On May 4, the 2024 Colorado Academy Concert brought together more than 650 enthusiastic guests to support CA’s financial aid program, which in the 2024-2025 school year will total $5.3 million and support 191 students. Sponsored by Aurum Home Technology and Jenna and Walker Stapleton, the eighth biannual CA Concert in CA’s Field House welcomed parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for a night of music and community.
The evening started with the Concert Pre-Party, sponsored by ANB Bank, where guests enjoyed delicious food from Biscuits & Berries Catering Company and two signature drinks—the Wild Mustang and the Desert Sunset Mocktail. The West Gym was transformed into a desert sunset thanks to Alison Gile, Kim Montgomery, and their decor team. “Using Emily Philpott’s logo and vision board as inspiration, Kim and I incorporated the colors of the desert and desert sunsets into the decor design elements. We are grateful for our decor team who helped bring our vision to life–tying ribbon, making paper cacti, and hot gluing jute cord,” said Gile.
Guests were then invited to the Field House for the program and concert. Head of School Dr. Mike Davis began by welcoming guests and thanking CA parents Chris Tetzeli and Emily Philpott for their roles with the CA Concert.
“The CA Concert is truly a unique experience. Starting with Lyle Lovett in 2010, Chris has helped bring amazing musicians for the biannual concert, and Emily has designed all the logos and posters (and so much more) for each of the eight CA Concerts. While their last child will be graduating in May, the CA tradition that Chris and Emily helped start 14 years ago will continue to have a legacy in our community.”
Davis also talked about the importance of the funds raised through the Concert. “The CA Concert is so much more than a night of music—it’s a chance to bring some fun to our efforts to support CA’s financial aid program. We are a school devoted to challenging the status quo, to curiosity, and to innovation. I take pride in our ability to be flexible to meet the unique needs of our students, and the money raised from the Concert will help us sustain that agility and inspire intellectual engagement now and in the future.”
Next, Davis invited Concert Chairs Maggie and David Shapiro to the stage. The Shapiros led an enthusiastic, hardworking team of CA parents who coordinated all the details of the event, including gathering Silent and Live Auction items, selling tickets and Patron packages, and brainstorming and creating the event decor.
“We are so grateful to this year’s incredible Concert Committee. The goal was to bring together a group of parents representing all three school divisions and to help organize a fantastic event that raises important funds for the school’s financial aid endowment. It has been amazing to see the generosity of the CA community, and we are grateful for the many ways people have supported the event.”
Auctioneer and CA alumnus and parent Tom Kimball ’89 was up next. Kimball proceeded to invite bids on incredible Live Auction packages, including VIP access to Nathaniel Rateliff’s summer 2024 concert at Red Rocks; a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the beautiful Tierra Patagonia; tickets to Dead & Company’s residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas; a special golf outing at Prairie Dunes Country Club; and a private evening of music at the iconic Skylark Lounge, featuring music by Ted Parks and the Busted Bones.
And then it was time for the music. Guests were treated to an acoustic solo performance by Colorado’s own Nathaniel Rateliff, who first performed at CA with his band, The Night Sweats, for the 2016 Concert. Described as “a Denver local folk-pop hero” by the New York Times, with Spin praising him for his “massive, alluring” voice, and Billboard dubbing him a “must hear,” Rateliff is a singer and songwriter whose influences stem from folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm and blues.
With the audience seated, Rateliff took center stage with only his guitar. He charmed the crowd with self-deprecating humor before launching into his acoustic set. The intimate atmosphere—without the raucous backup of The Night Sweats—provided the perfect backdrop to showcase his exceptional vocal gifts. Rateliff’s performance was met with multiple standing ovations, but the audience remained in their seats for his songs, mesmerized by his incredible guitar skills that perfectly highlighted his distinctive voice.
Following Rateliff’s acoustic set, chairs were cleared to create room for dancing, as Grammy-nominated Margo Price and her explosive band brought the energy and brought people to their feet. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter launched her music career in 2016 with Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, marking the first time a solo female artist debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Her country-rock vibe fired on all cylinders and Price revealed her talent on many different instruments, from guitar to drums to harmonica.
All told, the event—which also included an online Silent Auction as well as sponsorships, Patron and ticket sales, and donations—netted more than $430,000 that will help families with financial need send their students to CA. The school’s aim is for all admitted students to have the opportunity to attend CA, regardless of their family’s economic situation.
In addition to Chairs Maggie and David Shapiro, the Concert Committee members include: Caity & Alex Barton ‘97, Janelle & Buck Blessing, Cameran & Tyler Boon, Annie & Rob Campbell, Polly & Patrick Edelmann, Jocelyn & John Ege, Lyndsey & Matt Farncombe, Willa & David Fawer, Andi & John Freyer, Alison & Merritt Gile ‘95, Kelly & Andrew Haley, Mackenzie & John Hamilton, Ann & John Jordan, Cat & DC McEachern, Jennifer & Greg Miller, Amy & Andrew Mohraz, Kim & Matt Montgomery, Emily & Amit Mrig, Liz Buckingham Oertel ’93 & Chris Oertel, Healy & Ted Parks, Emily Philpott & Chris Tetzeli, Ann Benson Reidy ’88 & Kevin Reidy, Courtney & Jonathan Ringham, Melinda & Andrew Robinson, Erin & Isiah Salazar, Anjali & Tim Schulte, Elana & Ken Schwartzreich, Jessica & Ruben Sigala, Jenna & Walker Stapleton, Jenny Baker Strasburg & Don Strasburg, Sirine & Ryan Swed, Marie & Quentin White, and Tricia & Patrick Youssi.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the CA Concert!