Mighty Musical Monday concerts bring nostalgia to Tennessee Theatre

Organist Bill Snyder entertains the large lunch crowd at the Tennessee Theatre.

The Mighty Musical Monday concerts are a free lunch-time concert centered on the Wurlitzer organ at the Tennessee Theatre.

The Mighty Wurlitzer organ was installed in the Tennessee Theatre in 1928, the time of the building’s opening. Today, it is one of the few theatre organs still installed in its original location.

Patrons of the theatre enjoy a performance by current organist, former Chancellor and Dean of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Bill Snyder.

Executive Director of the Tennessee Theatre, Becky Hancock, talks about how the idea of Mighty Musical Monday started.

“The organ was restored back in late 2001 and the organ technicians told us it was a good idea to play it regularly to give it exercise,” said Hancock. “We hadn’t played it very often except for a few movies every year. So, Bill Snyder and I together came up with the idea of doing a standard concert and we picked the first Monday of the month. Our first concert was in December of 2001.”

Attended by mostly senior citizens, Hancock offers a few theories on the attraction of these concerts to the older crowd.

“So many of these people came to this theatre in the ‘40s and ‘50s and they have such fond memories of being here when they were young people,” said Hancock. “It’s during the day, it’s free and a lot of the music he plays is music that seniors enjoy. The daytime concert is a really great way for them to come back and enjoy the theatre and enjoy this beautifully renovated space like other people who buy tickets to come to shows. So it’s very important to our program to do this event.”

Although the majority of the attendees to the Mighty Musical Monday concerts are seniors, there are workers from downtown businesses in the area who come to enjoy the organ as well.

Connie Mroz, a downtown employee, loves the event.

“I thought it would be a nice break from sitting at my desk,” said Mroz. “It gives people something to look forward to at the beginning of their work week. I came with a friend, and I would definitely come back!”

Might Musical Monday concerts are held the first Monday of every month. For more information on Tennessee Theatre events, click here.

Edited by Jessica Carr