Urbandale-Based Critchett's to Open Organ Store in Cedar Rapids

of Urbandale -- which began business 90 years ago in Des Moines -- will open a store on Sept. 6 in Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids, according to The Gazette.

Critchett’s offers organ lessons designed to help older adults improve their musical skills, as well as their mind and body. In addition, Critchett’s will sell a full line of Lowrey home organs, and host concerts of nationally recognized organists.

Critchett’s Music Inc., the corporate parent of Critchett’s Lowrey Organ Centers, traces its history to 1922 when Bert Critchett started Critchett Piano Co. in Des Moines. In 1971, his grandson, Dave Brown and his mother Lois Critchett Brown, bought the company, which moved from Des Moines to Urbandale in 2004, the Gazette reported.

Dave and Mary Jo Brown run Critchett’s Music with the help of their son, Matt Waggoner. Critchett’s has grown over the years to become one of the largest Lowrey organ dealers in North America.

In addition to Urbandale, Critchett’s Lowrey Organ Centers operates stores in Cedar Falls, Omaha and Lincoln, the website said.