June 17, 2009

Charity event to feature new music, talent

It’s amazing what can happen when you follow your heart—just ask David Judge.  Five years ago he left behind his CPA job in the banking industry to teach music lessons.

“I asked myself if anyone would remember years from now what I was doing, and I knew that the answer was no,” said Judge who left corporate banking and now tutors 85 kids in guitar and piano near his home in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

From 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on June 20, Judge will bring his students and several upcoming artists and bands to the Crescent Pavilion in the Denver Technological Center for the second annual “Celebrate for Hope” music festival to benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado.

“We wanted to give kids an ‘American Idol’ type experience but have it be for a good purpose,” said Judge.

Judge said he thinks this year’s lineup will have broad appeal to the same crowd that typically gathers on Tuesday nights for the free family concerts at the Crescent Pavilion.

“We really have something for everyone,” he said. “People who like The Fray, will love the bands Everfound and Rough Draft.  We also have some artists singing Taylor Swift songs and we will feature Blackwater, which is a rocking tribute to the Doobie Brothers.”

Vendors will sell food at the event and donate a portion of their proceeds to Boys Hope Girls Hope.  Families can also bring coolers and a picnic dinner.  Activities for younger children will be provided.

There is a $10 suggested donation per person to benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope, which helps academically motivated children from troubled homes.  Scholars of the program live in a family-style home near Regis Jesuit High School where many of them are students.

The event will be emceed by Jim Beckman, a nationally known Catholic speaker and author.