The second installment of Launch Pottsville, an initiative spearheaded by the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) to revitalize the local arts and entertainment scene, culminated in a night of triumph for the Pottsville chapter of Let There Be Rock.
The Let There Be Rock Schools were founded by Scott Marceron in 2010 and have locations across the country in Maryland, Georgia, Texas, California, and Virgina.
The Pottsville Chapter was founded by Brandon Yeagley, the lead singer of the band, Crobot, and Dave Cantwell, owner of Cousin Dave Entertainment.
The innovative idea for this area earned them the competition’s grand prize of $50,000 in capital funds.
A Vision for Music Education
Yeagley and Cantwell, both seasoned musicians, envisioned a school where aspiring artists could not only learn to play music but also immerse themselves in the industry’s ins and outs. “Imagine a facility where local talent can learn from world-class musicians, crew members, and entrepreneurs,” Yeagley explained. “At Let There Be Rock Schools, our students don’t just learn about music — they live it.”
Operating from the Carriage House on the Yuengling Mansion property, the school will offer a structured program featuring weekly lessons and band practices. For $205 per month, students will gain hands-on experience in everything from sound production and management to live performances, mastering their instruments while preparing for quarterly concerts.
Launch Pottsville: A Game Changer
For Yeagley and Cantwell, winning Launch Pottsville 2.0 was a pivotal moment. “Honestly, we did see ourselves here, but maybe five years from now,” Yeagley admitted. “When the universe comes knocking, you open the door. We had this idea two years ago but weren’t financially ready—now, with community support, we can bring it to life.”
Cantwell emphasized the program’s impact beyond just funding. “We’re artists, but there’s also a business side to it. Here, we learned about proformas and business plans—knowledge we can now pass on to our students.”
Yeagley, who has been the business manager for his band Crobot for over a decade, acknowledged that the competition provided them with invaluable tools for long-term success. “We’ve always done everything ourselves. This experience has set us up for success across all our ventures.”
More Than One Winner
While Let There Be Rock secured the top prize, the competition saw an unexpected expansion of funds, distributing over $115,000 to multiple projects:
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Flux and Ferro, a ceramic arts studio, and Variegated Goods, a plant boutique and artisan space, each received $25,000.
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Pottsville Greenway, a proposed 2.5-mile mixed-use trail, was granted $15,000 in matching funds and $10,000 for grant writing.
A Bright Future for Pottsville’s Arts Scene
With Let There Be Rock’s victory, the city of Pottsville gains a new hub for aspiring musicians. The school not only promises to enhance the local music scene but also aims to instill business knowledge in young artists, ensuring they are equipped for sustainable careers in the industry.
As Yeagley put it, “This competition gave us the boost we needed. Now, it’s our turn to give back and help shape the next generation of musicians.”
Announcing the Winner
