The Mighty Wurlitzer is celebrating 40 years in Tauranga and to mark this significant anniversary the Tauranga Theatre Organ Society is holding a ``Wurli Weekend''.
This extravaganza will begin on Friday, with a programme for schools, introducing students to the Wurlitzer and how it works, and to the sounds ofthe theatre organ. These sessions will include demonstrations and a silent movie accompanied by the organ.
On Saturday, a Theatre Organ Master Class for advanced students of all ages will be hosted by Melbourne City organist, Scott Harrison. Scott has performed on theatre organs since 1987 across Australia, New Zealand, the USA and England and some of those experiences have included ``City Organist'' for the then City of Moorabbin (now Kingston) for a period of six years from 1987 through to 1993 residing over their magnificent 4/21 Wurlitzer.
During this time he also spent two years residing over TOSA Vic's prize 3/15 Dendy Wurlitzer.
``TOSA Vic gave me the honour of opening their 2005 National Convention on the 4/21 Kingston Wurlitzer, which was re-opened at this convention after extensive renovations,'' says Scott.
On Saturday a special invitation-only afternoon tea will be staged for all of those people who have contributed to keeping the 86-year-old organ playing over the past 40 years, with a performance by organist Len Hockly.
Sunday, 16 September _ 40 years to the day of the first performance in Tauranga in the Tauranga Town Hall, there will be a special anniversary concert at Baycourt Theatre beginning at 1.30pm.
Organist Scott Harrison will be joined in the second half of the show by Tauranga jazz band, Bay Dixie. Scott has worked with jazz bands before and promises a great afternoon's music _ a real toe-tapping musical celebration!
