Rahway Senior Center Hosts 'Pretzels and Pipes' Thursday

Rahway Senior Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave., hosts a free concert called "Pretzels and Pipes" Thursday at 2 p.m., featuring organist Bernie McGorrey and a 750-pipe Wurlitzer organ. The concert pairs live theatre organ music with refreshments from Philly Pretzel Factory in Westfield, creating an engaging cultural experience that celebrates both music and community.

The concert is presented by the Garden State Theatre Organ Society (GSTOS), which uses the Senior Center as its headquarters. The food-themed concert format was created by Jill Fraser, whose son Ian is a theatre pipe organist. "I came up with the food-themed idea to increase our concert audiences," Fraser said. "And it worked, as we've doubled and tripled our attendance with the Senior Center members, newcomers, and music fans."

Fraser described what attendees can expect: "These free events are a great way to discover the theatre organ, hear great music from the early 20th century to modern times, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the organ's 750 pipes, and enjoy a bite to eat, all thanks to the Garden State Theatre Organ Society."

The Wurlitzer organ represents a century of pipe organ craftsmanship. The 750-pipe instrument provides both visual spectacle and rich musical experience. Behind-the-scenes tours give attendees a rare opportunity to understand the mechanical and musical complexity of theatre organ design.

The GSTOS has additional food-themed concerts planned. "Pumpkin and Pipes" in October will feature Dr. Jonathan Kleefield, an organist from Massachusetts. A November concert called "Pies and Pipes" is also planned, with the organist for that event to be announced.

Union County Life covers Rahway arts, entertainment, and cultural events. Find more Rahway events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the 'Pretzels and Pipes' concert?
A: "Pretzels and Pipes" is a free concert at Rahway Senior Center featuring organist Bernie McGorrey performing on a 750-pipe Wurlitzer organ. The concert pairs live theatre organ music with complimentary pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory.

Q: When is the concert?
A: The concert is Thursday at 2 p.m. at Rahway Senior Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave.

Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: No. The concert is free and open to all ages.

Q: What will the audience experience?
A: Attendees will hear theatre organ music from the early 20th century to modern times, enjoy complimentary pretzels, and can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the 750-pipe Wurlitzer organ.

Q: What is the 750-pipe Wurlitzer?
A: The Wurlitzer is a historic theatre pipe organ with 750 pipes. It represents a century of pipe organ craftsmanship and provides both visual spectacle and rich musical experience.

Q: Who is organizing these concerts?
A: The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (GSTOS) organizes the concerts. The organization uses Rahway Senior Center as its headquarters.

Q: What other food-themed concerts are planned?
A: "Pumpkin and Pipes" in October will feature organist Dr. Jonathan Kleefield from Massachusetts. "Pies and Pipes" is planned for November, with the organist to be announced.

Q: Why use food themes for the concerts?
A: According to Jill Fraser, the food-themed idea was created to increase concert audiences and community engagement. The strategy has successfully doubled and tripled attendance with Senior Center members, newcomers, and music fans.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Contact Rahway Senior Center at 1306 Esterbrook Ave., Rahway. Union County Life covers Rahway arts and cultural events.