Pipe Dreams

[857pgsny98]

Keith , You mention the Imperial Skating Rink , that you loved that organ. Did you ever hear Russ Chilson play? He was good was he not? Thanks for sharing this. Russ was self taught, Thought you may know him? I enjoyed his playing very much! This is my first hearing you. Nice.

[Iconotark]

@857pgsny98

Yes, Russ was playing at the Imperial Rink the first night I skated there, and he was a huge inspiration in my early days of learning to play the pipe organ. He was very open to helping me get started, even letting me "play along" with him at times. Great times, and great memories. Thanks for your comment.

[TheWillOfFenris]

At 4:07 in this a woman named Helen Washam appears in the video talking about the organists that have come and gone. She was my Aunt Helen. She spent nearly all her life at Oaks. She was such an amazing person. She danced and skated up until almost the very end of her life and she never did stop giggling. I miss her so much.

[kolaski33]

This just assures me that having had to live in Forest Grove Oregon was a mistake . We should have never left Vernonia . Keith was the only friend I had . It just goes to show you that childhood can be less than what one would expect . Sorry if I offended you . I should never go back to Oregon for family or what was percieved to be friends .

[kolaski33]

And musicman don't you worry about my faith . I am struggling because of post traumatic stress syndrome . I was wounded in combat and have a terrible life now . I bet you are better off . You didn't have to serve . I am a Christian , but very frustrated with the way my life turned out . Keith always had it made . Joe kolaski III U.S.A.F.

[kolaski33]

He was a rich kid that used to be somewhat honorable . I wonder why his aspirations became so limited . I mean an organist in a amusement park ? I am an engineer with an Honorable Discharge out of the United States Air Force . You would think that maybe he would at least contact me about our lifes . I was in combat . I wonder what kind of war stories he has . Fighting over some cotton candy maybe ? My family moved from Forest Grove . It's a rinky dink backwoods town with strange standards .

[musicman3901]

@kolaski33

Dude....let it go! Congratulations on your accomplishments, but there is no need for these kind of comments. You've had no contact, and you're making assumptions. You could just be very wrong about the whole thing. You obviously have problems with where you were raised. Start being the "Christian" you claim to be.

[kolaski33]

@musicman3901 I believe you are right . I detest Oregon because of the people and the judicial system there . Conservative to a fault . Oregon is ignored on the map by the rest of the nation . They immediately pass up Portland and refer to Seattle when the Pacific Northwest is mentioned . The name Oregon was a mistake around the turn of the 18th century and has the legacy to match . Pathetic place .

[LadyBdancesk8er]

@kolaski33

Wow, I can see why he wouldn't contact you. It sounds like you need a lot of attention & some therapy. Thanks for serving & I'm glad you're a Christian, but you're making Christianity look bad w/the way you put others down for no reason. You throw a lot of negativity around w/o having any fact to base it on. Keith's music is loved & appreciated by many & I doubt you could find anyone who'd say he's become a snob! Since you obviously don't know...playing the organ is not his career.

[bboice02]

I said I'm sorry Red . Now let's move on . Keith turned into a snob . Who would've figured ? I didn't realize this was your production . It has no reflection on your integerity or character . But I , being a Veteran have honor . God Bless in Christ our True Parents Name

[bboice02]

This guy used to be my best friend at Neil Armstrong Jr. High in Cornelius near Forest Grove . I tried to contact him 35 years later and he either didn't remember me or he snubbed me . Redvoxvulpes told me Keith did remember me , but could not be bothered . I served in the United States Military and should recieve some kind of respect from an old friend . Shame on him My name is Joe Kolaski III U.S.A.F. and expected different reponse other than nothing . God Bless

[bboice02]

He is not from Portland . But from Forest Grove . Tualatin Valley

[RedVoxVulpes]

I said no such thing. I forwarded your contact information to him, what he does with it is his decision. Don't twist the facts, thank you.

[scottgallegos]

omg what a flash back!! thank you for that trip back to my days of my youth. my brother and sister and myslef use to compete against that rink and we always loved the chance that we were given to go and skate there . now since my brother is gone it is my sister and i , but we will always have a tender place in our heart for that rink and the music that made our childhood a world to remember. thank you once again !

[fedupworking]

The world does not revolve around kids all the time, if they don't like dancing to this then they can keep away., but these are just my veiws. Thanks for posting.

[Hamaround]

This brings back memories of skating at the Rollercade in Cleveland Ohio in the 60s. It's a shame that places like that end with a wrecking ball.

[rvrdog]

What a great documentary! My parents met at Oaks Rink in 1945 and I've been going there for years. Thanks for keeping up the place and the organ. Whatever happened to the organ that was in the Imperial?

[SnyderToeStops]

Does Metallica have a tempo?

92, 98, 100, 120, etc..?

[RRSloth]

Made it to the rink last Sunday evening, listened and recorded Keith and even got to shake the man's hand! Talk about an awesome experience, one I'll definitely be going back for.

[suncladcom]

I believe it's Keith F_ortune. Yes?

[mark97217]

yes. you are correct.

[LordAshfordly]

BRILLIANT, Kieth if you ever need a stand in from the UK let me know id love to play thatWurliTzer for a couple of nights!

[Kiddman32]

p.s. First-class documentary!

[Kiddman32]

Being a big fan of theatre organ, I've been to the Oaks Park rink a few times. The place looks like it hasn't changed since the 50's! I understand this is now the ONLY roller-rink in the United States that still has a theatre organ installed and in use.

[SnyderToeStops]

Ya! I'm glad it's back - and I found it!

[FlynBnut44]

W-O-W....This place I've got to visit....

[contrabombardon]

This is really great little documentary, especially for any theatre organ buff. Thanks