Wurlitzer Theatre Organ and the instrument is played before nightly films. The organ is played and maintained by a team of volunteer organists from the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society. In the spring of 2013, during its 86th year of existence, efforts began to convert to digital picture and sound (with the exception of productions that are only available in the movie reel format) and screened a free showing of Samsara to celebrate the transition. The switch to digital occurred at a cost of $150,000. In late 2017, the Theatre closed for six weeks to complete the first phase of its long-term restoration plan, a $6 million renovation that updated the electrical systems, re-seated the auditorium with seats designed to match the original look from 1926, added a new and expanded concessions stand and bar, installed a new emergency power system, and protected the building from storms by installing new storm rated windows and doors on the Florida Avenue side of the building. The seating capacity was reduced from 1,446 to 1,238 to improve comfort and legroom. A new carpet, designed to match the original 1926 design, was installed, as well as a new grand drape and valance for the proscenium arch also designed to match the original. The lobby paint and plaster were restored to their original palette by crews from EverGreene Studios, in New York, including the replication of four tapestries to replace the faded and worn tapestries from 1926. The original tapestries were transferred to the Tampa Bay History Center for preservation. In popular culture The glam metal band Sleeze Beez filmed the music video for the song "Stranger Than Paradise" at the theater. Noted performers Gregg Allman Band Tori Amos (3 times) Blondie Lindsey Buckingham David Byrne Colbie Caillat Ray Charles Harry Chapin Chris Cornell Miranda Cosgrove Elvis Costello Jamie Cullum Ani DiFranco Dr. John The Dresden Dolls Drive-By Truckers Steve Earle Jimmy Fallon Genesis Gov't Mule (3 times) Arlo Guthrie Buddy Guy Emmylou Harris Iron Butterfly Joe Jackson Albert King B.B. King (9 times) Kris Kristofferson Ray LaMontagne Amos Lee John Legend Gordon Lightfoot Darlene Love Love and Rockets Shelby Lynne Aimee Mann Dave Mason Matisyahu Jessica Lea Mayfield Delbert McClinton Pat Metheny Group Randy Newman Nickel Creek Night Ranger (3 times) New Order Old Crow Medicine Show The Police Iggy Pop Postmodern Jukebox Psychedelic Furs Queensrÿche Ramones Damien Rice Todd Rundgren Leon Russell Joe