Once upon a time, a versatile man named Joel Kremer was organist at the Paramount Theatre in Denver. Gifted by upbringing with both mechanical and musical skills, he worked for a pipe organ builder and decided to build his own organ.

He started with buying a small one, with 270 pipes kept adding parts and pipes over a period of years, until he finally built a barn with a 25 foot high ceiling to house his 2500 pipe creation on 80 acres he bought south of Kiowa. The Organ Barn seats about 200.

This unusual venue is a treasure known to area theater organ buffs and not many others including Elbert County neighbors, according to Carol Beam, a nearby ranch owner who is helping to organize a Sept. 5 benefit concert, sponsored by the Pikes Peak Theatre Organ Society and local Epiphany Lutheran Church and Kiowa Creek Community Church.

The concert from 2 to 4 p.m. at 28453 County Road 49 (watch for signs) will feature music by nationally and regionally recognized theater organists, choir ensembles, a sing-a-long and jam session following the concert.

Beam said that picnic space is available on the grounds, with a fine view of Pikes Peak.

Kremer’s family made eight moves in all — each time dismantling, packing and reassembling the ever-larger instrument, according to the organ’s current owner, Dave Weesner of Colorado Springs, who will perform in the concert. “I own the organ, but not the barn and property,” Weesner said.

He is president of the Pikes Peak Area Theatre Organ Society and was a friend of the late Kremer.

Joel Kremer was the son of R. J. Kremer, owner of the very successful A & L Bolt and Nut Company in Denver, which sold at a handsome profit in 1990, assuring the younger Kremer the wherewithal to pursue his passion.

Joel Kremer died several years ago and Weesner, president of the Pikes Peak Theatre Organ Society purchased the huge instrument, but it remains at the Organ Barn location. Kremer’s widow now wants to sell the 40 remaining acres of agricultural property with house and barn. Rural land must remain in 40-acre or larger parcels to qualify for agricultural zoning, Beam explained.

Unless a buyer can be found who wants a property with an organ, it will have to be dismantled and stored. Weesner envisions a church retreat or perhaps just someone who likes to party with music in the background.

Supporters hope the publicity about the concert will not only raise money to save the barn, but perhaps reach a potential buyer. Tickets cost $10. For reservations and information, call Carol Beam, 303-840-9539 or e-mail gopher525@hotmail.com.

If you go:

The Organ Barn is located south of Kiowa in Elbert County, 28453 County Rd. 49 (look for signs). Conert will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 5. 303-840-9539, e mail gopher525@hotmail.com.