Saturday morning on NPR I got a chance to hear this Wurlitzer in action. Supposedly it's only one of three of its kind in the world.The magnificent 3 manual, 14 rank instrument organ at The Tampa Theater sits atop a wood platform that originally rose from beneath the stage floor once the organist started playing.
The Wurlitzer's still used today. Check out the pipes.
Oh Mama, now that's a keyboard!
I spent more than a few Saturday mornings entranced by double-features at The Tampa Theater when I was a kid, but the Wurlitzer wasn't fired up for childrens' matinees, and I've never heard it played in person.
That's the thing about memories and magical places. Once they stick, they stay with ya a long long time. One day I'll go back, and hear the Wurlitzer live.
Some photos of The Tampa Theater.
2 comments:
wow... wow...WOW!
-J-
Jules, The Tampa Theater was also the very first air-conditioned public place in Tampa- very popular during the summer!
When I was a kid on Saturday mornings Nehi Cola sponsored Saturday matinee action double-features ... can you imagine what it was like being an 8-year old kid turned loose in a place like that for 5 hours every week?
Ha ha, pity the ushers with no patience ... :-)
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