The Dairyland Theatre Organ Society joyfully invites you to an afternoon of beautiful music and community fellowship at our Spring Concert featuring the esteemed theatre organist Mark Herman!
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• Saturday, March 14
• Doors open at 1 pm, concert starts at 2 pm
• FREE and Open to the Public
• Carma Labs (Carmex Warehouse) - 9750 South Franklin Drive, Franklin, WI 53132

Mark Herman is one of America’s most celebrated theatre organists, recognized for his captivating performances and deep passion for the rich sounds of the theatre pipe organ. He has performed hundreds of solo concerts and silent-film presentations in the United States and internationally. In 2012, he was honored as the American Theatre Organ Society’s Organist of the Year, making him the youngest musician ever to receive this prestigious award.

Mark’s performances are not only musically outstanding but also profoundly expressive. He combines classical music, film scores, and period-authentic arrangements to captivate listeners of all ages. Whether you are a longtime fan of theatre organ music or new to this unique art form, this concert guarantees a memorable and enjoyable experience.

This event is free and open to everyone, but seating is limited. We encourage attendees to bring a folding chair for comfort during the performance, as there is ample space for all!

Join us for an afternoon of music; bring a friend and enjoy great company along with inspiring sounds. We can’t wait to celebrate this musical event with you!

After sunset on February 13, 2026, members of the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society gathered at the Jonas home for a special event: a silent film accompanied by live organ music in a private residence. Jelani Eddington brought the 1925 comedy The Freshman to life on the home's historic theatre pipe organ, with sound resonating through the floor from the pipes below.

This event brought together people from the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society and the Preserve Music Foundation. Ryan, our club president, and his wife are also part of the Preserve Music Foundation. Together, we had a great time!

We walked into the home that smelled of popcorn, a great way to get in the movie mood. Before the event, we enjoyed popcorn, sweet treats, and good conversation. We want to thank our hosts, the Jonas family, for opening their home and sharing their hospitality with us.
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Jelani played a number to get us in the mood, then chatted about the film before heading right into it. He did a great job bringing this wonderful comedy to life. The organ, in capable hands, can draw people into the movie without stealing the show, and Jelani did that for those in attendance.

The Dairyland Theatre Organ Society enjoys sharing the theatre organ with others, but a benefit of membership is attending special events like this one! Nothing compares to participating in these smaller gatherings.

Thank you for being a member! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

If you're not yet a member, you can join! You don't need to own or even play the organ to join our ranks. We don't even have a special handshake! All that's required is a love of these instruments, completing a form, and paying the membership fee.

Join us online here / Discover more about membership options.

DeMille's *King of Kings* portrays the life, death, and resurrection of Christ through breathtaking visual storytelling that captivated audiences nearly a century ago. Featuring over 2,000 extras in the crowd scenes alone, this film stands as a masterpiece of silent cinema. Experiencing it with live organ accompaniment is truly how it was meant to be enjoyed.

Mike Jacklin expertly combines technical mastery with a deep sensitivity to music in this performance. He draws from the original score while also incorporating his own compositions, promising "a musical palette that utilizes nearly all the resources" of our renowned 4/90 Symphonic theatre organ at Carma Labs.

The organ boasts an impressive 90 ranks and hundreds of stops, including a variety of sound effects and percussion instruments that organists can access from the console. This remarkable instrument can generate a wide range of sounds, from powerful pedal ranks that resonate throughout the room to delicate stops that are barely audible. Mike will showcase these capabilities during the performance.

When: Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM
Where: Carmex Warehouse, 9750 South Franklin Drive, Franklin, WI 53132
Admission: FREE and open to the public
Parking: On-site parking is available; however, if the event draws a large crowd, street parking may be required.
Seating: Seating is limited, but there is plenty of available space. We suggest bringing a comfortable chair.

If you are a long-time fan of theatre organ music or simply curious about this unique art form, now is your chance to experience the magic of silent film as audiences did during the golden age of cinema. Enjoy live music that brings every scene to life!

We hope to see you there!