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Winners at Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs, Age Category 16-21
Ethan Durell – Viola | Madeline “Maddie” Gesi – Viola | Eloise Hodges – Violin | Natalie Hodges – Violin | Ben Roberts – Cello | Grace Willis – Violin
In a unique twist on social venture capitalism, these dedicated teens turned their musical talent into thousands of dollars every year for charities that help children. Their business name, a musical pun, refers both to intonation, or playing “in tune,” a special challenge for string players, and to their goal “to be ‘intune’ with the needs of our community.” The teens donate 100% of their profits, which will top $8,000 this year. That’s a lot of help for the children at the two organizations receiving most of their support: There With Care (helps families with critically ill children) and El Sistema Colorado (provides instruments and music instructions in underserved Denver Public Schools).“The joy of playing together is enhanced when the mission of the ensemble is not only to play well but to play for an even higher purpose.”
Presenting Mentors: Chuck Morris, President & CEO, AEG Live, Rocky Mtn./Pacific Northwest and Danny Sax, Talent Buyer, AEG Live, Rocky Mtn./Pacific Northwest
Chuck Morris has been a driving force in the Colorado music community and across the country for close to a half-century. A legendary promoter who has managed many artists and groups to the top, Morris still “gets a big thrill trying to advise some of the young kids coming up. I love trying to be a mentor.”
Early in his career, Morris created the famed Boulder club Tulagi and co-owned Ebbets Field in Denver. Morris also managed careers including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lyle Lovett, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and guitarist Leo Kottke, who he still manages.
He launched th
e Bill Graham Presents/Chuck Morris Presents partnership which became Live Nation and later joined AEG Live, where he works with Danny Sax. Sax, a Talent Buyer and Event Promoter, will co-mentor with Morris, helping to guide our winners with his experience in supporting and growing music artists’ careers and his knowledge of agents, buyers and marketers.Morris, a father of five who supports many youth organizations, advises aspiring musicians to be realistic in a career that demands 24-hour days often with low pay, “Glam gets old really quicky,” he says, “You have to love the music and love the people.”
