I first met Dennie in 1990. Early in my stint writing for PA Musician Magazine, I saw and wrote about Dennie as he sang with his band at the time, Crazy Notions, at Mike's Brass Rail Lounge in Duncansville. That night became the start of a 25-year-plus friendship.
Dennie was many things to many people. Husband. Father. Musician. Singer. Entertainer. Magician. Mentor. Balloon artist "Hubie the Clown." Host of numerous children's parties. The creator and host of the annual Crazy Fest Amateur Talent Show (which achieved the quarter-century milestone last year). Friend of the central PA community. And advocate for encouraging young people to develop their talents and shine.
Dennie became an icon and pillar of the central PA community. He appeared at many festivals, carnivals, fairs and public events as he created balloon hats and animals for countless youngsters, and made kids and families smile and laugh with his magic show.
He was tirelessly charitable. It was not uncommon for Dennie while travelling between two children's parties or other gigs, to stop at a public function or charity event and create balloon art for kids, donating whatever proceeds he earned to the charity or cause.
Because somebody once gave him a chance to experience the limelight and performance stage early in his career, Dennie paid the favor forward by starting the annual Crazy Fest Amateur Talent Show in 1991. Evolving into a youth talent showcase event, Crazy Fest encouraged youngsters to step onto the stage and demonstrate their talents before a friendly and supportive audience. Some of those youngsters became yearly contestants at Crazy Fest, and some graduated to careers in the entertainment industry. National recording group Halestorm once graced Dennie's Crazy Fest stage. Dennie instilled confidence in youngsters to let their imaginations, creativity and talents shine. He encouraged, never discouraged.
Dennie was a big man with a big presence, big voice, a big heart, a big soul and a big smile. He made our community and world a brighter place.
Although I am saddened by his passing, I smile when I think of memories of Dennie. I think of the numerous Crazy Fests that he presided over, happy moments whenever I would show up at a random festival or event to see his bright-colored van, his cart and Dennie doing his balloon art creations for smiling kids. I think of his generosity to the community. It has been an honor to have been his friend. I will miss you, Dennie.
Here's to keeping Dennie's spirit and legacy alive, and - as he did in creating "Crazy Fest" - paying it forward to future generations by encouraging youngsters to dream, create and share the gifts of their talents and minds with the world.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Here is a photo of Dennie, as he did his balloon art while emceeing the gazebo stage during the 2008 Bedford Fall Foliage Festival.
