OrganFax

DirkJan Ranzijn has annouced a new series of small and friendly houseparty style events to take place throughout next year.

The events will be held at the Yenton Hotel in Bournemouth. Details of the events can be seen on our festival pages.

If you would like more information, please contact Mrs K Penn, 86 Tolworth Road, Surbiton. Surrey, KT6 7SZ, 0208 397 1821 or email Kath.

Yes, it's that time again. Join Alan Ashton with his monthly selection of organ and keyboard music over at OrganTrax.

We've just added a new feature for club concert secretaries.

Since the redesign, you haven't been able to print off a list of all available players as we know many people used to do - for quick reference. We have now corrected this and you will be able to view a "printable version" of the players directory.

You can view the directory here, and for the future, there will be a link on the players directory page.

Alan Humphries has asked us to pass on that, until further notice, the Verwood Organ & Keyboard Society`s monthly concerts will be staged in The Merrifield Theatre at The Hub Community Centre off Station Rd,Verwood.(entrance next to Verwood Police Station).

Peter Hayward wishes it to be known that, despite his name having appeared on certain advertising material for an event at Sand Bay in April, 2008, he has in fact not been booked, so will not be appearing at this event. Peter would also like it to be known that for the foreseeable future, he will appear exclusively at Sceptre Promotions festivals.

A message from Byron Jones...

"Due to the retirement from Organ Festival by Beaumont Leisure, it is my pleasure to announce that Byron Jones "Wizard Festivals" will be taking over the organisation and running of the Two events at The Best Western 'Glendower Hotel'. Lytham St Annes. The first events sheduled for the 23 - 26th November 2007 & 31st March - 4th April 2008. These event will of course be run to our usual High Standards. Further information will be posted on Byron's Festival Page. "

We have just recieved exciting news from popular organist, Rebecca Cole...

"It gives me great pleasure to announce to all my organ fans & friends that myself and my husband Tom are expecting our first baby in November this year.

Thank you to you all for your kind wishes! Hope to see you all soon. Regards, Rebecca" Congratulations Rebecca and Tom!

We recieved this message from Len Rawle. He unfortunately confirms the closure of the Kilburn State Theatre....

"Contracts have today been exchanged for the sale of the Gaumont State theatre, Kilburn.. The building will close on 15th August thus our 1st July concert with Nigel Ogden will be the last this year.

Although there appear to be hopeful signs for the long term future of the building, there is nothing further I am able pass on at this moment.

In an effort to stay positive regarding the WurliTzer organ it is proposed that our theme for the July concert will be one of 'We shall return'.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, however as that cute song from the show 'Spamalot' goes, 'Let's all look on the bright side of life'. We could eventually help to herald something bigger and better.

It was no surprise, as the numbers attending Bingo have been low at this venue for a long time.

As you know the State is a massive building (the largest Theatre in Europe when built) on a massive site and with the Smoking ban also about to hit them it was all rather inevitable.

We have really been very lucky indeed to have the building available to our Chapter of ATOS for as long as we have. Now we just have to cross our fingers that the new owners will respect our 40 years of looking after the organ and will allow us to continue to do so. - Big Question. "

DirkJan Ranzijn is no stranger to the UK organ scene, his stage show and lively personality is always a treat for audiences worldwide.

But now, DirkJan is taking things one step further with the unveiling of his new tour setup. Take a look here.

DirkJan tells us...

"I am very excited that we have our own screen, projector and new lights".

"On stage it looks really good and the audiences are fascinated. The lights are subtle and very romantic. It sets the atmosphere of the song I am doing on that moment".

"It suits nearly every theatre, concert hall and centres."

DirkJan goes on to tell us about his plans for the future...

"Next year my organ will be 'refurbished'. I will get the new Bohm Maxima Sound System, the Opera 2000 System, the new Live Drums 2000 and the new build in Chrystal Mixer. It is going to be a total new sound. And of course... the playing will remaining totally LIVE!!!!"

"We are also talking about a new DVD and at least 2 new cd-albums, a concert-tour through Norway, radio shows in Sweden and a tv show in Denmark."



We look forward to experiencing the new tour set-up very soon.

In order to make the news system on OrganFax even better, we've changed the way the archiving works. The previous news system was programmed to be organised in months - so that only news posted in the current month was shown and then older months were archived. The new system organises things much better by using pages.

Now, every time you visit the news page - there will always be the top 20 most recent news items listed. You can then see older archives by clicking "next" or "prev" at the top of the page. This means that the news page will not be wiped blank at the start of every month, instead, all recent news items are readily readable.

Earlier this year, we brought you news of an exciting evening of Organ and Keyboard music. The event was organised by Leigh Perry and her school... "Dorridge Music School". The school, based in Birmingham, has huge number of students learning to play the electronic organ, keyboard, piano, guitar, drums and musical theatre.

The event, which was sponsored by Roland UK, was held at Birmingham Symphony Hall. The stage was filled with over 10 organs, many keyboards and a full grand piano - not to mention the Symphony Hall's classical pipe organ. Over 250 students took part in the event - which cumulated in the very nearly full concert hall and stage being filled with helium balloons and the sound of every organ and keyboard being played in unison - a fantastic atmosphere.

We congratulate Leigh and the staff and students of Dorridge Music School for a great evening of music and entertainment. Whoever says the Organ is dead should think again!

We're pleased to annouce that Woodhall Spa and District Organ Society have launched a dedicated club website - well worth a look ... www.woodhallspa-organs.co.uk.

News from Steve Lowdell and Friends - festival weekend

This being our sixth year at this venue, accommodation is half board; all rooms are en suite with colour TV, tea/coffee facilities and telephone. For those who have visited in the past, by the time our function takes place the entire hotel will have been refurbished. A lift is provided to all floors.

Included in the price: Wine reception (Friday afternoon), a full programme of the very best entertainment, featuring Steve, with guest artistes Harry Stoneham, Howard Beaumont, Pete Shaw, Paule Wise, Paul Carman and John Withers (with his usual flair on drums and vibraphone) and others to be confirmed. These artistes are of the highest calibre and in keeping with the type of music usually associated with Steve. There is a Lounge/Conservatory where you can relax and watch the seascape or, alternatively, watch the swimmers braving the icy water in the outdoor swimming pool - you may even wish to join them!

We are pleased to say that the price of the weekend will be £210 per person. This includes the traditional free Sunday Buffet which is served during the mid-day jazz session. Beverages can be purchased at the bar (extra to food); anyone wishing to avail themselves of this item can pre-book and add the cost to the balance payment. teas, coffees and other beverages will be available at the bar from 12 o'clock midday and light snacks can be ordered should they be required.

If you desire to book into the hotel on Thursday, 6th March, please state this on the booking form and SL Promotions will handle the booking for you.

If you wish to have a "swinging" time over a weekend, with friendly organ enthusiasts, plenty of laughter and convivial company, then we would be pleased to have you with us. Your attention is drawn to the fact that this function is a meeting of Steve's fans - it is not a festival!

Throughout the weekend there will be exhibits and demonstrations by Paule Wise and Paul Carman of Orla products (Orla Direct).

Anyone who wishes to join us, further details and booking forms are available from Steve Lowdell at:
SL PROMOTIONS
Steve Lowdell, 28 Belle Vue Road, Collier Row, Romford, Essex RM5 3AY
Tel: 01708 724194

Carlo Curley is truely an international concert artist, wherever he goes his technical ability and warm personality is sure to follow

Carlo will be performing a rare concert on the 23rd June at The HolyTrinity Church, Ashby de la Zouch. The programme is set to be filled with many classical organ favourites, and tickets are very reasonably priced.

More information on the event can be found at www.trinityashby.net/carlo.

As usual, with a new month comes a new edition of OrganFax's "OrganTrax Radio" with industry journalist and presenter, Alan Ashton.

In this installment, Alan once again provides us with a wide range of music suitable for all tastes. Also included in the second part of the show is an interview with much loved organist Len Rawle.

You can access OrganTrax by going to organfax.co.uk/organtrax.