Vox Wurlitzer Spring 2012

Vox Wurlitzer
The Newsletter of the
Long Center Theatre Organ Society
Spring 2012 Edition
www.lctos.org – Facebook: LCTOS
She’s All Back Together Again
The Mighty Wurlizer Sounds Sensational!
For the first time in nearly five years, the Long Center Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre
Pipe Organ is back in place, fully restored, with all 21 ranks (sets) of pipes
speaking forth. The monumental effort that began with last summer’s fundraising efforts and silent film performance on the less-than-whole Wurlitzer
culminated in the reinstallation this past March.
Water damage suffered in the Main Chamber (above the left side box) rendered
the instrument almost unplayable; nearly 40% of the organ was damaged. The
pipes all sit in leather-lined boxes called chests. Water, leather, and wood do
not mix, nor does the special glue that binds all these things together.
Meanwhile, there are other leather-lined boxes called regulators and
tremulants (these control the proper volume of wind to each chest and set of
pipes, then “shake” the wind which gives the theatre organ its distinctive
vibrato). Two major chests, plus regulators and tremulants and some pipework
all needed repairs. In addition, the console and bench needed repairs and the
gold leaf ornamentation needed to be touched up.
The dollars to make this repair and renovation possible came from far and
wide: our generous donors, a fund-raiser hosted by Bob and Ellie Haan, a
$13,000 grant received from the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, a
grant from the American Theatre Organ Society, and the Caterpillar
Foundation, all added up to more than $40,000 – enough to repair the pipe
chamber and refurbish the organ console.
Carlton Smith Pipe Organ Restorations of Indianapolis - caretakers of this
instrument for more than 23 years - got the job done on time and right on
budget, with all the components reinstalled between March 19th and March
23rd. While Jay Mermoud and Nancy Burton have given the Wurlitzer a
workout, yours truly was in town in late April to also get some work done, and
the organ sounds just fabulous – better than ever!
We are all set for a community-wide celebration for the 30th Anniversary
Concert on June 2nd with details in this newsletter. More new programming is
also scheduled as we get back to presenting the Wurlitzer on a regular basis!
Ken Double
President, Long Center Theatre Organ Society &
American Theatre Organ Society
Let the Celebration Begin
_______________________
Area All –Star Cast Set to Celebrate 30
Years of the Wurlitzer
Ken Double has made a reputation for himself in the
Lafayette area for staging variety entertainment while
presenting his concerts on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre
Organ. The 30th Annual Ken Double Variety Show coming
up June 2nd will be no exception. In fact, it might set a new
standard!
Of course, Ken with his unique styling and sense of humor will be front and center, with the rebuilt Wurlitzer
sounding better than ever. Adding to the mix will be some of the area’s most talented and well known
individuals.
Sheila Klinker and her daughter Kelly will sing; Ken Bootsma, the former Executive Director of the Lafayette
Symphony Orchestra will perform on the grand piano along with his wonderful quartet; a trio from the Bach
Chorale will sing pops tunes; Bill Kissinger and his golden trombone will again join Ken on stage; Indianapolis
organist Mark Herman will do a cameo at the Wurlitzer including an appearance by Anthony Snitker, a
modern-day Fred Astaire song-and-dance man in the great tradition; and we will also enjoy a hilarious silent
film comedy. Ed Sullivan never had it so good!!
Advanced tickets for this wonderful night of entertainment are just $15 for adults and $10 for students. The
price at the door will be $18. Children 12 and under are always free! Tickets are available online at
www.lctos.org or at the Long Center Box office at 111 N. 6th Street (765-742-LONG) between noon and 5pm,
Monday through Friday.
The show is graciously sponsored by WLFI-TV 18, where Ken once did the sports every night. WBAA Radio
and Bistro 501 are presenting as co-sponsors of the event along with support from many other local
businesses. Please join us in thanking and patronizing these businesses – they’re a vital part of our success.
With ticket sales and your membership, the bottom line of Long Center Theatre Organ Society gets better all
the time. We’re always looking to the future for more programming and the support needed to make the
concerts and silent film events possible.
Plan to attend. Bring your friends, family and neighbors.
Introduce someone to this most unique brand of
entertainment. Join with so many others in the community to
support this musical gem, the Mighty Wurlitzer!
Did you know this is one of just six theatre organs in all of
Indiana and carries on a tradition at Long Center that dates to
the old Mars Theatre days in 1921? What we like to call “The
Musical Soul of Long Center” sings forth again June 2nd!
A Full Season of Music
Returns
Now that the organ is 100% again,
it’s time for more shows!
Friday, September 14th – 7:30PM
A Buster Keaton Silent Film Classic
STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.
Ken Double at the Wurlitzer
Also coming soon…
The 1927 Academy Award Best Picture - WINGS
Starring Clara Bow, Buddy Rodgers, & Richard Arlen
Organist Mark Herman in concert after his cameo with Ken on
June 2. Come hear one of the spectacular YOUNG artists on
the Wurlitzer
June 2013 – Ken Double starts the NEXT 30 YEARS!
Meet Mark Herman
Mark Herman was born in August of 1987 and currently resides in Indianapolis,
Indiana. He has been studying the piano since he was seven years old and began
classical organ lessons at the age of twelve. His first introduction to the theatre organ
was when he was in fourth grade and was at the Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort
Wayne. This was made possible by the late Robert Goldstine and the local American
Guild of Organists chapter’s “Room on the Organ Bench” program. In 2001, he began
theatre organ studies with John Ferguson of Indianapolis, who is recognized
worldwide for his skills as a teacher.
In the summer of 2003, Mark was given the opportunity to play a cameo performance
at the American Theatre Organ Society’s (ATOS) annual convention in Oakland,
California. The following year, he won the ATOS Young Theatre Organist Competition
in Milwaukee at the Riverside Theatre. That enabled him to perform a critically
acclaimed concert for the ATOS 50th Anniversary Convention in Pasadena, which took
place the following July. During the summer of 2006, he toured for six weeks in
Australia and New Zealand, setting records in CD sales at many of the venues in which
he appeared. In 2009, he returned for a second 7-week tour of those countries. Over the past few years, he has played
dozens of solo concerts in theatres and venues from coast to coast. He is a graduate of The Theatre School, DePaul
University in Chicago where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts with a focus in Theatre
Management. In addition to playing the organ, Mark has also been known to perform on the piano, as well as introduce
several original compositions. Mark is a proud endorsee of Hammond Organs and Leslie Speakers for Hammond Suzuki
USA. Mark currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana where he is Sales Director at the Phoenix Theatre, a professional live
theatre presenting contemporary works.
He feels special gratitude towards his parents, Ron and Andrea, as well as all of his family and friends who have
supported him from the beginning. For more information, please visit www.MarkHermanProductions.com
Organ Repair is
Hard Work
Carlton Smith & Crew Give the
Wurlitzer Its Voice Back
Removing about half of the 1,456 pipes of the organ from 30 feet
above the stage takes planning and a great deal of labor. We are
fortunate to have the Mighty Wurlitzer maintained by the
Indianapolis firm of Carlton Smith Pipe Organ Restorations;
specialists in theatre pipe organs just like ours. We’re in very
capable hands!
Right: Carlton Smith is on the lift about half way up to the catwalk
leading to the Main Chamber where the damage occurred. The
console is partially covered as it prepares to leave for a complete
refinishing. The pipes, chests, and console took about 6 months of
work to repair.
Above: Technician Justin Nimmo unwires dozens of
connections which come from the 4-rank chest while sitting
atop the 7-rank chest.
Right: Technician Harold Wright stands in the small doorway
leading to the Main Chamber. The boxes above him mounted
on the wall are tremulants mentioned on Pg. 1.
Why join LCTOS?
Our ability to do concerts for your enjoyment is financially supported by ticket sales, grants, and your
generosity – each are vital to the sound of the Mighty Wurlizter in our home town. Best of all, there’s a
membership level for everyone. See Page 6 for details on how to join!
Thank You Everyone!
The restoration of the Mighty Wurlitzer at Long Center and our 30th Anniversary
celebration would not be possible without the support offered by the following people and
organizations. Over the past 30 years thousands of patrons and dozens of volunteers have kept
this organ and concert series going. Your support is appreciated and is woven into the history
of this unique instrument in your home town. Congratulations to all involved for everything it
takes to make these things happen and we look forward to your continued support of concerts
on the Mighty Wurlitzer!
Individuals:
Ken Double*
Jay Mermoud*
John Wellman*
Nancy Burton*
Joe Bumbleburg
Bob Mertz
Eric VanCleave
Carlton Smith
Rich Lewis
Harold Wright
Brad McClincy
Bob & Ellie Haan
Mike & Pam Luenz Brandon Stevens
Tim Needler
Mark Herman
Rick Prusator
Marc Elliott
Jeff Smith
Pamela Dunn
Ken Bootsma
Bill Kissinger
Karen Goff
Sally Goeke
Greg Kapp
Cheryl Ubelhor
Lynne McHenry
Bill Farner
Steve Curtis
Doug Kern
Jeremy Ruemler
Samuel Parker
Dick Nagel
Gerard Benner
Anthony Cawdron Michelle Jackson
Keith Paris
Todd Wetzel
Lance Duerfahrd
*LCTOS Board of Directors
Special Thanks to the Hon. Tony Roswarski, Mayor of Lafayette
Daniel Pierce*
Justin Nimmo
Ivan Brumbaugh
Anthony Snitker
Kristine Perrin
Marcy Miller
Shawn Chase
Jerome Hemerbach
Paul Helgerman
VERY SPECIAL THANKS: We must acknowledge the extraordinary support of long-time LCTOS Life Member
Bob Mertz who has been a major contributor to this instrument, LCTOS, and Long Center. Bob served on our
Board of Directors as Treasurer for a number of years and without his support, wise counsel, attention to
detail, and sense of humor, none of what you see and hear of the Mighty Wurlitzer would have been possible.
THANK YOU BOB!
Organizations:
The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette
WBAA
American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS)
Bach Chorale Singers
Caterpillar Foundation
Lafayette Indiana Historic Automobile Club
Tippecanoe Arts Federation
Westminster Village
WLFI TV 18
Bistro 501
Central Indiana Chapter of ATOS
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra
Tipmont REMC
Main Street Cheese & Wine
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Concert Program Advertizers*:
WLFI TV-18 – Corporate Sponsor
WBAA – Co-sponsor
Mark S. Davis – Attorney At Law
Bundy-McNear Insurance
Bistro 501 – Co-sponsor
Shook Agency – Coldwell Banker
State Farm Agent Trent Johnson
*Advertise with LCTOS by contacting us at [email protected]. Advertisements come with tickets to our June 2
show depending on the level of ad purchased.
From the Desk of the
Vice President
In about 1990 I began attending concerts at Long
Center when the Long Center Theatre Organ Society
(LCTOS) was in its relative infancy. This June we
celebrate 30 years of organ concerts in this
magnificent building and it’s hard to imagine I’ve been
attending concerts or involved on and off for 22 of
those years. I developed an early appreciation for
music and began taking piano lessons at 6 years old
then eventually discovered classical pipe organ at15. I was hooked! As my passion for music developed, I began
playing for churches for hire, composing music, and singing, all of which I continue to do to this day.
What happened after discovering classical organ is the same thing that has happened for dozens of young
Indiana organists of my generation, I took a trip with my family to the Paramount Music Palace in Indianapolis,
a pizza parlor with a 4-manual, 40-rank Wurlitzer with professional artists playing every night. Long since
moved, the Paramount Wurlitzer was for many the first time to get to hear the thrilling sound of the Mighty
Wurlitzer and did it ever thrill! I can’t tell you the number of times I put a request in for the organist to play the
theme to Star Wars just to hear the trumpets! I quickly learned we had a theatre organ of our own in Lafayette
at Long Center and I had to find a way to try it out. Two very gracious gentlemen who managed Long Center at
the time – Carroll Copeland and Ernie Deagan – were glad to give me the chance. I starting coming to concerts
to hear Ken Double, Bill Tandy, Lee Erwin, Simon Gledhill, Jelani Eddington, Martin Ellis, and many others
display remarkable artistry on this organ. It didn’t take long to discover Indiana is a great state for theatre
organ. Indiana is home to the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (CIC-ATOS) and
some of the finest theatre organists playing today. A sister group to LCTOS, CIC-ATOS is a highly regarded
organization that owns, maintains and promotes theatre organ across the state. Check out cicatos.org for more
information and take the opportunity to enjoy the many fine installations they support.
With the Long Center Mighty Wurlitzer restored and the Paramount Music Palace gone, we need YOU to bring
aspiring musicians, pianists, organists, music lovers, family, and friends to be inspired by the sound and the
artistry that is theatre organ. On June 2 - or any upcoming LCTOS concert - bring with you the people who will
be our fans, leaders, our organists, our supporters in 1, 5, 10 and yes, 30 years from now. Consider
volunteering to usher, sell CDs, distribute posters, edit the newsletter, or serve on our board. We look forward
to seeing you June 2 for the community celebration of this instrument we’re calling, “The 30th Annual Ken
Double Variety Show.” Kick off the next 30 years of theatre organ music at Long Center in style! Group rates for
10 or more and volunteer information are available by contacting us at [email protected].
Jay Mermoud
Vice President, LCTOS
LCTOS is Online
Check out our NEW website at www.lctos.org for ticket purchases, information on the Mighty Wurlitzer,
concert events, links to local and national theatre organ organizations, membership information and more!
2012-2013 MEMBERSHIP FORM
Members of the Long Center Theatre Organ Society (LCTOS) have generously supported our concert series and
maintenance of the magnificent Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ across three decades. Won’t you join the
hundreds of past and current members by adding your support? Your support is absolutely vital to the continuation
of all that we do! Membership includes our newsletter, Vox Wurlitzer, your source for theatre organ information in
Lafayette and around Indiana. Joining LCTOS will ensure this musical community treasure continues to fill Long
Center with thrilling sound of the Mighty Wurlitzer.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________________
City:___________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: ______________________
Telephone:_____________________________________________
Email:__________________________________ I’ll Volunteer: _____Yes* ____ No thank you.
I prefer to receive LCTOS’ newsletter, Vox Wurlitzer, via PDF in email: _____
(Receiving Vox Wurlitzer this way saves paper, postage, and costs!)
For your security and privacy LCTOS does not share your information with third parties.
*If you checked Yes to volunteer, an LCTOS representative will contact you about how you’d like to help!
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
Wills & Bequests
Life Member - $1,000 & above
Pipe Partner - $500 - $999
Key Contributor - $250 - $499
In-Tune Member - $100 - $249
General Member - $25 - $99
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Consider remembering LCTOS in your will
and estate planning. For further
information, please contact any LCTOS
officer or email: [email protected]
Make checks payable to: “LCTOS” and Mail to:
LCTOS
PO Box 177
Lafayette, IN 47902
Long Center Theatre Organ Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution may be tax
deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 400
Lafayette, Indiana
Long Center Theatre Organ Society
PO Box 177
Lafayette, IN 47902-0177
WLFI TV18
presents
The 30th Annual Ken Double
Variety Show
Starring Ken Double
at the Mighty Wurlitzer of Long Center
Tickets available NOW at
lctos.org
Vocalists:
Sheila Klinker & Kelly Jacobs
The Bach Chorale Trio
- Karen Goff, Sally Goeke, Marcy Miller
Anthony Snitker
There’s more information inside
about the restoration of the Mighty
Wurlitzer and the celebration
concert planned for June 2!
Instrumentalists:
Bill Kissinger, Trombone
Pianist Ken Bootsma & His Trio
Mark Herman, Organist