I played a trio gig at the Atlanta History Center tonight. It was an event celebrating the launch of the "Fox Theatre Institute", a new initiative to help other historic theaters in Georgia with restoration, programming, fund-raising and community development.
These folks were really appreciative and complimented the band, and that's cool but what really got me stoked was Joe Patten, really liked our trio and talked with us for quite a while after we finished.
Joe Patten is the man who, starting in 1963, began restoring the HUGE custom built 1929 theater organ which resides in the Fox Theater. It is the second-largest theater organ in the country. The Mighty Mo is indisputably the crowning glory of the M. P. Möller Organ Company and Joe Patten is the resident expert... literally, Joe lives in the Fox Theater and has for 28 years now!
Next time we're playing an event at the Fox Joe said to come knock on his door and check out his new sound system and recording equipment. He's preparing to produce a new recording of jazz music with "Mighty Mo" and Larry Embury, the current organist in residence. Gotta check it out!
Dan,
Your article about Mighty Mo is interesting. When we were living in the Atlanta area in the 70s we heard several times in visits to the Fox theater.
Also, when we were living in Westchester we got to Radio City Music Hall for at least one show so we had a chance to hear the big one.
As far as I know Lisa will be in late Thursday.
Dad
You have such an interesting array of places where you have performed. Your life is filled with unusual experiences that others never know. Enjoy every moment.
Posted by: Bev at July 21, 2008 10:18 AM