The 2008 Annual ATOS Convention started with an early afternoon concert at Manual High School in Indianapolis.   Our artist was the winner of the 2007 ATOS Young Artists Competition in NYC.    Donnie Rankin played a lively one hour set.   His sense of humor certainly tickled a few in the audience.  

Following Donnie’s concert the 2008 Young Artists Competition was held.   Hopefully the Strand Theatre in Shelbyville will be a performance venue for some of these up and coming theatre organ artists.

Strand Theatre friends Tim Needler, Chairman of the 2008 Convention and CIC-ATOS President and Shawn Chase, CIC-ATOS Treasurer take a quick break for a picture.   The entire CIC-ATOS crew (and Strand Partners) have done a wonderful job of hosting an outstanding convention.   Along with Tim and Shawn, Strand volunteer Elizabeth F. caught up with Strand friend Carlton Smith.   Doesn’t Carlton look calm!

The evening finished with a concert by Richard Hills at the Dessa and Virginia Byrd Memorial Barton Grand Organ located at the Warren Performing Arts Center.      Dessa Byrd played this organ in its heyday at the Indiana Theatre in Indianapolis.    As a side note, Strand volunteer and Shelbyville Native Ruth R. lived in Dessa’s former home on the near North Side of Indianapolis.   Small world.

Richard played a fine concert.   A special mention of his inclusion of Here, There, and Everywhere from Revolver, undoubtably one of the most beautiful tunes from the 60’s.   It is a natural for the theatre organ.    His encore was fantastic and showed not only the variety of sound the Barton can produce, but also the excellent work of our friend Carlton.