November Social
We enjoyed yet another great DTOS social at Carma Lab on November 16. A standing-room-only crowd was treated to a splendid program by Detroit organist Dave Calendine, running the gamut from marches to polkas to railroad tunes (replete with dramatic sound effects) to old hymn favorites. Dave promised to play every rank in the stupendous Carma Lab instrument, and there's no doubt he did just that. The afternoon concluded with the usual array of treats and an open console session.
Sincere thanks to our always-gracious host Paul Woelbing, who once again generously shared this musical treasure with all comers.
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May/June Socials
Many thanks to members Kurt Schlieter and Gary Bieck for hosting DTOS for our May and June socials! On Saturday, May 18th, DTOS members and friends headed north to Neenah to the Schlieter warehouse, turned theater in the making, for an afternoon concert and silent film. Guest artist Dennis Scott played some Broadway tunes to an intimate, but enthusiastic group.
On Sunday, June 2nd, we traveled to Gary and Nany Bieck's house for our annual "ice cream social" featuring our very own Matt Senn at the console. In addition to great music and ice cream... Gary's impressive garden is always a highlight to see.
On Sunday, June 2nd, we traveled to Gary and Nany Bieck's house for our annual "ice cream social" featuring our very own Matt Senn at the console. In addition to great music and ice cream... Gary's impressive garden is always a highlight to see.
April Organ Piper Pizza Buffet and Concert
Pizza and pipe organs -- it's gotten tougher to find that classic combination nowadays. But DTOS members are fortunate to have the Organ Piper Pizza Palace right in their own backyard (Greenfield, WI). And, when it came time to schedule this year's pizza buffet/concert social for April 20, we didn't hesitate to invite Seamus Gethicker to entertain at the Organ Piper's magnificent 3/30 Wurlitzer/Kimball composite. (Seamus, as you may recall, wow'ed the crowd at last year's March social at Carma Labs. But, being an alternate featured organist at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, AZ, he found himself right at home in the Organ Piper environs, too.)
We -- all 116 of us -- had a grand time! After a terrific pizza lunch, Seamus sat down at the console for what he called some "messing around" which, to our ears, was a demonstration of his complete mastery of the instrument in all genres. But, if "messing around" meant "playful," we got that, too -- a helping of what he called "trashy" pizza parlor favorites, complete with mood lighting, the ducks and (when he finally found the right button) the disco ball.
It was great fun on top of great pizza. And, to finish things off on a high note, one lucky 50/50 raffle participant went home with almost $200.
We -- all 116 of us -- had a grand time! After a terrific pizza lunch, Seamus sat down at the console for what he called some "messing around" which, to our ears, was a demonstration of his complete mastery of the instrument in all genres. But, if "messing around" meant "playful," we got that, too -- a helping of what he called "trashy" pizza parlor favorites, complete with mood lighting, the ducks and (when he finally found the right button) the disco ball.
It was great fun on top of great pizza. And, to finish things off on a high note, one lucky 50/50 raffle participant went home with almost $200.
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March Concert/Social at Carma Labs
When two ATOS Theatre Organists of the Year collaborate on a performance, you just KNOW something special is going to happen! And, when Donnie Rankin and Jelani Eddington put their heads and talents together to entertain for the DTOS March social at Carma Labs on March 3, the result was nothing short of spectacular! While each was able to showcase their amazing individual artistry, the real magic emerged when the two performed together -- culminating in an unforgettable 100th-anniversary rendition of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" -- the full 16 minutes of it. Wow! Just WOW!
The duo brought a full house of over 140 to its feet several times. If you weren't in that appreciative crowd, you missed a concert that will be talked about for a long, long time.
The duo brought a full house of over 140 to its feet several times. If you weren't in that appreciative crowd, you missed a concert that will be talked about for a long, long time.
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July 2023 DTOS PicnicPerfect weather, good friends, good food, and a great mix of organ and organists made for a wonderful 2023 DTOS picnic at John Cornue's shop in Lake Geneva on July 16 . When both our featured artist and his back-up were sidelined by injury and illness, respectively, our host was pressed into service -- delivering a splendid program on short notice. (Double thanks, John!) Numerous others availed themselves of the open console afterward, and continued the afternoon's entertainment on the mighty Kilgen/Barton composite.
And then there was the food! Let's just say no one left hungry! If you missed it, learn your lesson! Put next year's DTOS picnic on your calendar the instant the date is announced. |
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June Social -- Dean Rosko at the Bieck ResidenceOur annual "ice cream" social held at the home of Gary and Nancy Bieck is always a "treat"! Not only do they have a lovely Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, their Hammond Elegante was featured first to get our program started. Perhaps just as amazing as the organs, Gary's gardens continue to amaze all who visit. Thank you to Dean for a great program!
Upcoming Events (see Bartola newsletter for details!): July: Summer Picnic at the Cornue Shop August: Social at the Datz Residence September: Music and a train ride at the East Troy Railroad Museum |
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Organ Piper Concert -- with Dave Wickerham -- April 23, 2023It's always a special event when Dave Wickerham comes to town! And this time we were able to join him for an afternoon of pizza and music in his "old stomping grounds" at the Organ Piper Music Palace in Greenfield. Dave gave the Organ Piper's 3/30 Wurlitzer/Kimball a real workout in that energetic and wide-ranging style that is his trademark. There was also a bonus appearance by vocalist Mark Demmin who, according to Dave, also has "good pipes." What a treat!
DTOS was delighted to welcome 130 enthusiasts from several midwestern states to this concert and pizza buffet as part of our busy 2023 calendar. Watch here for notices of upcoming concerts and events. |
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Geneva Theater ProjectWe are excited to be installing our club-owned original Style H Wurlitzer into the Geneva Theater in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!
Click here for more information! |