The Mighty Wurlitzer console at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona
On my recent trip to Arizona, I spent an afternoon visiting Cosanti, a tranquil art studio and gallery in Paradise Valley. Later on, my family joined me for a rowdy (but very fun) night at Organ Stop Pizza, home to “one of the largest and finest theater organs in the world today”, The Mighty Wurlitzer. This organ boasts nearly 6,000 pipes, various percussions and “countless traps” which were all operated that night by organist Lew Williams. The musical entertainment Mr. Williams provided was delightful. My 7-year old daughter was granted her request to hear Singin’ in the Rain (and later scribbled a note to me that read “This is the coolest place ever in my life.”). My nephews delighted in an amazing set of various theme songs from movies: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. On top of the stellar entertainment, we had a great pizza dinner and dined in a giant hall with an all ages crowd. It was really a good ol’ fashioned time and I highly recommend a visit.
Organ Stop Pizza is located at 1149 E. Southern Avenue in Mesa, Arizona.
images 1 & 6 via Organ Stop Pizza
photos by Rusty Blazenhoff
