Press Release
November 1, 2023
Contact: Steve Hawkins
Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0754
steve.hawkins@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
November Kilgen Theatre Organ Performance to Feature Donnie Rankin and Silent Film “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”
OKLAHOMA CITY — The November performance of the Kilgen Theatre Organ at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will feature Donnie Rankin IV accompanying the Buster Keaton silent comedy film “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” (1928). Rankin is internationally known, having played for theatre organ audiences worldwide, including appearances in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The performance will take place on Monday, November 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Devon Great Hall of the OHC. Tickets are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers. They may be purchased online. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rankin was born in Ravenna, Ohio, and was immediately immersed in music by hearing his great-grandfather play the electronic organ at home. His interest grew when he first heard a performance of the Wurlitzer organ at the Civic Theatre in Akron, Ohio, at the age of three. Rankin has won several competitions and awards, including being named the overall winner of the American Theatre Organ Society’s Young Theatre Organist Competition when he was 18. After his win in 2007, Donnie began a five-year journey studying with noted organist Jelani Eddington. His career continues to grow.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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