After several days of severe weather across Wisconsin — rain, flooding, and tornadoes — it was a welcome reprieve to gather for an afternoon of live organ music. Kurt Schlieter graciously opened his “game room” to DTOS members, and the space itself was half the experience.
A row of pinball machines greets guests arriving for the first time, then turn to discover a stage set with a Hammond B3 and other instruments, and finally the organ console. Looking up, you’ll see two-tone openings, one on each side of the stage, that evoke the faux balconies used in theaters of a bygone era — a charming detail that transports you back in time.
The organ is a unique instrument: Kurt plays samples from the George Wright organ through an older 3-manual Allen theatre organ console, using Hauptwerk software. Each stop on the console corresponds accurately to its name, though the pistons also give access to additional stops not found on the console itself. The original Wright organ has one more manual and nearly twice as many stops. Each rank has its own amplifier and pair of speakers, and Kurt has carefully voiced the entire instrument to recreate the sound he remembers from his youth at the Avalon Theatre.
The artist of the day was Greg Owen, joining us from Nebraska. He opened the show with the Air Force March, dedicated to DTOS member and veteran Tom Gaulke — a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the afternoon. Greg’s program ranged widely and warmly — from the Beatles’ “Yesterday” to “Un bel dì, vedremo” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (1904), along with beloved theater organ standards and classical repertoire, including Percy Fletcher’s delicate Fountain Reverie — given new life through the full resources of a theatre organ. For a few numbers, Greg stepped over to the Hammond B3 on stage, adding another dimension to the afternoon. His passion came through in every piece.
Afterward, about fifteen members who enjoyed the show gathered for treats, snacks, free-play pinball, and conversation with fellow theatre-organ enthusiasts. This intimate group made the afternoon feel even more special.
Thanks to Kurt for hosting and to Greg for an enjoyable musical afternoon, free of the nasty weather we had the days before.
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