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The James A. Dick Mighty Musical Monday Series is a free monthly concert presented on the first Monday of each month at noon (unless otherwise noted). These concerts celebrate the Theatre’s historic Mighty Wurlitzer organ, featuring performances by the Tennessee Theatre House Organist alongside a rotating lineup of local guest artists.
The Mighty Wurlitzer is original to the Tennessee Theatre and has been a part of the building since opening night on October 1, 1928. Prior to the Theatre’s comprehensive renovation and restoration project, the organ and all of its components were carefully removed and sent to Reno, Nevada, for a full restoration. The instrument was triumphantly returned to Knoxville on the Theatre’s 73rd birthday, October 1, 2001, and welcomed home by an enthusiastic crowd.
Following the restoration, technicians encouraged the Theatre to play the organ often—after all, an instrument of this caliber is meant to be heard. Inspired by this advice, longtime House Organist Bill Snyder (1979–2018) envisioned a free monthly concert that would ensure the Mighty Wurlitzer was regularly showcased while inviting the community to experience the Tennessee Theatre at no cost. The first “First Monday” organ concert took place on December 3, 2001.
What began as a modest program of organ music and commentary from the bench soon evolved into a beloved community tradition. The series was later renamed the James A. Dick Mighty Musical Monday in honor of the individual whose efforts saved the Tennessee Theatre from demolition in 1980. Guest performers were added, opening the historic stage to local artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform there.
Over the years, Mighty Musical Monday has featured middle and high school choirs, jazz ensembles, vocalists across genres, classical musicians, a Klezmer band, and even a belly dance troupe. Attendance has grown steadily, and today the series regularly welcomes 700 to 1,000 audience members each month for this noonday celebration of music, history, and community.
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