Like so many other Chicago area silent film fans, I’m absolutely devastated to hear of Jay Warren’s passing. Because of Jay’s untiring enthusiasm and unfailing dedication to his craft, moviegoers from all over Chicagoland and beyond could visit theatres like the Portage, Des Plaines, Pickwick, Arcada, Patio, Logan, and so many more–in addition to libraries, community organizations, churches, charities, schools, and small businesses–and communally view a silent film with live musical accompaniment. The moviegoing experience of days long gone by heartily lived on in Jay. Whether playing an organ at a theater or using his own equipment, Jay WAS The Silent Film Society of Chicago and had his whole show down to an art.

More than that, he was a dear, dear friend and incredibly generous with his time and talent. Jay’s musical performances were the backbone of his act. You could indulge in his playing, immerse yourself in the plot of the film, and, by the end of it, jolt back into the (obvious) realization that Jay had been playing the WHOLE ENTIRE TIME that the film was running! BRAVO.

While in the shadows, his music sang silent films to life before us over and over again. Moreover, he aimed the spotlight on other lovers of cinema, acknowledging our voices and allowing us to shine with our own instruments in any sense. I was lucky to introduce silent films 38 times before his audiences because of his generosity. I was also lucky to meet so many more wonderful film fans through his events.

I’m so sorely going to miss getting a running order from Jay and chatting with him backstage until showtime. To date, I carry a small flashlight that Jay gave me just in case whatever venue we were presenting at dimmed the spotlight before I had a chance to get down the stairs. As I mourn my friend, the many memories I have of him will still spread his light, guide me ahead, and compel me to continue to spotlight the importance of preserving our cinematic heritage, connecting audiences of the present to films of the past.