I was the Riverside Theater Organist, 1969 & 1970. I used to perform up to 10 shows each week from about January ‘69 until mid-Fall, 1970. I had free run of the place anytime I wanted. The organ was on the elevator that serviced the orchestra pit. I would literally climb over the pit railing and down into the hole to power-up the organ. From down there, I could control the theater spot lights as well as the elevator itself. I would I found the experience, musically speaking, challenging because of the echo off the back of the theater and the balcony. You could hear each note more than once. I never explored the basement but back-stage was cool (& dirty). The picture above showing the organ is exactly how it was. I would rise up out of the pit in the spot light playing. This is the only pic I have ever seen and I have none of my own. – very grateful.
I was the Riverside Theater Organist, 1969 & 1970. I used to perform up to 10 shows each week from about January ‘69 until mid-Fall, 1970. I had free run of the place anytime I wanted. The organ was on the elevator that serviced the orchestra pit. I would literally climb over the pit railing and down into the hole to power-up the organ. From down there, I could control the theater spot lights as well as the elevator itself. I would I found the experience, musically speaking, challenging because of the echo off the back of the theater and the balcony. You could hear each note more than once. I never explored the basement but back-stage was cool (& dirty). The picture above showing the organ is exactly how it was. I would rise up out of the pit in the spot light playing. This is the only pic I have ever seen and I have none of my own. – very grateful.