Brennan Rock & Roll Academy founder Chuck Brennan has been a leading light in the music business for more than two decades. Before he created Dollar Loan Center in his hometown of Sioux Falls, S.D., Chuck Brennan opened and managed one of the Midwest’s most popular concert halls, the Blitz Ballroom. Chuck Brennan, who now resides in Las Vegas, NV, recently opened the Rock & Roll Academy to support the Boys & Girls Club in the Sioux Falls area.
Interviewing Experts: Who benefits from the Rock & Roll Academy?
Chuck Brennan: The Academy serves Boys & Girls Club members in the Sioux Falls area.
Interviewing Experts: What projects will these proceeds fund?
Chuck Brennan: The Academy will offer the first free music education program for Boys & Girls Club members in the area.
Interviewing Experts: Music plays such an important part in the lives of young people.
Chuck Brennan: It really does. This program brings the joy of music to children who might not otherwise have that exposure. In a place like Las Vegas, NV, this music education is readily available. In Sioux Falls, not so much.
Interviewing Experts: What musical components will the program emphasize?
Chuck Brennan: The program emphasizes traditional rock ‘n’ roll instruments like keyboard, drums, guitar, bass guitar and of course vocals.
Interviewing Experts: How much money does the Academy plan to raise?
Chuck Brennan: I have committed to raise the entire $3.6 million that it will take to fund the program for the next 20 years.
Interviewing Experts: Where was the grand opening held?
Chuck Brennan: The grand opening took place in Sioux Falls from March 26-30.
Interviewing Experts: Any featured entertainment?
Chuck Brennan: Night Ranger, one of America’s most popular rock bands, kicked off the weeks long events.
Interviewing Experts: Who else was in attendance?
Chuck Brennan: Louie Anderson and George Lopez had the audience in stitches with their comedy routines on the second night. Afterward, the two were joined onstage by Rick Harrison, star of the reality series “Pawn Stars.”
Interviewing Experts: That’s quite a lineup.
Chuck Brennan: There’s more. The third night featured Alice Cooper with a little help from his friends: Robby Krieger from the Doors, Joey Allen from Warrant, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer from Kiss, and Sebastian Bach.
Interviewing Experts: What other activities were attendees able to enjoy?
Chuck Brennan: Attendees were invited to an open-house event that included tours for the general public.
Interviewing Experts: What took place during the closing ceremony?
Chuck Brennan: On the final evening, ’80s rock group Hairball performed with Stephen Pearcy from RATT, Vince Neil from Motley Crue, and a surprise appearance from Gene Simmons of KISS.
Interviewing Experts: A perfect ending.
Chuck Brennan: It was for sure. A one of a kind, week-long event that Sioux Falls or anywhere else won’t see again.
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