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SAD NEWS - EARL WENTZ - 1938-2009
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Earl Wentz, 71, of New York City and Charlotte passed away at his home in Charlotte on Sunday, November 15th, following an extended illness. He is survived by his partner of 27 years, William B. Watkins of New York. Born March 22, 1938, composer, performer, arranger, and teacher Earl Wentz began his career at the age of 12, playing the piano at Charlotte's Amity Presbyterian Church. He became that church's first organist at the age of 15. Since 1993, Earl Wentz had been the organist and choirmaster at John Street Methodist Church in New York, the oldest Methodist congregation in America.
In New York, Wentz created the American Composer Series, an ongoing performance series in the cabaret format, paying tribute to the greatest composers of popular American music on the American scene, particularly those composers associated with Tin Pan Alley and the American Songbook. From 2000 to 2009, the series presented 15 original musical revues, many returning for multiple performances over several seasons (see http://www.americomps.com/ ).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the "Amity Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund", 2831 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC, 28205, or to the "The John Street Church Pipe Organ Restoration Fund". Checks should be made to "John Street Church", 44 John Street, New York, NY 10038. On the memo line "Organ Restoration Fund" or "In honor of Earl Wentz".
For a full obituary, and many more details on this incredibly talented and loving man, see http://www.earlwentz.com/
