Organist Dave Moreno wows guests at Silent Movie Night
A fun night of humor, silent movies, popcorn, and a live organ surround sound that literally wowed an audience of almost 100 people out of their seats took place Saturday at the First Congregational Church in Porterville.
The church was built in 1891 and is a designated historical landmark, and its Arts and Crafts-style wooden interior and stained glass windows combined with incredible acoustics make the venue a fitting home for its 1963 fourmanual Moller organ and huge pipe system, which was masterfully played throughout the evening by virtuoso theater organist Dave Moreno.
Moreno spoke about the organ, saying it can play all the sounds of an orchestra, and demonstrated sounds like a flute and violin to the audience. Besides being a talented musician he is also an organ technician and can rebuild and refurbish the instruments. He said the organ at First Congregational Church was really a concert organ, and welcomed everyone to ‘First Congregational theater.’ Moreno was just as entertaining as he spoke on the interesting history of the movies and famous comedic actors as he was with his musical abilities.
Four silent films were played throughout the evening. Spanning a period from 1917 to 1927, the films showcased the giants of early comedy: Harold
Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton.
As the movies rolled, Moreno demonstrated his virtuosity, humor and showmanship by providing live musical accompaniment as well as sound effects like a rumbling train on the organ,
enhancing the viewing experience and entertaining the audience just as it was done in theaters 100 years ago.
“We just think this is the greatest idea,” said Scott and Debbie Rogers.
Scott attended the church when he was younger and was happy to be back. “What an organ. It is really beautiful and really old. I didn’t know they had one here,” said Debbie.
Ellen Nichols attended the movie event especially to hear Moreno play the organ. She is a well known retired music teacher in town, and said she really wanted to hear someone who really “knows how to play the instrument.”
One of the films shown was the rare 1921 Buster Keaton movie ‘The Goat,’ in which Keaton starred, directed, and did all his own stunts.
“His films are a real surprise and go in all directions,” said Moreno.
The old films offered a unique glimpse of the past, and people enjoyed seeing what things were like years ago, from the old homes and cars from the turn of the century to the clothing worn.
Parents, grandparents, and children really enjoyed themselves, and said it was a unique experience. Nine-year-old Case said the silent movies were funnier than
today’s movies, and a woman sitting nearby named Laurie added, “We’re just laughing our heads off.”
Suzan Moreno, who recently moved to Springville, said she was appreciative of cultural activities in Porterville and the surrounding areas, and misses all the art and performances from her previous home. She was thrilled to meet four artists at First Congregational Church.
Denise Marchant enjoyed the evening and described it as “absolutely incredible.”
Lisa Wilson grew up in the church and said the movie and organ show was a unique experience.
“I’ve never heard the organ played that way before. It was an amazing experience for my 16-year-old daughter Kelsey. It was history, culture, tradition rolled into one, plus outstanding music,” she said.
“Moreno’s sense of humor and the whole experience was more than we expected. It wasn’t just the movies or the organ music, and we are looking forward to the
next organ music concert and showcase. It was very entertaining.”
At the end of the performance the audience gave Moreno a standing ovation and asked for an encore, and he played the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ to honor the veterans of Porterville. The hymn— like the tunes played throughout the movies— showcased the abilities of both organ and organist.
Kathleen George, who plays the organ for weddings and memorials and other events, promoted the event and thanked Moreno and everyone who attended. The last time they had a movie and concert showcase was in 2006, and church organizers would really like to make it an annual community again.
“This is such a nice event to have in the community. Kathleen wanted to show the silent movies and found Dave Moreno through the San Joaquin Organ Guild. Most people read about the movie and organ show in the newspaper,” said Claudia Guthrie.