The atmosphere in Princeton this weekend might best be described as “carnivalesque,” as COAA – Carousel Organ Association of America and AMICA – Automatic Musical Instruments Collector’s Association bring their historic and wondrous collections to the community.
The organizations will combine for a “band organ rally” that will grace Princeton’s public spaces with ornate, century-old mechanical organs that may conjure memories for some of a bygone America from halcyon days.
The elaborate mechanical instruments will be on display in the streets, squares and parks of Princeton on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information desks and exhibits will help provide context.
On Saturday at 10 a.m., at Nassau Presbyterian Church, across from Palmer Square, a one-hour multi-media presentation and orientation will be held to help acclimate the public to the music, the organizations, and their history.
The rally will include everything from crank, grind or monkey organs, to large, trailer-mounted models that approximate the sounds of marching bands or concert orchestras.
Music will range from vintage, classical and dancehall tunes to today’s greatest popular hits, which will be reinterpreted in very distinctive ways.
Find out more about the organizations and the mechanical instruments in my article in today’s Trenton Times.
http://www.nj.com/times-entertainment/index.ssf/2016/08/classical_music_carnivalesque.html