Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Hougen.
Angela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I love the moments of silent communication when I’m spending time with someone. In a world of lengthy explanations, a fleeting expression feels more meaningful to me. I think that’s why I enjoy silent films so much. It’s a treat for the imagination, being in the moment, surrounded by glorious music, and having a story unfold. I came to Old Town Music Hall as a customer over a decade ago, first to see films I knew and loved, but after a while, thanks to the inspired film choices of founder Bill Field, I got to experience a range of films, funny and poignant, and a gamut of emotions through his enveloping accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. He created a place with heart and soul. My enjoyment as a customer has evolved into my role as a volunteer and Board Member.
Old Town Music Hall was founded in 1968 and on the weekend, screens a roster of great films from the 1920s to the 1980s. It presents vintage-style concerts, and the theatre is also available for a wide variety of special events, including private screenings and weddings. The crown jewel of the 176-seat theatre is the 1925 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, which was rescued from the Fox West Coast Theatre in Long Beach by founders Bill Coffman and Bill Field. Every weekend, the shows at Old Town Music Hall start with music on the pipe organ, as well as an old-fashioned sing-along and cartoon.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The theatre has been in operation for 54 years. Through the years, there have been good years and times where the theatre has had a hard time meeting its financial obligations, but our greatest struggle was losing our founder, Bill Field in 2020 while we were closed for the pandemic. A small group of volunteers made the decision to keep the theatre going and to do everything we could to reopen. With no savings available, it was truly the upwelling of community support that enabled us to pay the rent through our 18-month closure. We were gratified when we opened to a sold-out house in September of 2021. Since then, we have continued to enjoy community support for our cultural treasure. It’s been exciting to see our audience grow over the past year!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Old Town Music Hall began in the 1960s when two musicians, Bill Coffman and Bill Field, purchased the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ from the Fox West Coast Theatre in Long Beach, CA, and installed it in the quaint 176-seat El Segundo State Theater, originally built in 1921.
The “Two Bills” opened their doors in 1968, and to this day the Old Town Music Hall continues to entertain audiences with silent and sound films, as well as ragtime, jazz and pipe organ concerts. All silent feature films are accompanied live by the Mighty Wurlitzer, just as they were when originally released.
The Mighty Wurlitzer consists of more than 2,600 pipes. From the console of four keyboards, the organist controls the pipes and many percussive instruments. The entire system is air-powered from a 10-horsepower Spencer Turbine Orgoblo. Needless to say, the organ requires constant maintenance. Additionally, on stage with the organ console is a spectacular 9-foot concert grand piano. The 92-note Bösendorfer was handmade in Vienna for Old Town Music Hall.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The theatre is a volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the financial support of our customers and patrons. More than anything, we encourage people to come and enjoy our theatre and tell their friends. There is no way to describe the feeling of being inside the theatre, the power of the Mighty Wurlitzer must be experienced in person to be truly appreciated. It doesn’t translate well to a cell phone video! Help us spread the word about the theater, either by telling friends in the Los Angeles area about it or just participating with our social media from wherever you are in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: oldtownmusichall.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldtownmusichall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldTownMusicHall
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-town-music-hall-el-segundo?osq=old+town+music+hall
Image Credits
Interior of Theatre Photo by Don Holtz Exterior of Theatre at Night by Angie Hougen Photo in Ticket Booth by Chris Hougen Angie and Vicki Laughing by James Moll Dick Van Dyke photo by Angie Hougen
