MO.

Reservations are not required for the Oct. 7 concert. Doors open at 6:30. The church is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available behind the church on Arbor. Zimmerman performs in San Francisco and other locations on his tour of his home state of California. For information on other concerts, please contact Nan Bostick at (650) 328-5792 or rtnan@earthlink.net.