Last concert held at Brennan Rock & Roll Academy

Thursday marks the final day of lessons at the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy in Sioux Falls.

Owner Chuck Brennan announced the school would close earlier this month, citing he could no longer afford to keep the non-profit open after Initiated Measure 21 passed, which has all but closed his Dollar Loan Center business in the state.

Thursday night students held a concert to say goodbye.

Unfortunately, it’s time for many people who love the academy to face the music.

The Brenan Rock & Roll Academy was open for 45 months, and as students held their last show they reflected on how the academy has changed their lives for the better.

Students say the school will not go quietly into that good night.

“It means everything to me. This place has been my home for four years and I’m going to really miss it, a lot,” student Jackson Ashlock said.

Strumming, singing and banging on the drums, the night is a way to make one last memory.

“Just enjoying the moments while it lasts and having fun playing on stage,” Ashlock stated.

And award kids for achievements at the school.

For many of them, the school is more than just learning music.

“It has helped me a lot with my social and emotional feelings and just made me really happy,” student Berlin Tillman said.

The night is bittersweet.

“I'm just happy that I got the opportunity to play you know up there and just to be a part of this place,” student Leyghton Bird said.

This place means a lot to these kids.

“I feel like I’m losing part of my family because I moved down here not knowing anyone and these people have just touched my life and changed my life so much since I’ve moved here,” Bird explained.

The academy will close its doors officially Friday, but many are looking on the bright side when it comes to the school's future.

“I hope that this continues but also I hope that it expands I hope to see more. I hope to see more than one academy,” parent Carmen Edmondson-Joles said.

For now, the future is uncertain for the students.

There are several community members working to keep the academy going in one form or another, but they are being tight lipped about their plans at this point.

The academy isn't the only Chuck Brennan operation shutting down.

He's also put Badlands Motor Speedway in Brandon up for sale and has cancelled all shows and concerts inside Badlands Pawn in Sioux Falls.