Let’s get this party started

Lynchburg entrepreneurs aim to bring music entertainment to the city

Lynchburg, Virginia is a historical town that is home to multiple universities.

Four young men have recently introduced an entertainment side to the city by bringing renowned musical guests such as DJ Pauly D and country icon Chase Bryant.

Four Liberty students and friends Jonathan Slye, Mark Cloutier, Michael Fiedler and Evan McHugh did not waste any time when the idea of Lynchburg’s Party presented itself.

“We just realized that this was something that we could really run with,” Cloutier said.

They immediately began taking the necessary steps to break into Lynchburg’s business scene as serious, young entrepreneurs.

“Once we had the concept of the company we just went for it,” Fielder said. “We booked venues and artists, and before long, we had a whole list of shows.”

While breaking into the entertainment industry did not present many obstacles, they explained how their age (which ranges from 20-22 within the group) and youthful appearance left some shocked.

“It’s always tough walking into a meeting and seeing the person’s face change when they realize you’re only 22,” Cloutier said. “It can be a negative factor because it automatically makes people doubt your ability.”

The four business-minded students do not get discouraged easily and strive to use their youth to their advantage.

“There’s an obstacle up front, but as we get our names out in the city people realize we’re young but we’re not here to play,” Fiedler said.

Any negative feedback is used as motivation to do bigger and better things in the community.

“This only gives us more motivation to prove them wrong and show them just how much we can do,” Cloutier said.

While the music industry is famously linked to drugs, sex and alcohol abuse, Cloutier and Fiedler hope to change this perspective and remain true to their morals as godly, hardworking businessmen.

“Our company is founded on good Christian morals,” Fielder said.

“A company goal of ours is to grow businessmen and women for Christ. Because the music industry is looked down upon by many Christians, we are trying to change that.”

When asked specifically how they plan on remaining true to their Christian roots they stated that opening all of their meetings with prayer and continuing to follow God’s leadership and direction in this business is one of the main reasons for their success.

Lynchburg’s Party has come on the scene with what seems like overnight success.

The first event was the Lynchburg Paint Party which had an audience of more than 1,500 this past April.

“It’s been really good.” Cloutier said. “People seem to really enjoy it. We’ve had a lot of people tell us that this is exactly what downtown Lynchburg needs.”

They offered advice to fellow upcoming entrepreneurs.

“Don’t give up,” Cloutier said. “Stay focused on your mission and your goals. Put God first and let him lead you.”

Agreeing with his co-worker, Fiedler said persistence and pushing past failures is a major key in being a successful, self-employed businessman.

“Don’t give up,” Fiedler said. “Persistence is the key to any entrepreneur of any age. There will be times where others tell you to give up and get a more stable job. I personally don’t like the idea of having a company tell me what I’m worth in dollars. I want to be able to pay myself whatever I want to get paid.”

Fiedler mentioned how being self-employed raises the bar of success to a limitless standard.

“Another note for young entrepreneurs is that you get what you give,” Fiedler said.

“This is huge in starting up a company. You have to be willing to put in more than eight-hour work days. Down the road I can promise you that you will be glad you put in those 20- hour days back when you first started your business.”

With special guests such as Howie Day, Decyfer Down and Vacation Manor on the agenda for this month, Lynchburg’s Party has taken over the social media pages and the snapchats of students all over town.

Their next event, Lynchburg’s Halloween Party is Oct. 29 at the Benchmark Parking Lot.

“We are very excited for our upcoming events,” Fiedler said.

“We have Far East Movement Oct. 29, followed by Rev Run of Run-DMC on Nov. 11, B.O.B. Dec. 10, and a personal fan-favorite, Josh Garrels and John Mark McMillan coming this February.”

“Music is a form of expression no matter what genre it is, and we want to use that freedom of expression as a too l— not just to entertain, but to unite the community,” Fiedler said.

To purchase tickets and view a complete event schedule, visit lynchburgsparty.com.

Ali is a news reporter.