[ Ken Vinen wrote in 050629 MMDigest:

> I have a wonderful Wurlitzer 125 Band Organ, restored to factory-new
> condition.  It is mounted in a show trailer, with power supply,
> billboards and all -- even a popcorn maker.  I had hoped I could hire
> out, but there were few takers.  Most don't know what a Band Organ is!

I find the account by Ken Vinen rather puzzling as I have been using my
band organ for strictly paid performances since I acquired it in  1983.
Neither that band organ, nor the calliope, play anywhere out for free.
They are my money makers and so far they've been doing quite well in
that department.

Although due to physical health problems here and being unable to work
the organ since 1998, the performances have paid for two other band
organs as well as a two-unit apartment house which also brings in
income.  I believe that anyone not able to book paid performances with
their instruments are not doing something right.

I don't have the income I'd like to have but for the length of the
season here in southern Michigan I find no great difficulty in booking
typically eighteen to twenty-four performances each season, and one
year, 1986, I actually booked and performed thirty-two performances
during the summer season, although most of these were with the calliope
rather than the band organ.

Due to date conflicts it's generally necessary to refuse performances,
but I have done as many as three performances in a single day and two
more the following day.  That, however, takes my calliope as well as
the band organ.

If there is something that I can help others with who are interested
in owning "working" band organs or calliopes I'll be happy to offer
suggestions if you contact me directly.

Hal Davis
Leslie, Michigan  (between Lansing and Jackson)
tel.: 1-517-589-8179
haldavis@modempool.com.geentroep [delete ",geentroep" to reply]