A new series of free concerts featuring the Isle of Man Wurlitzer is taking place throughout August 2011. The concerts will take place on Monday evenings and Wednesday lunchtimes from 1st to 31st August 2011. The series features organists from around the Isle of Man. Some have performed on the Wurlitzer before while others have not. All are united by enthusiasm for the kaleidoscopic sound of this unique and delightful instrument. Series co-ordinator Jonathan King said: “Since the Isle of Man Wurlitzer was inaugurated in the Villa Marina Arcade in December 2009 there have been some wonderful concerts played by visiting cinema organ virtuosi. Such concerts take place on an occasional basis, perhaps once every few weeks or so. As a result many people visit the Isle of Man and return home without having the chance to experience the sound of the Wurlitzer in its beautiful new setting. “If we are to make the most of our Wurlitzer we must learn to play it ourselves. The good news is that the Isle of Man has a strong and creative musical community of its own. A number of individuals from within that community have already been prepared to take on the ‘Wurlitzer challenge’. “I am delighted to be able to announce the 2011 Wurlitzer Summer Series in which a greater number of Manx resident musicians than ever before have ‘taken the plunge’ and agreed to play the Wurlitzer in public. I am sure they, and their audiences, will have a marvellous time. “I am grateful to the performers for giving freely of their time and talents. Thanks to audiences’ generosity, the Christmas series of four concerts raised ?770 for good causes. I am hopeful that, with nine concerts, the new summer series will raise even more.” The full line-up for the Summer Series is as follows: Monday 1 August 8pm Margaret Cubbon, Douglas Wednesday 3 August 1pm Don Roworth, Peel Monday 8 August 8pm John Riley, Onchan Wednesday 10 August 1pm Jimmy Thomson, Port Erin Monday 15 August 8pm Margaret Cubbon, Douglas Wednesday 17 August 1pm Jonathan King, Port St Mary Monday 22 August 8pm John Riley, Onchan Wednesday 24 August 1pm Mike Porter, Rushen Monday 29 August 8pm No concert Wednesday 31 August 1pm Gareth Moore, Santon Admission is free and there will be a charity collection on each occasion. The Isle of Man Wurlitzer was installed at Summerland in 1989. Following the closure of that site, the Wurlitzer was repaired and overhauled by internationally renowned expert Len Rawle, and installed as the focal point of the newly restored Villa Marina Arcade. The inaugural concert was given by Len on 17th December 2009. The Wurlitzer Summer Series is designed to complement the highly successful brass band series, sponsored by the Isle of Man Arts Council, which takes place in the Villa Marina Arcade on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. ENDS