Dennis James, 8 March 2009, 2PM

    On March 8^, 2009 at  2:00 p.m. the Santa Barbara Theatre Organ Society will host world renowned organist Dennis James to accompany  two silent film classics. Silent films being presented include a short film by Hal Roach “Never Weaken” starring Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis, and also feature film “The General” starring Buster Keaton. Admission is $12 for adults; $11 for seniors, students with I.D, or children under age 15 attending with an adult.

   Dennis is the premiere silent movie organ accompanist.  He is a master of the console, and researches the movie to be played to find original scores, organist's notes, etc.  He also dresses the part to go along with the movie.

    We are most fortunate to have Dennis back.  Dennis has been to the Arlington many times and likes the Great Theatre Pipe Organ of the Arlington.

    Dennis began performing films with orchestras in 1971, and he was the last appointed house organist for the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. His organ concerto with orchestra debut was with the Chicago Symphony at Orchestra hall in 1985. In the 1980s he toured with silent film star Lillian Gish and Charles “Buddy” Rogers, providing musical accompaniment for the revival of their motion pictures. James has been named house organist for the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and Theatre Organist for the San Diego Symphony.

20th Anniversary Concert, 5 October 2008.

    The Great Theatre Organ of the Arlington arrived in Santa Barbara on 7 September 1986 as 20 tons of miscellaneous organ parts.  In the next two years, over 36000 volunteer hours were spent refurbishing and installing the organ.  The first concert was on 1 October 1988 with Tom Hazleton to a sold-out house (2007 seats).

    Our 20-year celebration concert was on Sunday, October 5^th 2008, 2 PM, featuring Scott Foppiano (Tom Hazleton's student) who gave a stunning concert with the silent movies: "The Rink" with Charlie Chaplin and "Habeas Corpus" with Laurel and Hardy.

Next Board meeting:

    Regular Board meetings are held quarterly at 7:30 PM on the second Tuesday of the month.  The meeting place varies.  Contact the hotline for location.  SBTOS members are welcome.

Newsletter & Membership:

    By joining SBTOS, you receive our monthly newsletter and you support the Santa Barbara Theatre Organ Society.  Our dues are $15.00/year.   The membership application can be downloaded here.   Mail to: Santa Barbara Theatre Organ Society, POB 1913, Goleta, CA  93116-1913.

SBTOS Telephone Hot Line: 805-685-9891

    In addition to this web site, you can use the hot line to find out about the next concert, open console, Board meeting, etc.