VENU Magazine - Inaugural Issue

VENU

Composing a Masterpiece in Outdoor Entertainment STRIKES A CHORD: J.W.

ROTH

In This

VENU

CHAIRMAN AND CEO JW Roth

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua D. Cates

MANAGING EDITOR Chloe Hoeft

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Heather Short-Davis

FEATURE WRITER Stephanie Edwards

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bob Cooper, James McFadden, Jeanie Casison, Peter L. Smith, Benjamin David

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Joanna Brown

COVER & LEAD FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 9 Commercial

ADVERTISING SALES & CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS Brock Matthews E. bmatthews@noteslive.vip P. (719) 895-5467

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@noteslive.vip

SUBSCRIPTIONS For your complimentary subscription subscribe@noteslive.vip

VENU MAGAZINE Articles, information and content in this publication are intended for informational purposes only, and a reader should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. All content in this publication is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the publication constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the publication constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto.

Nothing contained in this publication constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Notes Live or any third party to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Any offer may only be made through the definitive offering documents and agreements. There are risks associated with investing in securities. Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, and money market funds involve risk of loss. A security’s, sponsor’s or a firm’s past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future performance.

Some of the material contained in this publication is not based on historical facts and is “forward-looking.” Forward-looking statements reflect an author’s expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements reflect an author’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ significantly from projections herein. Neither Notes Live, its affiliates, nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forwardlooking statements made by or regarding any company or project described in this publication. In this publication we try to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of publishing; however, we

FROM the editor

GREETINGS AND A MILLION-DOLLAR WELCOME to the world of VENU!

Our team is thrilled to present the inaugural issue of our investment lifestyle magazine, where entertainment, luxury, and sophistication converge to deliver an unparalleled reading experience.

We take great pride in unveiling VENU, a tangible expression of our world-class entertainment and hospitality company, Notes Live, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The vision at Notes Live is to revolutionize live entertainment and hospitality. We have developed a new category of intimate concert halls, outdoor concert venues, grand event space collections, legendary restaurants, and unmatched entertainment-based investing. We have curated a selection of compelling articles authored by the best writers from around the world to appeal to your senses.

VENU is a medium through which we can communicate to our shareholders and current investors updates and news on our projects. For our new readers, we extend an invitation to learn more about Notes Live and our exceptional investment opportunities. We would also like to express our gratitude to our sponsors and partners who have advertised on the pages of VENU.

Our world-class team is creating a collection of the most luxurious and stunning outdoor music amphitheaters, intimate concert halls, and event spaces in history, including our original concepts, Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, and Boot Barn Hall.

We are rapidly expanding across the United States, with ongoing projects in Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, and have exciting and profitable investment opportunities available for accredited investors. You will see these featured in ads throughout the magazine.

The Notes Live balance sheet has grown by over $100 million dollars in the last 12 months. As we prepare to go public this fall, we have chosen VENU as our ticker symbol. It’s a fitting name for our world-class collection, which is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. If you are an accredited investor interested in learning more about opportunities with Notes Live, I encourage you to reach out for our private offering memorandums.

For more information, please visit www.NotesLive.vip

See you at the show!

Joshua D. Cates Editor-in-Chief

NOTES LIVE IN THE NEWS

A New $40 Million Amphitheater is coming to Colorado Springs

NOTES LIVE – the independent company building The Sunset – is planning to operate a half dozen large and mid-sized premium venues across the country in the next 18 months. The company hopes to hit the untapped market, or what they refer to as “entertainment deserts” – areas with growing populations but a dearth of highquality music and entertainment venues.

The new slate of venues – which will continue with a destination in

Gainesville, Georgia modeled after the Boot Barn – expect to offer “premium concert experiences, complete with unbeatable sound and sightlines as well as elevated food and beverage offerings.”

“These are some of the fastestgrowing cities in America, but the live entertainment options haven’t caught up to the population,” Notes Live founder and chairman said in a release. “Notes Live venues will cater to these upscale

Notes Live is a New, Independent Player

FROM MEAT PACKING TO MEET AND GREET , J.W. Roth is following his passion for live music and hospitality by expanding his Colorado Springs Boot Barn Hall to other U.S. markets and breaking ground on an 8,000-capacity amphitheater at home.

“I’ve been in the food business my whole life, but I’ve always been a huge live music guy,” said Roth, founder of Roth Industries and now founder and chairman of Notes Live, a new, independent player in live venues. “It got to the point where I

could retire and now I’m out spending my kids’ inheritance and having fun.”

“These are some of the fastestgrowing cities in America, but the live entertainment options haven’t caught up to the population,” Roth explained. “Notes Live venues will cater to these upscale demographics looking for a place where the overall experience is as good as the music itself.”

“It’s a business, but I’m able to follow my passion,” Roth said. “I’ve spent my life cooking and selling chicken and now

demographics looking for a place where the overall experience is as good as the music itself.”

Notes Live is already in discussions to open new entertainment campuses in other cities across Florida, Tennessee and Texas. The ambitious plans currently have the backing of over 60 institutional and individual investors, according to the company.

“These are some of the fastest-growing cities in America, but the live entertainment options haven’t caught up to the population.”

Sunset Amphiththeatre Colarado Springs

NashvilleAdjacent $40M Amphitheater Planned for 2023

NOTES LIVE recently announced what it considers its “crown jewel,” an 8,000-person venue, also to be called the Sunset, for Colorado Springs, with plans to proceed with similar amphitheater-based complexes in the Atlanta, Florida and North Texas areas.

J.W. Roth, the founder-CEO of

Notes Live, is promising that “Live From Murfreesboro” will be “a household name in every living room in America.”

That’s due to his plans to make the venue a base for regular live-streaming events. “We love Murfreesboro and plan to build one of the most luxurious music campuses in the country,” Roth said in a statement.

The city of Murfreesboro, which has previously not been a live-music draw for Nashvillians or anyone else, is all-in on the project. “This potential publicprivate partnership announcement definitely fits our long-term vision for

First Came the Urban Transplants Now Come the Concerts

AS

THE PANDEMIC SPURRED PEOPLE

TO MOVE FROM BIG CITIES to smaller metro areas, a new wave of venues like the Orion, opened in May, are cropping up across the country. Artists are routing tours to play for fans in new markets like Fort Worth, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gainesville, Ga.

“I’ve toured so much, and it’s awesome to play for a new city with new fans, their energy was incredible,” said Josh Groban, who played the Orion on Monday night between tour stops in Georgia and Tennessee. He said he admired the “homey and cool” backstage, and said the coliseum-style seating allowed for the band to “feel the audience with us.”

who click to buy tickets to events.

the city,” said Craig Tindall, the city manager, in a statement. “Murfreesboro civic leaders have long set sights on an amphitheater within the city as part of park development including a tentative design on the same property. Music industry professionals have indicated to developers the excitement about Notes Live plans and the belief in its success. The additional media platforms planned to grow from the venues will be an important aspect in meeting the city’s future economic objectives.”

SMALLER CITIES ATTRACTED

13% OF ALL ARTISTS ON TOUR IN THE U.S. SO FAR IN 2022

COMPARED WITH

9% IN 2019

Beyond putting up new buildings in less-populated areas, both TVG and Notes Live also are trying to meet higher-end expectations of transplants from big cities.

Sunset On The River Amphitheater Murfreesboro, TN

Why Notes Live chose Murfreesboro, TN for its $40 million entertainment campus

Music is in the Air

for Nick and Kelly Sol

By Stephanie Edwards

NOTES LIVE, INC. , a growing player in the independent live entertainment space, is preparing to unveil an 8,000-person, state-of-the-art, open-air amphitheater colosseum in the entertainment rich Polaris Pointe in Colorado Springs. With a colossal $55 million in private backing, the grand opening is expected in 2024, followed by the $35 million Roth Seafood and Chophouse on the property. Bringing audiences an unforgettable experience in style and comfort, with a stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak and the iconic United States Airforce Academy, The Sunset is poised to become the stage for the nation’s top touring acts.

For Dr. Nicholas “Nick” and Kelly Sol, long-time residents of Colorado Springs, investing in The Notes Live luxury firepit suites at The Sunset was an opportunity of a lifetime. Recently retired from a medical practice, where Dr. Sol was a podiatrist and Kelly was the medical assistant, the couple was seeking both lucrative ventures and exciting

activities. The Sunset amphitheater’s luxury firepit suites seamlessly blends the two.

“When we inked the deal, we were thrilled over the moon,” enthused Nick. “This investment is beyond a piece of paper; it’s a lifetime of tangible experiences, fun, memories, and financial rewards. It’s like owning the carnival and hopping on the ride!”

The Sol’s love for outdoor living is evident in the design of their very own backyard where multiple firepits and inviting conversation areas overlook the breathtaking foothills of northwest Colorado Springs. Sightings of wildlife, and an occasional rainbow, regularly grace their evenings.

The couple views the investment in top-tier entertainment and services offered in their private firepit suite at The Sunset as an extension of their own outdoor living space. The Sol’s are excited to share this exceptional addition to their quality of life with friends and family, offering exclusive seating while enjoying world class music, and being catered to with premium food and beverages.

“Where else can you go for this kind of experience at a concert? It’s so unique and personalized,” exclaims Nick. “We can sit down and relax in comfort, surrounded by people we know, and new friends we want to know better, while someone else is bringing

us cocktails and delectable nibbles. We will be enjoying world renowned bands, as if they’re in our own back yard, and we won’t have to fight the crowds!”

The couple paints a vivid picture of a perfect evening in their firepit suite. They envision a beautiful evening, the temperature resting at a pleasant 70 degrees, a clear Colorado sky, fresh mountain air, coupled with panoramic views of the Front Range. They clink glasses with friends and family as the sun sets over Pikes Peak as the stage comes alive and music fills the air from some of the best musicians on the planet.

“It’s truly going to be a fun and joyful experience,” Kelly declares. “And the investment holds significance beyond entertainment. These will become memories that last a lifetime.”

Kelly speaks passionately about the legacy the investment carries—a benefit that captured their interest from the very beginning:

“As a close-knit family, passing the investment down on to our son, Spencer, adds a wonderful, compounding benefit. There’s a sense of prestige and pride in inviting friends to celebrate special occasions, whether it’s a birthday, milestone anniversary, or holidays, we are looking forward to sharing this experience, and for our son to enjoy the venue throughout his lifetime as well.”

“This investment is beyond a piece of paper; it’s a lifetime of tangible experiences, fun, memories, and financial rewards. It’s like owning the carnival and hopping on the ride!”

Dr. Nick Sol on their Fire Pit Suite investment

Sunset Amphitheater, Colorado Springs Opening 2024

“It’s like coming full circle,” says Kelly with a hint of nostalgia. “Growing up I lived near, and frequented, Red Rocks Amphitheater, experiencing unforgettable performances in my formative years by bands like the Doobie Brothers, Charlie Daniels Band, Bette Midler, and Barry Manilow. Now, we can pass down this experience and tradition to our son.”

In addition to the investment for their family, the Sols are excited about being part of the broader impact for the city and the region. “Truly, there is nothing quite like it. This is a gem for Colorado Springs, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this endeavor,” says Nick. “The ability to invest in a bigger vision is an extraordinary opportunity.”

The Sols express their confidence in the solid financial structure and high aptitude of JW Roth and the Notes Live team: “Investing in and being part of a grand vision is undeniably attractive to us. JW Roth and Notes Live, Inc. have an amazing collaborative approach with a track record of success. They have

earned our trust and we have confidence in the positive impact it will have on many aspects of the city, from tourism and hospitality to tax revenue generation, and building the city’s overall positive perception. It attracts hospitality, businesses, workforce, and further development, turning our city into a destination—a catalyst for exponential returns.”

JW Roth and the dynamic Notes Live team are planning an entertainment empire, expanding to ten additional markets over the next 60 months bringing the same level of premium hospitality, world-class entertainment venues, and investment opportunities across the nation.

The Sols are anticipating the future with great enthusiasm—a venue to relax and entertain with friends, immersed in worldclass entertainment, creating a lifetime of experiences and memories, while creating a legacy for their family and contributing to the growth of the city into a thriving hub of vibrant arts and culture.

““It’s truly going to be a fun and joyful experience, and the investment holds significance beyond entertainment. These will become memories that last a lifetime.”

Kelly Sol

Render of the Fire Pit Suites

Sunset Amphitheter, Colorado Springs

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J.W. ROTH

STRIKES A CHORD:

Composing a Masterpiece in Outdoor Entertainment

By STEPHANIE EDWARDS Photographs by DON JONES

CREATING SOMETHING MAGNIFICENT out of nothing is what great artists do. Fearlessly confronting a blank canvas in pursuit of a vision and possibility. Music composers may be inspired in the car or shower when a rhythm comes to them. A spark of a melody leads to a chord progression that evolves into a masterpiece. Magnifico! That tune echoes in stadiums across the globe, is hummed in the shower, belted out loud on road trips,

Like great composers, visionary entrepreneurs have an innate ability to perceive untapped potential long before the first keystroke on a business plan, or the groundbreaking shovel begins construction of an extraordinary empire. They forge transformative business endeavors, crafting legacies that come alive, reverberate through time, and impact society in profound ways for generations to come.

Seafood restaurant and event center will come alongside to elevate the offerings. The Sunset is the first in a curated collection of high-quality hospitality and entertainment-focused venues that include indoor music halls, smoke houses, taverns, and expansive, luxury amphitheaters in awe-inspiring locations throughout the country. In addition to Colorado, the Notes Live portfolio includes locations in Georgia, Tennessee, Texas,

The Sunset Hospitality Collection has already struck a chord with national press such as a Billboard Magazine article declaring theirs among the top venues to watch.

and feverishly danced to at weddings. Music brings joy and underscores all of life’s big events.

Just as a composer transforms blank staff paper into a melody that stirs emotion and evokes memories, illustrious entrepreneur JW Roth is crafting harmonious structures made of concrete, steel, and fire, in a collection of luxurious outdoor entertainment venues that bring an unparalleled immersive experience to audiences nationwide.

JW Roth’s upcoming Magnum Opus, in collaboration with his talented Notes Live team, takes center stage in his lifetime of accomplishments with the launch of The Sunset amphitheater in Colorado Springs, a $55 million, luxury music complex adorned with the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak and enchanting vistas of the Front Range that will feature an 8,000seat, open-air amphitheater with dozens of exclusive fire pit suites. Additionally, a $35 million premium Chophouse and

and Oklahoma, with plans to develop up to $1 billion worth of music campuses across ten markets within 60 months.

Roth and his Notes Live team conducted extensive research, strategically procuring sites in growing markets that not only boast appealing landscapes, but also attract renowned artists on tour. Moreover, Roth’s unwavering commitment to investing in best-in-class architecture, leadingedge sound technology, and the mindful

JWs signed guitar from music legends Journey, Kansas and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

JW’s track record of success demonstrates that he knows how to structure a business and grow it exponentially.

creation of ambiance, coupled with valuable partnerships (like their Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) collaboration in the Colorado Springs market) culminate in extraordinary venues that bring a world-class experience for audiences, performers, and shareholders alike.

The Sunset Hospitality Collection has already struck a chord with national press such as a Billboard Magazine article declaring theirs among the top venues to watch. Venue Now lauded the brilliance of JW Roth and his Notes Live team for identifying “entertainment deserts” and the Wall Street Journal highlighted them for serving the growing demand for live entertainment in smaller metro areas across the nation – a smart play given that the live music industry is expected to grow by more than 32.5% in the next nine years according to a study by IFPI and Goldman Sachs. The same study suggests live music ticket sales and sponsorships revenue will grow to $38.3 billion by 2030, up from an estimated $28.9 billion in 2021. This growth was likely influenced by the pandemic which prompted both a population increase in mid-sized cities as well as an overall increased desire for outdoor entertainment.

When meeting JW Roth to learn about how his exciting entertainment empire originated, it became immediately apparent that his innovative mindset and unwavering drive for success are contagious. Alongside his approachable, engaging demeanor, infectious laughter,

and Joie de vivre, one can clearly sense Roth’s visionary thought, creative brilliance, and unwavering dedication. These three characteristics are the junction where exceptional composers and innovators, who instinctively grasp that divine spark of inspiration, craft masterpieces and build empires that shape the world.

Roth’s beginnings were humble. He grew up on the family’s ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, working on the neighboring pig farm, learning about the agriculture business. Like most country boys in the 1970s and 1980s, his entertainment was riding motorcycles and hotrods, listening to rock-n-roll on 8-track tapes in his 1971 Cougar. Growing up in a simple, agrarian lifestyle kept Roth grounded and instilled a strong work ethic. As a fifth-generation Colorado native, Roth has spent most of his life close to childhood friends and family. He and his wife Kilyn have been married for 27 years, with three children. Roth places high value on enduring lifelong personal and business relationships, which he attributes as the cornerstone of his success, along with his strong faith in God.

The natural progression of Roth’s career was to work in the agriculture business where he started out paid by commission working for Universe Foods.

At 25 years old, Roth had the opportunity to become a founder in agricultural businesses including AspenBio, that went public on the NASDAQ. He began

investing the profits in the agricultural industry, cultivating the seed money for Roth Brands, which enabled his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish.

Roth founded and grew Roth Industries, LLC, into an 85-ton per week prepared foods plant that hit its cadence as a top producing brand distributed in 12,000 grocery stores nationwide. In 2021, Roth turned over the reins to his son Mitchell, who Roth calls a ‘brilliant financial mind’, to operate as CEO leading over three hundred employees, with Roth remaining vested as controlling shareholder and chairman of the board. Roth credits the success of Roth Industries with giving him the opportunity and capital to embark upon his passion to revolutionize the music and hospitality industry. His track record of success demonstrates that he knows how to structure a business and grow it exponentially.

Throughout his journey, music has been important in Roths’ life. He describes it as a great unifier that brings people together and creates ambiance and memories. Roth still listens to his favorite rock-n-roll songs from his younger years, but now it is called Classic Rock, with the timeless greats like Foreigner and the Steve Miller Band. Roth says Bob Seger’s ‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ describes his taste in music. He still loves riding motorcycles too, and often finds his inspiration on the back of his vintage

It became immediately apparent that his innovative mindset and unwavering drive for success are contagious.

JW on his vintage Indian bike in Colorado Springs

Indian bike going eighty mph. Upon meeting JW Roth, his office is like strolling through a living museum, every corner traces the important moments, milestones, and influential figures that have shaped his remarkable journey. Adorning the walls are signed guitars, bearing the names of giants in the rock industry—Keith Whitley, John Elefante, Lorrie Morgan, Randy Travis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey— alongside are articles, albums, photographs, and memorabilia from luminaries like Pat Boone, the Grateful Dead, and Nancy Reagan. These cherished artifacts represent stories and experiences, like notes on the score of JW Roth’s life’s composition, reflecting a remarkable past and inspiring his next big venture.

It is captivating to hear from JW Roth himself as we delve further into his experiences and aspirations, exploring the creation of the most luxurious outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Through his own words we can begin to better understand what makes him so attuned to striking all the right chords when it comes to success and how the soundtrack of his life reflects his noteworthy journey.

Q: You have been highly successful in building Roth Brands in the packaged food space, then you launched Notes Live and are pursuing this bold new venture with an exciting plan for luxury entertainment colosseums across the nation. How did you make the transition?

JW: Honestly, I see it as more of a continuum that has evolved than a fixed transition. I have loved music my entire life. I’ve collected albums, guitars, rare photos, and everything else you can think of, including a 1951 jukebox that I had restored. My passion for music today is no different than it was in high school, except now I don’t have to sneak into concerts. At some point in your life, you’re able to do certain things that you couldn’t do before, like choosing the businesses you would like to build. It’s a reward in a way … if you know what I mean.

Q: Why Music?

JW: Music has always been a passion of mine or should I say the “feel” of music. Music is a great unifier that connects people. All of life’s most memorable events involve music. Think about it … I bet you can remember the music when you were in high school, I bet you can remember where you were and what you were doing when you hear certain songs come on the radio … I know I can!

Q: Your track record speaks for itself, turning opportunities into gold with remarkable consistency. Can you provide

a glimpse into your decision-making process when determining which opportunities are worth pursuing?

JW: My decision-making is totally unconventional … just ask my wife! No one will ever say I am textbook. I am a passion-driven guy, who is vision-led and mission-focused and just a little crazy. I wake up every morning thinking about creating products that bleed ambiance and I love selling experiences. The older I get the more I realize that people long for experiences and they long for the making of memories. What gets me out of bed every morning is the love of creating ambiances that lead to the making of memories and experiences.

So, at the end of the day, I spend a lot of time observing and envisioning what the customer wants and their ultimate dreams. I put myself in their shoes and work to create venues and shows that bring joy and unique experiences.

Everything for me is a journey and success for me is taking my customers, shareholders, sponsors, and investors on the journey with me.

Q: As someone who sits on boards, gives speeches, and is sought after for advice and mentorship, your journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. What sets the tone for generating momentum that propels your success?

JW: First, success rarely comes

“I am a passion-driven guy, who is vision-led and mission-focused, and just a little crazy.”

JW Roth

without hard work, but hard work is just a tool for me -- much like money is just a tool … what propels me is challenge, passion and dreams. Successes are a combination of creative thought, energy, money, time, persistence, and God’s favor…period.

Q: I heard you once say that “Being a Weeble (as in Weebles Wobble but they Don’t Fall Down) is a key ingredient to being successful. What did you mean?

JW: I have always said every successful person is a Weeble … you can knock them down, but you can’t keep them down. You can take that saying to the bank.

Q: In addition to a supportive family, you have a solid team with trusted expertise. How do you select your team?

JW: I have an unbelievable “rock star” team that brings home wins every day! Trust, common values, and common goals are key. It takes a long time to build relationships and trust. I have known most of my inner circle for a long time and I trust them. My inner team works well together and complements one another. We know each other’s strengths, and perhaps more importantly, we know each other’s weaknesses. We have the best C-Suite in the world. On the other hand… it is important to recognize early someone that might not fit within the inner circle.

Q: Tell us where you see Notes Live in three years?

JW: I love that question! I see Notes as a vibrant public entertainment company … setting new standards for the venue industry and taking our customers and stakeholders to new places in the world of entertainment experiences. My commitment is to grow Notes into one of the world’s greatest entertainment companies by building the world’s greatest venues.

Q: The luxury fire pit suites are a unique and brilliant concept in your amphitheaters! What inspired them?

JW: My wife, Kilyn loves to entertain at our home … and most parties end up in our backyard where I think we have the world’s largest fire pit! We have big chairs and great music. So of course, the idea for fire pit suites came from the experiences of great parties in our backyard. I just wanted to build something that I know people would love … having a fire pit suite in one of our venues is like inviting friends over to watch the Eagles play in your backyard … it just does not get better!

On top of that I wanted to provide a way for families to own their fire pit suite so that they can enjoy it for generations and when they are not using it, they can sell the tickets. Owning a fire pit suite is about making memories and making money … how can you beat that?!

Q: What motivates you now, and how is it different from what motivated you when you first started out?

JW: Listen to me … I am motivated today by the same dreams I was motivated by 30 years ago … but today I have advantages and resources I didn’t have 30 ago. I can remember when I was the youngest guy in the room just listening and trying not to say anything stupid … today I am the oldest guy in the room, and I am still listening and trying not to say anything stupid. I can’t tell you when I went from being the youngest guy in the room to the oldest, but I can tell you that being the older guy has its advantages as it comes with resources that I didn’t have 30 years ago -- and with a bit of wisdom that only comes from spending time in the saddle.

this sounds … I was 22 years old, they trained me, gave me a badge, a gun, and a fast car and, listening to AC/DC, sent me out at night to chase bad guys … what could possibly go wrong?

Q: Your office is like a museum with an amazing collection of signed guitars, albums and photographs featuring an impressive array of legendary icons. There are so many fascinating artifacts to see and talk about, it must be challenging to get people out of your office! Will you give the backstories behind some of these memorabilia pieces and the significance they hold?

JW: I have loved my life and I feel so fortunate to have met so many people, visited so many places and enjoyed so many experiences. As you know my office is full of stuff … junk really. But, when I think about it, I realize that all the stuff is just memories in physical form. Pat Boone’s shoes are simply shoes -- but the memory is of him and me walking down the street together, eating dinner together, and laughing together. A signed guitar from the legends of Journey, Kansas and Lynyrd Skynyrd is more than a physical guitar as the guitar represents memories of spending time with those guys at my home, backstage on the road or drinking a cocktail together. So many stories behind all the stuff in my office … some stories I shouldn’t tell!

Q: As you’ve noted, music has the remarkable power to shape our lives. So, what would be some of the songs that would be in the epic soundtrack of your life and, most importantly, why?

Q: Tell us something about yourself that we would never guess? Have you had any interesting detours in your life’s journey?

JW: Here’s something that might surprise you: 37 years ago, while trying to start my businesses, I needed a steady job that would allow me to work nights as I needed my days open to build my businesses. So, I applied, and subsequently was recruited, into the Denver Police Academy and served as a Police Officer for the City of Denver for several years. It was a total blast! Think about how crazy

JW: I love, and relate to, so many songs…it’s tough to narrow it down. I am a huge Bob Seger fan and his timeless, “Old Time Rock and Roll” not only describes my taste in music but also carries memories from my early years. I love the Eagles; I share a birthday with the late Glenn Frey. “Come Alive” by Hugh Jackman and Company from “The Greatest Showman” captures my mindset. I love the thought of “dreaming with my eyes wide open” -- it is really what I have done my entire life. Reflecting upon the moments that have shaped me, the song that best captures my journey is Ryan Tedder’s song “I Lived” because I have!

“My commitment is to grow Notes into one of the world’s greatest entertainment companies by building the world’s greatest venues.”

Women in Agriculture

If you were to survey the general public and ask them to describe a rancher, the first word they would likely utter is the pronoun ‘he’.

Although most associate agriculture with men, women have long since held an integral role on ranches and farms. Though, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s when women’s contributions on the ranch and farm were gathered and documented by the Department of Agriculture, at which point they discovered nearly fifty percent of women who lived on a farm or ranch also helped work it in some capacity. It took another three decades for the Census of Agriculture to revise the demographic questionnaire to more accurately represent multiple on-farm/on-ranch decision makers. This resulted in nearly a seven percent increase—with the majority of these newly identified food producers being female.

The increase of women food producers is not only a byproduct of more accurate data. Women ranchers are on the rise. Over the decades, female ranchers have transitioned from some of the more traditional roles of bookkeeping and marketing to a wide range of physically demanding jobs including working cattle, which is currently the second largest category female food producers specialize in. “Cattle driving is my happy place,” Caroline Nelson rancher and owner of Little Creek Lamb & Beef in Montana told us. “I am like an animal that finally found my right ecosystem. Sleeping outdoors, riding horses all day, moving cattle, not showering, feeling the sun and the wind on my face—I am in my natural habitat.”

Women are not only attracted to being stewards of the land but they are drawn to the idealistic lifestyle of the American West. “The Western lifestyle is a humble culture,” said Darcy Douglas, cowgirl out of Montana.

“This lifestyle is about making things better. You close the gates when you come in. You leave it better than you found it. You pick up after yourself. You’re always helping. These strong family values in the Western culture are especially important raising my kids here.”

This way of life is not a fad for women that will soon end. Over the last decade, female ranchers and farmers increased by thirty percent. Women are actively seeking careers in this field. Of the rising number of students achieving degrees in agriculture, women comprise more than half of the graduates in all agricultural programs, curving the trend on what has historically been a male dominated industry. “I’ve worked for a few different ranches and in my personal experience, it has not been easy being the only female for months at a time,” explains Kristen Schurr, cattle rancher. “But I’ve definitely become a tougher person. I just go out there and do the job like one of the guys; hold my head high. I watch some of these old cowboys and learn with respect. It’s the best way and it has really helped me in my ranching career.”

But gaining momentum in what has historically been a male dominated profession isn’t easy. “When I first started ranching, I felt like I needed to be as good as the guys. I needed to be able to do everything the male ranch hands could do. And I was hitting a physical wall: I can’t. I am small-framed. There are jobs

“This lifestyle is about making things better. You close the gates when you come in. You leave it better than you found it. You pick up after yourself. You’re always helping. These strong family values in the Western culture are especially important raising my kids here.”

Darcy

Douglas – Cowgirl of Montana

that I’m possibly not ever going to be able to do. I had to find peace with that, accept my own abilities, and then realize that there are things I can do better. Maybe I can’t go pick up two feed bags and throw them in the truck, but I can do things my own way. And maybe it’s a better way. A lot of women ranchers have had to innovate a little. And sometimes the guys make fun of us for our ways. But we get it done,” Caroline tells us.

As female ranchers absorb more physically demanding aspects of ranching, they are learning the business side of it too. “We are trying to build our beef operation so that we can do direct to consumer retail beef,” Caroline told us. The challenge is learning how to manage our pastures so that both animals, sheep and cattle, can live here. And learning how we can utilize the grass so it’s good for the soil. We need it to work as a really healthy system. Then I need to figure out how I can make this protein the most ethical, the most healthy, the most humane, and get it to the people who want it, from our small little town in Montana to the whole country.”

As women continue taking on more prominent roles within agriculture, support systems and women in agriculture mentoring networks are developing. “There are a lot of female ranchers in the community who have mentored me,” Caroline said. "That’s been tremendously helpful. Because you can sometimes feel like the odd person out

or consider not jumping in the corral with those cows because the guys got it, thinking ‘Maybe they don’t need me.’ Or you worry that you will look silly. I’ve been inspired by a lot of other women who have just toughed it out and gotten in there. Then slowly, as your skill set grows too, you’re able to put yourself in situations that you couldn’t before.”

Today, roughly forty percent of all food producers are female and over fifty percent of all farms or ranches have at least one female decision maker. Not only are the number of female ranchers and farmers rapidly increasing, but they are at the forefront of their operations. Women have tripled over the last twentyfive years as principal operators— controlling primary responsibility on the ranch or farm. In the next twenty years, women are projected to own fifty percent of U.S. farms and ranches, despite the vast challenges. “It’s hard,” Caroline explains. “Now that I’m ranching and farming on my own, not as a ranch hand but as a business owner, the challenges keep coming. Sometimes we joke that you fix one problem and a new one pops up. Just to be profitable in ranching is always a really big challenge.”

Despite the financial risks and physical hardships, the future of ranching has a prominent place for women— women who are redefining what we think about our nation’s food producers and who are proving the West is limitless.

Boot Barn started out as one store in 1978 and has since become the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation. We say that our customers feed America, build America, and protect America. With an uncompromising desire to support the local communities we serve, we proudly offer the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion, and outdoor gear. It is an honor to support the varying lifestyles of the people who make our country so great.

OUR VISION IS SIMPLE: to offer everyone a piece of the American spirit— one handshake at a time.

BRITISH LEATHER GOODS

Wineries of the

Rich & Famous

Celebrities Escape to Vineyards Worldwide to Expand Their Brand

By Bob Cooper

THE TREND of name celebrities purchasing vineyards and opening wineries has been heating up for millennia. Ancient Greek and Roman politicians grew wine grapes, and a Benedictine monk named Dom Perignon perfected the art of making champagne during the Dark Ages. Still, the flood of celebrities opening wineries or releasing eponymous wines in recent years is enough to make you think it’s a competition. Maybe it is.

“I do think a lot of them are not in it for the money because it takes a lot of money to make a little money in the wine business,” says Michael Kaiser, Executive V.P. of the National Association of American Wineries. He notes that while many celebrities are paid by wineries to lend their names to a wine, boosting brand identification for both themselves and the wineries, others open wineries and even get involved in the winemaking.

“A good example of someone who does both is Dave Matthews,” says Kaiser. “He has a California wine brand, The Dreaming Tree, that’s owned and distributed by The Wine Group, but he also owns a winery in Virginia, Blenheim Vineyards. Celebrities who make the investment in owning their own wineries want to truly be a part of the industry.”

Even celebrities so well-known that they go by one name— Sting, Madonna, Pink, Ronaldo—have entered the wine game.

Music legends? Besides Dave Matthews, Sting owns 16thcentury vineyards on his Tuscany estate, John Legend-label wines are sold at Napa Valley’s Raymond Vineyards, and Madonna has helped promote Ciccone Vineyard & Winery with her father. Pink (Two Wolves) and Fergie (Ferguson Crest) each own Santa Barbara County wineries. Blues man Boz Scaggs is personally involved in the operation of Napa Valley’s Scaggs Vineyards. And Brandi Carlile opened XOBC Cellars in Washington with her wife and two friends; a portion of proceeds go to a children’s charity.

Show business stars are also on board. For years since their divorce, Brad and Angelina have tussled over ownership of their French winery, Chateau Miraval—where, ironically, they were married. The prolific French actor Gerard Depardieu, who has confessed to drinking a case of wine a day (don’t try that at home), owns multiple French vineyards, notably Chateau de Tigne. Antonio Banderas “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is closely involved in the production of Ribera del Duero wines at Anta Banderas in his native Spain. Drew

Barrymore has released namesake wines at Carmel Road Winery. Not to be outdone by actors, oenophile directors include George Lucas, who has a vineyard on his Skywalker Ranch film studio near the Sonoma wine region, and Francis Ford Coppola, who owns Inglenook (Napa Valley) and Domaine de Broglie (Oregon).

Politicians aren’t immune from the wine bug either. Thomas Jefferson had two vineyards at Monticello, but far more recent owners of vineyards or wineries come from both sides of the aisle (and the country): Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom in Napa Valley and Donald and Eric Trump (Trump Winery) in Charlottesville, Virginia—a city darkly associated with Trump for another reason. But it’s sports celebrities who have truly gone wild for wineries. Let’s take them one sport at a time.

“I do think a lot of them are not in it for the money because it takes a lot of money to make a little money in the wine business”

Michael Kaiser, Executive V.P. of the National Association of American Wineries

Blenheim Vineyards, Virginia

Owned by Dave Matthews

Francis Ford Coppola

Inglenook, Napa Valley

Scrapes to grapes

Football commentators have characterized San Francisco 49ers fans for decades as wine sippers—unlike the real beer-guzzling fans of other teams. It’s true that 49ers hero Joe Montana teamed up with Wine Country vintners and lived in Napa Valley for years. But then retired Oakland Raiders Hall of Famer Charles Woodson introduced Intercept Wines (only four cornerbacks have topped his 65 career interceptions) after he got a taste of wine culture during Oakland Raiders spring training camps in Napa. John Elway, a contemporary of Montana, opened Napa Valley’s 7Cellars after he had success with Elway’s Steakhouses. Two other QB stars, Dan Marino (Passing Time) and Drew Bledsoe (Doubleback and Bledsoe Family Winery), have opened wineries in the burgeoning Walla Walla Valley AVA in Washington. Then there are NFL coaching legend Chuck Vermeil and three retired Green Bay Packers linemen who have Napa Valley wineries worth visiting—more on those later.

If the idea of NFL bruisers swirling and sipping (though the spitting may come naturally) sounds odd, motorsports racers’ attraction to wine is almost as incongruous. Overriding the sport’s macho reputation, several accomplished drivers have opened wineries. Mario Andretti, arguably the ‘GOAT’ of auto racing, has Napa’s Andretti Wines. Fellow NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon owns Washington’s Gordon Estate. And Porsche racer Kevin Buckler (Adobe Road Winery) and Indy 500 star Randy Lewis (Lewis Cellars) own California wineries.

NBA superstars may also seem like unlikely wine connoisseurs, but some are as comfortable uncorking bottles as they are unleashing slam dunks.

Introduced to Napa Valley wines by former teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade opened Wade Cellars. The cabernets produced by Yao Ming’s Yao Family Wines, another Napa Valley brand, have been called “brilliant” by preeminent wine critic Robert Parker. And the Warriors’ Klay Thompson pooled his NBA cash with MLB All-Star and childhood friend Nolan Arenado to release Diamond & Key, wines named after their respective fields of play.

Golfers, well-known for trading tall tales while quaffing cabs at country club bars, are no exception. Ernie Els proudly offers award-winning Ernie Els Wines in his native South Africa. The UK’s Sir Nick Faldo has released private-label wines curated from vineyards across Europe. And golf legend Greg ‘The Shark’ Norman may be drinking more of his Greg Norman Estates wines than usual since critics started teeing off on his support of the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.

Celebrity winery owners have also poured in from other sports. Hockey

‘GOAT’ and Ontario native Wayne Gretzky owns Wayne Gretzky Estates wineries in Ontario’s Niagara-on-theLake and BC’s Okanagan Valley. Fellow

NHL All-Star Val Bure (with his wife, “Fuller House” star Candace Cameron Bure) owns Napa Valley’s Bure Family Wines. And Ronaldo, the soccer ‘GOAT’ and world’s highest-paid athlete, owns a winery (CEPA 21) in his native Spain.

As long as fine wines retain the same cachet as fine art and fine dining, celebrities will continue to be drawn to not only stocking their personal collections with valuable vintages but also lending their names and fortunes to wines and wineries worldwide.

Charles Woodson Intercept Wines

Drew Bledsoe Doubleback and Bledsoe Family Winery

wineries of the stars

While celebrities own wineries worldwide, nowhere are they as concentrated as in the Western Hemisphere’s most renowned wine region, Napa-Sonoma, and NFL celebrities lead the way. On your next Bay Area trip, consider a visit to these two football-focused wineries, located 20 minutes apart and only an hour from San Francisco:

VERMEIL WINES

Napa Valley

The coaching brilliance of Napa Valley native Dick Vermeil is on full display at his downtown Napa tasting room, where visitors can admire game footballs from his tenure with the Eagles, Rams, and Chiefs, a replica Super Bowl trophy, and a Hall of Fame bronze bust of Coach Vermeil. The Napa Valley grapes are sourced from vineyards once owned by Vermeil’s great-grandfather; one cabernet is named after him and the XXXIV Red Blend for his St. Louis Rams’ 1999 Super Bowl triumph. Tasting options include a chocolate truffles wine pairing and the Signature Experience— pairings of the winery’s best wines with gourmet charcuterie while a wine educator talks about the wines and the Vermeil legacy. Vermeil himself often stops by in person or on Zoom.

THREE FAT GUYS WINERY Sonoma

Three retired Green Bay Packers—Tony Moll, Daryn Colledge, and Jason Spitz—defy the tough-guy image of NFL linemen by injecting humor into the marketing of their brand. TFG’s motto: “Comical name, serious wines.” Moll quarterbacks the Sonoma business as winemaker; he grew up in Sonoma frolicking in fifth-generation family vineyards. Photos of the trio playing alongside legends Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers adorn the walls. Two-hour ‘Cuts N Cab’ steak dinners pair the cuisine of local chefs with TFG’s cabs and an extended visit by Moll, who regales visitors with tales of his Packers days. Each year’s big event at the winery? A Super Bowl party, of course.

Dick Vermeil Vermeil Wines

IMMERSE YOURSELF in the exhilarating world of Chad Hennings, a man who thrives on being at the heart of the action. With the extraordinary background of flying forty-five combat missions and winning three Super Bowl rings, Hennings embodies the pinnacle of success.

Still a familiar face in North Texas as one of the leaders of the Jimmie Johnson-era Cowboys dynasty, Hennings is originally an Iowa farm kid who, like many men and women from small towns and big cities around the United States, earned a prestigious slot at one of the nation’s five military academies. In his case, Colorado Spring’s United States Air Force Academy.

Unquestionably, Hennings’ journey to becoming a professional athlete was far from ordinary. In the spirit of his Cowboys predecessor, the legendary Roger “Captain America” Staubach, and NBA contemporary, David “The Admiral” Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, Hennings was required to fulfill active-duty service before setting foot on his first training camp at the age of 27. For him, this entailed piloting A-10 “Warthog” tank-buster jets, including serving valiantly in the Persian Gulf War.

When he left active duty as a captain, Hennings was awarded two Air Force Achievement medals, an Outstanding Unit Award, and a Humanitarian Service Medal. His unwavering commitment to service continues to this day, as he dedicates much of his philanthropic efforts to addressing the challenges faced by military personnel. Notably he is actively involved in multiple nonprofits that deal with veteran issues from mental health, continuing education, and financial assistance.

CHAD

Now Playing for the Notes Live Team

By Benjamin David

Unsurprisingly, Hennings maintains strong ties with the Air Force Academy. Now, as a shareholder and member of the Notes Live board of directors, he exudes enthusiasm for the soon-to-be flagship Sunset Amphitheater. Nestled within sight of where he completed his undergraduate studies, this exceptional venue is set to ignite the local tourist economy.

“You know, Colorado Springs will always have a very special place in my heart. I love Colorado. I married a Colorado girl. So, we get back there as often as we can. When people think of Colorado Springs, they think of the Air Force Academy, maybe the

tenure on the Cowboys’ defensive line ended in 2000, he remained in the Dallas area with his wife Tammy and their two kids. Focusing on the task at hand, he embarked on a new venture, becoming a partner and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Rubicon Representation, a boutique commercial real estate firm. Combining his company’s expertise in large-scale development projects, his dynamic public speaking acquired through motivational and philanthropic endeavors, and his past experience at high-profile public venues, Hennings was a natural addition to the Notes Live team. He is now an active member of operations, concentrating on site

Olympic Training Center. But I think the Sunset Amphitheater will also be at the forefront of everybody’s mind from a tourist perspective when our venue opens next summer,” Hennings reflects.

“Notes Live is an aggressive new player in the outdoor entertainment space. The largest touring acts in the world will now call the front range their playground and with an experience that is set to be second to none. That’s why I’m excited to be a part of it,” Hennings continues.

For many veterans, as well as professional athletes, transitioning from the high-stakes world they know to a seemingly more serene civilian life can prove daunting. They “retire” at an age when most individuals are still developing their first career. After his

selection and construction oversite. “You know, this has been one of those things that has organically evolved. I think it was very providential having met Brock Matthews [Senior VP of Corporate Development and Partnerships] and JW Roth [Founder and Chairman]. Seeing what they’re doing and then their interest in coming to Texas. And then—we as a commercial real estate development company, that’s in our backyard,” Hennings explains about how he got involved with Notes Live. “What I add to the board—from a unique perspective as a former athlete— first and foremost, that experience of being in the public limelight. But I also think, from my commercial real estate experience, helping advise and then

HENNINGS

“Colorado Springs will always have a very special place in my heart. I love Colorado. I married a Colorado girl. So, we get back there as often as we can.”

Defensive Tackle for Air Force Academy and Dallas Cowboys

Captain in the U.S. Air Force

Hennings is a key player in the expansion of the Notes Live brand while also serving as a national spokesperson, helping to find and spearhead the best communities to host new projects.

execute on the mission of building these Sunset Amphitheaters, as well as their entertainment campuses.”

One of Notes Live’s projects—The Hall at 377—is in Rubicon Representation’s metro Dallas wheelhouse. Groundbreaking is imminent for what will be a 6.5-acre hospitality and entertainment campus in “The Unique Dining Capital of Texas.”

“We wanted to plant our flag firmly in Texas with this project. We are currently under contract for property in Roanoke. It’s in a very high-growth area of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex—and this will be a place we’ll build upon,” Hennings shares. “From conversations we’ve had with individuals in the area— not just the government of Roanoke, but individuals and businesses—the community is extremely excited. The beauty of what Notes Live does is bringing this live entertainment concept combined with their award-winning Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern adjoining restaurant, which acts as a synergy or a stimulant for other growth. We’re excited about working with Roanoke to get this kicked off and get started.”

Hennings’ role at Notes Live has grown to be about more than just communities with which he has direct ties. As he explains, “Notes Live has been able to identify up-and-coming places that are ready to host the Sunset Amphitheater, Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern, and other entertainment campuses for Notes Live projects.” Hennings is a key player in the expansion of the Notes Live brand while also serving as a national spokesperson, helping to find and spearhead the best communities to host new projects.

“From the Midwest to the Southeast to the Southwest, then all over the country … every municipality is on our radar. What developers are really looking for is that ‘live entertainment’ piece to be a part of their mixed used developments. It’s that live-work-play environment that is so popular, where people can stay in their backyard and have food, beverage— as well as high-quality entertainment. With our beautiful event centers, the community has an entirely new way to

In action with the Dallas Cowboys

congregate —have their proms, their graduations, their corporate meetings right there in their backyard,” Hennings explains. Having once considered places like Air Force’s Falcon Stadium and the Cowboys’ Texas Stadium “home,” this all ties in with experiences Hennings is deeply familiar with.

“People look for places to be able to gather with friends, with family—be that over a meal or going to a concert or an event. People want places to go, they want communities, they want great memories,” Hennings says with passion. “That’s what makes companies like Starbucks so prominent in our culture. People want to gather and to feel welcome —they gather in our places of worship, ball games and concerts. Now people are going to want to gather at a Notes Live campus in their local communities. The core value the company is offering are projects that will serve as gathering places around which communities—in both the physical and sociological senses—can thrive.”

And since he’s a guy who likes action, Hennings is extremely excited about the significant step that Notes Live is about to take - launching an initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. This move aligns with the company’s ambitious growth strategy and will provide access to new resources, elevating everything to a higher level.

Hennings expresses his thoughts on Notes Live going public during

the summer, describing it as a unique experience for both him and the investors. He believes that it’s an innovative and brilliant approach to funding growth, especially considering the current increase in interest rates. By opting for the public markets instead of the debt markets, the company gains the ability to make purchases and pay in cash, avoiding the burden of debt as they expand their campuses and amphitheaters.

He highlights the advantage of riding the wave of entertainment as the economy emerges from the recession, propelling Notes Live like a rocket from a launch pad with the support of the public markets. “The company is actively securing land and planning to construct multiple campuses and our world-class amphitheaters nationwide in the next few years. This rapid growth aligns with the demand and desire for live entertainment in various communities. It’s an honor to be a part of Notes Live, and to start writing this chapter of life,” Hennings concludes.

Hennings was playing for the Cowboys when Jerry Jones started building the team and brand into the powerhouse it is today. When asked about what drew him to Notes Live, Hennings said “Jerry Jones fundamentally changed the game of professional football in how it is monetized and how fans experience the

game. He had the foresight to see that fan engagement went beyond the gridiron and into the boardroom of companies. That is one of the reasons he is in the NFL Hall of Fame. JW Roth has that same scope of vision and drive for changing the way live music is viewed and experienced by the fan. To attend a concert at one of Notes Live’s world-class venues will give the music fan a desire to want more. He can have the same type of Hall of Fame impact on the live music business. I was a part of this transformation with the Cowboys, and got to see first-hand what this was like,” says Hennings. “I feel like I’m on the forefront of this yet again with JW Roth and Notes Live. Both Jones and Roth are visionaries that think so far beyond and know what the marketplace wants, and how to be the best of the best. This is what has me really excited, to see Notes Live following this same path of excellence, but for the music industry,” Hennings continues.

Chad Hennings is the embodiment of success, achieving remarkable accomplishments both in the military and on the football field. Now, he channels his expertise and unwavering passion into elevating the luxury entertainment industry, ensuring that every experience at Notes Live is an extraordinary one.

“This rapid growth aligns with the demand and desire for live entertainment in various communities. It’s an honor to be a part of Notes Live, and to start writing this chapter of life”

Three time Superbowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys

Adventures of a Lifetime

Exploring remote landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exquisite culture in dynamic destinations makes for unforgettable multigenerational getaways for the entire family.

Through the glorious wonder of travel, shared moments with loved ones forge deeper connections and cherished memories that endure over time. Far from ordinary, luxurious locales spanning the far reaches of South America to the pristine wilderness of the United States offer a treasure trove of exciting experiences tailored just for families from curious young children to teens, parents, and doting grandparents. With the finest accommodations and exhilarating activities, these alluring destinations boast beautiful backdrops and intriguing itineraries for the ultimate bonding moments.

By Jeanie Casison

Images top to bottom: Wadi Rum Sunset | Photo Credit: Jordan Tourism Board Buffalo in Kruger National Park | Photo Credit: South Africa Tourism Singita Kruger National Park – Pool Suite Family Photo Credit: Ross Couper

Pristine Patagonia: Venturing Into Chile’s Southern Frontier

In the southernmost reaches of South America, this rugged region spanning Chile and Argentina appeals to the most daring travelers. Within vast Chilean Patagonia, majestic peaks, emerald lakes, and undulating terrain inspire intrepid explorers searching for a place away from the masses. At andBeyond Vira Vira (1), a beautiful lodge on a forested estate in the Chilean Lake District, land and water adventures surrounding the Villarica Volcano await. Along with a chance to experience cultural heritage through interactions with the local Mapuche community, guests may enjoy farm-to-table organic meals and unique amenities, such as outings with knowledgeable guides and an on-site helicopter available for scenic flights (2), heli-fishing, and transport to nearby biking and skiing, among other activities.

Near the port city of Puerto Natales, the gateway to the southern reaches of Chile and closer to Antarctica, the luxury accommodations of The Singular Patagonia and Awasi Patagonia are elegant and serene escapes in the center of nature. For custom travel programs, including multigenerational families, Patagonia SouthernLand Expeditions — Chile entices with carefully crafted itineraries such as its Adventure & Cultural Route of Parks of Patagonia. With exciting possibilities stretching from north to south, highlights include the Austral Highway, Lake District, and the Chiloe Penguin Colony (3) in the central part of the country as well as must-sees as Torres del Paine National Park (4), a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve and the Eighth Wonder of the World known for signature towering granite formations and abundant flora and fauna. Young and old can opt for photographic excursions, hiking, and other recreational pursuits at their own pace.

Photo Credit: SouthernLand Expeditions

1 & 2 Photo Credit: andBeyond.com

Photo Credit: Jordan Tours

Cape Town and the Call of the Wild: South Africa Sojourn

The stunning landscapes and world-famous wildlife of South Africa appeals to nature and animal lovers alike. Cape Town sets the stage with cosmopolitan charm and inviting wineries, such as Beau Constantia (9), a boutique wine farm and home to Chef’s Warehouse restaurant at the top of Constantia Nek (10) overlooking False Bay. Families can also spend their time taking in the views from the aerial cableway and Table Mountain or the Cape Wheel ride at the V&A Waterfront, a thriving destination for people-watching, shopping, dining, and more, and the departure point for boats to the historical, apartheid-era prison and World Heritage Site, Robben Island.

A short flight away to the northeastern corner of the country near Johannesburg lies Kruger National Park (11), one of the largest game reserves on the continent. Venturing to this part of the world for a multigenerational family vacation is bound to be an enthralling escape with outstanding opportunities to observe the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos, along with other colorful wildlife. Within Kruger National Park is Singita (12), which means “Place of Miracles” in Shangaan, where restorative sanctuaries, such as the clifftop Lebombo Lodge (13) and Sweni Lodge (14), and encounters in the bush in a tranquil, sustainable, and conservation-driven environment, cultivate authentic connection and well-being. The in-house travel service crafts personalized itineraries with options such as game drives, guided safari walks, and stargazing and tailored services, such as private wine dinners and celebrations. Nearby in the greater Kruger area, the Sabi Sabi (15) private game reserve appeals to discerning travelers with its stunning lodges, Selati Camp, Earth Lodge, Bush Lodge, and Little Bush Camp, innovative cuisine, and intimate game sightings that stimulate the senses in every way.

TRAVEL BY THE NUMBERS

In terms of population, there are almost as many penguins as people in Chilean Patagonia

Despite welcoming more than 2.6 million visitors annually, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, still exudes an inviting, small mountain town feel.

There are more than 600 tombs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan

Along with the Big 5—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, Kruger National Park in South Africa is also home to 500 species of birds, including the Big 6—lappet-faced vultures, martial eagles, saddle-billed storks, Kori bustards, Pels fishing owl, and ground hornbills.

The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, is in Sicily, Italy

More parents are planning to take a trip with their children, with a rise in international vacations, city trips, and greater demand for hotel stays expected in 2023 and beyond, according to the latest study from the Family Travel Association in collaboration with the New York University School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.

Sinigita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park

Photo Credit: Singita

Photo Credit: South Africa Tourism

9 & 10 Photo Credit: Cape Town Tourism

Photo Credit: Sabi Sabi

Photo Credit: Singita

Journey to Jackson Hole

Families who prefer to stay stateside should look no further than Jackson Hole. World-famous for skiing, the nearly 42-mile-long valley between Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges in northwest Wisconsin is an arresting destination year-round with plenty of things for kids and grownups to do together. Incredible hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting fill up itineraries during the warmer months. By the time winter arrives, it is a snowy haven for skiers and snowboards hitting the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village.

Given Jackson Hole is the gateway to two national parks, travelers are spoilt for choice when taking in the great outdoors. Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures (18) specializes in wildlife viewing experiences and private group tours in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. One great option for families with younger children is the Half-Day Sunrise/Sunset or Full Day Wildlife Program in Grand Teton National Park, meanwhile the Full Day Yellowstone, Geology and Wildlife Program delves a bit deeper as groups tour the Lower Loop of Yellowstone, seeing geothermal and geological sites as well, as they travel in safari-style SUVs.

For a stylish stay surrounded by natural beauty, the contemporary mountain resort at the foothills of the Tetons, Amangani (19), features panoramic views of the Snake River Valley. Families staying at the all-season retreat enjoy an array of activities, both indoors and out. New to guests of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is American Serengeti – A North Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure. The newly launched immersive, full-day excursion with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris and Yellowstone Safari Company features a private flight for up to eight guests and excellent opportunities to marvel at diverse wildlife from grizzly and black bears to moose, elk, and more with expert naturalists by their side. Another possibility is A Day With Wolves (20), an enriching winter experience that entails a private flight to view grey wolves in their natural habitat.

Photo Credit: Rocco Forte Hotels

Photo Credit: San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel

Photo Credit: Josh Metten

Photo Credit: EcoTour Adventures

Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

Photo Credit: Amangani

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME

(Though It’s Not Really That Easy)

By Peter L. Smith

WHETHER IT’S A NEW DECK FOR THE HOUSE or a multimillion-dollar public venue, a building project starts with visualizing something where there is currently only thin air. In the case of the Sunset Amphitheater—which is, as Hamlet would put it, soon “to be” at an elevation of about 6,000 feet—we’re talking about really thin air.

One of the people most responsible for getting Colorado Springs’ soon-to-be premier performing arts venue from the realm of the “mind’s eye” to everyday reality is Notes Live’s Robert Mudd, its Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development. With a professional background that includes stints as COO, CFO, and CEO for companies in a range of industries—including a heavy dose of tech—he has been the go-to guy for a project that has glided over all the hurdles inherent with any big development.

“Our entitlement process took just under a year and we worked our way through many changes. We set the bar higher than just the minimum standards for entitlement, were proactive in reaching out to the local community, and many of our modifications were directly affiliated with their feedback,” Mudd says about the permitting process. “We believe that effort was effective and we have a better venue as a result. We fully expect this to be a community cornerstone that is a value to the people of Colorado Springs for generations to come.”

Given that Notes Live already operates two venues in the area—Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern and the multiuse venue Boot Barn Hall—and is busy with an aggressive growth strategy in nearly a dozen other US markets, the company knows how to do its homework.

“Our market analysis clearly demonstrated the viability of a large-scale outdoor amphitheater. The question we had to answer was where? Programming a location for this always leads to the questions of parking, sound, and traffic. Our challenge was to identify a site that solved those needs but also was iconic,” Mudd explains. “The location of the Sunset is at the intersection of the largest exchange with I-25 in the region and an entertainment district. Additionally, its setting is such that America’s mountain [Pikes Peak] is over one shoulder, the Air Force Academy over the other. We did not just find a suitable location but an iconic one as well.”

Since Notes Live is locked into a methodical threestep process—concept, financing, implementation— moving forward meant eventually finding a design team that could make a great idea a tangible place ready to meet its purpose.

An entertainment industry venue has many complex requirements—more than just good acoustics and comfy seats. The ever-exciting realm of ingress and egress is the behind-the-scenes prose

supporting the public poetry. Meaning, there are many moving parts inherent in the show going on, including audiences, vehicles, refreshments, and all that gear roadies push around during load-ins and loud-outs.

Enter BCA-Studios, a renowned architectural firm specializing in public-use structures like houses of worship, sports facilities, and civic halls.

“We have worked on other premium hospitality and entertainment properties with BCA. Their ability to assemble an international architectural team that has worked in the world’s most famous venues— from stage assembly, aesthetics, technology, and food service—was key,” says Mudd. “Secondly, they have done a great job capturing the underpinnings of our brand historically [Bourbon Brothers is part of their portfolio].”

Not that there haven’t been challenges. COVID-19 sent shockwaves throughout the economy, none more so than the entertainment industry. And supply chain hiccups and labor shortages in the construction industry are still working themselves out.

“We are moving dirt and focused on our opening next summer,” Mudd reflects with the 2024 launch approaching. “There are challenges today that we did not have five years ago but we have a great team that is working through them to meet our plans.”

“We have worked on other premium hospitality and entertainment properties with BCA-Studios. Their ability to assemble an international architectural team that has worked in the world’s most famous venues— from stage assembly, aesthetics, technology, and food service—was key.”

90 FIRE PIT SUITES

150 BOURBONS AT THE ROOFTOP BAR

$40M STATE-OF-THE-ART AMPITHEATER

8,000 CAPACITY

5-STAR RESTAURANT

SUNSET AMPHITHEATER | COLORADO SPRINGS

Aerial render of Sunset Amphitheater & Hospitality Collection Roth’s Seafood & Chophouse and Brohan’s Bar Opening 2024

Robert Mudd – Senior Vice President of Real Estate Management at Notes Live

The Ultimate Calling Card for Today's

Discerning Gentleman.

By Joshua D. Cates

If you’ve not seen The Intern featuring Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway, then I highly recommend adding it to your watch list of great movies.

At 70 years old, Ben Whittaker (played by DeNiro) takes on a “senior in life” internship with a budding internet clothing company, run by the young CEO Jules Oston (played by Anne Hathaway).

There are many memorable scenes and quotes, but one that stood out to me was when Jules approached Ben about wearing a suit to the office every day. Ben promptly responded, “I’m comfortable in a suit if it’s okay.” Well, not only did Ben make an impression on Jules, but he went on to influence the sloppy-dressed millennial staff with his style and discipline. The takeaway is simple and straight-forward…thewayamanpresentshimself,bothin clothing and accessories matters.

Ben’s calling card, besides his timeless style and sharp suits, was his vintage 1973 attaché (briefcase). The small, but impactful accessory defined the man behind the suit, and reminds us that classics never go out of style. If clothing is the ultimate suit of armor in which a man battles the world, then the briefcase might as well be his sword.

As the return to office working continues its momentum, Ettinger announcesthereleaseofitstimeless,classic St. James Attaché case, Burlington, and Westminster Flap-Over briefcases in a stunning new leather.

Hand-crafted using an exquisitely soft, full-grain matt leather called ‘Buttero,' it is a naturally tanned leather made using vegetable tanning and is much more resilient.

Hand-craftedusinganexquisitelysoft,full-grainmatt leather called ‘Buttero,' it is a naturally tanned leather made using vegetable tanning and is much more resilient than the previously used Bridle Hide. Vegetable tanning is a highly regarded process in the leather industry where skilled artisans use natural substances to transform raw hides into leather. The long, slow traditional techniques used to process the hides allows the leather to develop a beautiful patina as they age adding to the unique character of every piece.

Buttero also comes in beautifully rich color tones and three have been chosen to feature in these cases - black, hazelnut and nut. The leather ages beautifully and over time creates a glorious patina for current and future generations to enjoy. The new leather enhances these classic three Ettinger designs of which contemporary detailing and modern functionality is essential for today’s customers.

(1) ST. JAMES LID-OVER ATTACHÉ CASE

This hand-made classic attaché is smaller and lighter than a traditional attaché. Company founder, Gerry Ettinger, found the traditional attaché case too bulky and heavy and so decided to create his own version that was easier and lighter to carry around on his business travels and is the perfect size to fit documents, notebooks, a laptop, and other work essentials.

The St. James features special stitching using two needles and Ettinger is one of the last remaining UK manufacturers to continue to use this traditional method which has been used for over a hundred years. All the fittings on the attaché are also handmade in brass and come from a factory very close to the Ettinger factory and both factories have been in continual use for over 100 years. The inside of the attaché is suede, and comes with a complimentary visiting card case.

as a proper attache

(2) HERITAGE WESTMINSTER FLAP-OVER BRIEFCASE

This handcrafted briefcase design offers ample space to house your daily work essentials. Why we love this model for everyday use. Featuring two large compartments, a strong and sturdy frame, it can be carried by the top hand-stitched handle or with the detachable shoulder strap for ultimate versatility. Sized to comfortably accommodate a laptop, notebook, or iPad with internal slots to keep your cards, pens, and small gadgets in order. Inside is a neutral-toned suede.

(3) HERITAGE BURLINGTON FLAP-OVER BRIEFCASE

Sleek and sophisticated, the Burlington briefcase has a lightweight, streamlined shape with one gusset large enough to hold a laptop, paperwork, and other daily essentials. It is lined inside with soft suede and a brass lock keeps the briefcase secure. There is an internal and external A4-sized pocket slip lined with signature gold Ettinger-monogrammed jacquard fabric - the monogram graphically represents founder, Gerry Ettinger’s initials, GSE.

Intoday’sculture,masculinityisoftenoverlooked,but always appreciated, admired and as timeless as a proper attaché or briefcase. In the words of Ben Whitaker from The Intern “It’s a classic Lewis. It’s unbeatable.” If retro is to be well dressed, well appointed, and chivalrous then sign me up. A proper attaché can be one step in the right direction as your visual calling card of the ultimate gentlemen.

For the full article on the new heritage collection, scan the QR Code.

In today’s culture, masculinity is often overlooked, but always appreciated, admired and as timeless

or briefcase.

TURNS HEADS Luxury

that and an experience to match.

When you offer the most attention-getting, envy-inspiring cars, you must live up to them every day. Which is why we treat luxury drivers to a dazzling experience, with lavish amenities and truly personal service. That’s what it means to be Experts in Excellence.

A New Twist on Time-Honored Gatherings

A few key developments have helped make humans human. Two of the most important are fire and music.

FIRE BROUGHT LIGHT to the darkness, heat during cold nights, and the ability to consume meat safely. Music encouraged communication, ritual, and expanded our emotional range—and according to some researchers, even laid the groundwork for human language itself.

To sum up, singing around the campfire is primeval.

Which is why enhancing traditional private-box seating—long a crucial aspect of live entertainment economics—with fire pits is an idea that seems so natural. Backyard fire pits became a thing in landscape design about a decade ago— and got a big boost from COVID-19 as people sought expanded settings for outdoor socializing.

When the Sunset Amphitheater opens, they will make the jump to largescale public venues.

The Sunset, soon to be Colorado Springs’ newest live music destination, will include 90 fire pit suites (all of which sold out quickly as part of the project’s early-stage funding).

And one of them will be owned—and enjoyed—by Adam and Aimee Fletcher, local real estate agents who have personally and professionally welcomed the project, which is sure to alter the cultural landscape of the Pikes Peak region.

“It will feel comfortable and ‘like home.’ That it’s yours and you are not shoulder-toshoulder with other patrons,” Adam mused

when asked about what he thought opening night—gathered around a fire—will feel like. “Looking forward to seeing the beautiful backdrop, the sun starting to set, smiles on everyone’s faces. Expect to feel excitement and solace, knowing this has been a big project we’ve been waiting on for a while. There is no outdoor venue of this caliber in our area.”

Creating more intimate settings within a wider public space has long been part of show biz. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre had its exclusive “Lord’s Rooms” (there were even seat cushions, which everyone else in the house no doubt coveted by the third act). And nightclub venues, from Harlem’s Cotton

“It will feel comfortable and ‘like home.’ That it’s yours and you are not shoulder-to-shoulder with other patrons.”

Adam & Aimee Fletcher on the

fire pit suites at Sunset Amphitheater, CO

Club to regional dinner theaters to Rat Pack-era Vegas shows, all incorporated table seating that afforded small groups the opportunity to come together while “out on the town.”

And the “venue within the venue” motif is a staple of popular culture. Things become clearer between Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) and Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) in Pretty Woman while they are seated in a private box during a performance of La Traviata. The machinations of the French nobility play out in opera boxes in Dangerous Liaisons. One of the set pieces in the climax of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is the theater’s VIP box.

These intimate spaces have even played a role in actual history: “But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”

The chance to be a part of a significant cultural moment—and to acquire a valuable, unique space at what will be “the place to be”—was clear to the Fletchers.

“Number one, opportunities like this don’t come along very often,” explained Adam. “To get on the ground floor of something big like this. Owning part of a world-class, premier event venue is cool.”

“Unlike buying football season tickets, this is a one-time investment for forever that you can pass along to your kids, your grandkids, have a legacy investment, and reap the proceeds of the ticket sales. It’s not something that is going to drain you every year,” raved Aimee.

“Put it up on the shelf for twenty years. You’re going to enjoy twenty

years of fun! You get to use it, touch it, feel it … it’s way more fun than investing in the market!”

Given the Fletchers’ role in the local real estate industry, it’s not surprising that they were already acquainted with J. W. Roth, the founder and chairman of the Sunset’s parent company Notes Live, Inc.

friends and colleagues.” But the impact on the local economy is too obvious to ignore: “This is going to be a big sales point for us when selling real estate. This puts us on the map and shows the country we are a serious city with serious entertainment. It will naturally create more jobs, but also keeps those valuable tourism dollars right here in our town.”

The “fire pit experience” will definitely make the Sunset stand out in the live entertainment industry. Billboard magazine put it on their “29 New and Renovated Venues to Watch in 2022” list before construction was even underway.

Evenings of music around a fire pit will offer patrons the opportunity to experience—in new ways—gatherings that are deeply rooted.

Fire and music were intrinsic to the development of society and culture— most likely even to the evolutionary development of our species. It’s probably not a simple twist of fate that the largest increase in the size of the human brain coincided with our taming of fire.

“For people who are investing, we knew J.W. Roth already had a strong reputation for top-tier, amazing establishments … Their sister property, Boot Barn Hall, was already a place we enjoyed going to for shows, so when we heard about this opportunity, we jumped on it right away,” noted Adam. “So, this carried a lot of weight in our mind— that we were investing and partnering with a businessman and leader who delivers excellent venues and places you want to enjoy.”

According to Adam, the Fletchers put up their money “predominantly for

Given that music leaves no physical evidence, the timeline of its development is murkier. But as Psyche Loui, a Northeastern University researcher and director of the Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics Laboratory (MIND Lab), has written: “In this sense, music is analogous to fire; we invented it, then used it …”

Soon—under the Colorado sky with the Rockies in the background and the US Air Force Academy in the foreground— the lucky few who got in on the ground floor will be able to gather around their fire pits, music washing over them— an exceptional, yet universal, human experience.

“Unlike buying football season tickets, this is a one-time investment for forever that you can pass along to your kids, your grandkids, have a legacy investment, and reap the proceeds of the ticket sales.”

The “fire pit experience" will definitely make the Sunset stand out in the live entertainment industry.

Render of the Fire Pit Suites

Sunset Amphitheter, Colorado Springs

The

Music Keeps Rocking in Tulsa

Notes Live announces next expansion market for their Sunset Amphitheater

By Benjamin David

STEP INTO THE ENCHANTING WORLD of Leon Russell, arguably one of the greatest songwriters in the history of music. A name that may not instantly ring a bell, but whose musical genius resonates through the annals of history. An Oklahoma native, Russell began playing piano at 4 years old, and started his music career at the youthful age of 14. Fastforward to 1970, Russell’s “A Song for You” – propelled him to superstardom following his brilliance with Joe Cocker during Mad Dogs & Englishmen and later with George Harrison in the Concert for Bangladesh. At the height of his career, Russell came back to his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma which is where we pick up our story today.

Originally constructed in 1915 as Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, the year was 1972 when Russell purchased the building and converted the historic property into Shelter Records, turning The Church Studio into his home office and recording studio. The Church Studio was Russell’s dream and during its peak, hosted the likes of Tom Petty, who got his start at The Church Studio, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Buffett, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Bob Dillon, JJ Cale, Bob Marley, and Texas’ own Willy Nelson, who spent 1974 recording at The Church Studio with his sister. Today superstars like Tommy Emmanuel will tell you, “It feels like home from the moment you step foot in the door.”

After Russell’s death, The Church Studio had fallen into disrepair, exchanging hands with multiple owners. In 2017, local Tulsa native and entrepreneur Teresa Knox and her husband Ivan Acosta purchased the building. After five years of painstaking renovation, The Church Studio was reopened to the public in 2022 as both a recording studio and tourist attraction, with a celebration commemorating 50 years since its original purchase by Russell in 1972.

To honor the legacy of its previous owner, an impressive life-size bronze statue was commissioned by Knox and sculpted by Oklahoma native Jim

Franklin. Taking 3 years to complete, this stunning recreation of the iconic Leon Russell stands at the entrance to greet guests upon arrival.

The Church Studio is Teresa’s fourth historic project to restore. “Through the restoration process, honoring the history of the original church, which is now over 100 years old, was as important as honoring the life and legacy of Leon Russell,” she says. When asking Teresa about how she started in restoring historic buildings she had this to say, “Property ownership began for my own businesses, but I’m a collector at heart. When I was about 8 years old, I started collecting Leon Russell and Tulsa Sound memorabilia. Restoring legacy landmarks, such as The Church Studio, coupled with relevant memorabilia and exhibits, really brings the stories to life. My ultimate goal is to create a creative business model that delights the community while ensuring the building’s care and sustainability.

Located on Studio Row, the Heart of the Pearl District, this legendary recording studio has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is a popular tourist destination in Tulsa. The Church Studio Archive provides fans, enthusiasts, musicians, and historians with an inside look at all things about the church’s history, Leon Russell, Shelter Records, Tulsa Sound musicians, and lots of surprises.

Today, The Church Studio is honored to be among a very short and exclusive list of America’s historic landmark recording studios including Motown, RCA Studio B, Muscle Shoals, Stax, and Capitol Records. As one of the most unique and remarkable recording

LEON RUSSELL’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY ARE MANY AND INCLUDE:

6 GOLD RECORDS

2 GRAMMY AWARDS

31 ALBUMS RECORDED 430 SONGS

GRAMMY HALL OF FAME, A SONG FOR YOU

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME

Let’s begin our story with the legacy of Leon Russell: The Maestro behind some of the best music our generation has ever known.

studios in America, The Church Studio provides a very special connection with Oklahoma’s musical heritageandcontinuestobringTulsa-inspired creativity to music fans as well as recording artists worldwide. From its early history with Leon Russell to Tom Petty, from Eric Clapton to Stevie Wonder –the music keeps rocking and recording in Tulsa.

“We work with musicians, labels and producers,” says Teresa. “We enjoy our tourists; however, our primary focus is recording great music. We have invested heavily in analog gear. One of our recording pieces, the Neve 8068 console, has a fascinating pedigree including being used to record Bob Dillon’s “Time Out of Mind” album.” The studio also boasts amuseum-worthymicrophonecollection,tape machines and other high-end gear. The house piano belonged to the late Dan Fogelberg.

NowenterJWRothandNotesLive,the newest player in world-class music and outdoor entertainment venues. The company’s expansion plans into Tulsa are already underway. “We have purchased the most beautiful piece of property in Tulsa, I believe, for our Sunset Amphitheater and entertainment campus,” says Roth.

“When I first met Teresa through a mutual friend, I knew her passion for not only the history of music in Tulsa, but for world-class venues meant we would be welcomed with open arms for our ambitious plans. When I shared our vision for the riverside Sunset Amphitheater and entertainment campus, and what we wanted to bring to the music scene in Tulsa made for an instant connection,” expresses JW. Teresa adds “First and foremost, I highly respect the leaders behind the Notes Live business. Their enthusiasm for this project is infectious and as a music fan, it’s easy to get excited about such an amazing concept.”

After researching several sites, the 29-acre plot of land, formerly a concrete plant, is being fully revitalized to meet the needs of a Notes Live worldclass outdoor music venue. “Gracefully planned to sit along the shores of the Arkansas River with the Tulsa skyline as the backdrop for patrons enjoying a show in our 8,000-seat open air coliseum, this project excites us because we are taking a current blight of land and turning it into the preeminent entertainment venue in Tulsa,” says JW.

The market research directed Notes Live to the Tulsa area, in addition to their numerous other projects around the country. “There is such a need for a large, well-equipped outdoor music venue in our city. We have an extraordinary music heritage and many cool venue options, but are missing an outdoor space of this caliber ,” says Teresa. Tulsa has an active and vibrant music scene, inspired by their music history, beginning in the 1940's with Bob Wills at the legendary Cain's Ballroom and being at the epicenter of Route 66. “Tulsa is known as a music city, supportive of local, national and international acts. Now, to offer this level and variety of venue space that Notes Live provides – well that’s the exact catalyst we need to propel our "music city" status to a whole new level,” she continues.

Teresa is not only an equity partner in the land acquisition but will also own one of the private firepit suites available for purchase by patrons and business owners once the project is formally announced. “I’m such a music fan and to enjoy my favorite bands in luxurious seating overlooking the Arkansas river and beautiful skyline of my home town will take my breath away. I’ll be crying tears of joy, no doubt,” Teresa concludes.

In closing, this alliance is one that will benefit so many; the community first and foremost who love live music, but also the opportunity of exposure for The Church Studio with new artists who have interest in recording that beloved Tulsa Sound! Soon the tunes of the world’s best acts will be flowing over the Arkansas river and reverberating off the hearts of music lovers, all with the legacy of that great Tulsa Sound that started it all.

“First and foremost, I highly respect the leaders behind the Notes Live business. Their enthusiasm for this project is infectious and as a music fan, it’s easy to get excited about such an amazing concept.”

Teresa Knox – Part Owner of The Church Studio

Renovated interior and exterior of The Church Studio

Making a Fire Pit Part of Your Family:

A Many-Faceted Investment

By Peter L. Smith

INVESTMENT HAS MANY MEANINGS , though our culture’s primary one centers on personal wealth—as countless financial service ads regularly preach. Would televised golf be the same without wealth management commercials (much less sponsorship deals)?

But investing can also have communal, familial, and even professional aspects.

Getting in on the ground floor of an important development, one destined to become a dynamic addition to a community, entwines all the meanings of investment.

The decision by Dr. Randall Bjork, a neurologist based in northern Indiana, to invest in a fire pit at the Sunset Amphitheater in Colorado Springs personifies this breadth of motivation. His purchase of this unique asset is not only a financial investment; it is also one driven by wanting to leave a family legacy and enhance the community that is his grandkids’ hometown.

“So many investments are boring stuff, and so many of my stocks are boring. I have people who push my money around, and I don’t know where it goes—or care—so long as it makes a return,” explains Dr. Bjork. “But I love fun, and I love all sorts of music. And I think everybody does. My family loves music, and this would be a great legacy investment for us. This

“My family loves music, and this would be a great legacy investment for us. This purchase was for my children and grandchildren, and the memories we and they would make over time.”

Dr. Randall Bjork – Fire Pit Investor

in

Colorado Springs

Sunset Amphitheater, Colorado Springs

purchase was for my children and grandchildren, and the memories we and they would make over time.”

Today, Colorado Springs is considered one of the most desirable cities in America. Obviously, the glorious backdrop of the Rocky Mountains is part of that. But it is also the outcome of previous investments coming to fruition. Like those of the American government in facilities like Fort Carson (founded in 1942) and the Air Force Academy (opened in 1954). The establishment of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) headquarters in 1978. The cluster of medical institutions, several of them state-of-the-art sports medicine facilities launched in the last decade, which have helped make the area a MedTech hub.

The Sunset Amphitheater will add to the cultural richness of Colorado Springs. It’s sure to be one more asset for the area’s medical community as it works to attract staff in the highly competitive health care labor market.

“I have a son and two grandchildren living in Colorado Springs, so it’s very important for me to have that for them. For my grandchildren to use for graduation parties, birthday parties, and other delightful events,” mused Dr. Bjork. “I want them there as an investment in emotional memories for my family. These are what we call ‘limbic’ memories— they move us, but we don’t know why. They are forever.”

Dr. Bjork was already familiar with Bourbon Brothers and Boot Barn Hall, other venues in Colorado Springs developed by Notes Live. So, when he had the

opportunity to invest in the new amphitheater, it was already close to a done deal: “Once I learned that one of the unique aspects was the outdoor fire pit suite ownership, I jumped in with both feet.”

This enthusiasm was inspired not just by his faith in Notes Live’s successful track record, but by his lifelong love of music.

“I grew up with my mother singing lullabies to me. I was born one year before the term rock and roll was coined. I grew up with Eddy Arnold and Glenn Miller, and [then] grew up with rock and roll,” Dr. Bjork reminisced. “This has been the compass of my life, so my story is about music constantly being a part of my growing up and life, and this is the perfect way to invest and retain a piece of music history for my own family’s legacy.”

All these factors—along with the underlying value and flexibility of the asset—came into play when it was time to “go for it” and purchase a fire pit at the Sunset.

“It was affordable. I can’t be there for every concert, so I can sell my tickets and profit from this when I can’t be there. This was a unique real estate play, where I could own a piece of music history, for a lifetime, that is one of a kind. And when these [fire pits] sold out, which they did quickly, then they were gone,” Dr. Bjork sums up. “I own land, and while that’s a great investment, it’s not groovy. This is groovy! This is my chance at being groovy.”

“It was affordable. I can’t be there for every concert, so I can sell my tickets and profit from when I can’t be there. This was a unique real estate play, where I could own a piece of music history, for a lifetime.”

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

GET READY TO RAISE YOUR GLASSES AND PUT ON YOUR DANCING BOOTS

NOTES LIVE IS BRINGING THE HEAT WITH IT'S LATEST VENTURE TO GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA

The Gainesville, Georgia, Bourbon Brothers and Boot Barn Hall!

THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT BRAND CELEBRATES yet another monumental milestone with the opening of their stunning new flagship property, spanning an entire city block.

But this isn’t just your average music venue - Notes Live has gone all out to ensure that every inch of this space is a true feast for the senses. With over a whopping $1 million-dollar state-of-the-art audio and visual system, patrons are in for an immersive experience like no other. Spread across a jawdropping 14,000 square feet, with an additional 3,575 square feet of mezzanine seating, this entertainers’ paradise promises to be a hot spot for music lovers far and wide.

“The intimacy of this venue presents the unique opportunity to see artists up close and personal and is what sets us apart in the Gainesville market,” says JW Roth, Chairman and CEO of Notes Live. And he’s not wrong - with such an up-close and personal atmosphere, you’ll feel like the music is being performed just for you.

But that’s not all - Bourbon Brothers, the venue’s in-house bar, will boast an impressive collection of over 130 rare bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys, alongside local craft beers.

Designed to replicate the 1930s era red brick buildings, the bar pays homage to the past while incorporating new design features and trends, including a rooftop bar and lounge, a second-floor bourbon bar, and classic cool style that is sure to impress even the most discerning visitors.

“This particular location is advantageous logistically because the restaurant and music venue are connected via a shared kitchen, intended to streamline our food and beverage service, while also supporting other lucrative events like weddings, corporate events, parties, and banquets,” continues J.W.. And with Gainesville’s scenic location at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close proximity to Lake Lanier, and the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, it’s no wonder that Forbes has ranked it as one of America’s Best Small Places for business for five consecutive years. So why Gainesville?

Well, this hot market just outside of Atlanta offers favorable demographics and market conditions that will allow for robust restaurant sales seven days per week. This vibrant and expanding city is one of the 50 fastest-growing metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), making it the perfect location for

the music. Streaming, on the other hand, is considered an online “transmission;” an individual listening to streamed music chooses the songs she wants and listens at her leisure.

This legal distinction has limited artists’ ability to collect revenue from streaming. As consumers’ use of streaming has increased dramatically, which in turn has caused album sales revenue to dip and radio royalty revenue to become less meaningful to an artist, a performer is greatly incentivized to tour and perform live shows.

Performers and Target Audience Both Seem Likely to Embrace BBP Georgia

BBP Georgia plans to put on concerts by two broad groups of musicians: 1) well-known individuals, classic rock bands, country icons and pop performers from the 1970s and 1980s; and 2) up-and-coming, extremely talented artists from a myriad of genres. These groups should be particularly embraced by music fans from Gainesville’s diverse population and, especially, music lovers between the ages of, say, 40 and 70 who may not have had the time or money (or both) to see such legends perform in person when they were teenagers, but do now.

As such, Notes Live hopes to host 130 ticketed shows per year. Fans of all ages will be able to see music industry legends and soon-to-be legends in a more luxurious and inviting setting than venues in surrounding markets. At the same time, these talented singers and groups will be drawn to perform in Gainesville by an attractive split

“The intimacy of this venue presents the unique opportunity to see artists up close and personal and is what sets us apart in the Gainesville market.”

J.W. Roth, Chairman and CEO of Notes Live

Dan Easton Corbin Easton Corbin

The Gainesville, GA Bourbon Brothers and Boot Barn Hall Spread across a 14,000 sq ft, with an additional 3,575 sq ft of mezzanine seating

•Two tickets to the Owner’s Club Suite for every show at the Sunset Amphitheater

•Owner’s Club Membership for discounts on food/beverage

•8% annual cash on cash return (14+% total anticipated return if you sell your tickets)

•VIP parking

•Allocated depreciation