Celebrate Spring at the Washington Center’s Free Wonderful Wurlitzer Show

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May 23 is a special evening at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. At 7 p.m., the Mighty Andy Crow Wurlitzer Organ comes to life once again under the experienced and versatile hands of Northwest organist, Sharon Stearnes. Prepare to be delighted, as Sharon stretches your notions of the grand instruments possibilities. Enjoy pop tunes, classics and standards you never knew could be played on the organ.

washington center organ
A full range of music from show tunes to classical masterworks will showcase the full range of the Wurlitzer, played by Sharon Stearnes. Photo courtesy: The Washington Center.

“This event originally began as a way to bring the community together to enjoy the 1924 Might Andy Crow Wurlitzer organ that was restored by the late Andy Crow. The organ is featured yearly during our Silent Movie Series, but we feel strongly that the organ belongs to our community and they should have even more access to it through-out the year,” explained Billy Thomas, Director of Marketing and Sales at the Washington Center.

“This year, we had an anonymous donor contribute $16,000 to upgrade the organ to a new system which will make it wireless, more flexible for the space, and responsive for organists,” added Billy. “We are extremely grateful to that donor and to the community at large for investing in the arts.”

This event is free and open to the public.  Unlike some of the Washington Center’s national tours and Broadway shows, Wonderful Wurlitzer is a community sing-a-long, so audience participation is welcomed and highly encouraged.

The Might Andy Crow Wurlitzer organ is not only one of the largest organs in the region, but also the namesake of the late Andy Crow.  Andy was both a talented musician and restorer.  Because of his efforts, the Wurlitzer was preserved when the once Liberty Theater closed its doors, transforming into the Washington Center for the Performing Arts that we know and love today.

Organist Andy Crow
Andy Crow. Photo courtesy: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Andy was not only an irreplaceable talent and advocate for the arts, but also a mentor to Wonderful Wurlitzer’s featured organist, Sharon Stearne.  The two met in her youth while working at the once popular Pizza and Pipes Restaurants.

At the top of Wonderful Wurlitzer, the audience will have the special honor of witnessing the presentation of this year’s Anacker Scholarship Winner, Henry Nordhorn.

The Washington Center Anacker Scholarship for the Arts is awarded each spring to one graduating senior in Thurston County enrolled in a course of study focusing on the arts, ultimately intending to pursue a career in the same field.

Henry, a senior at Olympia High School, has his eyes set on Central Washington University for the fall, where he will begin his studies in Music Education.  Skilled in both the horn and saxophone, Henry hopes to someday perform with a world class orchestra, like the L.A. Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony or the London Symphony.

youth orchestra
French horn player Henry Nordhorn is a senior at Olympia High School and musician with SOGO’s Conservatory Orchestra and Brass Band. Photo courtesy: SOGO.

“My dream is to be a professional musician. I do not yet know whether I will be teaching or performing, but I know the music world is where I want to be,” shared Henry.

Kick off your night a little early and enjoy a Gallery Reception for Artist Jeff Pasek.  His exhibit, Unlands, will be on display, open to the public and free of charge, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the evening of May 23.

Jeff’s work has been described as both energetic and deep, seeking the mystery that lies beneath human experience.

The Washington Center writes, “Pasek’s paintings hint at sublime forces not directly seen, yet which underlie every conscious moment.  His works depict spaces containing a chaotic energy – a field from which enigmatic forms emerge and evoke a sense of presence.”

So gather your family and friends and head to the Washington Center for a night of artistry, scholarship and musical history as the famous 1924 Mighty Andy Crow Wurlitzer comes to life again filling our hearts and memories with sounds ancient to some, but hardly forgotten.

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