Brennan Rock & Roll Academy founder Charles Brennan has already given a quarter million dollars to the new program, which allows children to experience the thrill of learning an instrument by modern rock legends. Here, the Las Vegas, Nevada entrepreneur explains how son Jett and music icon Alice Cooper were his inspiration for the project.

Aicube: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Charles Brennan: I can think of anything more I’d rather do.

Aicube: The Brennan Rock ‘n Roll Academy is a big deal for the kids at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club. What gave you the idea to promote music to this particular group?

Charles Brennan: Long before I moved to the Las Vegas, Nevada area, I was a Club kid myself growing up and I know that these programs can really make a difference in the lives of the children they serve. I’m in a position where I can give back to the community that gave me so much growing up and I feel it’s my duty to do so. And, I love music.

Aicube: We understand that a very influential artist had something to do with your idea for the Academy?

Charles Brennan: I’ve had a lot of motivation. First is my son Jett, who is a student at the School of Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada. My friend Alice Cooper was another major inspiration, especially after seeing the success of his Phoenix-based program, Solid Rock Foundation.

Aicube: How much does admission to the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy cost?

Charles Brennan: There is no cost to members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire. However, I believe it costs $25 per year to be a member of the Boys and Girls Club.

Aicube: We understand that you welcomed some pretty big names to promote the opening event.

Charles Brennan: I don’t like to name drop or anything but we managed to score some of the most high-profile Rock gods of all time. Along with my good friend Alice Cooper, Sebastian Bach, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, and Gene Simmons of KISS and even one of the original band members of The Doors, Robbie Krieger, turned up in Sioux Falls during the grand opening week.

Aicube: You managed to get some pretty interesting comedic acts as well, right?

Charles Brennan: Yes. Two of the funniest people I’ve ever met—George Lopez and Louie Anderson.

Aicube: Any other celebrities?

Charles Brennan: Just for good measure! Yeah, Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison and Night Ranger.

Aicube: Switching gears back to the Academy for a moment, what sort of instruments will you focus on?

Charles Brennan: Pretty much anything you can imagine on a rock set—drums, bass and guitar, keyboard.

Aicube: Vocals?

Charles Brennan: Well, rock isn’t rock without a front man or woman right!?

Aicube: Who is this Brennan Rock ‘n Roll Academy Rock ‘n Roll Ambassador we keep hearing so much about?

Charles Brennan: Kory Van Sickle of Kory and the Fireflies.

Aicube: He had a lot to do with the vision and design, right?

Charles Brennan: Yes, he will also act as a real-life example of what the students can achieve if they believe in themselves.

Aicube: This is really an amazing thing you’re doing for these children and on behalf of all of our readers we thank you.

Charles Brennan: This is just my way of giving back to the Boys and Girls Club in making my mark on my hometown.

Las Vegas, Nevada businessman Charles Brennan has enjoyed a career that, over the last 25 years, has taken many interesting twists and turns. From his early days as a collections agent for Citibank, through the excitement of rock concert promotions, to his current position as founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center, a successful company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles Brennan has maintained a love of music and a passion for helping children achieve their dreams.