Creativity, practice and ‘Bathtub Pickles’ lead Eden Prairie pianist to national ragtime title

Creativity, practice and ‘Bathtub Pickles’ lead Eden Prairie pianist to national ragtime title

David Cavalari has tickled — and pounded — the ivories for a decade in search of the title of the nation’s top old-time piano player. It finally happened. The pianist notched the victory at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest in Oxford, Mississippi, over Memorial Day weekend, earning a $2,000 prize. For Cavalari, the victory was years in the making. EPLN last visited him before his 2024 contest performances. He placed fifth tha…