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Northwest Theatre Organ History
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1964 ATOE Western Regional Meeting, August 15-16, 1964
The following is an edited version of the meeting reviews published in The Bombarde ATOE journal, August 1964 and Theatre Organ, Spring 1965.
The 1964 Western Regional Meeting was based at the Heathman Hotel in Portland. Over 300 members and their families enjoyed a weekend of theatre pipe organ music by top notch artists on top notch organs.
Bill Peterson, secretary of Oregon Chapter MC'd and directed the entire operation. Dennis Hedberg also figured prominently as organ technician for the two in-theatre instruments used during the weekend.
Oriental Theatre |
Andy Crow |
Dick Schrum |
Audience at the Oriental |
Popular Northwest organists Andy Crow and Dick Schrum opened the program at the Oriental Theatre presenting a joint concert of favorites and a community sing.
Don and friend with the Conn |
Saturday evening banquet |
The Saturday banquet was held at the Heathman Hotel and famous organist Don Baker performed on a new two-manual electronic instrument courtesy of the Conn Company. |
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After the banquet, attendees returned to the Oriental Theatre to hear Eddie Dunstedter perform many of his signature numbers including "Open Your Eyes," "Tea for Two" and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." After the concert, the organ was made available for a jam session which lasted until it was time to leave for the Paramount Theatre program which was to start shortly after midnight. |
Dunstedter at the Oriental Wurlitzer |
Don Baker at the Paramount |
The featured artist for the Paramount program was the famous Don Baker of New York Paramount 4/36 Wurlitzer fame. Don's great performance demonstrated his complete mastery of the Paramount's 4/20 Publix #1. After the concert, the organ was opened up for the usual jam session which lasted until 4 AM. Dennis Hedberg was responsible for having the organ in wonderful condition for this concert. |
At 10AM Sunday, bleary eyed people gathered at Oaks Park Roller Rink for a concert featuring rink organist Don Simmons. Members were surprised to hear that the 4/18 unenclosed, ceiling installation had a surprisingly mellow sound. Don expertly put the organ through its paces, including several pieces in the skating style.
Oaks Park exposed pipework |
Listeners enjoy the sound |
Sunday afternoon, after the scheduled events were over, members spent the afternoon touring residence installations and also visiting the Rodgers Organ factory.
More pictures from the 1964 convention:
Oriental Theater at night |
Eddie Dunstedter |
Don Baker |
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