a chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society June 2017

Mark Noller is possibly the busiest organist in Chicago. He plays in several churches and chapels and is

often the featured organist at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. He has played for us many times and each

program has been thoroughly delightful and full of surprises. Mark is a Chicagoland favorite.

Allen Organs of Chicago: From Rt. 55 take 53 south to the second traffic light (Crossroads Pkwy). Turn

right to the first drive on the let and follow around the building to the front (faces Rt. 53).

From Rt. 53 drive north to the second traffic light (Crossroads Pkwy). Turn left to the first drive on the left and

follow around the building to the front (faces Rt. 53).

Address: 181 Crossroads Parkway, Suite D, Bollingbrook, IL. (Lee’s Allen Organ awning is visible from Rt. 53)

Phone: 630-428-9701, Lee’s cell phone: 815-693-9510

Join us Sunday, June 11 To Hear

In concert at Allen Organs of Chicago

Doors open at 2:30 – Concert at 3:00 pm Please bring refreshments

Allen Organs of Chicago:

From Rt.55 take 53 south to the second traffic light (Crossroads Pkwy). Turn right to the first drive on the left

and follow around the building to the front (faces Rt. 53).

From Rt. 53 drive north to the second traffic light (Crossroads Pkwy). Turn left to the first drive on the left and

follow around the building to the front (faces Rt. 53).

Address: 181 Crossroads Parkway, Suite D, Bollingbrook, IL. (Lee’s Allen Organ awning is visible from Rt. 53

Phone: 630-428-9701, Lee’s cell phone: 815-693-9510

Dave Wickerham Concert Review

by Merritt Bethig

It was a standing room only crowd packing the Allen Organ Showroom Sunday afternoon May 21 that came out

to hear Dave Wickerham. Why such a turnout? Because there is nobody quite like Dave Wickerham. Instead of

opening the concert with his intended "National Emblem March," Dave surprised the massive audience with "Hi

Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work We Go." This was an impromptu response to a joke that was delivered to introduce

him. Dave, you are just too clever! He then directed his attention to three lovely children who faithfully attend

every concert with a number from "Beauty and the Beast." Next came a big band tour with "Sentimental

Journey" and "Caravan" and "A Train." Dave loves ragtime and shared Scott Joplin's "Original Rag." Leonard

Cohan's "Alleluia" was beautifully played. Mark Demmin with his rich melodious voice teamed up with Dave in a

lively rendition of "Slow Boat to China." The mood got more mellow with "Twilight Time." Dave and Mark make

a delightful duet. Dave closed his first set with Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."

After intermission the annual CTOS business meeting was held. With no election until 2018, the board members

were introduced. Financial figures were discussed and the meeting was closed. Dave's wife Rhonda was warmly

applauded as were three friends from their town of Crystal Falls way up in the U.P. of Michigan. You must drive

carefully in Crystal Falls because the moose refuse to use turn signals. Back on the organ bench, Dave opened his

second set with "Get Happy" and "Cheek to Cheek." Who can forget his delicious version of "Makin' Whoopee."

In his bright red vest and stars and stripes tie, Dave was the perfect candidate to offer a stirring salute for Armed

Forces Day by honoring each branch of the military in a rousing patriotic medley. I was ready to enlist! Referring

to the 5 manual TO-5 Allen Organ, Dave whispered to Lee Maloney, "Wow, don't you have another one of these in

the back room I can take home with me?" Lee's answer? "Sure, all you need is a quarter million dollars!"

Mark returned with "It Had to Be You" in tribute to his departed friend drummer Rusty Jones. Mark then tipped his

ever present hat to a classic we all love, "Chicago." The mood became serious. "Dave and I each have been given a

spiritual gift. That is the only reason we are here," observed Mark. Noting his parents in the audience, Mark sang

from his heart "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." The audience was moved to a standing ovation; a few eyes were moved

to shed a few tears. Thank you, Mark, for that precious hymn. Dave closed with a number from "Phantom" and an

encore. With four major concerts in two days and a night drive to St. Louis to rejoin the Party on the Pipes, Dave

said, "I'm running on adrenalin" as he popped another Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in his mouth for some sugar, salt

and protein. Thanks a million, Dave. Please return soon. What an afternoon at the Allen Organ Showroom!

Co-sponsors CTOS and JATOE wish to thank Lee Maloney for hosting a musical event all will long remember.

At the May 15th meeting of the CTOS board Janice Lee Challender was made an Honorary Member of CTOS for

her leadership and inspiration and many years of service. Congratulations and thank you Jan.