Wichita Wurlitzer

08/09/2026

Ever tried putting together furniture and realized you messed up the instructions? Imagine that, but with an entire house!

​Join us for Buster Keaton’s legendary 1920 silent comedy masterpiece, One Week. Newlyweds Buster and his bride receive a "build-it-yourself" house kit as a wedding gift, guaranteed to be assembled in just seven days. Thanks to a jealous rival scrambling the crate numbers, things go hilariously off the rails—resulting in a spinning, lopsided disaster of a home and one unforgettable moving day!
​
Enjoy this short silent film along with a concert featuring Brett Valliant, and celebrate 100 years of the Wichita Wurlitzer organ. Tickets available at:

https://selectaseat.com/wurlitzer

08/08/2026

Brett Valliant tells was us about Jesse Crawford and his important contribution to the organ world. Listen as he plays Forgotten Melody. You can hear Brett live October 22nd at Wichita's Century II.

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08/08/2026

Organ technician Dan Papp used his expertise to bring organist Jesse Crawford's tonal vision to life on the famous New York Paramount Wurlitzer, the only instrument the pair customized together. While often called a "Crawford Special" as if Crawford designed it, the instrument was actually specified by Wurlitzer with a few custom requests. After Crawford left, Papp stayed at the Paramount until his retirement and consulted on the Wichita Wurlitzer installation. Although Papp passed away before the Wichita premiere, his widow Teresa sent his tools to finish and maintain the instrument. Teresa later moved to Wichita to join her new family and lived there until her passing.

08/08/2026

Listen as Mark Herman plays music from the movie E.T. This is from a concert several years ago at Century II.

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08/07/2026

Brett Valliant tells the story of his very first time seeing and hearing the Wichita Wurlitzer.

Brett Valliant - May 8, 2018

08/07/2026

Seamus Gethicker on the Mighty Wurlitzer at Century II. Next event: the 100th birthday of the organ October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. tickets at https://selectaseat.com/wurlitzer

08/07/2026

Back when Century II was just being planned, a young Mike Coup had a bold vision: a grand theater organ deserved a home in our new civic building.

​He took his idea straight to Mayor Clarence Vollmer. The mayor gave him the green light—with two big conditions: form an organization and raise the funds.

​Challenge accepted!

​Mike and the newly formed Wichita Theatre Organ Inc. didn't waste any time. They rallied the city's business leaders, and in just one week, they raised $40,000 (that’s nearly $300,000 today!) to purchase the legendary New York Paramount Wurlitzer, which had been sitting in storage in California. It took multiple semi-trucks to haul the massive instrument home to Wichita!

​None of this incredible history would have happened without the visionaries who stepped up to fund it. Let's take a moment to honor these true community heroes:

• ​Clarence Coleman
• ​The DeVore Foundation
• ​S. H. Marcus
• ​Don C. Ross
• ​Walter Schimmel
• ​Charles Slawson
• ​Clarence Vollmer
• ​Dwane Wallace
• ​Robert Williams
• ​...and a mysterious "Friend"!

​History is built by people who dream big and take action.

Picture: the console in storage in California.

08/06/2026

For decades, John David "J.D." Unruh was the heart and soul of the Wichita Wurlitzer.
​As a founding board member and master craftsman, J.D. devoted countless volunteer hours to bringing the magnificent New York Paramount Wurlitzer to Wichita and helping rebuild it after the devastating 1968 console fire. His skill, determination, and love for the instrument helped transform an incredible vision into the world-class theatre organ we enjoy today.

​Those who knew J.D. remember not only his remarkable talent but also his generosity, friendship, and unwavering dedication. The Wichita Wurlitzer stands today as a lasting tribute to his hard work and passion.

​We were deeply saddened when J.D. passed away in 2021. Thank you, J.D., for helping preserve this extraordinary treasure for generations to come

08/06/2026

For more than 50 years, David Bernstorf has been much more than a volunteer - he has been a friend, leader, and one of the dedicated caretakers of the Wichita Wurlitzer.

From helping rebuild the organ after the 1968 console fire to serving as a board member and president of Wichita Wurlitzer, David has devoted countless hours to preserving this magnificent instrument for future generations. His knowledge, steady leadership, and passion have inspired everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.

The Wichita Wurlitzer simply would not be what it is today without David's decades of dedication. Thank you, David, for your friendship, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to keeping the music alive.

08/06/2026

For more than 60 years, Michael Coup has been the driving force behind the Wichita Wurlitzer.

As the founder of Wichita Wurlitzer, Inc., Mike had the vision to bring the legendary New York Paramount Wurlitzer to Wichita and has dedicated countless hours to restoring, preserving, and improving this world-famous instrument. His leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment have inspired generations of volunteers and helped make the Wichita Wurlitzer one of the finest theatre organs in the world.

His passion for the organ began when he was a teenager. Before the Paramount organ ever arrived in Wichita, he had already built a theatre organ installation in his family's home. That early enthusiasm eventually grew into the vision that became today's Wichita Wurlitzer. He also went on to found and lead Vornado Air, all while remaining deeply involved with the organ he helped save.

Those who know Mike know his passion is matched only by his generosity and determination. Because of his vision and lifelong dedication, audiences continue to experience the magic of the "Mother Wurlitzer." Thank you, Mike, for creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.