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Checking on the Arts
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Checking on the Arts

A Very Mighty Christmas | Orpheum Theatre

By Darel Snodgrass
Published December 20, 2023 at 7:00 AM CST

The 1928 Wurlitzer theatre organ at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis has recently undergone a renovation and revitalization, and the Orpheum is celebrating with a new Christmas LP available now at the Orpheum gift shop, and a concert celebrating the organ's rebirth on Thursday December 21st at 7 pm, which will also be broadcast live on WKNO-FM.

Darel Snodgrass speaks with Orpheum Public Relations Director Kristen Bennett and Orpheum "organist-in-chief" Tony Thomas about the renewal of this iconic instrument, the recording of the Christmas LP (including the involvement of WKNO's Christopher Blank), and what to expect at the concert and live broadcast. Christopher Blanks documentary WURLY GIG: How the Orpheum's 'Voice' Reached its Vinyl Destination will air at 6:30 pm before the concert.

A Very Mighty Christmas - Tony Thomas plays the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ | Orpheum Theatre Group Gift Shop (orpheumgiftshop.com)

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Checking on the Arts Local EventsOrpheum Theatre
Darel Snodgrass
I began piano lessons at age 6, trumpet at age 9, and began teaching myself the guitar at 10. My electronics knowledge comes from my father, who had the RCA television and stereo shop in my hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas for nearly 20 years. My dad is still fixing televisions at age 79.
See stories by Darel Snodgrass