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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.