THOMASTON — Landmark Community Theater 2015 season final spotlight volunteer Juan Cardona Jr, a renowned theater organist who has played in numerous venues across the county, will be honored this month with a special award from Thomaston Opera House. A Volunteer Spotlight Reception to celebrate his many years of talented service will be held at the opera house on Friday, November 27, from 6:45 to 7:45 pm. Light refreshments will be served, and bar service will be available.

More than 20 years has passed since Mr Cardona, who lives in Newtown, played his first concert at the historic Thomaston Opera House during the 1990s. In the years that followed, prior to the establishment of Landmark Community Theater (LCT), Mr Cardona entertained audiences playing the organ before several shows.

Since the beginning of LCT, Mr Cardona has volunteered innumerable hours bringing the sounds of live theater organ to theater patrons. Many refer to the resident 1926 Marr-Colton Theater Pipe Organ as a gem. Mr Cardona is a master jeweler, turning that gem into a masterpiece by coaxing its beauty out through masterful handling and a musical imagination second to none.

Each show night, Mr Cardona begins to play as the doors to the auditorium open. At first, his careful selections begin to set the mood. As show time draws near, the music increases the audience’s excitement and anticipation. His set closes with a powerful ending, leaving the patrons anticipating more great entertainment.

When Mr Cardona makes announcements, the audience is primed, much like Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band readied audiences for years for Johnny Carson.

Theater organ is an acquired taste. It requires a masterful musician with a personal, deep love of the instrument to act as ambassador, helping others to acquire that taste.

Theater organ is a tradition at Landmark Community Theater, and Mr Cardona is charged with maintaining and growing that tradition as he shares his music across generations.

Gary Kingsbury, chairman of the LCT Board of Trustees, said that while Landmark has many valuable volunteers, “it is difficult to imagine our ORGANization without Juan. His contribution is unique, and as such, it is irreplaceable.”

LCT and the Opera House are proud to award the Spotlight Volunteer to Mr Cardona. The public is invited to join LCT and Opera House board members during the Volunteer reception November 27. The event will take place in at Thomaston Town Hall’s Crescent Gallery, on the second floor of the building at 158 Main Street. Immediately following the reception there will be a short ceremony on the Opera House Main Stage, which is within the town hall building.

For additional information about the reception or to learn about The 1940s Radio Hour, which will open on November 27, call 860-283-8558 or visit landmarkcommunitytheatre.org.