Interview with Charles C. Brennan: The Rock & Roll Academy’s First Concert

Charles C. Brennan

Charles C. Brennan, founder of the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy, recently hosted the Academy’s first concert designed to showcase the talents of attendees. When Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash showed up, Charles C. Brennan was able to provide students a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An important part of the community, Charles C. Brennan says the Academy is able to provide underserved children an outlet for their creative talents. By being able to perform alongside a legendary guitarist, Las Vegas resident Charles C. Brennan found the children were further motivated to pursue their aspirations.

Charles C. Brennan spoke with the staff of Zrylw about the concert, as well as Slash’s impression of the work the Rock & Roll Academy is doing.

Zrylw: Talk to us a little about how this came about. How did you meet Slash?

Charles C. Brennan: I was introduced to Slash at Rockfest in Wisconsin, when he opened for KISS. We struck up a conversation about the Academy and he was intrigued.

Zrylw: This was actually his second visit to the Academy, correct?

Charles C. Brennan: Slash came by during the KISS dedication ceremony, when we dedicated four rehearsal rooms to the rock band. He was impressed by the work we’re doing and wanted to find a way to show his support.

Zrylw: What, in particular, impressed him?

Charles C. Brennan: He noted that we are the first free service that allows members of the Boys and Girls Clubs to learn music. And by being in attendance, he was actually the first celebrity musician to see the kids publicly showcase their talents.

Zrylw: He also performed with some of the kids, from what I understand. How did that come about?

Charles C. Brennan: One of the bands chose “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” a Guns N’ Roses song, to perform. When Slash heard about that, he decided to get up on stage and perform it with them. It was an amazing experience for those young musicians, to be able to play with a true professional in front of their peers.

Zrylw: Slash made a statement about the importance of volunteers, too, while he was there…

Charles C. Brennan: Yes, he spoke on the importance of getting children involved and also spoke to the music community at large about the importance of volunteering to help these young aspiring musicians. Working with someone who has a true talent can make a big difference in these kids’ lives.

Zrylw: Who would have expected Slash has such a soft spot for kids…

Charles C. Brennan: He emphasized that he’s a father himself and because of that, he realizes how crucial it is to provide a great foundation to children in order to steer them in the right direction in life.

Zrylw: Can we expect more concerts from the students at the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy?

Charles C. Brennan: You can count on it! I’ve made a 20-year commitment to both the program and the facility, so we’re in this for the long haul.

Zrylw: What motivated you to start the Academy?

Charles C. Brennan: I was inspired by the work Alice Cooper has done with his own program geared toward youth. As a kid, I was a member of the Boys and Girls Club in the Sioux Falls area and I know how much of an influence the program can have on what a child becomes.

Charles C. Brennan lives in Las Vegas, where he founded the Dollar Loan Center franchise. With more than 80 locations in four separate states, Charles C. Brennan has helped the Dollar Loan Center grow into a profitable enterprise that helps consumers with affordable loans.

The Perfect Vacation: Aldo Disorbo on Italian Vineyards

Aldo-Disorbo-Tuscany-Vineyard-Zrylw

There are fewer sights more beautiful than Italy, notes Aldo Disorbo, an Italian-American businessman from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Italian countryside is filled with the sweet scent of success, explains Aldo Disorbo. The landscape is dotted with vineyards and wineries, both new and old. According to Aldo Disorbo, Italy has something for even the most ardent wine enthusiast. Here, the founder of Nationwide Relocation Services opens up about his

family’s heritage and shares some of his favorite spots for romance and relaxation.

ZRYLW: Good evening, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to chat with us. Can you tell us a bit about your business for those readers who are unfamiliar with Nationwide Relocation Services?

Aldo Disorbo: Yes, thank you. Nationwide Relocation Services is a moving brokerage firm. We help people and businesses pair up with a mover who has the capabilities the client needs.

ZRYLW: Capabilities? Aren’t all movers the same?

Aldo Disorbo: Many movers cannot handle large items such as pianos or vehicles. Some may not have a truck large enough to manage a cross-country trip.

ZRYLW: So, movers are chosen according to the customer’s personal situation?

Aldo Disorbo: Exactly.

ZRYLW: Getting on track with tonight’s topic. What are some of your favorite places in Italy?

Aldo Disorbo: There are three districts that come to mind: Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sicily.

ZRYLW: And what is so special about these places?

Aldo Disorbo: They are all very well-known for their artisan winemakers.

ZRYLW: What are some of your favorites?

Aldo Disorbo: In the Piedmont area, the Ceretto Aziende Vitivinicole winery offers a great tour. It is a third generation winery and stretches across four villages.

ZRYLW: That sounds like a very large corporation.

Aldo Disorbo: A corporation it’s not. This, like most vineyards in the area, is a family owned endeavor.

ZRYLW: What’s notable about this particular establishment?

Aldo Disorbo: Unlike most traditional winemakers, the Ceretto family tends to lean toward modern art. In fact, visitors may elect a tour that specifically highlights the estate’s art collection.

ZRYLW: Moving on. You mentioned Tuscany?

Aldo Disorbo: This is one of the most historical wine regions in the world.

ZRYLW: Give us a history lesson.

Aldo Disorbo: Let’s look at the Villa Vignamaggio. This 14th century estate has been making wine since at least the early 1400s. This particular establishment covers over a third of Chianti.

ZRYLW: And it is operational today?

Aldo Disorbo: Yes – more so than ever. The estate has a wellness center as well as luxury accommodations.

ZRYLW: You mentioned Sicily earlier…

Aldo Disorbo: One of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Europe is Sicily. As for wineries, Planeta is situated amongst the most beautiful and romantic surroundings in the world.

ZRYLW: Is this a historical site?

Aldo Disorbo: The winery no; the grounds yes.

ZRYLW: Explain, please.

Aldo Disorbo: The on-site winemaking business was not launched until 1995. However, the property is the site of an ancient Arabic castle, which is steeped in antiquity and old-world charm.

ZRYLW: Are all of these locations available to the public?

Aldo Disorbo: Yes, but I’d recommend calling ahead to ensure they are available for tours.

ZRYLW: Great travel tips. Thank you for your time today. We look forward to hearing more about Italy later.

 

Aldo Disorbo has always strongly identified with his heritage. He believes that respecting the past is the best way to prepare for the future. Through Nationwide Relocation Services and his other business endeavors, Aldo Disorbo has found success utilizing his family-instilled values if hard work and integrity.

 

 

Improve Productivity and Mood by Unplugging from Electronics

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The brain is adaptable. Television, computers, cell phones, and more constantly keep the mind working at near overload capacity. The brain can deal in varying degrees with the barrage of information and stimulation thrown at it every day, but it does not operate at its best.

A typical child today spends less than 30 minutes a day playing outside in the fresh air and sunshine. On the other hand, they spend approximately seven hours a day watching TV and playing video games or using cellphones and computers.

Adults spend even more time than children enmeshed in the electronic world. Emails, Twitter blasts, text messages, and Facebook updates constantly assault their

eyes and ears—the list is endless and growing. Modern media constantly vies for attention and the more it receives, the more it demands. Some have likened it to a technology addiction. When they unplug from all electronics, many people experience symptoms of withdrawal.

There is another thing that happened to people when they unplugged. Their creativity increased by approximately 50 percent. They became less distracted and more productive. They grew more contemplative, less aggressive and more social. Their mood improved and their interaction with others was more positive.

It is unrealistic to believe the bulk of humanity can totally cut off technology. There are only so many vacation days in which to enjoy freedom from the demands of a plugged-in society. However, it is possible to cut down the time spent interacting with electronics and add it to the time spent connecting with humans.

It is possible to limit a child’s screen time and engage them in creative or physical activities, but to do that parents also need to become more involved in the external world. It is difficult to carve out the time, but those who have done it have found it is well worth the effort.

No one has yet proclaimed from their deathbed that they wish they had spent more time on their computer and less time with family and friends.