October 24, 1998
The Redford Theatre, with its original 3 manual, 10 rank Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, has served as a Metro Detroit entertainment center since 1928.
To celebrate the 70th year of operation, a gala celebration was planned. The evening replicated a night at the Redford Theatre in 1928.
The evening’s entertainment featured Buster Keaton in the classic silent film, “Our Hospitality.” Live entertainment was provided by organists John Lauter and Tony O’Brien. The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra provided music of the 1920’s.
John and Tony have many things in common. They both began playing the Redford Theatre’s pipe organ at an early age. They are both accomplished musicians and have entertained thousands of people at the Redford Theatre. They both have played concerts in the Detroit area and in locations across the country and around the world. They both have volunteered countless hours at the Redford Theatre.
It was a special treat to have these two talented organists on the same program.
The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra is an eleven-member group that recreates the dance band sound of the 1920’s.
The orchestra has been performing before metropolitan Detroit audiences for over 20 years. The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra borrowed its name from a well-known hotel on Detroit’s lower east side. The hotel opened in 1927.
The hotel is just a memory, but the music of the 1920’s lives on through the band’s performances.
80 Years Under the Stars: A Gala Celebration
April 19, 2008
The Redford Theatre, with its original 3 manual, 10 rank Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, has served as a Metro Detroit entertainment center since 1928.
To celebrate the 80th year of operation, a gala celebration is planned. The evening replicates a night at the Redford Theatre in 1928.
The evening’s entertainment will feature Buster Keaton in the classic silent film, “The Electric House.” Live entertainment will be provided by organist John Lauter. Â The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra will be on hand to provide music of the 1920’s.
“The Electric House” starring Buster Keaton
John Laut
John began playing the Redford Theatre’s pipe organ at an early age. He is an accomplished musician and has entertained thousands of people at the Redford Theatre. He has played concerts in the Detroit area and in locations across the country and around the world. John has volunteered countless hours at the Redford Theatre.
The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra
The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra is an eleven-member group that recreates the dance band sound of the 1920’s.
The orchestra has been performing before metropolitan Detroit audiences for over 20 years. The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra borrowed its name from a well-known hotel on Detroit’s lower east side. The hotel opened in 1927.
The hotel is just a memory, but the music of the 1920’s lives on through the band’s performances.
The Orchestra will be joined by the Pleasant Moments Vintage Dancers. This group performs throughout the region specializing in the dance styles of the 20s and 30s. Watch for classics such as the Charleston and other favorite routines.
The musical portion of the evening will conclude with the orchestra, John at the Barton, and the dancers on stage in an exciting and rousing finale. Following the show, be sure to enjoy a special reception in the lobby open to all members and patrons. Cookies, cake and punch will be served as we all pay tribute to Americas’ Most Unique Suburban Playhouse.
