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.

Charles Brennan, a Las Vegas, Nevada based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime rock and roll enthusiast recently opened the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy with the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux Empire.  With a little help from several big-name friends, Charles Brennan presented a weeklong celebration to mark this grand occasion. Here, Interviewing Experts talks with Charles Brennan about this new program for kids.

Interviewing Experts:  Thanks so much for joining us today!  Please tell readers about this phenomenal program.

Charles Brennan:  This program means the world to me.  Through the Rock and Roll Academy, we are giving kids in need access to music lessons, equipment, and performance opportunities.

Interviewing Experts:  How did the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy come to be?

Charles Brennan:  I was in the business for years and have made some really good friends in the music industry.  After discussions with Alice Cooper and my son, who attended the School of Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy was born.

Interviewing Experts:  Were you a performer?

Charles Brennan:  No, I never mastered an instrument, so I managed bands, opened a venue and promoted concerts.

Interviewing Experts:  Why Sioux Falls?

Charles Brennan:  I’ve lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for years, but Sioux Falls is my hometown.  I am so fortunate to be able to bring this program to kids in my old neighborhood.  I grew up just 6 blocks from the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy.

Interviewing Experts:  How do kids get involved?

Charles Brennan:  The Rock and Roll Academy will serve the kids who are members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire.

Interviewing Experts:  Tell readers exactly what kids will be learning at the Academy?

Charles Brennan:  Everything we do will be focused on rock and roll.  Kids will take weekly music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals and will rehearse with a band each week.

Interviewing Experts:  Will the kids perform as well?

Charles Brennan:  Yes, kids will have the opportunity to perform in front of a live crowd, just like real rock stars.

Interviewing Experts:  Incredible!  Tell readers what happened during the grand opening week.

Charles Brennan:  Some of my good friends performed to help open the Rock and Roll Academy in style.  George Lopez, Louie Anderson, Night Ranger, the “Pawn Stars”, Alice Cooper, and some members of Ratt, Warrant, the Doors, and Motley Crew all made appearances.  Even Gene Simmons of KISS made a surprise appearance on March 30^th and performed.

Interviewing Experts:  How did the community get involved?

Charles Brennan:  The kick-off concerts were open to the public.  The facility was open for tours on Friday and, with a phone call ahead, visitors are welcome anytime.

Interviewing Experts:  What are you hoping the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy will accomplish?

Charles Brennan:  At the very heart of this program, we are committed to helping kids dream big and be successful in life.  Maybe they become rock stars, maybe not.  The journey, through lessons, teamwork, and performance, will give them skills that will guide them through life.  That’s what’s important.

Charles Brennan, former owner of The Blitz Ballroom and concert promoter, is the Founder and CEO of Las Vegas, Nevada based Dollar Loan Center and founder of Clark County Collection Services.  Charles Brennan and his family reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.