On Monday, July 14, Celebrate the Beat marked its 25th anniversary with an uplifting evening hosted by Bob and Soledad Hurst at their Aspen residence, bringing together community members, artists and longtime supporters to honor the nonprofit’s transformative impact. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, CTB has empowered more than 50,000 children across Colorado through free, inclusive dance and music programs that cultivate confidence, resilience and joy.
Guests gathered beneath the summer sky to enjoy sweeping views of Gold Hill, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Maroon Bells and Capitol Peak, while the CTB Celebration Team lit up the stage with a high-energy performance choreographed by artistic executive director Kris Walsh. A moving moment unfolded as founding director Tracy Strauss symbolically passed the baton to Walsh, ushering in a new era for the organization while reaffirming her own continued commitment to teaching and mentoring.
The celebration continued with a stirring rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” by Jaidyn Hurst, daughter of the hosts, and joyful live music from the CTB Band. Emcee Cannon Mapp kept the energy high and the crowd laughing, while guests enjoyed Entourage Wine and Everybody Water provided by The Purist.
Photography by Steff and Alex Taulere captured the vibrance of the evening, which also served as a launchpad for CTB’s three-year 25th Anniversary Campaign. Notable attendees included Sarah Challinor, Michael Lipkin and Jody Guralnick, Jacqueline Duba, and David and Lauren Chanzen. As twilight set in, the evening closed on a note of inspiration and unity, celebrating the power of movement to spark possibility—one beat at a time. celebratethebeat.org.
Photography by Steff and Alex Taulere