Embassy Announces Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert and Black & White Silent Film Series

Embassy Announces Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert and Black & White Silent Film Series
Tickets are now available

Fort Wayne, Ind. (Monday, Feb. 5, 2024) – The Embassy Theatre is excited to announce five events in 2024 that pay tribute to the Grande Page pipe organ. These events are scheduled from May through August 2024 and are presented by the Embassy Theatre.

To start in May, the organization hosts its annual Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert with organist Mark Herman. Herman has been a part of the Embassy’s organ legacy since he was young. Buddy Nolan, an integral part of the Embassy’s history, was a much-loved organist known for his midnight organ concerts that would bring crowds of people downtown to be a part of the late-night phenomenon.

This summer, attendees will be transported back in time to celebrate the earliest days of entertainment when silent films filled the screen as the organ’s mesmerizing sound effects accompanied the projected Hollywood stories. The featured films were selected from a century ago.

The Grande Page events are as follows:

  • Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert; featuring organist Mark Herman
  • GRANDPARENTS DAY – Sunday, July 14, 3 p.m. Sherlock Jr. (1924) starring Buster Keaton; organ accompaniment by Dennis Scott
    PLUS short film Balloonatic (1923) starring Buster Keaton
  • Sunday, July 28, 3 p.m. The Thief of Baghdad (1924) starring Douglas Fairbanks; organ accompaniment by Dennis James
  • Sunday, August 11, 3 p.m. Greed (1924) starring Zasu Pitts and Gibson Gowland; organ accompaniment by Dennis Scott
  • Sunday, August 25, 3 p.m. Girl Shy (1924) starring Harold Lloyd; organ accompaniment by Clark Wilson

This year, the Embassy is pleased to announce the return of Grandparents Day! On Sunday, July 14, patrons are encouraged to bring grandchildren (12 and under are free) and introduce them to a timeless experience: the sounds and music of the Grande Page pipe organ alongside a comical silent film. Learn about how the organ saved the Embassy. Enjoy free popcorn and fun activities before the show.

The Grande Page, installed in 1928, is one of only four organs built of its kind. Its enticing tones bring silent film to life by emulating multiple instruments and other recognizable sounds like sirens, train whistles and chirping birds.

TICKETS are FREE for ages 12 and under, 65 and over and members of the Embassy. All other tickets are only $10 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and fwembassytheatre.org. To avoid convenience fees or to obtain FREE tickets, please visit the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy (260.424.5665) at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are now available. ONE FREE POPCORN per ticket holder.

Ticketing link – Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert: ticketmaster.com/event/0500602BED3749D0
Ticketing link – Sherlock Jr. / Balloonatic: ticketmaster.com/event/0500602BED3949D6
Ticketing link – Thief of Baghdad: ticketmaster.com/event/0500602BED3B49DC
Ticketing link – Greed: ticketmaster.com/event/0500602BED3E49DF
Ticketing link – Girl Shy: ticketmaster.com/event/0500602BED4049E1

Visit www.fwembassytheatre.org/organ-and-film-series/ for more information of all of these events.

The title sponsors for the 2024 Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert are Thomas and Penelope Mathiesen with additional support from Fort Wayne Newspapers.