A Summer Afternoon to Remember: DTOS Ice Cream Social at Elkhart Lake

On a beautiful summer afternoon, members of the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society gathered at the Bieck home in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for an Ice Cream Social, and it turned out to be a wonderful afternoon.
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The entertainment was skillfully provided by Elliot Sander, a native of Minnesota who has been playing the theatre organ for just five years. This short amount of time only enhances his impressive mastery of the instrument. Active with the Red River Theatre Organ Society and serving as one of the house organists at the Fargo Theatre, he has built a following through regular Facebook Live streams and has performed at restaurants and private events. His performances bring both piano and theatre organ experience to audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to encounter this music. He opened his set with "On Wisconsin," a song that holds special meaning for him because his father attended the university and is also his high school fight song. It was the perfect icebreaker, and the crowd loved it.

From there, Elliot put Gary Bieck's 3/19 Wurlitzer through its paces. The program ranged widely and delightfully: rousing marches, including 76 Trombones from Meredith Willson's beloved The Music Man; a swinging improvised march in the style of the great Gaylord Carter; and a tender moment with Red Sails in the Sunset, the classic by Hugh Williams and Jimmy Kennedy. He even stepped away from the organ bench to offer some cocktail piano — a silky rendition of As Time Goes By (cocktails not included, unfortunately).

Irving Berlin clearly holds a special place in Elliot's musical heart. He shared that affection with the audience through an Irving Berlin medley that moved through Blue Skies, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Always, and the lesser-known gem Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon — before inviting everyone to join in on God Bless America. And they did.
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But Elliot wasn't done showing his range. He dipped into 12-bar blues, swung through country favorites, including Don't Fence Me In, and brought the afternoon to a rousing close with There's No Business Like Show Business! — because there really isn't.

The music alone would have made the trip worthwhile, but DTOS gatherings are about more than the performance. Members arrived with dishes to pass — chicken, ham, salads, and desserts — and host Gary Bieck had his soft-serve machine humming, making the "Ice Cream Social" name more than just a suggestion. The Biecks' remarkable collection of mechanical music machines added to the atmosphere, ranging from beautifully preserved antiques to one that Gary built himself.
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With about 40 people in attendance, the afternoon was filled with great music, great food, and the kind of easygoing conversation that happens when you're surrounded by people who share your passions — old friends catching up and new ones just getting started.

If reading this makes you wish you'd been there, that's the point. Events like this one are for members only — so if you've been thinking about joining the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society, there's no better time. Your next invitation is on its way, and you can join us for our summer cookout in the Lake Geneva area.