Ajax Cup 2014

The Ajax Cup, in it's 5th year is a perfect combination.  Part ski race, part fundraising event and a kick a$$ party all in support of the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC).  Founded in 1937, AVSC's mission is to make sure that all youth in the greater Roaring Fork Valley have a chance to develop as athletes and as people through winter sports.  Through the generosity of AVSC's sponsors and  it's membershipthe club makes sure that any child in the RFV who wants to participate in skiing and snowboarding...gets that opportunity.  Yes AVSC has turned out many Olympic and World Cup performers...but AVSC also makes it possible for EVERY kid to in the Valley participate in Winter Sports.

Click 4 Pix:  AJAX CUP 2014

Ajax Cup has become a place where all the ex-ski racers come to "rip it one more time".  Every year the racing at Ajax Cup gets faster and more competitive and in some cases...the speed suits get a little tighter.   Sure, it's all in good fun...but many of these folks want to win really, really badly.

This year's competition came down to the a dream finals pitting returning champions against each other. 2013 champs,  TEAM GORSUCH vs 2-Time champs TEAM GANZI.   The good natured trash talking at the starting hut was almost as fast and furious as the racing.  It all came down to the final paring...where Olympic and World Cup racer Alice McKennis nosed out former World Cupper and Olympian Jake Zamansky by fractions of a second.  Team Gorsuch prevailed again and retain bragging rights for another year.

It's estimated that Ajax Cup raised over $400,000 for AVSC.  Once again, race co-chairs and Aspen legends Chris Davenport and Casey Puckett designed a super-fast, challenging course on the Little Nell run at Aspen Mountain. Once the racing was completed...the party began.  Event Co-chairs Jackie and John Bucksbaum and Pam Alexander created a hall-of-fame social event.  AVSC President Marc Ganzi who is  perhaps the world's most competitive human ( and we say that with respect) led a paddle raise and live auction that helped take the fund-raising to the next level.  

Ajax Cup 2014 solidified it's position as one of the best and most fun events in Aspen.  Cheers to the racers and all the attendees and especially to all the kids of AVSC.

Click 4 pix:  AJAX CUP 2014 

Aspen: Behind the Golden Door.

Stairway to Heaven (downstairs)When the "private event" poster comes out at The Belly Up ...you know its going to be fun.  When one of Aspen's favorite families hosts their annual holiday party it's hard to know what to expect, but you can be sure its going to be an exceptionally good time.  

Click 4 pix:  PRIVATE PARTY

AspenSpin has attended thousands of BIG-TIME Aspen events, but last nights soiree at The Belly Up may have been the coolest.  The entire place was decked out in gold, roaring 20's style finery. Gold glitter was everywhere (in my hair, in my socks and even in my undies). Greeted at the door by flappers and speak-easy bar keeps, the list was tight.  Whoooosh...but thanks to the hospitality of  a certain and real estate executive Christian Messner, AspenSpin was indeed on the list.  No sneaking in the back door or fast talking past the clipboard holding list keepers necessary.  An amazing night awaited.

After skiing some of the best Holiday POW in recent memory...appetites (at least mine)  were extremely high.  Booyah... First stop... the sushi / stone crab food station. Oh yeah...it was the real deal.   Round two included sliders made from suckling pig, beef, duck and chicken with a vast array of exotic sauces.   While most of the party guests were most interested in the free-flowing Crystal Champagne and the bottomless bottles of Don Julio 1942 sipping tequila...AspenSpin was camping out at the desert table.   All I can say is WOW.  The hosts and Belly Up pulled out all the stops.  The roaring 20's speakeasy vision was executed to perfection, with fine style and beautiful taste.  The guest list, limited to about 300 was kept the crowd manageable.  Belly Up usually can hold about 450...so the place was buzzing but not uncomfortably packed.   The liberal staff to guest ratio kept the service at a level better than excellent.  No one was left wanting.

Eventually the food stations were cleared and without delay, Gary Clark Jr. took the stage with his blazing blues guitar licks.   Clark and his band put on a sizzling show.  Clark, a guitar prodigy who began gigging in his home town of Austin, Tx in his early teens brought his A-Game to Aspen.  The guests went wild. 

Looking around the room, jamming to the sounds...observing the dazzling audience filled with beautiful,  friendly and familiar faces, A. Party got all warm and fuzzy.  Suffice to say it was a BIG night in Aspen.  Then again...it's always a BIG night in Aspen...but thanks to the hospitality and the generosity of the hosts...we all partied like Rock Stars (again) in Aspen.

Click 4 pix:  PRIVATE PARTY

Another phenomenal night in Aspen.The Bineau Team and Christian Messner took time off from deal making to throw down.Gary Clark Jr. That kid can play.

Stars on Aspen Ice w/ Jeremy Abbott & friends

Jeremy Abbott back in Aspen, where it all started.It was a big warm WELCOME HOME to Aspen for skating star Jeremy Abbott.  

The 2nd Annual Stars on Aspen Ice skating show took place last night at Lewis Ice Arena in Aspen.  Presented by the Revolutions Skating Club of Aspen and featuring Olympic Medalist and home-grown Aspen Champion skater, Jeremy Abbott.  Abbott is the current and 4-time men's figure skating U.S. Champion.  Joining J.A. in the spot light were Gracie Gold, current U.S. National Champion and Olympic Bronze winner, Rosalynn Sumners 1984 Olympic Silver medalist and several other professional and amateur champions.   In addition to the pro's, Aspen's  Revlolutions Skating Club members played supporting roles at Sugar Plum Fairies, Reindeer, Pajama Kids and Mice.

Click 4 pix:   STARS on ASPEN ICE

The stands at the ARC were packed for two shows on Saturday.  AspenSpin got to experience the professional level skating extravaganza from the "on ice" VIP section.  The Stars on Aspen Ice is clearly a major highlight on the jam-packed holiday calendar in Aspen.  It's a fabulous family event.   A slew of sponsors, local to Aspen and from beyond stepped up to provide support for the show as well as fantastic items for the successful silent auction.   Stars on Aspen Ice under the direction of Peggy Behr has a huge following.  The Revolutions skaters and their friends and families seem like a close knit bunch and everybody turned out to see the show.   VIP's were feted to a fully catered and heated lounge and a private autograph session with the stars.  It was big-time fun for all who attended.

The Mice.Jeremy Abbott, who discovered his passion for figure skating as a 4 year old Aspenite brought his Olympic Bronze Medal from Sochi 2014 to share with his many friends and fans.   Greeted with a HUGE bear hug from his 3rd grade teacher, Abbott seemed genuinely touched by the out-pouring of admiration from the SRO crowd. There were plenty of hugs and kisses being passed out throughout the night. 

Stars on Aspen Ice was a magical show.  One that included a wonderful spectrum of cast-members from the World-Class stars to groms  who were cute as buttons. Many thanks to Jeremy Abbott's Mom, Allison for keeping AspenSpin in the loop and to Revolutions Skating Club for putting on such a spectacular show.

Click 4 pix:   STARS on ASPEN ICE

The Entire Cast of Stars on Aspen Ice 2014. The tradition continues.Jeremy Abbott and his Mom, Allison Scott along with his Olympic Bronze medal.Stars on Aspen Ice: Jeremy Abbott and Gracie Gold.

Colorado Christmas w/ Jimmy Ibbotson and Bobby Mason at Aspen Public Radio

Aspen Public Radio jammed with 2 Aspen musical legends on the Check 1,2 program hosted by Daniel Shaw. Both long-time Aspenites, Jimmy Ibbotson and Bobby Mason had a great time sharing stories and playing a few tunes. Jimmy, most famous for his turn in Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Bobby for Starwood played with many great bands in Aspen in the 70's such as The Eagles and John Denver. Later in the show, they were joined by a few friends to belt out a couple holiday favorites including COLORADO CHRISTMAS (see the vid below). You can listen to the entire show by clicking ASPEN PUBLIC RADIO.

Thanks for Rob St. Mary for keeping AspenSpin in the loop.

Aspen Live: A Family Affair

Aspen Live celebrates 20 years next Dec.Aspen Live, a preeminent music and live entertainment industry think tank and networking conference celebrated it's 19th year this past weekend.  Jim Lewi once again brought together "the Aspen Family"  an eclectic group of agents, managers,  ticket-sellers, venue owners, marketers and live entertainment veterans from all over America, and one guy from Scotland.

Click 4 pix:  Aspen Live, A Family Affair.

As an industry outsider...AspenSpin was again given carte blance access to the inner circles of the music and live entertainment businesses.  Aspen Live has a extensive history of professional collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships built over years of skiing and partying in Aspen.   For many of the attendees #AspenLive is clearly one of the highlights of their year.  They get to break out of their molds, blow out of L.A. or NYC or Nashville or Seattle or Albuquerque or even Denver and let their hair down in Aspen.   Every year a few "newbies" try to crack the code and get taken in by the Aspen Live Family.  It was amazing how well the 5 young, vivacious, pretty and professional women from United Interests / W.A.R. Records of Boulder fit into the Aspen Family...which is composed mostly of grizzled music veterans.

Bob Lefsetz trading barbs with Peter Mensch.The infamous Bob Lefsetz of the influential music  industry rag, The Lefsetz Letter led off with a "sit down" with Peter Mensch founding partner of Q Prime Management.   Mensch, quite the racanteur,  has an interesting story to tell.   His long career in music has been colorful & successful, but he started as a nerdy, friendless, social outcast who's claim to fame was that he had more albums than anyone else in the dorm at University of Chicago.  He managed to score a job as tour accountant on Aerosmith's 1977-78 Draw the Line tour...which Mensch affectionately called the "snort the line tour" where he bonded with opening act AC / DC just as they were hitting America for the first time.  Despite being "the worst tour accountant in history" AC/ DC became his first major management client.  His firm Q Prime is one of the most powerful independent managers in the business.  Suffice to say...he has a good rap.  His motto..."don't get mad, get even."

Ticketing ScienceJim McCarthy, CEO of Goldstar Events had to follow Mensch to the podium.   It was not an easy task. Goldstar has sold over 15 million tickets for more than 10,000 venues since its inception in 2002.  You can sign up for discounted tickets in your market at GOLDSTAR    While e-ticketing and big data are fascinating topics...hearing about the time Keith Richards told Peter Mensch to tell Mick that "he looks like a pooftah" was a tough act to follow. 

Day 2 led off with a meaningful story about how Aspen Live creates opportunities.  Felice Mancini, President and CEO of Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, a non-profit that provides instruments to schools for their music programs and Emma Leggat, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Stub Hub presented their case study.    Inspired by the acclaimed motion picture about music educator Mr. Holland...the foundation provides instruments and other support for about 4000 students every year.   Ms. Mancini is a tireless networker and clearly passionate about music education. Ms Leggat's goal...to humanize the e-commerce giant.   Last year in Aspen Mancini connected with an influential exec. from Stub Hub to get the ball rolling. Owned by E-Bay, Stub Hub is the 800 pound gorilla in the e-ticket space and the secondary market for tickets.  One year later...Stub Hub has agreed to sponsor The Next Stage Concert Series that produced 5 concerts across the country to benefit Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.  Click here to watch a very compelling 2 minute film about the collaboration between Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and Stub Hub and how they are helping 1 kid at a time.

Seth Goldstein on raising capital for the music space.Seth Goldstein, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, angel investor and DJ led a round table discussion about financing options in the music space.  It's safe to say...that while sexy...investments in music are usually a high risk ...rarely rewarded asset class.   I'm not saying it can't be done...but making money in the music world is always difficult.  One  peanut gallery comment that seemed to hold some truth " Silicon Valley hates music because it's in L.A. and Silicon Valley hates L.A.   Another weizenheimer shouted that the music business is "full of flakes".  No one denied it.   Check out Seth's DJ app.  CROSSFADER

Day three rolled out the gargantuan players.  Ashley Bradbury from Facebook gave a very nice presentation about the best way to use Facebook.  It became clear that Facebook wants to control everything you see and that the best way to maximize the utility of the social network is to pay them for placement.   Ashley who seems like a great lady also shared many ways by which you can give your data to Facebook.  My take home... big bro is watching...and  everybody calls him Zuck.

Who wants merch? Rockandrolltshirts.comVivien Lewit, director of Content Partnerships at You Tube (owned by google) led a discussion about monetizing content on You Tube.  You Tube is one of the primary vehicles for music consumption today and many artists are making bank on You Tube.  To provide some perspective on You Tube, 300 hours of video are uploded every minute. That's 12.5 days of vid...every 60 seconds.   50% of those views are watched on mobile devices.  The salient point...if you're a musician...control your publishing rights, partner up with You Tube...write, perform and record a hit vid...and start cashing checks. 

Another year of Aspen Live is a wrap. Next year will be the 20th edition, so expect some BIG, BIG things according to Jim Lewi.  It was a weekend packed with information flow, humongous dinners, late night rap sessions, inside jokes, gossip and brand building and of course all the merch you can handle courtesy of Dean Gelfand at RockandRollTshirts.com   The skiing, the hiking the cooking classes etc etc make Aspen Live a unique and powerful event. As always,  there was an extreme amount of hugging it out at Aspen Live.  If you are crazy enough to want to pursue a career in music and live entertainment...get your a$$ out here next year for Aspen Live.  Join the fam, because as always it was another great jam sesh with the Aspen Live Family.

Click 4 pix:  Aspen Live, A Family Affair.

Best wishes to veteran AspenLive Family member Andy Summers who suffered a terrible injury while skiing Spar Gulch for the "last run".  A concussion, a few cracked ribs and a collapsed lung never killed anyone ( i don't think)  Word has it Andy will be fine after some serious rest and recovery time.  But no crowd surfing for a while.  Positive vibes go out to Andy.    

Just as everyone was packing up to head to the airport...a major POW storm hit Aspen, hense the delay in the publishing of this article.  

Rob Gordon brought some new blood to Aspen Live. The ladies of United Interests / W.A.R. Records

Backstage pass. Getting it done after hours at Aspen Live.