
This event is part of the History on Tap series and will take place on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Kiggins Theatre in Vancouver, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
VANCOUVER – Step back in time for a captivating musical journey through the evolution of early 20th-century popular music and jazz! The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is excited to present Sammuel Hawkins and his 11-piece ensemble, The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra, for a special talk exploring the influence of technology on music from 1915-1940. This exciting event is part of the History on Tap series and will take place on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Kiggins Theatre in Vancouver, with doors opening at 6 p.m.

“Ragtime to Swing and Everything in Between” will feature historical storytelling and live music, highlighting key moments in the development of American popular music. The event will include a range of iconic genres, from ragtime to early swing, brought to life by The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra, led by Sammuel Hawkins, local authority on early jazz and 20th-century popular music.
Hawkins, who serves as the Executive Director of the Historic Music Preservation Project, will guide the audience through this musical history, showcasing how technological advancements like radio and recording reshaped the sounds of the time. Attendees will enjoy an immersive experience of both rich musical history and engaging live performance.

Event Details
- Date & Time: Wed., Jan. 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
- Location: Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA
- Admission: Free for CCHM members | $5 in advance for general public | $10 at the door
- Tickets: Available at Kiggins Theatre Box Office or online at kigginstheatre.com
The 2025 History on Tap season is presented by Vancouver’s Downtown Association, with sponsorship from Heritage Bank and program support provided by Versa Events.
About the Clark County Historical Museum
The Clark County Historical Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of Clark County, Washington. The museum offers a range of exhibits, events, and programs throughout the year to engage the public in learning about the area’s past.
About Sammuel Hawkins
In addition to his musical interests, Sammuel Hawkins is the Public Programs & Outreach Manager for the Clark County Historical Museum. As the Executive Director of the Historic Music Preservation Project and leader of The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra, Sammuel has curated one of the largest collections of early popular music scores in the Western United States.
For more information, visit historicmusic.org or cchmuseum.org.
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