I was sad to learn of the passing of Dennis Wolkowicz, the creator of the Silent Summer Film Festival which I’ve written about here before.

Known professionally as Jay Warren, he came up with the idea of presenting silent films to a Chicago audience the way they were meant to be seen: on a big screen with his live accompaniment on a theatre organ. The films he presented cut across all genres: comedy, drama, adventure, mystery, and every one of them was entertaining. Jay was an amazing musician, and his presentations were always met with a standing ovation.

This was always one of my favorite events of the year, and was worth the trip to the Gateway and then the Portage theatres. My wife, younger daughter, and I would make a Friday evening of it, starting at Superdawg. It was delightful to see both of them gain an appreciation for this art form. My daughter still cracks up at the Sea Captain scene in The Navigator.

I once met with Jay to discuss the potential of running silent films in the suburban theatre space where I was the board president. We came to the conclusion together that our audience probably wouldn’t appreciate this kind of programming, but during our time together in the Corner Bakery on LaSalle Street I realized what a genuinely nice person he was. Always positive, always with a sense of humor, and always thinking of what he could bring to an audience.

Thanks for everything, Jay.