Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert Series Announced by Public Museum

Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the first Mighty Wurlitzer Organ concert of the series with performances by Dwight Thomas on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. Titled “Pizza Parlour Potpourri,” Thomas will have guests reminiscing about visits to one of the many pizza parlors across the nation that featured theater organs.

Dwight made his theater organ debut at age 17 when he joined the organist staff at the Paramount Music Palace restaurant in Indianapolis, studying under famed organist John Ferguson.

In addition to being a classically trained organist, Dwight is also an established theater organist, was named “Theater Organist of the Year” by the American Theater Organ Society in 2006, and was staff organist playing the famous Indianapolis Wurlitzer organ at the Roaring 20's, Pizza and Pipes in Ellenton, Florida. Dwight is currently Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition to his duties there, he teaches organ at State College of Florida, in Bradenton.

Shows will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18 and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 in the Meijer Theater at the GRPM. Tickets for individual concerts are $10 for the general public, $8 for museum members, and $5 for children 17 and under. Tickets are available by calling 616.456.3977 or by visiting www.grpm.org/organconcerts.

Here is the 2015 full schedule:
Dwight Thomas – “Pizza Parlor Potpourri” on September 18 & 19
Justin Stahl – “A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That…” on October 23 & 24
Dale Zieger – “The Song Has Ended, but The Melody Lingers On” on November 27 & 28
Stephen Warner – “Holiday Cheer” on December 18 & 19