Monday, October 31, 2011

International Reed Organ Society Performance

Below is a link to a video of the Reed Organ Society's fall gathering in Moline, Illinois. Laura and I appear at about 3:40" in the video for a short clip of our performance on the Staanke Pipe Organ in the Butterworth Center.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shkDFweKLko

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The Suffield Historical Society Presents: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!

On Saturday, November 5, 2011 the Suffield Historical Society members and friends will gather to enjoy a screening of the 1927 silent film "The Phantom of the Opera" starring Lon Chaney as the Phantom. The musical score will be created and accompanied by Brian Ebie on the pipe organ, just as it was in theaters in the 1920's. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so contact the Suffield Historical Society for more details.
Accompaniment will be provided by Brian Ebie a 1941 Schantz Pipe Organ which he rebuilt and enlarged and is currently installed in this location.
Come out and treat yourself to this wonderful old film, the sound of the pipe organ, and a great time with friends. We hope to see you there!


What: Phantom of the Opera With Organ Accompaniment
When: Saturday, November 5, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Location: 2200 State Route 43, Mogadore, Ohio 44260.

The Ebie's Performing at the Reed Organ Society Fall Gathering, Moline, Illinois

Laura and I are playing at the Reed Organ Society's Fall Gathering in Moline, Illinois on October 14, 2011.  We're playing at the Butterworth Center (http://www.butterworthcenter.com/) on the 3 manual Bennett-Stannke pipe organ.  In 1892, Charles Deere built Butterworth Center a block from his own home, Overlook (now Deere-Wiman House), as a wedding gift for his youngest daughter Katherine and her husband William Butterworth. Over the years, the Butterworths tripled the size of their home, which they named Hillcrest. Included in the additions were two unique features. As part of the 1909 addition to the living room, a pipe organ built by the Bennett Organ Company was installed. Later in 1938, Mrs. Butterworth hired the Stannke Organ Company of Rock Island, Illinois, to perform extensive rebuilding and additions. At that time, the organ was probably one of the largest residential organs in the Midwest. A major restoration of the Bennett-Stannke organ was completed in the spring of 2008 and should sound great on our program which will feature a sonata for Flute and Organ by Handel, Boelmann's Gothic Suite, and will have other pieces suggesting a fall theme. 




Visit the Reed Organ Society webpage for more information on the organization and the Fall Gathering.  http://www.reedsoc.org/

Friday, March 25, 2011

Before The Flood: From Farming to Fishing on Mogadore Reservoir

UPDATE!  2014!
Please follow this link to my presentation online.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2011, I have been invited to speak to the Kent Rotary, Kent, Ohio on the topic of the construction of Mogadore Reservoir and Dam beginning in 1934.  The WPA created the Dam and completed most of the dredging and formation of the Mogadore basin.  My presentation will include rare photographs and documents from the construction of the project as well as historical and modern geological information about the project and its impact on the Portage County, and Summit County, Ohio regions.

UPDATE!  2014! Please follow this link to my presentation online.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

175th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Kirtland, Ohio Temple

On Sunday, March 27, 2011, I am conducting a 52-voice chorus and orchestra in performance at the Historic Kirtland Temple, in Kirtland, Ohio, a National Historic Landmark.  We are commemorating the 175th anniversary of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836.  Speakers and musicians are from the Akron, Cleveland, Youngstown, and Kirtland areas.  Our choir and orchestra are performing "My Shepherd will Supply My Need" and "The Spirit of God," both arranged by Mack Wilberg, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.   Orchestra members are professional musicians from around the region and will play a musical prelude including original hymns sung at the dedication in 1836.  Services will be at 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. with overflow viewing at the Temple Visitor's Center, 7809 Joseph Street Kirtland, OH 44094 (440) 256-1830; and at the Kirtland Stake Center, 8751 Kirtland Road, Kirtland, Ohio.  (You must have a ticket to enter the temple services).

Monday, February 28, 2011

From Tinfoil to THX: Thomas Edison and the Invention of the Phonograph

An Invitation:

On Monday, April 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. I will be speaking to the Suffield Historical Society on the topic of Thomas Edison, his invention of the phonograph, and his ties to Northeast Ohio.  This interactive presentation will feature hands-on demonstrations of early cylinder phonographs, a multimedia presentation, and original recordings of Mr. Edison speaking.  The talk will be held in the community room of the new Suffield Fire Station, 1256 Waterloo Road, Suffield, (Mogadore) Ohio.  This Event is Free and Open to the Public.