Chris Aaron

As soon as you meet Chris Aaron, you realize you have a new friend and feel like you have known him your whole life. And I believe he felt the same way about everyone he met. He was that type of guy. If you have ever met him, you have never forgotten it.

Chris Aaron
Chris Aaron

The first time we connected was in our office at Broadjam. He and his wife, Lisa Bethke, had come in from Colorado and were promoting one of their projects, The Bandallamas. This was an all-star band of local and national musicians including Victor DeLorenzo, Richard Davis, Bobby Bryan, Wally Ingram, Pauli Ryan and Rob Wasserman. Both Chris and Lisa were extremely passionate about this project. But more importantly, they couldn’t stop talking about all the musicians in the band. It was clear that they are not only musicians, they are truly fans of music and especially those they gigged with.

Chris Aaron & Lisa Bethke
Chris Aaron & Lisa Bethke

Chris died last week at age 44. Although I didn’t know Chris that well, I had a tear in my eye. I will never understand why good people go so early, especially when they are giving so much art, peace and happiness to the world. I’m sure his closest friends would agree that a good soul has been taken way too early.

Chris Aaron & Jim Schwall
Chris Aaron & Jim Schwall

As a musician, Chris was an awesome & tasteful blues player. When looking at his Facebook page, his photos include a Who’s Who of the Wisconsin music scene. Jim Schwall, Pauli Ryan, Clyde Stubblefield, Duke, Westside Andy, Darren Sterrud, Tony Menzer, Perry Weber, Jim Voegeli, Pat MacDonald and many others. Every photo shows Chris smiling, gigging or both.

As we get older, our friends and family seem to pass on a more frequent basis. I guess this is just a part of life.  When a special person like Chris leaves us at such a young age, we step back and think about what is really important.

I am sad that he has moved on and will remember his spirit and gift. He was a great person, who had extreme depth and personality. My sincere condolences to Lisa and all of her family and friends. Rest In Peace Chris.

There is a fund set up to help his kids with college tuition.  You can find the link here on his website.

Roy Elkins

Founder, Broadjam, Google+, Onliner Notes, MySpace, Music Industry Views, News & Reviews

Additional links & good organizations – Madison Area Music Association, Willywash, Dallas Songwriters Association – one of the best in the business, Les Paul Foundation

Press & educational links – Moving To Nashville  Some Of The Best, More Of The Best, Hangout June 6, 2014, “Blanket” Music Licensing, Examiner, Isthmus Rock The Vote, Broadjam 6-Pack, Celebrating Sonic FoundryGetting Your Music Into Film, Project Famous – Great Photographer, Models of Opportunity: How Entrepreneurs Design Firms

Ben Hans – Instructor – MATC Music Program

 Milwaukee Area Technical College – Instructor Ben Hans

Ben Hans is an instructor at the Milwaukee Area Technical College Music program.  The curriculum focuses on the business of the music industry. Along with the business, recording and technology classes are taught as well. It is an excellent program.

Ben Hans

Several times a year I have the privilege of speaking to students at various universities and colleges in Wisconsin.  Topics may include entrepreneurialism, pitching your music or the general music industry.  One of those classes that I speak with on a regular basis is the aforementioned music program at MATC Milwaukee where Ben is the instructor. He is a passionate educator with a deep concern about the well-being of his students.  Ben is an accomplished musician himself and has been involved in many recording projects including his own releases.  But more importantly, he is a great teacher and it is obvious that his students admire and respect him.

This past session, I spoke to several classes about many music industry topics. These classes always have engaged students with interesting questions and perspectives. Part of their educational process is to write a review of my presentation as required by their instructor.  Below is their review of the class.

Roy Elkins

Founder, Broadjam, Google+, Onliner Notes, MySpace, Music Industry Views, News & Reviews

Additional links & good organizations – Madison Area Music Association, Willywash, Dallas Songwriters Association – one of the best in the business, Les Paul Foundation

Press & educational links – Moving To Nashville  Some Of The Best, More Of The Best, Hangout June 6, 2014, “Blanket” Music Licensing, Examiner, Isthmus Rock The Vote, Broadjam 6-Pack, Celebrating Sonic FoundryGetting Your Music Into Film, Project Famous – Great Photographer, Models of Opportunity: How Entrepreneurs Design Firms