SILENT MOVIE: "OUR HOSPITALITY" (1923)
Stephen Warner, Organist
Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 3:00 p.m.

Buster Keaton's first full length film was truly a family affair, starring not only the famous sadsack comedy actor, but his real-life wife, Natalie Talmadge, son Buster Keaton, Jr., and father, Joe Keaton. Buster is featured as a New York city slicker type, returning to the old Appalachian homestead to claim his inheritance, just in time to find himself in the middle of a family feud, reminiscent of the infamous dispute between the Hatfield and McCoy clans. Stephen Warner is on the staff of organists for the Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor where he regularly performs intermissions and accompanies silent films. Steve was originally bitten by the organ bug in his native Traverse City, where he began studying piano at age seven, in a home amongst automated musical instruments and a giant record collection. That, and the promise of a theatre organ coming to a local musical museum was enough to hook him for life! Steve holds dual Bachelors Degrees in Organ Performance and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and is Organist for Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church in Detroit, where he plays weekly upon one of the nation's most historic E. M Skinner organs.

LUCE ON THE LOOSE
Lance Luce, Organist
Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 3:00 p.m.

For decades, one of the Detroit area's most popular and versatile organists has been native son, Lance Luce. Beginning in his early teens, Lance soon found himself playing the organ in church on Sundays, three nights a week at a local skating rink and frequently for organ clubs and societies throughout the area. Those combined experiences eventually led him to a position as Head Staff Organist at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. For many years, Lance performed at several pipe organ equipped pizza restaurants both in the U.S. and Canada. Lance, who performs regularly at the Fox and Redford theatres in the Motor City is also a church musician, recording artist and maintains a busy concert schedule.

PLINK! PLANK! PLUNK!
Jelani Eddington, Organist
Sunday, February 10, 2008 - 3:00 p.m.

The name of Leroy Anderson may not be well-known to the current generation, but in the not-too-distant past, he could be frequently seen conducting his own charming and delightful compositions with the Boston Pops Orchestra on educational television. Among his most well-known compositions are Belle of the Ball, Blue Tango, Syncopated Clock, Serenata and The Waltzing Cat, the latter of which served as theme music for Martha Dixon's long-running cooking show, The Copper Kettle on Lansing's WJIM-TV. In his first appearance on the Riverside Pops series a few seasons back, Jelani Eddington appeared with noted pianist David Harris. Their musical tour-de-force received numerous standing ovations and rave reviews here, as it did across the country. He first gained national attention by winning the American Theatre Organ Society's Young Organist Competition at age thirteen. To date, he holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever to hold that title. He remains one of the most dynamic and sought-after theatre organists on the concert circuit. His concert schedule is worldwide, and he has produced numerous recordings. His interest in the intricate, colorful music of Leroy Anderson led to two CD recordings totally dedicated to the works of the Boston-born composer, whose 100th birthday we acknowledge with this event. This will mark Jelani's third appearance at the Grand Ledge Opera House. Make sure to attend what promises to be a dazzling concert!

A GRAND OLD TIME!
Scott Smith & Cletus Goens, Organists
Robert Oster, Master Of Ceremonies
Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 3:00 p.m.

Here's an event unlike anything we've ever done! Patterned after the highly entertaining "Grand Old Opry" and "Prairie Home Companion," this event will be a parody of the production of an old-time radio show performed before a live audience. The difference here being that, in addition to several incidental acts, the organ will figure prominently not only in solos, but will perform as an orchestra would, offering background music and sound effects. You'll see and hear skits, bogus commercials, dramatic readings, corny jokes, other musical acts and a whole lot more! Organist Scott Smith is a native and lifelong resident of Lansing, Michigan, where he studied both theatre and classical organ during his formative years. Later, he studied jazz theory and advanced harmony with the late Fr. Jim Miller. Beginning as a teenager, Scott performed regularly on the Barton Organ at the Michigan Theatre in Lansing as its last House Organist, from 1972 to 1980. When the organ's new home was secured at the Grand Ledge Opera House, in Grand Ledge, Michigan, Scott became House Organist, beginning in 1995. He was responsible for the organ's redesign and oversaw its installation and tonal finishing. Scott was one of the original incorporators of Lansing Theatre Organ, producers of the Riverside Pops concert series at the Grand Ledge Opera House, and has served the organization as President for 26 years. Cletus Goens began his musical studies on piano and voice at an early age. While in high school, he began playing intermissions at the Anderson (Indiana) Paramount Theatre. He went on to perform in restaurants and cocktail lounges on theatre organ, Hammond organ and piano, and was the first official organist for the Fort Wayne Wizards baseball team. Since his training has included a strong vocal background, he has also enjoyed professional music positions for several churches. Cletus has since entertained at chapter meetings, performed on piano for two national conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society, and has twice served as an adjudicator for the A.T.O.S. Young Artist Competition. Cletus now lives in Fort Wayne, makes his living as an auditor for Centennial Wireless, and serves on the board of several arts organizations. Dr. Robert Oster is founder and Artistic Director of the famed Lakewood Choral Society. The group was formed in 1986 to provide adults in and from the Lake Odessa area with an opportunity to sing in a large choral setting, and now consists of over 100 members. Dr. Oster is in his 33rd year of teaching choral music in public schools. He currently serves the Michigan School Vocal Music Association on the executive board of directors in charge of state events, and as an adjudicator, guest conductor and clinician.

(All events take place at the Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 S. Bridge St. (M-100), Grand Ledge, MI. All programs/artists subject to change.)